Ishtar was the goddess of love and war in Mesopotamian mythology. Her priestesses were sacred prostitutes who conducted their rituals and sacrifices so that she would bless the people with fertility.
In 2700 BC, Qataka posed as Ishtar and based herself in the temple of Ishtar in Kish. (PROSE: Timewyrm: Genesys [+]John Peel, Virgin New Adventures (Virgin Books, 1991).)
The Ishtar Gate was an entrance to the city of Babylon. As armies were not allowed in the holy city, passing through the gate meant passing from the lands of war to lands of love and peace. In other words, one passed between the two domains of Ishtar through this gate. (AUDIO: Farewell, Great Macedon [+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.)
Ishtar was associated with Venus, and her symbol was an eight-pointed star. She was known for descending to and returning from the underworld. (PROSE: Walking to Babylon [+]Kate Orman, Virgin New Adventures (Virgin Books, 1998).)