At the heart of the Taíno people’s worldview stands Maquetaurie Guayaba, the lord of Coaybay, the realm of the departed. Also known as the ‘Fasting Dog, Guava Abstainer,’ this enigmatic figure embodies the duality of existence, the delicate balance between life and death. Within Coaybay, the opías, spirits of the dead, roam with a mixture of irreverence and mockery towards the living. Their presence in Coaybay serves a crucial function: maintaining the balance between the antagonistic forces of day and night, order and disorder. 

During the day, the dead remain secluded in the abode of Maquetaurie Guayaba, only to emerge at night and join the festivities alongside the living.

Thus, the figure of Maquetaurie Guayaba and the realm of Coaybay weave a tapestry of beliefs, symbols, and rituals that transcend time and space. In this intersection between the tangible and the ethereal, the Taínos found solace and wonder in the mystery of existence and the beyond, reflecting the profound connection between Taíno culture and the land.

Through rituals, storytelling, and the cultivation of sacred fruits like the guayaba, the Taínos forged a profound bond with the cycles of life and death, enriching their worldview with layers of symbolism and meaning.

In the mythic refuge of the Sun and the Moon, known as the cave of Iguanaboina, Marohu and Boinayel emerged from stone cemíes, revered as sacred beings. These stone cemíes, resembling half-arm-sized figures with bound hands in a posture of sweating, were housed within the cave, a sacred space dedicated to worshipping
these twin deities.

Boinayel, associated with the iguana, symbolises the herald of rain, whose tears nourish the earth through rainfall. Marohu, on the other hand, represents the absence of clouds, the warmth of the sun, and the balance of his brother's rain. Together, they ensure the fertility of the land, shaping the cycles of life with their opposing yet complementary forces. The divine twins orchestrate the sequence of time, their alternating powers mirroring the rhythms of nature in the Caribbean.

According to Taíno cosmology, this balance is crucial not only for agriculture but also for maintaining the harmony of the spiritual and natural worlds. The Taíno believed that any disruption in the relationship between Marohu and Boinayel could lead to catastrophic consequences, such as prolonged droughts or relentless storms.

Thus, rituals and ceremonies were meticulously performed to honor these deities and ensure their continued favor, reflecting a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all life forms and the forces of nature.

At the centre of Taíno cosmology stood Yocahú, a divine being dwelling in the heavens, invisible to mortal eyes. Born of Atabey, the mother goddess, Yocahú was eternal, without beginning or end. He was the spirit of the yuca, embodied in the form of the Trigonolito, the "God of Three Points."

Ceremonially known as Yocahú-Bagua-Maorocoti, Yocahú's name resonated with reverence among the Taínos. It spoke of his dominion over the yuca, symbolised by the suffix "-hu" meaning lord, and "yoca," a variant of the word yuca. The Trigonolito held a sacred place within Taíno cosmology, intimately connected to both the yuca 
and tobacco.

The act of placing the Trigonolitos in the fields was more than a ritual; it was a profound expression of the Taíno’s dependence on and respect for the natural world.The reverence for Yocahú extended beyond the fields. In communal gatherings and religious ceremonies, the Taíno people would offer prayers and sacrifices to Yocahú, seeking his blessing for their crops and expressing gratitude for the sustenance provided by the yuca. Songs and dances were performed to honor Yocahú, reinforcing the spiritual connection between the people and their deity.

Through their enduring relationship with Yocahú and the yuca, the Taíno people maintained a harmonious balance with the natural world, embodying a legacy of resilience, spirituality, and deep respect for the earth that continues to inspire to this day.

Residing in the dominion of Aumatex, the chief of the land of winds, Guabancex emerges enraged, accompanied by her two assistants, Coatrisquie and Guataubá. Together, they stir the forces of nature, commanding winds and waters to fulfil their destructive purpose.

Coatrisquie, tasked with controlling the uncontrollable waters, incites raging currents that flood valleys and fields, bringing death and disease in their wake. Guataubá, the herald of storms, announces the impending tempest with thunder and lightning, warning both mortals and deities alike of Guabancex's fury.

Guabancex's influence extends beyond mere destruction; she serves as a crucial agent in the renewal of the land. The Taíno believe that after her storms pass, the earth is revitalized, and new growth can begin. This destructive and regenerative cycle underscores the dual nature of Guabancex, embodying both the end and the beginning, the devastation and the rebirth. Her presence in Taíno cosmology is a testament to the people's resilience and their reverence for the powerful, unpredictable elements that shape their world. Through Guabancex, the Taíno are reminded of their place within the broader tapestry of nature, bound by the need to maintain harmony with the environment that sustains them.

Among these, the Cohoba ritual was the primary religious ceremony, serving as a profound connection between the living and the spiritual realm.

Central to the Cohoba ritual was using an entheogenic substance crafted from tamarind seeds, powdered green tobacco, and powdered shells. Administered by the shaman, this potent concoction was inhaled through the nostrils, inducing a state of altered consciousness.

During the ceremony, participants could commune with the spirits of their ancestors and partake in magical healing practices. The delirious effects of the Cohoba enabled communication with Zemís, the ancestral spirits, allowing guidance and wisdom to be imparted from beyond the veil.

The Areito also played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting Taíno culture and history. Stories of creation, heroic deeds of ancestors, and lessons from the past were passed down through generations in these communal gatherings. The ceremonial dances and songs were not merely artistic expressions but also living repositories of Taíno identity and collective memory. Participation in the Areito reinforced social bonds and the communal values of the Taíno society, emphasizing harmony with nature and respect for the spiritual world.Furthermore, the Cohoba and Areito ceremonies underscored the integral role of the shaman, or behique, in Taíno society.