Ix Tab : Goddess of Suicide

Ix Tab

Introduction

Ix Tab, a significant yet often overlooked deity in Mayan mythology, represents the intricate balance between life and death, as well as the moon and fate. This goddess, associated with both the lunar phases and the realm of death, plays a crucial role in the Mayan belief system. Ix Tab’s presence is felt across various aspects of Mayan culture, symbolizing the connection between the celestial and earthly realms.

Ix Tab, also known as Ixtab, is a deeply intriguing figure within Mayan mythology. Revered primarily as the goddess of suicide, she occupies a unique and complex position among the deities. As a psychopomp, Ix Tab guides the souls of those who have taken their own lives to the afterlife, reflecting the ancient Maya’s nuanced perspectives on life, death, and the afterlife. Her dual nature embodies both the nurturing aspects of life and the more destructive forces, influencing rituals, beliefs, and societal practices in Mayan culture.

Physical Traits

Ix Tab is a striking and enigmatic figure in Mayan art, embodying both ethereal beauty and a profound connection to the lunar realm. Often depicted with flowing hair that shimmers like moonlight, she is adorned in intricate jewelry and attire that underscores her divine status. Her skin is sometimes rendered in pale or silvery hues, mirroring the moon’s glow. In some portrayals, she holds the “xibalba,” a ceremonial object linked to death and the underworld, highlighting her role in bridging the celestial and the afterlife.

Her artistic representations convey a blend of grace and otherworldliness, reflecting her significant role in Mayan mythology. Ix Tab may appear alongside other deities or elements of nature, emphasizing her place within the broader pantheon. While she is sometimes shown with skeletal features or a skull-like face to signify her association with death, she is also depicted as a beautiful woman, illustrating her dual nature. Her attire, which can include feathered headdresses or jaguar-skin garments, varies depending on the context.

In some depictions, Ix Tab is portrayed with a noose around her neck, suspended from a tree or celestial bar, underscoring her role as the goddess of suicide and hanging. Despite these somber elements, her serene and peaceful expression in these images suggests the Maya’s belief in a tranquil afterlife for those who died by suicide.

Family

Ix Tab’s connections within the Mayan pantheon reveal a rich tapestry of relationships that reflect her dual nature. She is frequently linked with significant deities such as the moon god, sharing attributes that highlight her role as a lunar and chthonic figure. Ix Tab’s familial ties often place her in relation to other important deities, portraying her as both a nurturing presence and a symbol of life’s harsher realities. Her associations extend to goddesses of fertility and the earth, illustrating the cyclical interplay of life and death central to Mayan cosmology. This duality is mirrored in her family connections, suggesting a balance between creation and destruction.

Ix Tab’s lineage is notably complex. In some traditions, she is seen as the daughter of Kukulkan, the feathered serpent god, and Ix Chel, the goddess of the moon and childbirth. Other accounts position her differently, either linking her with other deities or presenting her as an independent entity. Notably, Ix Tab is sometimes depicted as the consort of Ah Puch, the god of death. This association underscores her role in the afterlife and her connection to the underworld, reflecting the Maya’s nuanced understanding of death and the afterlife.

Other names

Ix Tab is recognized by a variety of names throughout different regions and interpretations of Mayan mythology, each title reflecting a distinct aspect of her character. Often called “Ix Tab,” meaning “Lady of the Moon,” she is also known by titles such as “Goddess of the Underworld” or “Lady of the Night.” These names emphasize her complex role, bridging the realms of the moon and death, and highlighting her influence over both the celestial and the afterlife.

In different regions, her name may vary depending on local traditions and beliefs, showing the adaptability of Mayan mythology across its diverse cultures. For instance, in some areas, she might be called “Xtabay,” a name that can refer to both a female spirit and a type of tree. This variation demonstrates how her identity evolved across different communities while maintaining her core attributes as a goddess.

Other names for Ix Tab, like “Rope Woman” or “Hangwoman,” directly connect to her role as the goddess of suicide, particularly through hanging. In certain texts, she is even referred to as “La Diosa de la Horca,” meaning “The Goddess of the Gallows.” These titles serve to underline her association with death by hanging, a significant aspect of her identity in Mayan culture.

Powers and Abilities

Ix Tab commands a range of powers that reflect her unique role as a goddess of both the moon and death. Her lunar influence extends to controlling the night, affecting tides, fertility, and natural cycles. As a celestial figure, she provides illumination in darkness, guiding and protecting those who honor her.

In her role related to death, Ix Tab is a guide for souls transitioning to the underworld, known as “Xibalba.” Her presence underscores the Mayan view of death as a natural and revered part of life’s cycle, rather than something to be feared.

Ix Tab’s connection to fate further enhances her influence, granting her control over destiny and the outcomes of human lives. Her devotees often seek her guidance for both beginnings and endings, recognizing her role in shaping their paths.

In addition to her roles in the afterlife, Ix Tab’s powers extend to the realm of health. She is linked with causing diseases, especially those affecting women, but also with healing and protecting women during childbirth. This dual aspect of her nature reflects the Maya’s understanding of the interconnectedness of life and death.

Unique among Mayan deities, Ix Tab serves as a psychopomp, guiding the souls of those who died by suicide to a peaceful afterlife. This role reflects the Maya’s belief in the nobility of such acts as a means of escaping suffering. Additionally, Ix Tab is thought to influence dreams, often appearing to those contemplating suicide to offer comfort and reassurance. This connection to dreams highlights the Maya’s view of the spiritual significance of visions and their divine meanings.

Modern Day Influence

Ix Tab’s legacy endures well beyond the confines of ancient Mayan culture, resonating through modern interpretations of spirituality and mythology. Today, she appears in various forms of contemporary art, literature, and cultural discourse, reflecting her continued relevance.

In modern spiritual practices, particularly among neo-pagan and other spiritual communities, Ix Tab has become a symbol of empowerment and resilience. Her lunar and feminine attributes resonate with those seeking a deeper connection to nature and the cycles of life and death. Rituals and ceremonies celebrating the moon often invoke her name, highlighting her role as a guide through life’s complexities.

Ix Tab also inspires artists and writers exploring themes of folklore, identity, and gender. Her presence in contemporary media serves as a bridge between ancient beliefs and modern issues, offering new perspectives on growth, change, and the cyclical nature of existence. In the Yucatán region, where Mayan traditions remain vibrant, Ix Tab continues to play a role in rituals and cultural expressions related to health, childbirth, and the afterlife. Her image appears in traditional art and literature, reflecting her enduring influence.

Recent scholarly research and public discussions have renewed interest in Ix Tab, particularly in the context of mental health. With high suicide rates in the Yucatán, her story has become a touchpoint for exploring cultural attitudes toward suicide and promoting mental health awareness. This ongoing dialogue highlights Ix Tab’s complex role as both a figure of reverence and a symbol of the challenges faced by contemporary communities.