The traditional Mayas generally assume the Moon to be female, and the Moon's perceived phases are accordingly conceived as the stages of a woman's life. Being in the image of a woman, Ix Chel, representing midwifery and medicine, is associated with sexuality and procreation, fertility and growth, not only of human beings, but also of the vegetation and the crops. She is both a fertile young woman and an aged grandmother with jaguar ears who holds a birth vase containing the origin of life. She is a new crescent Moon with eyes full of wonder and an ancient full Moon, brightly embodying the qualities of a gentle healer who's equipped with the wisdom of all the lives she's lived. The meaning of the name Ix Chel is uncertain, as her Classic name glyph remains to be identified. Perhaps several names were in use to refer to her, and perhaps it is a name with stories for only the stars to tell. 

• 8" X 11"
• Packaged in protective plastic sleeve and backboard.

Polaris Castillo is a Los Angeles based Mexican artist and filmmaker.

"I've been drawing ever since I was in my mother's womb. My work is inspired by mystery, history books, nature and the deep cosmos of the human heart." - Polaris