Mesoamerican Goddesses BY VERONICA IGLESIAS AND ANNE KEY

Transcription

1 Mesoamerican Goddesses BY VERONICA IGLESIAS AND ANNE KEY

2 About Veronica Maria Veronica 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 Autonoma de Mexico). She grew up in a family that always honors the Earth, the plants and all the living beings. She was initiated as a sahumandora (bearer of the Sacred Sahumerio) when she was 8 years old. She studied about medicinal plants, crystal therapy and healing with gems. She also was initiated in the sacred knowledge of Mesoamerican shamanism and she became a Portadora de la Palabra, bearer of the Sacred Word. She is also a Priestess of Ix Cheel, the Mayan Goddess of Medicine. She is currently researching gem stones and their therapeutic use, Pre-Hispanic medicine, Feminine Shamanism in Mesoamerica, Feminine rites of passage and Goddesses from Mesoamerica.

3 About Anne Priestess, instructor, writer and dancer Anne Key was Priestess of the Temple of Goddess Spirituality Dedicated to Sekhmet, located in Nevada, from In Desert Priestess: a memoir she details her time at the temple and the life of a 21 st century priestess. Her many years of travel and research in Mexico culminated with her dissertation: Death and the Divine: The Cihuateteo, Goddesses in the Mesoamerican Cosmovision. She has authored numerous articles and presentations on Mesoamerican priestesses and Goddesses. Anne is currently an adjunct faculty in Women s Studies, English and Religious Studies. Co-founder of the independent press Goddess Ink, Dr. Key is the co-editor of Stepping Into Ourselves: An Anthology of Writings on Priestesses. Her second memoir,burlesque, Yoga, Sex and Love was released Fall Anne resides in Albuquerque with her husband, his two cats and her snake.

4 Mesoamerica Cultures unified by use of 260 day ritual calendar and a 365 solar year calendar Vigesimal (base 20) number system Agriculture based on maize Stepped pyramids Some deities overlap; some do not Practice of the ballgame Distinctive political areas

5 Time Periods Paleo-Indian: 10,000 to 3500 BCE Archaic: BCE Formative (pre-classic): 200 BCE 200 CE Classic: 200 CE 1000 CE Post-Classic: 1000 CE 1697 CE (the end date of 1697 marks the conquest of the last independent Maya city-state, Tayasal)

6 Central Mexican Plateau (Altiplano) Inhabited since 10,000 BCE Teotihuacan: 100 BCE 550 CE Toltec Culture: CE Aztec Culture: CE Most well-documented of Mesoamerican cultures due to archaeology, codices, and detailed accounts by Spanish clergy and military The capital was Tenochtitlan, on the western shore of Lake Texcoco with 200,000 inhabitants Elevation of Mexico City: feet

7 Gran Diosa de Teotihuacan

8 Her Symbols Once considered a male deity Also called Teotihuacan Spider Woman Found in murals on the walls of Teotihuacan, in what was probably housing Only found at Teotihuacan Bird headdress Nose pendant Fangs Often with vegetation growing from Her head Associated with the fertile darkness of the underworld the Teotihuacan aim seems to have been the creation of paradise on earth

9 La Gran Diosa de Teotihuacan Gems to work with La Gran Diosa de Teotihuacan green jade, stone of magic, dysfuntional relationships, mother, purification, assists both the cellular and skeletal structures to re-bind themselves. Removal of pain in the kidneys. Emerald, harmony, hearth chakra, connection with the mother, helps to eliminate negativity and to bring positive actions

10 When She Appears When La Gran Diosa de Teotihuacan comes to you, she brings the ability to understand the past and present, all existence. She is associated with the underworld and darkness, which is the fertile ground for all growth. As befits a goddess associated with darkness, the jaguar, owl and spider are her animals. She is the harbinger of new beginnings.

11 Chalchiuhtlicue

12 Chalchiuhtlicue, she of the jade skirt Chalchiuhtlicue is the goddess of terrestrial waters, living waters, those water that are flowing, also known like the maintenance lady. She is the great nurturing mother, and their characteristics are related with fertility, source of life par excellence. She represents purity factor, involved in ritual ceremonies to wash the body with water, because the ablutions purify, regenerate and allow rebirth. What is ritually immersed in them "dies" and back out of the waters, like a child without history with the chance to start a new life in a ritual of death and birth process She was always present in the rituals of the midwife to wash the newborn in her/his baptism, the baby was offered to her, having his destiny in her hands. She was present also in the magical utterances her name was invoked when water was used to cure some diseases,.

13 Her Symbols She wears a nose plug called a xiuhyacamitl that possibly represents a double headed serpent She is associated with fresh water rivers and lakes She is often shown with babies near Her The curls indicate she is speaking She sits on a seat reserved for important personages Warrior images: shield, arrows

14 Chalchiuhtlicue green jade, stone of magic, dysfuntional relationships, mother, purification, assists both the cellular and skeletal structures to re-bind themselves. Removal of pain. Kidney- fears. Emerald, harmony, hearth chakra, conection with the mother, helps to eliminate negativity and to bring positive actions

15 When She Appears Chalchiuhtlicue awaits and welcomes you as you begin anew. When She appears, you will know that this is an excellent time for rituals of purification. Chalchiuhtlicue will help you purify difficult situations that you must confront. She invites you to use the element of water for purification. For instance, prepare a bath with herbs and let the water take away all that is difficult; moreover, the water will help you connect with yourself. When you allow yourself to feel, you will be able to touch deep within your heart where you carry your emotions. Chalchiuhtlicue protects your heart and offers security. Imagine Her hands full of sacred water, washing away the pain in your heart. Her healing waters will soothe and restore you.

16 Malinalxochitl

17 Her myth Malinalxochitl was a powerful witch who was one of the leaders of the migration to Aztlan. She possibly represented the maternal lineage of a capulli. Her myth possibly reflects the fight against the power of the matrilineal lineage, and a conflict between the spiritual leaders of the nomads and the military leaders of the agricultural society. According to the chroniclers, Malinalxochitl was a nahualli, a designated class of witches, or wise women, known for their ability to transform into animal form, such as a jaguar, serpent, owl or bat or any other animal. Good nahuallis were known as wise. They were considered trusted advisors, repositories of wisdom. Malinalxochitl is often referred to as the sister of Huitzilopochtli; however, she might have been a leader from a separate capulli. During the 200 year migration to Aztlan, she wanted to settle in Malinalco. Huitzilopochtili wanted to keep moving on. She was insistent on staying. He abandoned her while she was sleeping. She stayed in Malinalco which became a very important spiritual site.

18 Gems to work with Malinalxochitl Malinalxochitl Black Obsidian, grounding stone, provides a connection from the base of the spine to the hearth of the Earth. Protection, shield against negativity, transforming negative vibrations. Transmutation Hematite: This stone assists in the focusing of energy and emotions for balance between body, mind and spirit. It transforms the negativity in the purity of the universal light of love. This stone helps to ground and connect, bringing tranquility and emotion clarity.

19 When She Appears Malinalxochitl is the woman who leads; She is the one who confronts the patriarchy. She is the priestess--and the witch-- who represents the magic and strength in the spirit of the Goddess. She is the heart of the people, leading ceremony and connecting with the energy of the land. When Malinalxochitl appears, she reminds you that you are a priestess, that you are a leader, and that your work is important.

20 Coyolxauhqui

21 Her Myth During the migration to Aztlan, the Aztec/Mexica settled briefly at Coatepec. One day the primordial mother Coatlicue ("the one with the snake skirt") was sweeping the temple, She found a bundle of precious feathers which She put away under her skirt. Without her knowing, these feathers made Her pregnant. This mysterious pregnancy embarrassed her children, the Centzon Huitznahua (the Southern Stars, 400 brothers), and her daughter Coyolxauhqui. They decided to kill Her. But when They arrived at the Coatepec, Coatlicue had already given birth to Huitzilopochtli in full war armor. Huitzilopochtli decapitated Coyolxauhqui, throwing her body down the hill, smashing it into pieces. He killed the 400 brothers, who became the stars, and Coyolxauhqui became the moon. Readings of the myth: Huitzilopochtli as the sun overcoming the stars and moon, or Huitzilopochtli as the patriarchy, destroying a matrifocal culture.

22 Her Symbols The name Coyolxauhqui means "painted with bells or golden bells. She is often represented with bells on Her cheeks. The stone is over 10 in diameter, discovered in She is shown wearing full battle armor, dressed as a warrior and/or a ball player, with monsters on her elbows and knees Balls of eagle-down are in her hair and the Mexica year sign hands from her ears She is the vanquished Eagle Warrior Breasts and wrinkled belly show her as a mother Like her mother Coatlicue, she has a skull tied to her back She is associated with the moon (dismemberment) and the Milky Way Her image was placed at the base of the temple to show Her humiliation and to transform the temple into Coatepec.

23 Gems to work with Coyolxauhqui Coyolxauqui Pedernal/ Flint: This stone can help to relieve shyness and to promote both intimate and personal experiences; it also assists in emotional ties to problems and distressful situations. Flint will help you confront situations where there are contrary forces in opposition, bringing strength (intellectual, psychological, rational and physical) during confrontations, arguments and disputes. Silver: This metal can be used to improve your quality of speech. Related with the moon. It helps to cleanse the body via the pores, to eliminate toxins at the cellular level

24 When She Appears Coyolxauhqui appears in your life when you feel broken into pieces, and the patriarchal system has pushed you to your limits. You feel unable to continue for fear of being attacked by society. She represents that moment when you feel that the care of the mother has disappeared, leaving you orphaned, feeling the depths of loneliness, isolation, sadness, disappointment and fear.

25 Cihuateotl

26 Her Myth The Cihuateteo (literally women goddesses )appear in the pantheon of Mesoamerican cosmology as mortal women who died in childbirth and were then deified. In regular cycles, the Cihuateteo traversed the heavens, the underworld, and the earthly plane. Daily they dwelt with the stars in the western sky in the heavenly region called Cihuatlampa ( place of women ) and accompanied the sun from noon to sunset, then through the night as it lit the underworld. Every 52 days in the ritual calendar, the Cihuateteo descended to earth to reign for a day associated with the west. It is the very regularity of the Cihuateteo s presence that places them habitually in the lives of the Mesoamericans.

27 About the Cihuateotl In central Mexico, Goddesses were worshipped at cihuateocalli ( goddess houses ) of different sizes and locations. The Cihuateteo were honored in neighborhood cihuateocallibuilt at the crossroads. During the days of the Goddesses descent, their images in the shrines were festooned with paper (amatetéuitl) pegged to the statues with bits of rubber or copal. They were given offerings of tamales and toasted corn, as well as bread shaped as butterflies and lightning rays.

28 Her Symbols The Cihuateteo statues from the state of Veracruz were modeled after the deceased bodies of individual women who died in childbirth. Fantastic headdresses represent the sky dragon and the earth monster Bicephalic pit-vipers wrapped around their waists represent internal female organs and attributes of deities associated with death. The vipers are tied in a knot similar to the glyph ollin, which means movement. The Central Mexican Cihuateteo do not have individual characteristics; there is little variance among them. These statues are kneeling and have descarnated faces and clawed feet, contrasted with their long, luxurious hair. On the top of some of their heads, a day glyph of one of the days of the Cihuateteo s descent is designed into the hair. Their belts or snakes are tied in the similar ollin glyph style knot. Their breasts are bared, visible above their knotted belts and skirts.

29 When She Appears The Cihuateotl is the woman who has died in childbirth and then becomes a goddess. She appears when you are at the point that you have lost everything -- your work, your identity, your inner child, your projects, everything in your womb.

30 Cihuateotl Gems to work with Cihuateotl Opal: Opal acts as a prism within the aura, bringing a full spectrum of Light energy to the system, soothing and clearing the emotional body, and boosting the will to live and the joy of one s earthly existence. It enkindles optimism, enthusiasm and creativity, and allows for the release of inhibitions inspiring love and passion. Opal enhances cosmic consciousness and stimulates flashes of intuition and insight, yet is a protective stone for deep inner work, meditations, and lower world shamanic journeys.

31 Mayahuel

32 Mayahuel She is the goddess of maguey, a kind of agave. She represents the lush fertility and opulence related with the fullness of life that emphasizes and amplifies the life of humankind and the agricultural cycle. She is the Energy of the Maguey, one that brings out the sweet honey to it. She is the archetypal mother who had 400 breasts ( countless ) that symbolize their nutritive power, whom the gods transformed into maguey because of their fertility. So she represents the great mother, who nurtures and is fertile. The force of the goddess is in the maguey. There is a clear association between women and pulque. Mayahuel was the inventor of the process to make the pulque, an alcoholic beverage from the agave. This was a sacred liquid used in rituals to honor the gods and the earth. Only the elderly and rulers could consume it. Mayahuel is related to the moon, rhythms and cycles.

33 Her Symbols Associated with the maguey plant, which provides: Pulque, ceremonial alcoholic beverage, made from agua miel, the milky sap Thorns for ritual bloodletting Fibers for clothing and rope Thorns also acted as needles She sits on a turtle. She is depicted as a young woman, emerging from the maguey plant She has many breasts to feed her many children, the Centzon Totochin (the 400 Rabbits), who were thought to cause drunkenness.

34 Mayahuel Gems to connect with Mayahuel White Labradorite: This stone bring faith in the universal harmony, facilitating transformation. It helps us to be in the present time, sustaining and maintaining, providing for the understanding of the destiny we have chosen. Aquamarine: This is the stone of courage. It provides a shielding property for the aura, balance, order, emotional and intellectual stability. It bring compassion. White Jade: This beautiful stone brings confidence, self-reliance, selfsufficiency, and the release of suppressed emotions and dreams. Moonstone: This beautiful stone helps change structures: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It brings new beginnings and confidence. Moonstone absorb that which is needed from the universal energies and recognizes its cycles.

35 When She Appears Mayahuel is the protector of mature wombs that turn into life. She comes to our lives because she is inviting us to take a break from our drama and go to the basics things that we need to do in order to survive. This means sleep, food, water, movement, and elimination. She invites us to connect with the opulence and fullness of our life. We work with her when we decide to say YES to LIFE, and this can be so simple like catching our breath again, from the situation(s) that broke us, remember when we were Coyolxauhqui. Imagine that you are drowning, that something took you to the bottom of a body of water, (here you can visualize your breakthrough) and suddenly you decide that you want to live, and for that you need to breath so with all the forces that you can use, you DECIDE to start going up and take air, that is the energy from Mayahuel. When you decide that you want to continue she is there to nurture you.

36 Tlazolteotl

37 Tlazolteotl Her name is derived from the Nahuatl word for garbage, tlazolli, literally old, dirty, deteriorated, worn-out thing which was used to connote filfth, garbage, or refuse, all of which subsumed human waste products (Klein 21).Tlazolli could also refer to profligate behavior, related to the root for quail (zolli), a bird associated with fertility and the earth owing to its tendency to keep close to the ground and to its prolific breeding habits. Indeed Tlazolteotl both provoked and pardoned licentiousness, explaining Her moniker The Eater of Filth. The second part of Her name, teotl, signifies a deity, and in this generic form could refer to male or female. However, Tlazolteotl is almost always considered female. The early Spanish clerics compared Her to the Roman Venus because of Her connections to sexuality. Tlazoltetol not only encompasses illicit love, overindulgence, and dissolute behavior but also is the pardoner for those who engage in Her excesses. As a goddess of tlazolli, Tlazolteotl was a goddess of purification and curing. The individuals would perform confession and bloodletting in front of her image. As an indication of her cleansing role, she is commonly depicted with a grass broom. She embodies the archetype of the warrior. She invented the Temazcal (sweat bath) and was responsible for earthquakes. She also represents the cycles, the moon, related with the menstruation, the snake.

38 Her Symbols Unspun cotton in her hat Black on her face rubber, filfth Midwife Moon symbols Flayed Skin Often shown in a squatting birth-giving posture

39 Tlazolteotl Gems to work with Tlazolteotl red obsidian, stimulates physical energy and provides for a balancing of the male/female energies, it helps to be grounded, vitality, red jasper, its energy communicates that all choice is ones responsibility, helps to learn to progress and to eliminate the aspects of digression

40 When She Appears. When you are ready to confront your fears, your insecurities, and the difficulties in your life, and when you are ready to take responsibility, you can ask Tlazolteotl to take all your garbage, your filth. She will take it and transmute all it into a new energy. She is often pictured giving birth. She gives the opportunity to be born again, to have a new beginning.

41 Xochiquetzal

42 Xochiquetzal Xochiquetzal Her name means flower-quetzal. she is the archetype of the young woman who is moving into her sexual potency. She is represented as the divine lover, the emininent Goddess of all that is feminine, a volumptuous sensuality, sexual desire, and pure Pleasure. She is also associated with games, dance, song, happines, flowers anything beuatiful. She presides over all artistic activities and is the patrón of painters, weavers, sculptors and stone workers. Those born under her sign were excellent weavers and prostitutes. It is said that she performed the first sexual act. Her hair formed the first Goddess that conjoined with a God, birthing Cinteotl, the God of maíz.

43 Symbols Flowers Her top: quechquemitl Headdress of a quetzal Feathers of quetzal Jaguar throne

44 Xochiquetzal Gems to work with Xochiquetzal Rose quartz, it emits a calming energy, remove negativity and to reinstate the loving, gentle forces of self-love. It brings clarity to the emotions after a crisis. It promotes receptivity to the beauty of art, music, nature, etc. Excellent for healing emotional wounds. Carnelian, its message is that since one is love, there is nothing to do but to offer the love. Increases physical energy, personal power, creativity, compassion Sexual energy.

45 When She Appears Xochiquetzal is here to help us remember that life is beautiful and that we deserve to live with joy, happiness and pleasure. We deserve to do what we love to do. She invites us to explore our senses, to remember that our body is sensual. She gives us permission to explore with all senses. Our soul is happy when feel completely in love with our lives. Take time and remember the last time that you felt joy and happiness just because you exist in this planet. When you are happy and doing what you love to do, you are living in balance and equilibrium. When we each live in this way, we bring harmony to the whole universe.

46 Toci Tonantzin

47 Toci Tonantzin Toci means grandmother and Tonantzin means great mother. She is the heart of the earth. She is identified with the ancient wise women, a patron of medicine and protector of the new mothers and their babies. She is the guardian of the temazcal, the purifying sweat. She was honored at Her temple at Tepeyac, now the site of the Basilica de Guadalupe. Many of her symbols are now associated with La Virgen de Guadalupe.

48 Gems for working with Tonantzin Tonantzin copal, sacredness, it serves to increase the awareness of ones individuality while allowing onte to maintain association with humanity. Stimulates spirituality, communications with other realms. Amber, it is a stone dedicate to connection of the conscious self to universal perfection. It helps one in the art of manifestation to bring that which is desired to the state of reality. Transmutes the energy of physical vitality toward the activation of unconditional love.

49 When She Appears The archetype of Tonantzin is connected to the spirit of the most ancient wise women of the planet. By performing rituals, you can create a connection with the universal forces and elements that will bring you wisdom, temper your spirit, and focus your mind. This will also clean your emotions and detox your body. Tonantzin is associated with the temazcal, a cleansing ritual. When Tonantzin appears, she is here as an advisor to remind you to keep your feet on the ground and take care of yourself, as well as those around you. She reminds you to listen to and trust your inner wisdom.

50 Toci Tonantzin Gems to work with Toci Tonantzin White Quartz: This stone brings clarity of purpose. Rhodochrosite: This stone respresents pure love, the unconditional love of the mother and grandmother.

51 Chantico

52 Chantico She is the Goddess of the home and hearth. She was venerated by jewelry makers and gem carvers. She is attributed with the invention of jewelry and costmetics for women. She is the Goddess charged with actuating the feminine side. She assumes the feminine power and is gracious and dedicated. She also represents the magical arts of women.

53 Chantico Gems to work with Chantico Citrine quartz, personal power, creativity, intelligent decisiveness, producing cohesiveness with groups fire opal, it brings hope in the future and faith in the self, useful during stressful situations and provides an added energy to ameliorate feelings of burn-out. Cooper, combat lethargy, passivity, restlessness, excitability and non-acceptance of oneself. It stimulate initiative, optimism, diplomacy, and independence.

54 When She Appears Chantico is associated with the hearth and home, the fire that is the central part of life. When Chantico comes to you, it is a reminder of your strengths and powers as the matriarch: to care for yourself and for those around you. You are rooted and nourished in your home so that you can reach out to the community.

55 Tlaltecuhtli

56 Tlaltecuhtli In 2006, another giant monolith was found at the Templo Mayor in Mexico City. Like the Coatlicue monolith found decades earlier, this new discovery also towers at over seven feet tall. She is Tlaltecuhtli, the Earth Goddess. Images of Tlaltecuhtli are often found carved on the bottom of Aztec sculptures where the sculpture comes in contact with the earth. The most famous of these images is the one on the bottom of the giant Coatlicue from the Templo Mayor in Mexico City. Representations of Tlaltecuhtli are found at the murals of Teotihuacan, a ceremonial center near modern-day Mexico City. Her name literally means earth-lord (Tlal =land; cuhtli = lord). While the suffix of her name connotes male gender, she appears in myth as female and her pictorial representation is decidedly female, usually in the birth-giving posture. Midwives prayed to Tlaltecuhtli in the cases of difficult birth. Also she was invoked as the Sun in prayers to another Aztec deity, Tezcatlipoca. Tlaltecuhtli is the Earth Goddess, part of the Central Mexican pantheon, and her image stretches into the Mayan territories.

57 Her Symbols Gaping maw and protruding tongue Hands and feet often clawed Open mouth is the tomb and the womb Tree of Life often grows from her mouth The one at the Templo Mayor (to the left) is 12x9 feet She wears the vestments of a warrior Like Coyolxauhqui, she has emblems on her knees and arms. These are skulls.

58 Tlaltecuhtli Gems to work with Tlatecuhtli Diamond or Herkimer Diamond: These stones help connect the above and below.

59 When She Appears Tlaltecuhtli, the Earth Goddess, embodies the duality of creation and death. She has her mouth open to give and receive in reciprocal relationship with those who dwell on earth. The tree of life growing from these jaws of death completes this picture of the earth as womb and tomb. Her mouth and the act of eating are analogous to birth and death. When Tlaltecuhtli comes to you, you know that you are now strong enough for a rite of passage, to go deep with the darkness and return to the light.

60 A song from the Nahua peoples of San Miguel in Sierra del Puebla beautifully portrays this relationship of earth and human: We live HERE on this earth (stamping on the mud floor) We are all fruits of the earth The earth sustains us We grow here, on the earth and lower And when we die, we wither on the earth We are ALL FRUITS of the earth (stamping on the mud floor). We eat of the earth Then the earth eats us.

61 Itzpapalotl

62 Itzpapálotl Itzpapalotl is the Obsidian Butterfly. She is the goddess whose power and strength resides in magic. This goddess is the guide and protector for the wise woman. She is present in the life of women who are healers, diviners, and mages. Of Chichimec origin, she gave them instruction on how to honor the four cardinal points and how to construct a site for the sacred fire. She was the first goddess that was sacrificed and immolated, and her ashes became the first bulto sagrado, sacred bundle. She is associated with fire and heat. She is the goddess of transformations and transmutations, deriving from the stages of change of the butterfly.

63 Her Symbols Skull face Nose made of pedernal, or flint used in sacrifice Butterfly wings Claws on hands and feet

64 Itzpapalotl Gems for working with Itzpapalotl Black Obsidian, grounding stone, provides a connection from the base of the spine to the hearth of the Earth. Protection, shield against negativity, transforming negative vibrations. Transmutation Golden Obsidian, gazing, divination, shamanic and healing arts Rainbow Obsidian, bring light and love, enjoyment to ones life, stone of pleasure. black jade, expressiveness, intelligence, perceptions

65 When She Appears Itzpapalotl is the teacher; she is the one who teaches us to not fear death and the processes of life-deathresurrection. For through this process, our rebirth will bring us to a higher level of consciousness and inner strength. She is the goddess of the mages and the wise women. She teaches us to see what is invisible, to hear what is unsaid, and to see what is overlooked. She is the goddess of transformation and transmutation. To become a butterfly, we must pass through all of the stages of growth. She shows us the path of the warrior, the woman who lives and dies and recreates herself.

66 Cihuacoatl

67 About Her Her name literally means woman- snake, and she was considered a mother and earth goddess. She was associated with midwifery. Interestingly, Cihuacoatl was the title borne by one of the rulers in Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. The Cihuacoatle handled internal affairs of the city.

68 Cihuacoatl Gems to work with Cihuacoatl green jade, stone of magic, dysfuntional relationships, mother, purification, assists both the cellular and skeletal structures to re-bind themselves. Removal of pain in the kidneys.

69 When She Appears Cihuacoatl is the creatrix. She uses a mortar and pestle of jade and grinds the bones and mixes with blood to create humanity. She is the first woman who gave birth. When Cihuacoatl appears, she is here to remind you that you have the power of Malinalxochitl: to be present, to be a leader, to be a priestess, to create community. She reminds you that you care about humanity, thinking of society as a whole.

70 Coatlicue

71 Coatlicue Coatlicue (skirt of snakes) is another emanation of the Earth Goddess. She took the place of Itzpapalotl when the Mexica began sedentary agricultura. She is associated with death and the fertility of the earth. She is associated with mature corn and medicinal plants. All those practicing medicine call to her. In mythology, she gave birth to the moon, the stars, and Huitzilopochtli. Toci and Cihuacoatl were aspects of her.

72 Her Symbols skirt of serpents the snakes are related to regeneration and fertility Necklace of hands and hearts a reminder that everything we do must come from the heart Her head, two snake heads duality, cycles The skull on her back reminds us of our mortality, and to be present. Claws on her feet be totally grounded Tlatecuhtli is underneath her feet

73 Gems for Working with Coatlicue Coatlicue Hematite: This stone assists in the focusing of energy and emotions for balance between body, mind and spirit. Transforms the negativity in the purity of the universal light of love. Good to have a soft meditative state, providing for smooth grounding and bringing tranquility and emotion clarity. Iron: This metal can bring mental and emotional balance, openness and receptivity to tranquility and abundance. Invulnerability, diplomacy. Strengthen the reproductive system

74 When She Appears Coatlicue embodies the whole energies: the dark and light, all that is opposite and complementary. When you need to be grounded in the earth, when you need to connect with your heart and cut attachments, she invites us to reinvent ourselves, let go of what does not serve us, and to be (truly) honest. This archetype taps into the ancient wisdom of understanding the recurring cycles, helping us understand the lessons so that we can become our best and highest selves. Each time that a woman heals herself, she helps me to heal the earth that is me. Everything is sacred.

75 Así ha sido dicho Así ha sido nombrado

76 Questions?