Ixchel: The Maya Goddess of Medicine and Moonlight

Meet Ixchel, the Maya goddess who refuses to be pinned down. Young and old, creator and destroyer, weaver and flood-bringer—she embodies the cycles that keep the cosmos turning. This book takes you on a journey from the ruins of her sacred island sanctuary to the hands of modern Maya midwives who still carry her wisdom. You'll see her painted in ancient books, disguised during colonial times, and reclaimed by contemporary Maya women. Along the way, you'll discover how a single goddess could be both a gentle healer and a bringer of necessary destruction. Through clear explanations of archaeological findings, vivid translations of Maya texts, and stories from communities where Ixchel's influence lives on, you'll gain a rich understanding of Maya thought that goes far beyond simplified labels like "moon goddess" or "fertility deity." Instead, you'll explore how Ixchel's domains—childbirth, medicine, weaving, water, and transformation—reveal a sophisticated understanding of how creation and destruction work together in an eternal cycle. Whether you're new to Maya studies or looking to deepen your knowledge, this book offers a fresh, accessible look at a goddess whose story has survived against all odds—and still has plenty to teach us today.