Iguanas. Nesting.

It was iguana nesting season on Cozumel when we visited the archeological site. The guide warned us not to let our feet stray too near the holes along the side of the rocky pathway. Momma iguanas are hyper-protective and practice preemptive strikes on whatever looks like a threat to her vulnerable eggs. This gave us a healthy respect for the prehistoric-looking creature.

When Samantha and I returned to the temple area several days later, we aimed at giving our offerings to Ix Chel, Maya goddess of the moon, women, herbs and water. Samantha hoped to become pregnant soon and I brought offerings from a client also seeking fertility blessings. Samantha had previously asked a guide where the best spot might be to make such an offering to Ix Chel. Kana Nah, a moderate sized pyramid, was the suggestion.

We walked the rocky pathway, still punctuated along the edge with holes the diameter of small cantaloupes. We carefully sidestepped them.

As we approached the temple we anticipated scrambling to the top to place our offerings. But first we encountered a group of tourist at the foot of the pyramid. We asked the visitors to take our photo. As we chatted, a large snake, 5-6 feet long, fell (or jumped?) out of the tree near us. After catching our breath after that surprise, the others left us alone at the pyramid.

At that time the temple was not yet roped off from explorations. It was somewhat irregular in places, where the rocks had loosened from its sturdy structure. As we looked for a good place to ascend without damaging the temple or ourselves, we saw that we weren’t really alone. Two gigantic iguanas were about two-thirds of the way up the pyramid, eyeing us and not backing away at all as we approached. They were about 3 feet long. Very dragon- like. Probably guarding giant eggs.

Samantha and I looked at the iguanas, looked back at each other.
I said, “Let’s just throw our offerings upward and sing our prayers from here.”
She readily agreed. “It’s OK, iguanas. Your eggs are safe.”

So we sang our prayers en place and threw our offering towards the pinnacle. After standing in a meditative moment for some time, we saw more visitors arriving and climbed back down to earth.

We knew that Ix Chel had heard our prayers. Before we left the temple area, a gentle sprinkle of rain fell on us for just a moment, signaling her favor.

And both supplicants were soon guarding their own nests, full of offspring.

--Terra Rafael