Ix Chel, one of the Mayan jaugar goddesses...

described by Bishop Landa in the 16th century as the "goddess of making children", she is also associated with rain, medicine, and healing. Ancient pilgrimages to the island of Cozumel by women to ensure a fruitful marriage to the Ix Chel sanctuary were noted by Landa and he also describes the priest who served as the oracle.

BYW, In July of 1562, de Landa burned five thousand idols and 27 hieroglyphic rolls at Mani in the Yucatan. This was not the only occasion that de Landa destroyed books; he is the main reason that so few examples of Mayan hieroglyphs exist today. We visited the site in Mani where the burning took place - the church there is still holds mass every day......

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Ix Chel is represented both as a young and an old woman; it is believed here she is shown emptying the water jar symbolic for bringing rain







                                                                                                                    
                                                               

       
                                   
 a modern image of Ix Chel by artist Susan Seddon Boulet from her "Goddesses" series