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Shamans, Gods, and Ritual

Quen Santo Cave, in Guatemala, is the site of rituals that echo ancient prayers to the Earth Lord. Wax from innumerable petitions coats the stones in front of the supplicant.

Quen Santo Cave, in Guatemala, is the site of rituals that echo ancient prayers to the Earth Lord. Wax from innumerable petitions coats the stones in front of the supplicant.

The Gods were part of every aspect of Maya life. From birth to death, each person's life was regulated by a prescribed interaction with the supernatural "owners" of mountains, streams, fields, and trees. who were shown respect with appropriate prayers and offerings of food and drink. More powerful deities, seen in the skies where they took the celestial forms of the sun, moon, and planets, were celebrated with rituals and offerings that included blood-letting.