The ruins of ancient palaces and ball courts set among the ravines and highlands propels you into both archaeology and Mayan cosmology in one experience. 
Initially, what presents itself prominently about Guatemala (to me) is the expansive mountainous air and sky blanketing the highlands. Fortunately, Iximche’s grounds lie among this incredibly celestial sky. The gossamer clouds balance the structured architecture of the ruins. What a backdrop to stroll across listening to the Mayan cosmology symbolism and history of the ruins. A balance is struck between taking photos of the geometry of the site with succumbing to the energy of the site and finding your spot of balance.
Iximche’s pre-Columbian archaelogical site was once a Mayan kingdom reportedly during 1470-1524 . This manicured site of pyramid temples, rectangular ball courts and spherical clouds above gave me a visual geometry of symbols to absorb. It eventually was abandoned and did not survive the destruction of smallpox. However, at the time of the Spanish Conquest, it was a significantly important Guatemalan highlands city.
Our tour guide told us a story of the royal ballcourt ruins which fascinated me. The “spectators” were allowed to remain outside of the court walls and ask for the scores of the game. They were not allowed, however, to witness the game. It is believed that the winners of the game were honorably sacrificed to the gods. Imagine that!
My favorite moments of this archaeological experience, however, didn’t have to do with history as much as they had to do with spirituality. After being in a tour van for hours with friends, the ability to stretch our legs and walk across the ruins was gratifying. I especially enjoyed taking pictures of my friend standing in her “spot of balance” at a pivotal time in her life. For all of us friends, we were experiencing important milestones of life, anyway! So the communal appreciation of such a moment was meaningful.
Completing the tour, we were shown a shrine. Lighting votives and standing in a type of reverence of the tiny flickers and flames within the shrine’s rocks, the silence and sun infiltrated my senses. This is what I was seeking in Guatemala, I think. Facts and factoids are one thing but sensual knowledge is what perforates me. I wanted to see a Shaman like we read about in brochures and tour guides. Apparently, travelers to Guatemala often seek to identify with the ability to be a Shaman and will ask if they possess the ability to be one. Guides can interpret this for them. We learned our cosmological and astrological symbols of our signs and birthdates, etc. It was childlike to look up each other’s animal symbol. Some of us were armadillos;” hard on the outside but soft on the inside.” Others were exotic birds. I don’t take it that seriously but it was a moment of curiosity and creativity.
Iximche was the only archeological site we saw on the trip but it was not our only time to experience those cobalt blue Guatemalan skies and gossamer clouds. The royalty of the air and aura followed us on down to the quaintest of villages and markets. The Guatemalan pride permeated the landscape from the royal ballcourts to the jade jewelry stores to the organic coffee farms to the bustling, urban city centers of Xela or Antigua. But Iximche was the unique day of ruins, symbols and shrines. It is the last article I’ll create on that Guatemalan journey and possibly because I’ve wanted to reflect on it for awhile in order to give it justice, reflecting on the visuals and memories.
photos by GIna