Mayan Spirituality and the Natural World

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Mayan Spirituality and the Natural World

• Ixiloom Laura Martin
• Prepared for Church of the Savior
• 29 April 2007
• 12.19.14.4.17 8 Noj

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A Mayan view of the universe

• Universe is quadripartite, or four-cornered
• Cardinal directions orient all activity
• Layers exist above and below earth
• Airy celestial realm
• Watery underworld

Universe
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A Mayan view of the universe

• World tree links the layers
• Branches in the celestial realm
• Roots in the underworld
• Trunk is the center of the earth
• Celestial bird sits in branches

Ceiba
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A Mayan view of the universe

• Suns journey is prototype for human life
• Movement from darkness to light and return
• Time and the cosmos are cyclic
• Everything has a dual nature
• Regeneration and rebirth are natures design

Sun
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Tradition and innovation

• Mayan ceremony involves interaction among the
  natural, supernatural, and human worlds
• Any Mayan ceremony always responds both to the
  present moment and to tradition with thousands of
  years of history
• Like weaving, the common elements of ritual
  combine with those unique to the moment
  participants, place, purpose to create events
  celebrating individual, communal, and traditional
  identities