“The Tlacuache (Opossum), a protector and guardian of humankind“

with Verónica Iglesias

Thursday,  September 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time  

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In this presentation, we will talk about the opossum, as a guardian of human beings, and its symbolism within the Mesoamerican worldview. Opossums are one of the few marsupials that exist in the Americas, and because of the care they provide for their young, they have been symbolically considered the great mother,  guardian and protector. There are myths where the opossum was the one who brought fire to humans, even though it had to sacrifice its tail when doing so. In general, the opossum was a very important animal; it was considered an ancient, wise, cheerful, and mischievous being.

It is also said that it was the one who brought knowledge to humans. Along with tobacco and liquor, and together with fire, they made human life more bearable and gentle. In its role as guardian, the opossum has been considered a being that cares for small children, especially babies. As the guardian mother, it was sometimes left next to the sleeping baby for protection. In myth and in reality, the opossum is a being that has greatly supported humanity, even against the will of certain deities or higher beings.

 

Verónica Iglesias was born in Mexico City, Mexico. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Library Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Mesoamerican Studies from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México). She studied ancestral medicine with different indigenous healers in Mexico, learning about the temazcal (“steam house”), plants, minerals, rituals and ceremonies. She has been initiated as a priestess of Ix´Cheel, the Mayan deity of medicine. She is the author of 6 books, two of them about Medicinal Plants. She is co-creator of the Jade Oracle, a deck of 52 cards with Mesoamerican deities and symbols.

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Upcoming Scholar Salon (3pm Eastern Time):

September 18, 2025:  “Tanit: her mother- and sister- lines. A foray into the mythological and linguistic relations of the Phoenician-Carthaginian goddess” with Dr. Miriam Robbins Dexter

This Salon recording will also be available to members when processed after the event.