Itzpapalotl, Chichimec Dragon Goddess

"Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death; nor yet canst thou kill me.
From Rest and Sleep, which but thy picture be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow..."

We are introduced to death in the guise of the dragon Itzpapalotl. She is the ancient Chichimec representation of Mother Earth in her mortuary phase symbolizing the world's cyclical changes - the rhythms of the seasons and agriculture. Also known as "Obsidian Knife Butterfly," a goddess of creation and transformation, Itzpapalotl is shown wearing butterfly wings to indicate her shamanic and transformational powers. Her appearance as a dragon with butterfly wings symbolizes the human fear of death, yet provides hope for a gentle sleep, transformation and rebirth. The emerging butterfly represents the human soul and its journey heavenward. Her hands and feet are depicted alternately as jaguar or eagle claws, as she grips the corners of the sky with her hands. Her fierce countenance expresses the darker aspects of nature found in drought, floods, storms, disease or death. Another face of Itzpapalotl is one of great beauty showing her gift of kindness through release of suffering, transformation of the soul and the fostering of new growth in spring.

Itzpapalotl teaches us although natural law in all its beauty and destruction must prevail, it is not final. We are taught death can be overcome and our spirit transformed into a life everlasting.