Aralu or Irkalla
Irkalla (Chaldean) The netherworld or underworld of the Babylonians, also known
as Aralu, its
entrance approached by a deep cavern. It was
ruled over by the goddess Allatu, Irkalla or Ereshkigal (Great lady of the netherworld),
sister or alter ego of Ishtar, the great nature goddess. Aralu was divided into
sections, where entering each new section you had to give up
some of your material inclinations, pictured as the goddess Ishtar giving up one
layer of garment at each portal until nothing was left except her inner "naked"
Self.The same idea is
present in the Egyptian conception of Isis
and Nephthys. Irkalla was ruled conjointly by Allatu and Nergal, who was also
considered the god of the dead. (Ref.
Rakefet)
List ye, O Man, to the deep hidden wisdom,
lost to the world since the time of the Dwellers,
lost and forgotten by men of this age.
Know ye this Earth is but a portal,
guarded by powers unknown to man.
Yet, the Dark Lords hide the entrance
that leads to the Heaven-born land.
Know ye, the way to the sphere of Arulu
is guarded by barriers opened only to Light-born man.
...
Know ye, the soul must be cleansed of its darkness,
ere ye may enter the portals of Light.