The Mayan Goddess Ixchel, the symbol of nature & love

Tierra & Lava logo inspiration Goddess Ixchel drawing. Photo courtesy of deviantart.com.

One of the most important goddesses in the Maya culture is the Goddess  Ixchel. She is also known as the goddess of the Moon and of medicine and her powers come from the cycles related to the moon and the connection to nature such as water, harvest, and medicine. Additionally, the skirt of crossed bones and snakes that she is often depicted with represents the cycle of life. Therefore, her gifts are related to love, fertility, and childbirth.

THE LEGEND 

Legends say that Ixchel’s symbol of being the Goddess of the Moon is tied back to when she met Itzamná, the god of the sun. She fell in love with him and lived happily together. Her life seemed to be perfect until a prince showed up from another kingdom and fell in love with her. 

Ixchel’s sister, Ixtab, who was not aware that her sister was deeply in love with Itzamná,  suggested that the prince and Itzamná should fight to see who loves Ixchel more and the winner would be allowed to continue to love Ixchel. 

During the fight, Itzamná seemed to be winning, however, he was killed by the price. After the fight and seeing how her love died, Ixchel felt she had no reason to live and decided to take her own life to be with Itzamná. 

They were both sent to the afterlife where they were able to marry. It is there thatItzamná became the God of the Sun and Ixchel became the Goddess of the Moon. 

TIERRA & LAVA INSPIRATION  

The goddess Ixchel is very important for Tierra and Lava because of her deep connection to both the earth, and water, and to Maya traditional medicine. the brand and logo inspiration. Her beauty and her symbol of the connection between Love and Nature resonates deeply with our brand and we hope to continue to honor her and the Maya culture through our products.