The Maya Universe, Tree of Life, Upper and lower worlds
According to the Books of Chilam Balam(Chilam Balam of Chumayel) in the Sky there is Oxlahuntiku (13 Ancient Maya Deities ). Heaven was divided in 13 levels and was represented with the branches of the Ceiba. The Ceiba continue to be represented between the Yucatec Maya(Masewal) of Belize with the Maaya Katab Che' (Maya Cross) which is always found in the middle of altars.
These were not Gods but Manifestations and representations of the same energy force.
The Maya saw the structure of the Universe mirrored in the sacred Cieba tree. This image shows the Yuumstilo'ob seated on the Sacred Tree of Life, the Cieba Tree.
The trunk symbolizes the middle world, the earthly plane on which man exists.
The roots stretch down into the underworld, Xibalba(Mitnal), and the branches stretched into the heavens, the realm of the Yuumstilo'ob.
Image courtesy Belize Kukulkan Path
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