The Oracle of Ix Chel

by Rosita Arvigo

Set in the ancient Maya city of Chichen, The Oracle of Ix Chel tells the story of Jade Skirt, an oracle and priestess of the goddess Ix Chel during a critical time in history when the Maya are turning away from peaceful worship of the goddess and embracing the brutal practice of human sacrifice. Jade Skirt must set herself against the bloodthirsty priests of the war god in order to save her beloved granddaughter, who is destined to continue her sacred lineage and one day rule Ix Chel’s women’s sanctuary, Cuzamil Island. With the help of her spirit guide, her deep knowledge of rain forest plant lore, and a staunch ally who is her forbidden love, Jade Skirt sets off on a tense adventure that will change the course of Maya history forever.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2015

About the author

Rosita Arvigo is an American herbalist, author, and teacher dedicated to the study of medicinal plants and their role in human health. Born in Chicago in 1941 to immigrant parents, she was influenced by 1960s counterculture movements and lived in communes across the U.S. and Mexico. Her interest in traditional medicine began during her time in rural Mexico, where she witnessed the healing power of plants during a birth complication. She later studied Naprapathy in Chicago and returned to Belize, founding a clinic and learning from traditional healer Don Elijio Panti. Arvigo also co-founded the Ix Chel Tropical Research Foundation and The Arvigo Institute to preserve and share traditional plant knowledge. Her work combines modern therapeutic methods with ancient healing practices, especially those focused on women’s reproductive health. Though praised for preserving Indigenous wisdom, she has faced criticism for commercializing traditional techniques and privileging Maya traditions over others. Arvigo maintains that her teachings were passed down with full consent. She continues to advocate for the respectful integration of herbal knowledge into holistic health practices.

Reviews

[anh thư · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it's a reconstruction and the author took some liberties with the historical aspect, I really enjoyed reading about Mayan culture as a whole: the cult of Ix Chel, the role of an oracle and high priestess, the use of herbal medicine, etc. I have been to this part of Mexico and can imagine such a story taking place once upon a time.

I'm giving this 3 stars because the plot itself was just alright.

[Silvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

More like this

Beautiful, captivating story unrevealing fantastic cultural customs of indigenous people. I enjoyed every scene and drank in every detail of the book. I wish the story would be longer (:

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very visual detail

I love the way it read. So much detail I could visualize the story as it was being played out in front of my eyes with all the emotions of fear, love and enchantment.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the story is not very gripping, the main purpose of this book is to portray Mayan culture and everyday life, at which this book does a great job (for all I know).

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful exploration of culture
The author is very clear about the limitations of what we can truly know about this time period
A very enjoyable work of historical fiction

[Leonide Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a serious work of Maya historical fiction with many valuable details and an engaging story. The author is an expert in Maya plant medicine and healing. In the story about Jade Skirt, a priestess of Ix Chel, we learn how Mayas used plants for healing, prophecy and visions. Fascinating details show how they did vision rituals and puberty rites, healed snake bites and treated various ailments. Written in first person, the story takes readers deeply into the experiences and beliefs of Jade Skirt, who propounds an admirable life-supporting philosophy in contrast to the death cult that has taken over her city. Though well-described, these rituals do become repetitious, as do the main character's ruminations.

Set in Chichen Itza in 700 AD, the story follows challenges faced by Jade Skirt, High Priestess and Oracle of Ix Chel (Maya Great Mother-Healer Goddess). A new order has assumed power, followers of the central Mexican cult of Tezcatlipoca, Aztec War God. This bloodthirsty deity demands frequent human sacrifice, in contrast to Ix Chel's support of life. When Jade Skirt's granddaughter is chosen for sacrifice, the priestess defies leaders and escapes with a small contingent of her family. Most of the story describes their hardships traveling through forests, avoiding capture, and trying to arrive safely at Cuzamil, sacred island of the Goddess, occupied only by women.

The protagonist and her family are sympathetically portrayed, but the villains are relentlessly evil, disgusting and one-dimensional. There is over-emphasis on human sacrifice. The story arc is thin but many intense scenes and adventures keep it interesting. Descriptions are rich and compelling, immersing us in this exotic ancient world. The end leaves us suspended, just as final escape to Cuzamil is about to happen, leading to a planned sequel.

The issue for me--as a Maya researcher--is the merging of timelines and historical facts. Though the author informs us in the preface that it's "my fictional version of history" and she has "taken many liberties with 'facts'" it is disconcerting to see Aztec culture of the 1200s mixed with Classic Mayas of 600-700. Living conditions of nobles and commoners are confounded; the lineage compound of Jade Skirt with wattle and daub palapas is what commoners lived in. Nobles of high status, such as a High Priestess, would live in stone residential structures. They would not do their own cooking and housekeeping. The Mayas had a highly stratified society. Chichen Itza came to power in the late 800s. The Cocom and Xiu families were not prominent in the area until around 1200. For those familiar with Maya history, it's not an accurate portrayal of the Mayas of Yucatán in that time period.

[Sarah Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed how Rosita included her love of medicinal plants into this book. Great read, looking forward to the 2nd installment.

[Lourdes Cambridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

THANK GOODNESS THIS ISN'T CARDS!