The first breath of new life in this world is further step in transformation — something of which the snake is wholly symbolic. Read more about Serpent Symbolism here. Some identify her confidently in certain ruins, holding a rabbit which is often synonymous with the moon in Mayan symbology.
Others discount Ixchel as the goddess pictured with the moon. I think the discrepancy may have to do with age. As mentioned earlier, gods and goddesses are sculpted according to the needs and perspectives of the people. As their customs and requirements change, so too will the Mayan deities. In fact, there are artifacts that could legitimately portray Ixchel with the moon — but in these portrayals, Ixchel is a crone. Although the moon is a Mayan symbol of regeneration birth , it also carries with it themes of withdrawing, shadows, time and mystery.
The moon and all deities associated with her works her powers under the cloak of night, and whatever schemes she works out is a mystery to mankind. This can produce a scapegoat for the primitive ego and modern ego too.
What am I getting at? As an old goddess — a hard-lined, fiendish-looking crone — Ixchel manipulates darker forces that explain the darker events of the Mayan culture. In this lunar light, Ixchel is still a transformer as the moon is a Mayan symbol of transformation too , but she is also a justifier.
The moon is symbolic of the unseen aspects of existence, and only the crone version of a goddess like Ixchel has the experience and wherewithal to see the shadows of life and manipulate them in a way to restore balance. She is weaving consequences behind the scenes because only she can see in the shadow, so only she can adequately connect cause with effect. More on Moon Symbolism here.
Water as a Mayan Symbol : Ixchel is often seen with a pail or a jug, presumably holding water. In her more maiden-like visage, Ixchel is said to pour out her healing rains upon the land, and extol blessings, insuring abundant provisions to the community. Water is also a life-giver ensuring the survival of the community, the continuation of agriculture.
More on Water symbolism here. Crossbones are a mortal Mayan symbol calling upon the concept of crossroads, which are considered ominous locations.
Bones were often left at crossroad sites as a gesture to discard contaminants. This would imply she could be a sin-eater of sorts. It may also suggest Ixchel morphed into a warrior goddess at some point in the Mayan culture.
She has been seen holding a spear and a shield too. These Mayan symbols along with crossbones might reinforce a vengeful attitude, and would suggest Ixchel as fully capable of reaping shrewd judgment in times of tribal war.
Rainbow Mayan Symbol : Mayans were a primarily agricultural group, and so we see rain plays a vital role in their community, beliefs and consciousness.
So, anything resembling or having to do with rain will be a remarkably important icon. Clouds were especially revered and consulted as auguries namely, seeking optimal agricultural cues. Rainbows would have been very powerful Mayan symbols because they are associated with rain, which is a life-giver.
Rainbows were guideposts to the Mayans, and were considered to be oracles of renewal, life and an appeased status among divine moods. When Ixchel dies, dragonflies sing over her for days. After such time, she arises to find Itzamna, the Sun King, in his palace. On the way, she flirts with his brother, the Morningstar.
This upsets the perpetually jealous Sun King, who flies into a jealous rage. At this point, Ixchel is tired of the Sun King's behavior and resolves to hide from him. Hidden in her Temple of Night she nurtures Earth's pregnant women. Mayan midwives place her image, typically carved in wood, under the birthing bed. Readers have pointed out many great resources for scholarship on the gods. From a narrative point of view, Ixchel is the cycles of the moon, which is a vehicle to understand the cycles of time.
Venerate Ixchel and, during Zip, she will bless you with a good harvest. Do you have more information about Ixchel? We love to learn more every day so leave us a message in the comments and Markelle 3 years ago. So fascinating! I wonder if there are any others I went to San Gervaso in and had a sun the next year.
Thalia Took. Flickr: Dieter Wimberger. Previous The best panoramic views of Quintana Roo. Next Things you should know before booking an archaeological Tour. Related Posts.
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