Sacred Cosmology

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SACRED COSMOLOGY *

Precolumbian Mesoamerican Symbolism

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

CONTENTS

Ei!ra" # Preliminary No$e

C"a$er % In$ro&uc$ion $o Precolumbian Symbolo!y

C"a$er ' Mesoamerican Symbolo!y

C"a$er ( Symbols) My$"s) an& Ri$es

C"a$er * T"e Cen$er an& $"e A+is

C"a$er , T"e Precolumbian -orl&

C"a$er . Some P"iloso"ical Mis$a/es

C"a$er 0 Cer$ain Peculiari$ies in $"e 1ision o2 $"e

-orl&

C"a$er 3 Ini$ia$ion

C"a$er 4 T"e Re&isco5ery o2 America

C"a$er %6 Cosmo!ony an& T"eo!ony

C"a$er %% Cosmos an& Dei$y

C"a$er %' Fallin! an& Risin! Ener!iesC"a$er %( Some Fun&amen$al Symbols

C"a$er %* Numerical an& Geome$rical Symbols

C"a$er %, Cons$ruc$i5e Symbols

C"a$er %. Sacre& Plan$s an& Animals

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C"a$er %0 Ar$ an& Cosmo!ony

C"a$er %3 My$"olo!y an& $"e Popol Vuh

C"a$er %4 Some Toics 7earin! on $"e Calen&ars

C"a$er '6 T"e Mesoamerican Calen&ars7I7LIOGRAP8Y

T"e re&isco5ery o2 America 2i5e "un&re& years a2$er $"e 5oya!e o2

A&miral Columbus

9A syn$"e$ic an& 2un&amen$al :or/) :"ic" no$ only &eals :i$" $"e Precolumbian)

i$s cosmo!ony an& $"eo!ony) bu$ cons$i$u$es an in$ro&uc$ion $o symbolo!y) an&

sacre& cosmolo!y; Fe&erico Gon<=le< o22ers us $"e oor$uni$y $o un&ers$an&) in

$"eir essen$ials) $"e ancien$ American cul$ures) as :ell as $"e 9rimi$i5e)9 arc"aic)an& $ra&i$ional cul$ures in !eneral; T"e symbolical sacrali$y o2 na$ure >roc/s) $rees)

animals) s$ars?) my$"s) $"e arc"i$ec$ure o2 $"e $emle an& $"e ci$y) calen&ars)

a!ricul$ure) mai<e >li/e :"ea$ in o$"er laces?) cra2$s) !ames) an& $"e ar$ o2 :ar)music an& son!s) ain$in!s) $a$$ooin!) an& &ances) sacri2ices an& 2es$i5als) mol&)

2or $ra&i$ional man@in ar$icular) "ere) 2or Precolumbians@$"eir &aily e+erience o2

$"e sacre&) $"eir /no:le&!e o2 cosmo!ony) :"ic" re5eals i$sel2 by :ay o2 symbols)

my$"s) an& ri$es) an& :"ic" $"ey /no: an& re#crea$e $"rou!" $"e same@"o:e5ersurrise& :e may be a$ $"e e+$raor&inary 2orms a&o$e& by a cul$ure $"a$) li/e all

$"a$ is li5in!) ac/no:le&!es $"e &ei$y@an& li2e@in ere$ual as$onis"men$; For i$ is

$"e sacre& $"a$ s"aes i$s o:n e+ression@$"a$ o2 $"e :orl& an& our o:n@an& no$

$"e o$"er :ay aroun& accor&in! $o $"e ro!rammin! $"a$ "as been imose& on us;T"ese symbols are resen$ $o&ay) $"e au$"or &eclares) only :ai$in! $o be calle& $o

li2e; 9

NOTE * Transla$ion o2B Fe&erico Gon<=le<) Los Símbolos Precolombinos:

Cosmogonía) Teogonía) Cultura >7arcelonaB E&iciones Obelisco) %434?;

Transla$orB Dr; Rober$ R; 7arr;

All illus$ra$ions are 2rom Mesoamerican co&ices) e+ce$ T; &e 7ryB

Amerika >C"; I?) an& Atlas Durán >C"; 1?;

;

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SACRED COSMOLOGY


The true Father, Ñamandu, the First,out of a small portion of his own divinity,out of the wisdom contained in his own divinity,

and by virtue of his creative wisdom,caused there to be engendered flames, and the soft mist.

Having arisen majesticallyout of the wisdom contained in his own divinity,

and by virtue of his creative wisdom,he conceived the origin of human language.

Out of the wisdom contained in his own divinity,and by virtue of his creative wisdom,

our Father created the foundation of human language,and caused it to form part of his own divinity.Before the earth eisted,

amidst the primordial dar!ness,before !nowledge of things was had,

he created what would be the foundation of human language,and the true First Father, Ñamandu,

caused it to form part of his own divinity.Having conceived the origin of the human language to come,

out of the wisdom contained in his own divinity,and by virtue of his creative wisdom,

he conceived the foundation of love.Before the earth eisted,amidst the primordial dar!ness,

before !nowledge of things was had,and in virtue of his creative wisdom,

he conceived the origin of love.Having created the foundation of human language,

having created a small portion of love,out of the wisdom contained in his own divinity,

and by virtue of his creative wisdom,the origin of a single sacred hymn he created in his aloneness.

Before the earth eisted,amidst the primordial dar!ness,before things were !nown,

he created in his aloneness the origin of a sacred hymn.

La literatura de los guaraníes, collect. and trans. "e#n $adogan. %&eico



$ity' (oa)un &orti+, -/0

PRELIMINARY NOTE

T"is boo/ "as i$s ori!in in a number o2 years o2 s$u&y con&uc$e& by $"e

au$"or on $"e subec$; More $"an 2i2$een o2 $"ose years :ere sen$ in situ)

in 7ra<il) Colombia) Ecua&or) Peru) Cos$a Rica) Me+ico) an& Gua$emala;

T"e au$"or "as li/e:ise &e5o$e& se5eral erio&s o2 $ime $o researc" in

libraries an& museums o2 Euroe an& $"e ni$e& S$a$es; T:o o2 $"ec"a$ers o2 $"is boo/ :ere rea& by $"e au$"or a$ a seminar on Symbolism

"el& a$ $"e Marcelino Menn&e< y Pelayo In$erna$ional ni5ersi$y o2

San$an&er) Sain) in %430; T"e 5olume i$sel2) is resen$e& as a

con$ribu$ion $o $"e s$u&y o2 $"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ion) as i$ &eals :i$"

$"e cosmo!ony an& $"eo!ony o2 $"e na$i5e eoles as re5eale& $"rou!"

$"eir cul$ural symbols;

No sooner "a& $"e au$"or be!un $o concei5e $"e no$ion o2 a :or/ on

Precolumbian symbolism) $"an "e no$ice& $"a$ i$s ersec$i5e :oul&

scarcely be !rase& :i$"ou$ a reliminary e+osi$ion o2 cer$ain i&eas>symbol) my$") ri$e) $ra&i$ional socie$y) an& so on?@$"a$ is) :i$"ou$ $"e

$"eore$ical 2rame:or/ :i$"in :"ic" "is :or/ is comrise&; In s"or$) no$

only mus$ "is boo/ $rea$ o2 $"e Precolumbian) i$s cosmo!ony) an& i$s

$"eo!ony) bu$ i$ :oul& "a5e $o cons$i$u$e an in$ro&uc$ion $o Symbolo!y;

A :or/ o2 $"is $ye mus$ necessarily be syn$"e$ic >almos$ an ou$line?B i$

:ill $"ere2ore be imossible $o consi&er $"e subec$s uon :"ic" :e

s"all $ouc" in $"e :eal$" an& scoe $"a$ eac" o2 $"em &eser5es; Suc"

roec$s mus$ be reser5e& 2or la$er occasions; 8o:e5er) :e $"in/ $"a$

$"is :or/ :ill o22er an oor$uni$y 2or an essen$ial un&ers$an&in! o2 $"eancien$ American cul$ures@an& o2 $"e 9rimi$i5e)9 arc"aic) an&

$ra&i$ional cul$ures in !eneral@as :ell as ro5i&e a launc"in! a& 2or

2ur$"er researc" an& :or/ 2or $"ose in$eres$e& in symbol an&

Precolumbian cul$ures; T"e au$"or may as :ell a&mi$ $"a$ $"is is :"a$

"as "aene& in "is o:n case; T"e s$u&y o2 In&ian $ra&i$ional symbols

con$ribu$e& $o "is un&ers$an&in! o2 uni5ersal symbols) an& $"e



/no:le&!e o2 $"ese uni5ersal symbols enable& "im $o comre"en&

cer$ain elemen$s o2 $"e $"ou!"$ an& cosmo!ony o2 $"e Precolumbians;

T"is s$u&y is a&&resse& $o $"e nonsecialis$@al$"ou!" e+er$s may

er"as be able $o &ra: some ro2i$ 2rom i$@an&) as :e "a5e sai&) is 2or ersons asirin! $o an in$ernal assimila$ion o2 Symbolo!y an& i$s

2unc$ionin!) as :ell as 2or $"ose :"o are in$ri!ue& by) an& 2eel &ra:n

$o:ar&) Precolumbian or arc"aic cul$ures;

T"e au$"or :oul& li/e $o e+ress "is &ee arecia$ion "ere $o $"e

in&us$rious c"roniclers) commen$a$ors) an& researc"ers o2 all $imes)

2orei!n an& American) $"an/s $o :"om $"e :ri$in! o2 $"is boo/ "as been

ossible@a boo/ mean$ $o be) $o $"e e+$en$ o2 i$s caaci$ies) a "oma!e $o

na$i5e $"ou!"$@an& :"ose :or/s) some) are ci$e& in $"e $e+$ an& $"e

biblio!ra"y;

Finally) $"e au$"or :is"es $o !o on recor& as belie5in! in $"e ac$i5a$in!

caaci$y o2 symbols) in $"eir $rans2orma$ory 5ir$ue) us$ as "e main$ains

$"a$ $"ese symbols are resen$ $o&ay) only :ai$in! $o be recalle& $o li2e;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

1

INTRODCTION TO PRECOLM7IAN SYM7OLOGY

T"e socie$y $o :"ic" :e belon!) our con$emorary socie$y) "as

concei5e& $"e no$ion $"a$ Go&@$"e ori!inal uni$y@is mans in5en$ion)

al$"ou!" some o2 i$s members $"in/ ra$"er $"a$ $"e &ei$y is a "uman

&isco5ery ro&uce& a$ a cer$ain s$a!e o2 "is$ory; In bo$" cases) i$ is man

:"o crea$es Go&) in absolu$e con$ra&ic$ion o2 $"e unanimous asser$ion o2

all $ra&i$ions an& ci5ili<a$ions on recor&) :"ic" &eclare an& es$ablis" $"ecorrec$ "ierarc"ical rela$ion be$:een crea$or an& crea$ure;

T"is 2la!ran$ in5ersion is a lo!ical conseuence o2 our curren$ i!norance

:"ere $"e sacre& is concerne&) an i!norance $"a$ obli!es us

unconsciously $o 9"umani<e9 $"e conce$ o2 Go&) $o an$"roomor"i<e

i$@:"ic" is $an$amoun$ $o re&ucin! $"e &ei$y $o $"e ca$e!ories o2 "uman



$"ou!"$ an& conce$ion; -e are obli!e& $o minimi<e $"e conce$ o2 Go&

$o $"e scale o2 $o&ays men an& $"e narro:ness o2 $"eir 5ision; 8ence $"e

la$$er 2in& no$"in! be$$er $o &o $"an $o u$ $"e !o&s $o &ea$") $o 9belie5e9

no lon!er in $"em bu$ ra$"er in $"e 9"uman9@:"ic") alas) is $a/en 2or

ro!ress@as i2 i$ :ere ossible 2or $"e cosmic an& "armonic ener!ies

:"ose rinciles $"e &ei$ies e+ress $o cease $o be or e+is$ by 5ir$ue o2

$"e simle e+e&ien$ o2 &enyin! $"em;

-e are accus$ome& $o re!ar& $"e Gree/) Roman) E!y$ian) C"al&ean) or

Mayan an$"eons@or e5en $"ose o2 $"e He:s) C"ris$ians) Muslims)

8in&us) or 7u&&"is$s@as i2 $"eir !o&s :ere $"e ri5a$e roer$y o2 $"ose

eoles an& reli!ions) an& 2ur$"ermore) as i2 $"ese !o&s :ere al$o!e$"er

&i22eren$ 2rom one ano$"er) "a5in! er2ec$ly ar$icular i&en$i$ies in a

classi2ie& ima!inary sys$em; T"us) $"e reali$y o2 $"e sacre& is re&uce& $o

mans 9secula$i5e9 caaci$y@or $o a memo in a 2ile cabine$; Ye$ i$ asses

unobser5e& $"a$ $"ese same men "a5e ac/no:le&!e& $"e &ei$y by :ay o2

9numbers)9 or "armonic measures as a$$erns or mo&ules o2 uni5ersal

$"ou!"$ an& $"e e+ression o2 $"e arc"e$yal i&eas; T"ese arc"e$yal

i&eas are al:ays resen$@as cons$i$u$i5e ar$s o2 $"e cosmos) as $"ese

eoles calen&ars re2lec$@an& $"e symbols reresen$ $"em; T"eir ener!y#

2orce "as ne5er cease& $o mani2es$ i$sel2) nor e5er :ill) as lon! as $ime

an& sace e+is$;

T"e same $"in! occurs in $"e case o2 $"e s$ars an& lane$s) esecially $"e

Sun) $"e Moon) 1enus) an& $"e Pleia&es; 8ere :e "a5e symbols o2 $"e

!o&s on a &e$ermina$e le5el; T"ere are lane$s an& cons$ella$ions $"a$

"a5e cer$ainly sur5i5e& $"e Gree/s) Romans) E!y$ians) C"al&eans) an&

Mayans) an& :e can e5en obser5e $"em :i$" $"e na/e& eye on a clear

ni!"$; T"ese s$ars an& lane$s si!ni2y $"e cosmic ener!ies $"a$ are $"e

e+ressions o2 $"e &i5ine rinciles) an& i$ is essen$ial $o recall $"a$ i$ is

$"ese same s$ars an& lane$s o2 $o&ay $"a$ :ere con$emla$e& in $"e

celes$ial 5aul$@barely 2i5e cen$uries a!o) be2ore $"e 9&isco5ery o2

America9@by $"e Precolumbian eoles; T"ose eoles i&en$i2ie& $"em)

in $"eir cosmo!ony) :i$" ar$icular /ey i&eas) :"ose mani2es$a$ion@ 5isible in all $"in!s@$"ey e+ress in $"e immensi$y o2 $"a$ s/y on :"ic"

$"e ear$" an& man &een&;

-e are o$"er ersons) :e :"o &:ell benea$" $"e 2irmamen$) on $"e lan&

$"e ancien$ American* ci5ili<a$ions :or/e& bu$ numbers) an& $"e s$ars@

$"ose incarna$ions o2 $"e e$ernal rinciles@are s$ill $"e same) an& are as

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ali5e as $"e &ei$ies) :"ic") 2or $"eir ar$) con$inue $o be e+resse& as

na$ural an& a$mos"eric "enomena) an& as syc"ic an& siri$ual

ener!ies) e5er resen$ in crea$ion; A2$er all) :e /no: $"a$ !o&s &o no$

&ie) an& $"is is recisely :"a$ "as ma&e $"em immor$al in e5ery $ime an&

lace; Or be$$er) $"ey are immor$al because $"ey "a5e &ie& $o &ea$" an&

can &ie no lon!er; T"e sacri2ice& !o& rises a!ain) is re!enera$e&) an&

$rans2orms "is ener!ies) crys$alli<in! $"em in "ea5en@"is au$"en$ic

&:ellin!) 2rom :"ic" "e "as ac$ually come@un&er $"e 2orm o2 a lane$) a

symbol o2 $"e rincile $o :"ic" $"is !o& $es$i2ies in an ac$i5e) mani2es$

manner; In&ee&) $"e !o&s are an$erior $o $"is crea$ion) an& $"eir sacri2ice

is ac$ually :"a$ ro&uces i$ 9:"en i$ :as s$ill ni!"$)9 as $"e Teo$i"uacan

my$" $ells us;

Foun&a$ion o2 Tenoc"$i$lan) Codex endo!a

T"e Precolumbian cosmo!onies cons$i$u$e a mo&ali$y o2 $"e arc"e$yal



Cosmo!ony >in :"ic" man is inclu&e&?) ou$ beyon& any ersonal

secula$ion) an& &esi$e $"e 5arie$y o2 2orms or mo&es in :"ic" i$ is

e+resse& in accor&ance :i$" $"e c"arac$eris$ics o2 sace) $ime) or

manner@:"ic" bo$" conceal an& re5eal i$s ro$o$yal con$en$) i$s

essence; T"is is :"y $"ese cosmo!onies are s$ill ali5e $o&ay) in $"e

in&i!enous eoles symbols an& my$"s) :ai$in! $o be e+erience&

$"rou!" /no:le&!e o2 $"em) $"rou!" $"eir in5oca$ion) in or&er 2or $"em

$o !enera$e all o2 $"e ma!ni$u&e o2 $"eir o$en$ial ener!y; Ancien$ men

"a5e &isaeare&) bu$ no$ $"eir e$ernal !o&s@Jue$<alcKa$l) u/ul/an)

1iracoc"a @:"o s$ill li5e :i$" us) an& s"ae a lar!e ar$ o2 $"e "is$ory o2

our American coun$ries an& >al$"ou!" :e &o no$ no$ice i$? our o:n

"is$ory;

Ac$ually) many millions o2 ersons@in $"e nor$") mi&&le) an& sou$" o2

America@s$ill call uon $"em in ancien$ $ra&i$ional ri$es) as :ell as un&er

&i22eren$ reli!ious 2orms o2 2ol/lore; T"e &ei$y) in i$sel2) is $"e same 2or

all o2 $"e eoles :"o /no: i$) re!ar&less o2 :"a$ $"ey call i$) or o2 $"e

ar$icular s"ae i$ $a/es; T"is is 5ali& 2or all $ra&i$ions) li5in! or &ea&)

since $"e &ei$y is ul$ima$ely one alone) al$"ou!" i$s mani2es$a$ions be

mul$ile; -"en $"e Na"ua$l sa!es) $"e tlamatinime) :ere ues$ione&

abou$ $"eir belie2s by $"e 2irs$ $:el5e Ca$"olic reli!ious $o arri5e in

Me+ico) an& "ear& 2rom $"e lis o2 $"eir inuisi$ors $"a$ $"eir !o&s no

lon!er e+is$e&) $"ey as/e& $o &ie :i$" $"em; T"en $"ey acce$e& $o sea/

calmly; 9-e :ill $al/ a bi$) :e s"all re5eal $"e secre$) $"e ar/ o2 Our

Lor&;9 9You "a5e sai& $"a$ :e &o no$ /no: $"e Lor& closely an&in$ima$ely) $"e one $o :"om $"e "ea5ens an& $"e ear$" belon!; You "a5e

sai& $"a$ our !o&s are no$ $rue; T"is is a ne: :or& $"a$ you u$$er) an& so

:e are &is$urbe&) an& so :e are uncom2or$able; Our 2orebears) you see)

$"ose :"o "a5e been) $"ose :"o "a5e li5e& uon $"e ear$") :ere no$

accus$ome& $o sea/ in $"is :ay;9 -"ereuon) in simle 2as"ion) $"a$

$"ey mi!"$ be un&ers$oo&) $"ey enumera$e& an& &escribe& a series o2

ima!es o2 $"e &i5ini$y) $"eir $ra&i$ion) an& $"eir ri$ual) :"ic")

inci&en$ally) correson&e& $o C"ris$ian analo!ues; T"en $"ey summe&

uB 9-e /no: $o :"om :e o:e li2e) $o :"om :e o:e bir$") $o :"om

:e o:e !enera$ion) $o :"om :e o:e !ro:$") "o: :e mus$ ray) "o::e mus$ beseec";9

As :e see by $"eir o:n :or&s) $"e tlamatinime :ere simly incaable o2

!rasin! $"e missionaries roosi$ion; I$ :as beyon& $"em; 8o: coul&

"uman bein!s suress $"e !o&s by &ecree An& "o: coul& $"e one

reali$y) $"e one cer$ain $"in!) be anni"ila$e& by illusions an& s"a&o:

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Le$ us "ear $"emB 9Surely :e s$ill &o no$ belie5e :"a$ you say; -e &o

no$ "ol& i$ 2or $"e $ru$") $"ou!" $"is may o22en& you;92

O22en&e& or no$) $"e conuis$a&ors rocee&e& $o abolis" $"e

Precolumbians ima!e o2 $"e :orl&) sace) an& $ime) $"eir conce$ion o2li2e an& man) an& $"eir my$"s an& ri$es; T"ey &es$roye& nearly $"e

$o$ali$y o2 $"eir cul$ure; An& since) un2or$una$ely) $"ese cul$ures are

seemin!ly &ea&) in or&er $o "ear $"em :e mus$ 2ollo: a &i22icul$ rocess

o2 recons$ruc$ion) by :ay o2 i$s 2ra!men$s) incomle$e co&es an&

monumen$s) $"e c"ronicles o2 $"e conuis$a&ors) an& 5arious o$"er

$es$imonials) as :ell as by s$ill li5in! cul$ural remnan$s) o2 2ol/lore)

&ance) $"e &esi!ns :rou!"$ on 2abric an& bas/e$:or/) an& so on; 7u$

esecially) :e s"all be on 2irm 2oo$in! i2 :e a$$en& $o $"ese cul$ures

clear) recise cosmo!onic an& $"eo!onic symbols an& my$"s >:"ic"

correson& $o $"e symbols an& my$"s o2 o$"er eoles?) inclu&in! $"eir

mo&el o2 $"e uni5erse an& $"eir cul$ural s$ruc$ures@e5i&en$) 2or e+amle)

in $"e cons$ruc$i5e symbol) :i$" i$s !eome$rical an& numerical basis;

T"is :ill enable us $o ma/e an analo!ical aroac" $o a /no:le&!e o2

$"e In&ians $ra&i$ions) an& $o "a5e a su22icien$ly &is$inc$ 5ision o2 $"em)

a$ leas$ as $"e 2oun&a$ion o2 an a$$em$ $o !ras $"em in $"eir essence) so

$"a$ $"ey :ill no lon!er si!ni2y only mourn2ul ruins or meanin!less

relics) or an un/no:n) "yo$"e$ical) an& !lorious as$ o2 :"ic" :e

remain al$o!e$"er i!noran$; On $"e o$"er "an&) as :e "a5e sai&) &esi$e

$"e lun&er) sys$ema$ic anni"ila$ion) an& mani2ol& "arassmen$ $"ey "a5e

su22ere&) $"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ions are s$ill ali5e an& 2louris"in!)

re5eale& in $"eir symbols) in $"eir my$"s) an& in $"eir cosmo!ony) in

$"eir arc"e$yal i&eas) $"eir "armonious mo&ules) an& $"eir !o&s) :"ic"

only :ai$ $o be calle& bac/ $o li2e in or&er $o ac$uali<e $"eir o$ency;

T"a$ is) $"ey nee& only be are"en&e&) un&ers$oo& :i$" $"e "ear$) in

or&er $o ac$ uon us;

3O456* No$e 2rom $"e $ransla$orB T"e au$"or ma/es use o2 $"e $erms America an&

American) $"rou!"ou$ $"is :or/) in $"eir mos$ e+$ensi5e meanin!) inclu&in!

in $"em no$ only Nor$" America >;S;A; an& Cana&a?) bu$ also Cen$ral an&

Sou$" America;

O2 :"om i$ is sai& $"a$ $"ey are $o re$urn;

2 "l libro de los Colo#uios de los Doce) c"a; . o2 $"e Na"ua$l $e+$ ublis"e& by -; Le"mann;


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;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

II

MESOAMERICAN SYM7OLOGY

One o2 $"e mos$ s$ri/in! $"in!s :e encoun$er in our s$u&y o2 $"e

Precolumbian socie$ies is $"e coinci&ence) o2 almos$ all o2 $"e Euroeans

:"o :ri$e o2 $"e Conuis$a) an& e5en o2 au$"ors o2 la$er cen$uries) $"a$

$"e na$i5es ei$"er :ere o2 He:is" ori!in) or "a& alrea&y been

C"ris$iani<e& in $"e as$) or in some con2use& 2as"ion &eri5e& $"eir/no:le&!e an& $ra&i$ions 2rom $"e Ol& -orl&; T"e oinions o2 $"ese

:ri$ers :ere &oub$less base& on $"e similari$y o2 symbols) my$"s) an&

cul$ural s$yles $"a$) al$"ou!" $"ey $oo/ &i22eren$ 2orms) :ere ne5er$"eless

analo!ous $o $"eir o:n; T"is is in&ica$e& by Franciscans Fray

7ernar&ino &e Sa"a!n an& Mo$olinQa) by Dominican Die!o Dur=n) an&

Hesui$ Hose" &e Acos$a) as :ell as by Men&ie$a) Las Casas)

Toruema&a) LKe< &e GKmara) Ramos Ga5il=n) Gre!orio GarcQa) an&

$"e 5as$ maori$y o2 $"e c"roniclers;





Codex adrid

T"e case is $"e same :i$" $"e la$er commen$a$ors) li/e 1ey$ia an&

Cla5iero) $o name bu$ $:o) all o2 $"em bein! ersons o2 $"e C"urc" or5erse& in reli!ious) "iloso"ical) an& $"eolo!ical ma$$ers;2 Tru$" $o $ell)

$"e i&en$i$ies an& similari$ies be$:een C"ris$iani$y) i$s symbols) my$"s)

an& ri$es) an& $"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ion are in&ee& e+cee&in!ly

numerous;7 Firs$ come $"e American $"eo!onies) in :"ic" $"e i&eas o2 a

Sureme 7ein!) a crea$i5e !o&) an& a ci5ili<in! an& sal5i2ic &ei$y s"ae

a !enesis an& an aocalyse) a &ea$" an& a resurrec$ion boun& u :i$"

sacri2ice an& cyclical $rans2orma$ion; Ne+$ come cer$ain my$"s) suc" as

$"a$ o2 $"e 5ir!ini$y o2 $"e mo$"er o2 a "ero !o& an& "is bir$" :i$"ou$ $"e

nee& 2or a 2a$"er) in con$ra5en$ion o2 $"e la:s o2 na$ure) :"ic" aears

reea$e&ly;

T"e 2ormer are obser5e& in $"e ci5ili<a$ion o2 Me+icos cen$ral 5alley)

amon! $"e In&ians o2 Nicara!ua an& Cos$a Rica) $"ose o2 7o!o$a) $"ose

o2 Jui$o) an& o$"er !rous belon!in! $o $"e Incan Emire) suc" as $"e

8aroc"iri) an& e5en $"e Guarani o2 Para!uay an& 7ra<il; T"ey are

/no:n as :ell by $"e Zuni an& o$"er na$i5es o2 $"e ni$e& S$a$es an&







Pa$a!onia in Ar!en$ina; T"e la$$er emer!e more clearly amon! $"e

N="ua$l an& A<$ecs >$"e !o&s Jue$<alcKa$l an& 8ui$<ilooc"$li are sons

o2 5ir!ins?) an& amon! $"e Juic" In&ians o2 Gua$emala >I+balanu

an& 8una") $"eir "eroes ar e+cellence) are sons o2 $"e mai&en

I+cui?; Li/e:ise) $"e C"ibc"a o2 Colombia re5ere a son o2 $"e sun)

concei5e& o2 a 5ir!in by $"e in$erme&iary o2 $"e solar rays an&

1iracoc"a) in Peru) imre!na$es a comely youn! :oman :i$"ou$ "er

bein! a:are o2 i$;8 -e ass o5er cer$ain my$"s li/e $"a$ o2 $"e 2loo&)

/no:n $"rou!"ou$ Precolumbian America) or $"a$ o2 $"e ancien$

e+is$ence o2 !ian$s) coinci&in! :i$" $"e biblical an& Greco#Roman

$ra&i$ions;

7u$ :"a$ really surrise& $"e conuis$a&ors) or $"ose 2e: amon! $"em

:i$" eyes $o see) :as no$"in! less $"an $"e symbol o2 $"e cross) resen$

e5ery:"ere) :"ic") &ue $o circums$ances) "a& $o be "i&&en or no$

men$ione&; In&ee&) $"is reresen$a$ion is e+lici$) in i$s simles$ 2orm or

in &eri5a$ions) alone or oine& in !rous) $"rou!"ou$ $"e American

con$inen$; In 2ac$) $"e symbol o2 :"ic" :e are sea/in!@:"ic" is

cer$ainly Prec"ris$ian@cons$i$u$es $"e cosmolo!ical sc"ema o2 $"ese

cul$ures) an& is al:ays resen$ in $"eir mani2es$a$ions) o2 :"a$e5er /in&

$"ese la$$er may be; -e re2er $o $"e 2our arms) or o$en$ial 2or "ori<on$al

e+ansion in $"e one lane) an& $o $"e cen$er as locus o2 rece$ion an&

syn$"esis o2 $"e 5er$ical ener!y >abo5e#belo:?) :"ic" $"us) by means o2

$"e cross) irra&ia$es $"e $o$ali$y o2 sace;

I$ may be) "o:e5er) $"a$ $"e 2riars a$$en$ion :as cau!"$ more by $"e

similari$y o2 cer$ain Mesoamerican ri$uals :i$" $"e sacramen$s $"ey

&isense&; For e+amle) $"ey sa: $"e rac$ice o2 con2ession amon! $"e

A<$ecs an& Mayas) marria!e) ba$ism@o2 :"ic" $"e re$icen$ Die!o &e

Lan&a) 7is"o o2 Yuca$an) ne5er$"eless asser$s :i$" ri&eB 9T"ere is no

ba$ism in any ar$ o2 $"e In&ies e+ce$ "ere in Yuca$an :"ic" :as no$

$rue) an& i$ is e5en &esi!na$e& :i$" a :or& :"ic" means $o be born

ane: or a!ain9@an& communion; -i$" re!ar& $o communion) :e mus$

recall :"a$ Sa"a!n $ells us in connec$ion :i$" $"e ceremony er2orme&in "onor o2 8ui$<ilooc"$li) in :"ic" $"e eole $oo/ communion by

ea$in! a iece o2 $"e !o&s s$a$ue) ba/e& 2or $"is urose :i$" a s:ee$

subs$ance $"a$ is s$ill oular in Me+ico $o&ay un&er $"e name o2

alegría) 9oy;9/

T"e au$"en$ic consi&era$ion "ere is $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"e ri$ual sacri2ice o2








animals an& $"eir imme&ia$e in!es$ion on cer$ain &a$es an& in cer$ain

laces o2 Precolumbian cul$ure@as is 5eri2iable) 2or $"a$ ma$$er) in almos$

all cul$ures) inclu&in! $o&ays 9rimi$i5e9 communi$ies@reresen$e& a

sacre& ac$ o2 5i$al imor$ance bo$" $o $"e in&i5i&ual an& $o $"e

collec$i5i$y; T"e C"ris$ian Sacramen$ o2 $"e Euc"aris$) by :ay o2 brea&

an& :ine) symboli<es :"a$ o$"er $ra&i$ions e+emli2y by $"eir

correla$i5esB 2les") an& esecially bloo&) as a 2orm o2 communion :i$"

$"e &ei$y; -e belie5e $"a$ i$ mi!"$ be ossible $o un&ers$an&) un&er an

analo!ous ersec$i5e) $"e bloo&y "uman sacri2ices er2orme& in "onor

o2) an& in or&er $o nouris") $"e sun as !enera$or an& reser5er o2 li2e;

A$ all e5en$s) $"ese similari$ies be$:een $"e ci5ili<a$ions o2 $"e Ne: an&

Ol& -orl&s are in no :ise coinci&en$al; To our i!noran$ as$onis"men$)

$"e basic symbols an& my$"s o2 all cul$ures are mani2es$ly an&

essen$ially $"e same;9 Our surrise is so2$ene& :"en :e rocee& $o 5eri2y

an& es$ablis" $"is asser$ion) as :ell as :"en :e re2lec$ $"a$ :"a$ $"ese

symbols an& my$"s ac$ually reresen$@$"a$ is) $"e uni5ersal i&eas $"ey

e+ress@are $"e same e5ery:"ere) bein! &eri5e& 2rom a common

no:le&!e an& Tra&i$ion $"a$ :e mi!"$ call 9non"is$orical)9 or be$$er)

9me$a"is$orical;9 T"is is $"e reason :"y Symbolo!y ma/es use o2 a

comarison amon! $"e symbols o2 &i22eren$ ci5ili<a$ions as a me$"o& o2

s"e&&in! li!"$ on ar$icular symbols; -e s"all use $"is sys$em in $"is

$e+$ 5is##5is ancien$ American cul$ures as a sin!le :"ole@inso2ar as :e

are able@an& $"e mul$i2ace$e& mosaic in :"ic" Precolumbian $"ou!"$ ise+resse&;

No one $o&ay seriously &enies $"e sacre& ori!in o2 e5ery ci5ili<a$ion) in

$"e sense $"a$ $"is ori!in is my$"ical an& me$a"ysical@as $"ese $ra&i$ions

roclaim i$@an& $"a$ 2rom i$ are &eri5e& $"eir /no:le&!e) ar$s) sciences)

an& in&us$ries) inclu&in! $"e 2oun&a$ion o2 $"eir ci$y >:"en $"ey are

se&en$ary?) an& $"e name or i&en$i$y o2 $"eir in"abi$an$s; In $"is sense)

$"ese mani2es$a$ions :oul& aear $o reson& unanimously $o an

arc"e$yal i&ea 2rom :"ic" 2lo: cul$ural mo&els an& reli!ious)

economico#social) an& oli$ical s$ruc$ures) be"a5iors) usa!es) an&cus$oms; T"is is :"y :e can 2in&@&esi$e $"e 5arie& 2orms in :"ic"

$"ese $ra&i$ional cul$ures are e+resse&@suc" as$onis"in! analo!ies

amon! $"emB $"e e+ressions all re2er $o $"e same $"in!; T"is enables us)

in our o:n $urn) $o crea$e eually surrisin! rela$ions an& assimila$ions;

8is$orians o2 reli!ions limi$ $"e cul$ure $"ey are s$u&yin!) an& loca$e i$ in








sace an& $ime; T"e bes$ o2 $"em) "o:e5er) :i$" Mircea Elia&e a$ $"eir

"ea&) carry $"eir in5es$i!a$ions $o $"e 5ery s$ruc$ure o2 $"e reli!ious)

e+ressin! $"e a$emoral ori!in o2 $"e la$$er; Symbolo!y $a/es in$o

consi&era$ion only secon&arily $"e "is$orical con&i$ions in :"ic" $"e

symbol is ro&uce&; On $"e con$rary) i$ em"asi<es non"is$orical@$"a$ is)

essen$ial an& arc"e$yal@5alues; 7u$ $"e main $"in! $"a$ &is$in!uis"es $"e

symbolo!is$ 2rom $"e "is$orian o2 reli!ions is $"e a$$i$u&e :i$" :"ic"

eac" o2 $"em con2ron$s /no:le&!e; T"e symbolo!is$ &oes no$ $a/e

symbols) my$"s) or ri$es merely as s$a$ic obec$s >:i$" a "is$ory?) bu$ also

as &ynamic subec$s) e5er resen$) an& mani2es$in! $"emsel5es in $"e

no:; To u$ i$ ano$"er :ay) $"e symbolo!is$ $a/es symbols) my$"s) an&

ri$es as caable o2 er2ormin! a me&ia$in! 2unc$ion be$:een :"a$ $"ey

e+ress in $"e sensible or&er) an& $"e in5isible ener!y@$"e i&ea@$"a$ "as

!enera$e& $"em;

In $"is sense) symbols "a5e no "is$ory@no$ only in $"a$ $"ey "a5e no

$emoral ori!in) bu$ because $"e maori$y o2 $"em are common) an&

aear in 5ery many $ra&i$ions seara$e& in $ime an& sace >as i2 $"ey

:ere consubs$an$ial :i$" man an& :i$" li2e?; T"ey ac$ually occur in

i&en$ical 2orm) a$ $imes) e5en in $"eir mos$ remo$e si!ni2ica$ions >in $"e

area o2 9:i$c"cra2$)9 2or e+amle?) mani2es$a$ions $"a$ are oen $o

obser5a$ion an& un&ers$an&in! by anyone :i$" a li$$le a$ience an& !oo&

2ai$"; T"is lea&s $o $"e reco!ni$ion o2 a common ori!in) or $o an

acce$ance o2 $"e i&ea o2 a unanimous "is$orical $ra&i$ion) :"ic" issurely 5ali& i2 :e consi&er cer$ain enormous cycles $"a$ inclu&e no$ only

&o<ens o2 cul$ures@$"e maori$y bein! i!nore&@bu$ also ro2oun&

!eo!ra"ical al$era$ions in $"e ear$") suc" as c"an!es in $"e osi$ion o2

$"e oles) in correson&ence :i$" celes$ial "enomenon) an& so on; :

T"is is $"e reason :"y $"e symbolo!is$ re2ers $o $a/e $"e symbol as i$ is

in i$sel2 >:i$"ou$ ne!lec$in! i$s con$e+$?B in i$s caaci$y no$ only as one

obec$ comare& $o ano$"er obec$) bu$ also as $"e subec$ o2 an e5er

e+is$in! reali$y $"a$ "as s"ae& i$) :"ic" reali$y i$ e+resses in &irec$

2as"ion; -"a$ is o2 in$eres$ $o Symbolo!y is $"e i&ea $"a$ $"e symbolmani2es$s an& a$ $"e same $ime conceals; T"us) $"e symbolo!is$ asires

no$ only $o a "is$orical) or merely in$ellec$ual) un&ers$an&in! o2 symbol)

bu$ $o i$s me$a"ysical /no:le&!e) $o i$s sura#in$ellec$ual are"ension

>ob$aine& by :ay o2 i$s cooera$ion?) $o $"e i&en$i2ica$ion or incarna$ion

o2 $"e essence o2 :"ic" $"e symbol or my$" mani2es$s; T"is is :"a$ :as

&one by $"e members o2 $"e eoles :"o &esi!ne& $"ese symbols; E5en





no:) $"ey use symbols as co!ni$i5e suor$s or 5e"icles be$:een

&i22eren$ le5els o2 a reali$y $"a$ $"ey re!ar& as one an& sacre&) $"e reali$y

$"a$ is a$$es$e& by $"ese symbols an& my$"s; To u$ i$ in ano$"er :ayB $"e

symbolo!is$ &oes no$ concern "imsel2) e+ce$ secon&arily) :i$" symbols

in a "is$orical or simly 9in$ellec$ual9 ersec$i5e) bu$ $a/es accoun$ o2

$"e i&en$i$y o2 $ra&i$ional symbols as $"ey aear in 5arious $imes an&

laces@ma$erial $"a$ "e "as ob$aine& 2rom $"e "is$ory o2 reli!ions an&

2rom comara$i5e reli!ions@see/in! $o un&ers$an&) e+erience) or

incarna$e $"e conce$) or $"e i&ea) $"a$ symbols reresen$ an& :"ose

emissaries $"ey are;- T"is is esecially 5ali& in $"e s$u&y o2 an&

me&i$a$ion uon "uman) $"a$ is) cul$ural) mani2es$a$ions in $"eir uali$y

as cons$i$u$i5e o2 a symbolic :"ole) in :"ic" $"e $race o2 an in5isible)

e$ernal@arc"e$yal@"is$ory is roec$e& in $"e $emoral 2orms o2 $"e

5isible;

II

-e "a5e alrea&y in&ica$e& in our Preliminary No$e) :i$" a ersonal

re2erence) $"a$ :e "a5e no$ $ransose& li$erally $o $"e Precolumbian

$ra&i$ion :"a$ :e "a5e learne& o2 o$"er $ra&i$ional ci5ili<a$ions in our

s$u&ies; On $"e con$rary) "a5in! s$eee& oursel5es in $"e :orl& o2 $"e

ancien$ Americans) $"eir a$mos"ere) $"eir co&es) an& $"eir :ays) :"ic"

are 2amiliar $o us) :e "a5e come $o un&ers$an& $"e i&en$i$y o2 $"esymbols) my$"s) an& ri$es o2 unanimous Tra&i$ion) :"e$"er ali5e or

seemin!ly &ea&; Doub$less $"e sc"ema$a o2 our $"in/in!) our manner o2

concei5in! $"in!s an& o2 aroac"in! $"e Precolumbian as$) are

Euroean) as are $"ose o2 all o2 $"e researc"ers :e /no:; T"is is &ue $o

our e&uca$ion; T"e men$al s$ruc$ures o2 all -es$erners $o&ay@an& $"is is

:"a$ :e are@are analo!ous) be!innin! :i$" $"e &e$ermina$ion imose&

by lo!ic an& lin!uis$ic sc"ema$a) us$ as are our !ui&elines o2 learnin!

an& be"a5ior) e5en $"ou!" many o2 us 2ail $o no$ice $"is) or e5en &eny i$;

A$ $"e same $ime) le$ us no$e $"a$ $o "a5e been born in a ar$icular lace

in $"e Ne: -orl&) or $"e 2ac$ o2 "a5in! $"e same bloo& as $"e eoles

:"o crea$e& $"e Precolumbian ci5ili<a$ions) or e5en $"e 2ac$ o2 sea/in!

$"eir lan!ua!e) is only a secon&ary a&5an$a!e :"en i$ comes $o

un&ers$an&in! $"e ori!inal in&i!enous cosmo!ony;; Gree/s $o&ay /no:

ne+$ $o no$"in! o2 $"eir my$"ic as$ an& $"eir ancien$ 9belie2s;9 E5en in

Pla$os era $"e maori$y :ere :i&ely i!noran$ o2 $"em; In o$"er cases) i$







may "aen $"a$ a li5in! $ra&i$ion) $"e 8in&u) 2or e+amle) may be

un&ers$oo& an& li5e&@in :"a$ i$ is in i$sel2@more ro2oun&ly an& $ruly by

someone no$ born in$o i$ $"an by a simle &e5o$ee cau!"$ 2as$ in

suers$i$ion an& a con2usion o2 ima!es) as !enerally occurs :i$" $"e

maori$y o2 8in&us $o&ay; I$ is a &i22eren$ ma$$er :"en $"ose :"o

comose a $ra&i$ion /no: er2ec$ly) an& no$ only e+$ernally or

suer2icially) $"e meanin! o2 $"eir symbols) my$"s) an& ri$es@:"ic" mus$

al:ays be learne&@an& esecially :"en i$ is ui$e e5i&en$ $o $"em :"a$

$"ese $"in!s are) $"a$ is) :"en $"ey un&ers$an& $"eir me&ia$in! an&

$ranscen&en$al 2unc$ion) in$e!ra$e& in$o $"e 2rame:or/ o2 an ori!inal

cosmo!ony) :"ic" $"ey &escribe; T"en $"e e+erience o2 $"is

cosmo!ony ro&uces a s$a$e o2 consciousness $"a$ can be aroac"e&

$"an/s $o an ini$ia$ion in$o $"e /no:le&!e e5o/e& by $"e symbols) my$"s)

an& ri$es $"emsel5es;

Cer$ainly one :"o "as e+erience& $"ese conce$s an& reco!ni<e& $"e

2orms in :"ic" $"ey mani2es$ $"emsel5es) !enera$in! $"is cul$ure or $"a$

one) :ill $"ereuon be able $o un&ers$an& $"e essence o2 $"a$ cul$ure) i$s

raison &$re@inclu&in! i$s "is$orical raison &$re@i$s i&ea o2 sace) o2

$ime) o2 mo5emen$) o2 number) measure) an& lan!ua!e) an& accor&in!ly)

o2 i$s $"ou!"$) 2rom :"ic" 2lo: all o2 i$s ac$ions or crea$ions) e+resse&

$"rou!" symbolical mani2es$a$ions;

In or&er $o assimila$e reali$y) in or&er $o be in$e!ra$e& in$o i$) one mus$

2irs$ "a5e a &escri$ion o2 i$) be$$er or :orse) :"a$e5er $"a$ &escri$ion

mi!"$ be; E5eryone al:ays rocee&s in $"is 2as"ion) e5en i2 "e or s"e

&oes no$ /no: $"is) or e5en &enies i$; A conce$ion o2 $"e :orl& in

:"ic" $"e ear$" is a lane an& a$ $"e same $ime $"e cen$er o2 $"e uni5erse

is as 5ali& as a $ri&imensional &escri$i5e sys$em in :"ic" $"e ear$" is a

s"ere $"a$ re5ol5es abou$ $"e sun) i$s a+is; T"e same $"in! "ol&s@an&

$"is is a $"eme &irec$ly connec$e& :i$" $"e rece&in!@2or $"e lane

!ra"ic reresen$a$ion an& i$s e+$raor&inary o:er o2 syn$"esis an&

su!!es$ion) by con$ras$ :i$" $"e oosi$ions o2 li!"$&ar/ness an& o2

ersec$i5e $"a$ "a5e c"arac$eri<e& $"e -es$ern ar$ o2 $"e las$ cen$uries)as :ell as 2or so#calle& lane !eome$ry by comarison :i$" soli&

!eome$ry;

Ou$si&e o2 our men$al 2iel&@unless i$ is :illin! $o oen i$sel2 $o a !rea$er

brea&$" o2 5ision@i$ is imossible $o un&ers$an& some$"in! comle$ely

2orei!n $o us; T"is is :"a$ occurre& :i$" $"e Euroeans in re!ar& $o $"e





na$i5es in $"e a!e o2 $"e Conuis$a) an& i$ s$ill cons$i$u$es $"e mos$

imor$an$ s$umblin! bloc/ in our e22or$s $o aroac" $"is mos$ ric" an&

comle+ $ra&i$ional s$ore $o&ay; E5ery$"in! in&ica$es $"a$ $"e !enerali$y

o2 reli!ious) mili$ary) an& 2unc$ionaries :"o reac"e& $"e American

con$inen$ &i& no$ /no: $"e $rue si!ni2ica$ion) $"e in$ima$e reali$y) o2 $"eir

o:n symbols) sacramen$s) an& ins$i$u$ions; T"ey seem $o "a5e /no:n

$"em a$ mos$ in a 2as"ion $"a$ :as ious an& moral >!oo& manners an&

"abi$s?) or else le!alis$ic) o22icial) an& a&minis$ra$i5e) an& in no :ay

me$a"ysical or eso$eric) :"ic" is recisely $an$amoun$ $o sayin! $"a$

$"ey &i& no$ /no: $"em in $"eir $o$ali$y; T"is s"oul& no$ be surrisin!)

since $"e in5olu$ionary anorama o2 $"e -es$ "as remaine& unal$ere&

&o:n $o our 5ery &ay) be!innin! $o be ob5ious recisely in $"e

Renaissance) &ue $o cyclical causes;

I$ can be $"ou!"$ $"a$ some$"in! o2 $"e /in& :as occurrin! :i$"in $"e

Precolumbian socie$ies a$ $"e arri5al o2 $"e Saniar&s) esecially amon!

$"e bul/ o2 $"e oula$ion) inclu&in! $"e maori$y o2 $"eir lea&ers an&

c"ie2s >al$"ou!" :e s"oul& "a5e $o ma/e cer$ain &is$inc$ions amon! $"e

5arious cul$ures $"a$ s"ae& $"e ma o2 ol& America?; T"ere is a

&i22erence) "o:e5erB $"e na$i5e sa!es an& "i!" ries$s seem $o "a5e

/no:n@an& $"is can be 5eri2ie& $"rou!" 5arious &ocumen$s@a$ leas$ u

un$il a 5ery s"or$ $ime be2ore) $"e secre$s o2 li2e) cosmo!ony) an& $"e

&ei$y) :"ile $"e C"ris$ian reli!ious >aar$ 2rom cer$ain "onorable

e+ce$ions :"en i$ came $o some "umanis$ic or 9classical9 science? only2ei!ne& ie$y) in $"e bes$ o2 cases) or !oo& in$en$ions@i2 in&ee& $"ey :ere

no$ mere 2unc$ionaries o2 $"e Cro:n) or sies) or 2ana$ics 2or $"e mass

con5ersion o2 in2i&els; In any case $"ey :ere ne5er ersons o2

/no:le&!e in $"e au$"en$ic sense o2 $"e :or&;2 T"e 9o22icial9 oinion o2

$"e C"urc" :"en i$ comes $o $"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ions con$inues $o

be) as $o&ay 2or many o2 i$s rela$es) $"a$ $"ese $ra&i$ions "a& been

insire& by $"e &e5il) an& "a& al:ays been an& s$ill are $"e i&ola$rous

ro&uc$ o2 $"e &ar/es$ i!norance) or o2 !ullible) c"il&is" nai5e$;

T"is 2ana$icism) a/in $o absolu$e con$em$ 2or $"e un/no:n@$o!e$"er:i$" all o2 $"e ar!umen$s $"a$ oin$ $o an& in&ica$e $"e e+ercise o2

o:er@ar$ially e+lains $"e reason 2or $"e almos$ $o$al e+$inc$ion o2 $"e

:is&om $"a$ "a& crea$e& no$ only $"e !rea$ monumen$s an& :or/s o2 ar$

$"a$ as$oun& us $o&ay) bu$ also) an& 2un&amen$ally) i$s cosmo!onic

mo&el) i$s as$ronomical an& ri$ual calen&ars) i$s "iero!ly"ic)

symbolical) an& i&eo!ra"ical :ri$in!B $"a$ is) $"e s$ruc$ures o2 $"ou!"$





$"a$ cause& li2e $o 2lo:er :i$"in $"ese cul$ures; T"e loss is mos$

&is"ear$enin!) an& is all $"e more acu$e) :"en :e mana!e $o un&ers$an&)

$"rou!" $"e 2ra!men$s $"a$ "a5e come &o:n $o us) $"e ma!ni$u&e an&

uali$y o2 $"ese $ra&i$ional ci5ili<a$ions) comarable $o $"e :ises$ an&

mos$ re2ine& o2 $"e en$ire :orl&) bu$ :i$" cer$ain 2orms an& ori!inali$ies

so sub$le an& &e5eloe& in cer$ain cases) an& so surrisin! in o$"ers) $"a$

$"ey are no$ $o be 2oun& else:"ere; Anyone :"o "as been $a/en :i$" $"e

2ascina$ion o2 $"e a$mos"ere an& beau$y o2 $"e Precolumbian

ci5ili<a$ions :ill clearly un&ers$an& :"a$ :e mean;

Le$ us !i5e a simle e+amle o2 $"is ori!inali$y) one scarcely eualle& in

Gree/ my$"olo!y; T"e Mayan my$"s o2 crea$ion are no$oriously

"umorous)7 bu$ $"eir come&y is "ars" an& !ross) e5en !ro$esue an&

bloo&y; E5ery conce$ion an& !es$a$ion@:"e$"er i$ be o2 $"e sun) o2

man) or mai<e@:oul& seem $o be $"e 2rui$ o2 &ecei$) ri&icule) &i22icul$y)

con$ra&ic$ion) unis"men$) or 5en!eance) e+resse& in a manner almos$

as cynical an& sar&onic as i$ is casual) an& e5en s"oc/in!ly cru&e;

Sacri2ice an& ri$ual crime) an& $"e cons$an$ con$ra&ic$ion o2 oosin!

elemen$s) is or$raye& in $"e an$i$"eses o2 an as$u$e &ance in con$ras$in!

$emos) :il&) reos$erous) unin"ibi$e&) e5er &omina$e& by $"e

&iscon$inuous) $"e un$imely) an& $"e absur&) $"e absolu$ely ara&o+ical

an& unreal) :"ere $"e only cons$an$ elemen$ is $"e $rans2orma$ion o2

bein!s an& $"e mu$a$ion o2 2orms $"a$ aear an& &isaear) &ie an& are

born) an& s"are in one uni5ersal subs$ance; T"is &escri$ion o2 $"eori!ins >$"a$ is) $"e 2orm a&o$e& by any in&i!enous conce$ion? "as a$

i$s base some$"in! absolu$ely e+$raor&inary) as$onis"in!) ou$ o2

roor$ion) some$imes mons$rous an& al:ays sacre&) :"ic" arouses) by

:ay o2 imme&ia$e reac$ion@o2 a$$rac$ion an& re5ulsion@"ilari$y) an&

ro5o/es burs$s o2 lau!"$er; T"is is a :ay $o e5o/e $"e as$onis"in! or

&i5ine e5en$) an& a$emoral $ime) an& $o call $o $"e numinous by :ay o2

e+al$a$ion) o2 measureless !la&ness@a s$a$e caable o2 ro&ucin! a s$a$e

analo!ous $o $"a$ o2 my$"ic $imes@) es$s) 2es$i5als) an& ri$ual liba$ions;8

-e may "a5e $o e+er$ a syc"olo!ical e22or$ eac" $ime :e mee$ :i$"e+amles li/e $"is one in our in5es$i!a$ion o2 $"e Precolumbian :orl&;

T"e same necessi$y re5ails in all uni5ersal s$u&ies bearin! uon

symbols) my$"s) an& ri$es !enerally) since all o2 $"ese) as mani2es$a$ions

o2 $"e sacre&) are ui$e &is$inc$ 2rom :"a$ $"e or&inary erson s$ri5es 2or

or ima!ines; nless $"is labor is er2orme&) an& unless :e are a$ leas$

able $o al$er our ersec$i5e) c"an!e our 5ie:oin$) :i$" resec$ $o an








un&ers$an&in! o2 $"ese e+ressions) $"ey :ill aear coarse $o us) an&

$"ey :ill seem simle#min&e& i!norance) 2ull o2 suers$i$ion) in 2unc$ion

o2 a$$erns an& ro!rammin!s in :"ic" $"e &ei$y) $"e sacre&) is closely

boun& u :i$" om) solemni$y) $"e 9sublime)9 e+$erior manners an&

"y!iene@an& e5en :i$" an a$$i$u&e re!ar&e& as 9aus$eri$y)9 sel2is" an&

&ry) uncrea$i5e@or :i$" a &e5ou$ an& moralis$ic ac$i5i$y;

3O456 I$ is s$ri/in! $"a$ $"e 8ebre: name) $Adam) means 9re&)9 $"e racial color $"e

ori!inal in"abi$an$s o2 America a$$ribu$e& $o $"emsel5es; T"is color is $"esame bes$o:e& by o$"ers Tra&i$ions $o $"e in"abi$an$s o2 A$lan$is;

2 As recen$ly as $"e nine$een$" cen$ury) resby$er D; Huarros $ells usB 9T"e

sai& Tol$ecs :ere o2 $"e "ouse o2 Israel) an& $"e !rea$ ro"e$ Moses "a&

&eli5ere& $"em 2rom $"e ca$i5i$y in :"ic" P"arao" "a& been "ol&in! $"em9

>Compendio de la %istoria del &eino de 'uatemala Gua$emala Ci$yB Pie&raSan$a) %43%) $rac$a$e *) c"a; %; E5en $"e na$i5e sa!es) surely un&ers$an&in!

$"e arc"e$yal an& symbolical elemen$s e+resse& by $"e biblical

9!enealo!ies)9 be!an sayin!B 9-e are $"e !ran&c"il&ren o2 !ran&2a$"ersAbra"am) Isaac) an& Hacob) :"ose names :ere $"us; 7esi&es) :e are $"ose

o2 Israel >A&ri=n Recinos) %istoria de los (pant!a) de Tecpán?;

7 -"en :e re2er $o $"e 9Precolumbian $ra&i$ion)9 :e are !enerali<in!) o2

course) since :e are ac$ually re2errin! $o numerous) rela$i5ely in&een&en$)cul$ures@:"ose lan!ua!es :ere li/e:ise more or less in&een&en$@

&is$ribu$e& across $"e len!$" an& brea&$" o2 America; Ne5er$"eless) $"ese

cul$ures main$aine& an ob5ious mu$ual rela$ions"i) :"ic" ermi$s us $o &eal

:i$" $"em as :i$" a :"ole; -e s"all re$urn $o $"is ma$$er belo:;

8 For $"e Talamancas o2 Cos$a Rica) Sib) a c"il&#!o&) is born o2 a :oman

:"o "as been imre!na$e& by $"e :in&;

/ T"ey rocee& in $"e same :ay on $"e occasion o2 o$"er 2es$i5als) :i$"

e22i!ies o2 Te<ca$lioca >accor&in! $o Mo$olinQa? an& o$"er &ei$ies;

-e /no: o2 $"e "uman sacri2ices in "onor o2 1aruna) amon! a eole o2

suc" unimeac"able ie$y as $"e 8in&us;

9 Inca Garcilaso &e la 1e!a :arns us) :"en i$ comes $o $"e 9"is$ories9 o2 "is

2orebearsB 9T"ose :"o mi!"$ rea& $"em may comare $"em as $"ey :ill $o

$"e o$"er ancien$ reci$als) $o :"ic" $"ey :ill be 2oun& $o resen$ manysimilari$iesB 8oly Scri$ure) as :ell as ro2ane "is$ories an& 2ables o2

ancien$ "ea$"en&om9 >Comentarios &eales) ar$ %) c"a; ,?; T"is

commen$ary acuires a ar$icular in$eres$ :"en :e re2lec$ $"a$ $"ec"ronicler) a mes$i<o) son o2 a Sanis" "i&al!o an& a Peru5ian rincess)

/ne: $"e na$i5e :orl& &irec$ly in "is c"il&"oo& an& a&olescence) recei5in! a

&ouble e&uca$ion) an& $"en $a/in! u resi&ence in Sain) an& o$"er laces inEuroe) as a 9cul$i5a$e& erson9 amon! $"ose o2 "is $ime;

















: T"e las$ o2 $"ese !rea$ c"an!es is) 2or Pla$o) $"e &isaearance o2 A$lan$is)

:"ic" :as si$ua$e& recisely in $"e ocean $"a$ $a/es i$s name 2rom $"e

islan&@$"e ocean seara$in! $"e Ol& -orl& 2rom $"e Ne:@9beyon& $"e illars o2 8ercules)9 :"ic" :oul& aear $o be a common &enomina$or o2

$"e maori$y o2 $"e "is$orical $ra&i$ions) "o:e5er remo$e in $ime; n$il $"e

close o2 $"e nine$een$" cen$ury an& $"e &a:n o2 $"e $:en$ie$") $"e $"eory o2an A$lan$ean ori!in o2 $"e In&ians con$inue& $o be "el&; >See Marcos E;

7ecerra) Por la &uta de la Atlántida;? In $"e si+$een$" an& se5en$een$"

cen$uries) $"is $"esis :as common) accor&in! $o $"e biblio!ra"y o2 :ri$in!son $"e $oic; >See) 2or e+amle) Fray Die!o GarcQa) *rigen de los indios del

+ue,o undo) boo/ *) c"a; . Francisco Fern=n&e< &e Sala<ar) Cr-nica

de la +ue,a "spa.a boo/ %) c"a; ') :"ere A!us$Qn &e Z=ra$e is also ci$e&)

alon! :i$" one o2 "is :or/s on $"e &isco5ery an& conues$ o2 Peru e$c;?;Comarisons :ere also ma&e be$:een $"e Precolumbian numina) symbols)

an& ri$es) an& $"e Greco#Roman &ei$ies an& my$"s an& Abra"amic reli!ions;

T"e Renaissance) an& e5en $"e os$#Renaissance) :ere $oo s$ill close $o $"e

$ra&i$ional $o ri&icule or erase as 2an$asies $"in!s $"a$ "a& been acce$e& 2orcen$uries by $"e :ises$ an& mos$ cul$i5a$e& ersons o2 $"e era) suc" as $"e

e+is$ence o2 A$lan$is) or $"e correson&ence an& eui5alence be$:een&i22eren$ !o&s o2 5arious an$"eons an& cul$ures; Only :i$" ra$ionalism)

e5olu$ionism) an& 2inally) osi$i5ism) :ere $"ese i&eas $a/en as an$iua$e&

an& a&&resse& :i$" &erision; Les$ $"ere be any con2usion) $"e au$"or &eclares2rom $"e ou$se$ $"a$ $"e 5ie:oin$ 2rom :"ic" "e $a/es "is osi$ion is in no

:ay a22ec$e& by $"ese $"ree "iloso"ical 9isms)9 :"ic" emer!e in one

ano$"er successi5ely) in na$ural an& "is$orical 2as"ion) in mu$ual

comlemen$ari$y) an& "e re!ar&s $"em as $"e 2omen$ers o2 $"e &i<<yin!collase o2 con$emorary socie$y; Ra$ionalism es$ablis"es a comle$e) an&

illusory) &i5ision be$:een $"e bo&y an& $"e soul) an& isola$es $"e min& 2romi$s con$e+$; On $"e remise o2 ra$ionalism) all is &ualB :i$"in an& :i$"ou$;E5olu$ion is ure science 2ic$ionB $"e secies are 2i+e&) an& $"e i&ea o2

in&e2ini$e ro!ress is an escaism li/e any o$"er; Posi$i5ism ren&ers $"e

me$"o& o2 /no:in! more an& more emirical) an& 9ma$eriali<es9 an&soli&i2ies more $"an e5er $"e ues$s o2 $"ou!"$) science) an& ar$;

- Per"as i$ mi!"$ be sai&@no$ :i$"ou$ some resum$ion@$"a$ $"e :or/ o2 $"e

symbolo!is$ be!ins :"ere $"a$ o2 $"e "is$orian o2 reli!ions lea5es o22;

; A $ra&i$ion@li5in! or &ea&@is no$ $"e le!acy o2 a coun$ry or !rou; As ar$ o2

Primor&ial) nanimous Tra&i$ion) i$ is $"e a$rimony o2 man) o2 "umani$y;An& $"is is in$rinsic $o i$s 5ery c"arac$er) i$s conce$ual uni5ersali$y;

E5en con$emorary socie$y) in i$s in5olu$ion) claims $o be able $o or&er a

series o2 emirical e5en$s in 5ie: o2 $"is en&; 8o:e5er) i$s o5er:eenin!

ri&e "as le& i$ $o erec$ a 5eri$able To:er o2 7abelB a rison in :"ic" $"einma$es are subec$e& $o $error) an& sys$ema$ically $or$ure&;

2 T"e Americans :ere more 9rimi$i5e9 >as) "aily) :ere $"e Or"ic Gree/s

5is##5is $"e 9classic9 Gree/s?; T"e Saniar&s "a& los$ $"e siri$ual an&













in$ellec$ual le5el $"a$ "a& been so 2ine#"one& &urin! $"e rei!n o2 Al2onso $"e

-ise) :"o ma&e o2 Tole&o $"e Herusalem o2 $"e -es$;

7 Also amon! 5arious Nor$" American) Mesoamerican) an& Sou$" Americancul$ures;

8

In Mas$er GKme< Palacios reor$ on La Pro,incia de 'uatemala: lascostumbres de los indios ) otras cosas notables) :e rea&B 9I2 $"ese 2ol/ "a5e

become in$o+ica$e&) an& "a5e &run/ $o e+cess) $"ey "a5e &one so no$ somuc" ou$ o2 5ice) bu$ because $"ey belie5e& $"a$ $"ey $"ereby ren&ere& a

!rea$ ser5ice $o Go&; T"us) $"e main ersons $o become in$o+ica$e& :ere $"e

/in! an& $"e rincial lor&s; O$"ers &i& no$ become in$o+ica$e& bu$ $"is :as

no$ because $"ey :ere o2 lesser ran/ i$ :as because $"ey "a& $o !o5ern $"elan& an& mana!e $"e business o2 $"e in!&om) :"ile $"e /in! :as occuie&

:i$" $"a$ reli!ion) an& in$o+ica$in! "imsel2;9

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

III

SYM7OLS) MYT8S) AND RITES

-e mus$ ma/e cer$ain seci2ica$ions :i$" re!ar& $o :"a$ $"e symbol is

2or Symbolo!y) an& accor&in!ly) :"a$ $"is science s$u&ies an&

e+resses) as :ell as o22er an i&ea o2 :"a$ an ensemble o2 symbols in

ac$ion is; 7y ensemble o2 symbols in ac$ion) :e mean $"e :orl& o2

symbol as i$ is e+erience& by a $ra&i$ional or rimi$i5e socie$y) a socie$y

in :"ic" symbol as :ell as my$") an& esecially ri$e >:"ic"

encomasses $"e $o$ali$y o2 a eoles &aily ac$i5i$ies? are s$ill

2louris"in!; In suc" a socie$y) symbols are un&ers$oo& in $"eir essen$ial

meanin! as &irec$ connec$ion :i$" $"e sacre&) an& no$ as con5en$ion)

alle!ory) or me$a"or) no$ as some$"in! 5a!ue an& e+$erior $o $"e bein!;For $ra&i$ional) rimi$i5e socie$ies) $"e symbol@an& e5ery e+ression or

mani2es$a$ion) :"e$"er macrocosmic or microcosmic) is symbolical@

cons$i$u$es a real si!n) or ensemble o2 li5in! si!ns 2use& an& rela$e& :i$"

one ano$"er $"rou!" $"e lurali$y o2 $"eir si!ni2ica$es) s"ain! a

re5ealin! lan!ua!e or ci"ere& co&e o2 $"eir o:n) $"rou!" :"ic" $"ey

also co"ere :i$" $"e socie$y in :"ic" $"ey are mani2es$e&;







T"is is o:in! $o $"e 2ac$ $"a$ symbol) li/e my$" or ri$e) is $"e bri&!e

be$:een a reali$y $"a$ is sensible) erce$ible) an& co!ni<able a$ 2irs$

!lance) an& $"e mys$ery o2 i$s au$"en$ic) conceale& na$ure) :"ic" is i$s

ori!in; A2$er all) symbol) my$") an& ri$e are an e+ression $"a$ re5eals

i$sel2 in $"eir mani2es$a$ion) an& e22ec$i5ely es$ablis" $"e bon& be$:een

$"e /no:n an& $"e un/no:n) be$:een a le5el o2 reali$y $"a$ is or&inarily

ercei5e& an& $"e in5isible rinciles $"a$ "a5e occasione& i$; A$ $"e

same $ime) $"is bon& cons$i$u$es $"eir raison &$re as suc") $o :"ic" $"ey

a$$es$ in $"eir $rans2orma$ion in$o 5e"icles; T"is imme&ia$ely en&o:s

$"em :i$" a sacre& c"arac$er@one o2 $aboo) i2 you :ill@in $"eir caaci$y

as a &irec$ e+ression o2 $"e rinciles) 2orces) an& ori!inal ener!ies o2

:"ic" $"ey are $"e messen!ers;

I$ !oes :i$"ou$ sayin! $"a$ $"e no$ion o2 symbol "el& in con$emorary

socie$y is 5ery &i22eren$; T"is is &ue $o $"e 2ac$ $"a$ symbol is no lon!er

/no:n) or is emloye& as a simle con5en$ion) an& in some cases

scarcely en&o:e& :i$" a subs$i$u$i5e 5alue or else as some$"in!

robable) use& as a synonym 2or :"a$ mi!"$ er"as come $o be@$"a$ is)

2or some$"in! alle!orical an& incomle$e $"a$ :oul& nee& a ra$ional

$ransla$ion an& lo!ical or analy$ic in$erre$a$ion in or&er $o be

un&ers$oo&; T"is comes &o:n $o sayin! $"a$ i$ is no lon!er $a/en

uneui5ocally as $"e emissary o2 an ener!y an& 2orce) bu$ is con2ron$e&

as an obec$ in&een&en$ o2 i$s me&ium) an obec$ $"a$ mus$ be

consi&ere& emirically in $"e labora$ory o2 $"e min&; Suc" is $"e&iscom2i$ure an& &i22i&ence $"a$ i$ arouses; O2 course) i$ also 5ery

2reuen$ly occurs@almos$ as $"e norm@$"a$ symbols are no$ e5en no$ice&)

or simly are i!nore&) as i2 $"ey &i& no$ ac$ually e+is$ because :e &o no$

no$ice or consume $"em) or as i2 $"ey "a& no 5alue because $"ey are

un/no:n an& $"eir si!ni2ica$es are i!nore&;

T"is is o:in! $o $"e 2ac$ o2 a socie$y li/e ours) ri&e2ully &esacrali<e&)

:"ic" "as sun&ere& i$s connec$ion :i$" ori!ins an& $"e i&ea o2 a le5el

suerior $o simle ma$$er) or $o "ysical) emirical 5eri2ica$ion@a socie$y

$"a$ re2uses $o acce$ symbols >e+ce$) on occasion) in $"eir mos$elemen$ary syc"olo!ical asec$s?; Symbol) as me&ia$or be$:een $:o

reali$ies@or le5els o2 reali$y@is &eri5e& o2 meanin! in a sc"ema o2 $"is

/in&) an& i$s un&ers$an&in! is limi$e& $o $"e 5ersion $"a$ ma/es o2 i$ an

obscure) nearly meanin!less si!n in&ica$i5e only o2 some$"in! eually

nonsi!ni2yin! or rela$i5e; T"en $"e :orl& becomes a !ray mass) a

"ori<on$al mul$ilica$ion o2 un&e2ine& !es$ures er2orme& in mec"anical





2as"ion) almos$ :i$"ou$ our in$en&in! $"em) an& sayin! no$"in! $o

anyone) on accoun$ o2 $"e sel2#censors"i imose& on us by $"e

2orma$ion bes$o:e& by $o&ays socie$y; In 2unc$ion o2 $"ese mo&els o2

$"ou!"$) e5ery$"in! remains ou$si&e o2 us) an& is 2orei!n $o us) since $"e

symbolical a$" o2 communica$ion "as been in$erru$e&;

No: symbols) my$"s) an& ri$es resen$ $"emsel5es as &i22eren$ 2rom

oursel5es) s$a$ic obec$s $o :"ic" :e a$$ribu$e &e$ermina$e 2ormal or

e+$erior) e+clusi5ely li$eral an& uan$i$a$i5e) c"arac$eris$ics; T"us :e

&eny $"eir !enera$i5e o$en$ial) $"eir i&en$i$y as &ynamic subec$s@in

o$"er :or&s) $"eir raison &$re; No:) lo!ically enou!") $"ey seem $o us

2alse an& imrobable) as oen $o c"an!e as labels) or as ass@:e

suose) in our i!norance@as $"e obser5a$ion o2 $"e cycles o2 $"e moon)

sun) an& s$ars) an& e5ery$"in! on :"ic" an$iui$y relie&) in $"e 9&ar/

a!es9 be2ore ro!ress "a& been in5en$e&;

Some$"in! s$an&s be$:een us an& symbol $o&ay) us$ as be$:een us an&

reali$y; In&i5i&ualism "as seara$e& us 2rom our con$e+$ $o $"e oin$ $"a$

$"ere is cons$an$ly a sace be$:een :"a$ is an& oursel5es) be$:een bein!

an& o$"erness; T"is sace !uaran$ees $o us mo&erns $"e i&ea $"a$ :e

ossess a 9ersonali$y)9 :i$" :"ic" :e i&en$i2y) an& :"ic" $"us ma/es

us s$ran!ers $o oursel5es an& our con$e+$ by obli!in! us $o acce$ $"is

:ay o2 seein!; T"is 5ie: o2 ours is al$o!e$"er commi$$e& $o $"e

con&i$ionin! in :"ic" :e are born an& li5e@an& as :"ose accomlices

:e ac$) since i$ is no one bu$ oursel5es :"o /ee $"ese 5alues imose&

on $"e 2iel& o2 our consciousness;

T"e resul$ o2 $"is seara$ion is &is$ress an& &esire) soli$u&e an&

&isin$e!ra$ion; A2$er all) $"e co"esion !uaran$ee& by symbols) $"eir

me&ia$in! 2unc$ion) !oes unac/no:le&!e&) "as been 2or!o$$en) or) s$ill

:orse) is $:is$e& by our curren$ un&ers$an&in!) :"ic" s"o:s us $"e

reali$y o2 $"e :orl& as e+$ernal an& "os$ile) as 2orei!n as i$ is in&i22eren$;

I$ becomes some$"in! as col&) &is$an$) an& em$y o2 con$en$ as

oursel5es) :"ile i$ is ac$ually a ma$$er o2 a uni5erse er2ec$ly in$e!ra$e&in $"e "armony o2 i$s ar$s an& correson&ences) an& no$ a reali$y

e+ressin! i$sel2 as 2ra!men$ary; T"e uni5erse is a !i!an$ic or!anism)

:"ic" inclu&es oursel5es in $"e san!uine $orren$ o2 i$s cosmic li2e) bu$

:"ic" :e are accus$ome& $o con$emla$e as an a$rocious or curious

$"in!) 2ailin! $o rela$e i$ imme&ia$ely $o oursel5es@or er"as) in $"e bes$

o2 cases) seein! i$ as some$"in! a!reeable :"en obser5e& 2rom a bi$ o2 a



&is$ance;

For Symbolo!y) symbol) my$") an& ri$e ac$i5ely $es$i2y) on $"e sensible

le5el) $o $"e ener!ies $"a$ "a5e !i5en $"em s"ae; Accor&in!ly) $"ere

mus$ be a 5ery recise correla$i5i$y be$:een symbol >an& my$" an& ri$e?an& :"a$ i$ mani2es$s) :i$"ou$ :"ic" i$ :oul& e+ress no$"in!; T"is

correson&ence be$:een i&ea an& 2orm >un&ers$an&in! $"e la$$er $erm

no$ in $"e sc"olas$ic sense) bu$ in i$s curren$ meanin!?) be$:een essence

an& subs$ance) nonmani2es$a$ion an& mani2es$a$ion) ma/es o2 symbol $"e

recise uni$ 2or $i!"$ly bin&in! $o!e$"er $:o oose& na$ures) :"ic") in

$"e symbolic bo&y@as &ynamic subec$ an& s$a$ic obec$@2in& $"eir

comlemen$ari$y; On $"e o$"er "an&) i$ is :ell sai& $"a$ $"e lesser is $"e

symbol o2 $"e !rea$er) an& no$ 5ice 5ersa@a seci2ica$ion re2errin!

esecially $o $"e ossibili$y o2 an e+ac$ comre"ension o2 $"e $"ou!"$ o2

a $ra&i$ional socie$y@$"e Precolumbian@$"a$ ac/no:le&!es $"e symbol as

$"e uni5ersal lan!ua!e $"a$ "as been able $o 2ecun&a$e i$ an& !i5e i$ li2e;

In $"is sense) symbols "a5e crea$e& socie$ies) an& no$ socie$ies $"eir

symbols >no$ $o 2or!e$ $"eir mu$ual in$erac$ion?) since $"ey are :o5en

in$o $"e 5ery :e2$ o2 li2e an& man;

Codex Vaticano /

From a cer$ain s$an&oin$) $"ere is no$"in! ou$si&e o2 $"e symbol@as

nei$"er is $"ere any$"in! ou$si&e $"e cosmos@inasmuc" as symbol

e+resses $"e $o$ali$y o2 $"e ossible all $"in!s are meanin!2ul) an&

re2lec$ $"e unmani2es$e& by :ay o2 $"e mani2es$e&; Accor&in!ly) one



mus$ no$ in5en$ symbols an& my$"s; T"ey are alrea&y !i5en) $"ey are

e$ernal) an& $"ey re5eal $"emsel5es $o man) or be$$er) in man; 8uman

bein!s in $"emsel5es symboli<e $"e cosmos 9in li$$le)9 on a re&uce&

scale) >no$ $o re$en& $"a$ $"e macrocosm is seci2ically symboli<in!

"im?; Ci5ili<in!) re5ealin!) an& sa5in! "eroes li/e Jue$<alcKa$l or

1iracoc"a are no$ "uman bein!s :"o) as suc") an& $"an/s $o $"eir meri$s)

"a5e been &ei2ie& or $rans2orme& in$o s$ars; On $"e con$rary) $"ey are

!o&s or s$ars :"o@li/e men@"a5e 2allen 2rom $"e 2irmamen$) an& mus$

$ra5erse $"e lo:er :orl& an& &ie by sel2#sacri2ice) in or&er $o be reborn

$o $"eir $rue i&en$i$y an& occuy $"eir au$"en$ic lace in "ea5en) :"ic"

o2 course is $"eir ori!in;

For $"e Precolumbian cul$ures) $"is uni5ersal ri$e is e+emli2ie& in $"e

5aul$ o2 "ea5en) esecially by $"e Sun) $"e Moon) an& 1enus@bu$ by all

o2 $"e o$"er s$ars) an& by $"eir cycles o2 aearance an& &isaearance)

&ea$" an& resurrec$ion; on $"ese cycles &een& $"e ear$" an& $"e

"uman bein!) an& in $"ese cycles $"e American cul$ures "a5e seen $"e

"i!"es$ mani2es$a$ion o2 $"e mo&els or uni5ersal an& e$ernal arc"e$yes

uon :"ic" $"ey "a5e 2oun&e& $"eir cosmo!ony; T"e la:s o2 analo!y

an& correson&ence are base& on $"e in$errela$ion o2 a lesser) /no:n

le5el) :i$" a !rea$er) un/no:n one; T"e /no:n symboli<es $"e un/no:n

one) an& $"e la$$er can ne5er be a symbol o2 $"e 2ormer;

A $ra&i$ional an&or arc"aic socie$y a&o$s $"e 5ie:oin$ o2 uni$y) an&

ma/es i$ i$s o:n; From $"e one) all $"in!s emana$eB li2e) sus$enance an&cul$ure; Mo&ern socie$y) mean:"ile) embraces $"e s$an&oin$ o2

mul$ilici$y@$"a$ o2 a 2ra!men$e&) sel2#su22icien$ in&i5i&uali$y :"ic"

ro!resses in&e2ini$ely $"rou!" $"e lay o2 i$s &ialec$ic; T"e 2irs$ 2ocus is

syn$"e$ic) $"e secon& analy$ic; T"e $ra&i$ional $en&s $o:ar& simul$anei$y)

$"e concen$ric 5ie:) :"ile $"e o$"er $en&s $o:ar& succession) $o:ar& $"e

immense $ri2le; T"e mo&ern ersec$i5e is cons$ruc$e& by :ay o2 $"e

lo!ic o2 ra$ionalism con$rari:ise) an$iui$y or&ere& i$s 5ision o2 $"e

:orl& by means o2 analo!y an& i$s mec"anisms o2 associa$ion; 8ere $"e

correson&ence amon! "enomena) bein!s) an& $"in!s is na$ural)

inasmuc" as $"ey symboli<e &is$inc$ asec$s o2 $"e uni5ersal rinciles$"a$ "a5e !enera$e& $"em; T"ere is no$"in! coinci&en$al in $"is /in& o2

:orl&) 2or e5ery$"in! acuires i$s meanin! in $"e :"ole) an& man re5eres

a suerior :ill $"a$ re5eals i$sel2 analo!ically :i$"in "is conscience; An&

i$ is in 5ir$ue o2 $"is comlemen$ari$y $"a$ all $"in!s) "enomena an&

bein!s) see/ one ano$"er an& correson&) a$$rac$ an& reec$) bu$ no$

e+clu&e) one ano$"er; T"ey are a$ :ar or $"ey li5e in eace) bu$ $"ey



"a5e a "armonious meanin! $"a$ imi$a$es $"e r"y$"m o2 $"e uni5ersal

in"ala$ion an& e+"ala$ion;

T"e elemen$s o2 /ins"i amon! $"in!s are e5i&en$) $"en $"in!s 5ibra$e a$

$"e same 2reuency) an& "a5e been !enera$e& by a sin!le ma$ri+ s"aes)colors) an& all ossible uali$ies or &i22eren$ia$ions are bu$ mo&ali$ies o2

a sin!le :a5e subec$ $o i&en$ical rinciles e+resse& in $"e $o$ali$y o2

$"e cosmic concer$; Li/e a$$rac$s li/e) an& 2uses an& oins :i$" i$; An&

oosi$es &o no$ elimina$e one ano$"er) as $"ere is a oin$ o2 common

euilibrium@:"ic" is nei$"er $"e one nor $"e o$"er) nei$"er $"is nor $"a$@

:"ere all $"in!s coinci&e) $o re$urn once more $o a s$a$e o2 oosi$ion

an& $"en $o oin once more in comlemen$ari$y; T"is &oes no$ cancel

in&i5i&ual resonsibili$y) since i$ is :i$"in $"e "ear$ o2 $"e "uman bein!@

as ro$a!onis$ o2 $"e cosmic &rama@an& no$ else:"ere $"a$ $"is 2ac$ is

ro&uce&) as :ell as un&ers$oo& an& !rase&) an& accor&in!ly i$ is in $"a$

"ear$ $"a$ con$ra&ic$ions are reconcile&; In a cer$ain sense) all li2e is

&een&en$ on $"is man) :"o $"us becomes a:are o2 "is bein!) an& "is

$rue resonsibili$y as in$erme&iary symbol be$:een ear$" an& "ea5en;

T"en) an& in $"is li!"$) $"e $"in!s $"a$ surroun& "im :ill be sacrali<e&)

an& "e "imsel2 :ill emula$e $"e uali$ies o2 $"e !o&s@:ill en2les" $"e

uni5ersal rinciles :i$" :"ic" "e sync"roni<es in simul$anei$y;

In suc" a socie$y) $"in!s &o no$ occur in linear 2as"ion) in a 2oreseeable

manner; E5ery &ay is $"e 2irs$ &ay o2 crea$ion) an& e5ery$"in! is so ali5e

$"a$ any $"in! can occur a$ any momen$; T"e "uman bein! &oes no$

ima!ine or roec$ :"a$ :ill come) bu$ cons$an$ly e+eriences $"e

e$erni$y o2 $"e resen$; For Precolumbian $"ou!"$) $"e cosmos an& li2e

are bein! crea$e& a$ $"is 5ery momen$; T"ey are no$ a "is$orical 2ac$) an&

$"ey ac$i5ely ar$icia$e in $"eir !enera$ion; True) e+is$ence seen in $"is

:ay is a ris/) an& &oub$less an on!oin! a&5en$ure; An& so i$ is no$

s$ran!e $"a$ i$ is concei5e& as a momen$ o2 assa!e an& a locus o2

$rans2orma$ion) li/e a &ream 2rom :"ic" one mus$ a:a/en; Time "as no$

occurre& be2ore) nor :ill i$ occur a2$er) because i$ is al:ays occurrin!) is

cons$an$ly resen$) an& embraces $"e $o$ali$y o2 sace) :"ere i$ al:ayse+resses i$sel2 as some$"in! suerna$uralB c"ar!e& :i$" cons$ruc$i5e

an& &es$ruc$i5e ener!ies reresen$e& by numina an& sacre& numbers) as

:e obser5e in $"e Mesoamerican calen&ars; Mo5emen$) :"ic" is an

ima!e o2 immobili$y) is $"e 5isible $race o2 $ime in i$s sel2#mani2es$a$ion)

an& i$ is $"an/s $o $"is $race $"a$ :e can acce&e $o $"e e$erni$y o2 i$s

reose; An& i$ is by :ay o2 analo!ies) :"ic" bin& symbols) my$"s) an&



ri$es :i$" $"eir uncrea$e& ori!in) $"a$ "uman bein!s can lay $"eir role

an& 2ul2ill $"eir &es$iny in rela$ion $o $"e la:s an& s$ruc$ures o2 $"e

cosmo!onic mo&el :"ic" :e :ill no: consi&er;

3O456 From $"is oin$ 2or:ar&) :"en :e re2er $o symbol) :e mus$ also un&ers$an&

my$" an& ri$e) since) 2rom our ersec$i5e) $"e $"ree are i&en$ical) an&

er2orm e+ac$ly $"e same re5ela$ory 2unc$ion; My$") :"ic" o2 course issymbolical) mani2es$s an e+emlar &ee&) :"ic") as suc") or!ani<es $"e li2e

o2 $"ose :"o belie5e an& $rus$ in i$; Fur$"ermore) i$ cons$i$u$es $"eir in$e!ral

belie2) an& accor&in!ly) ins$i$u$es $"eir $rus$) since) in any $ra&i$ional socie$y)

my$" is $"e 5ery mani2es$a$ion o2 $ru$" a$ $"e "uman le5el; Ri$es are symbolsin ac$ion) an& e+ress in a &irec$ :ay $"e belie2s an& $"e cosmo!ony $"a$ $"e

my$"ical "is$ories li/e:ise $ransmi$; T"ese $"ree comlemen$ary

mani2es$a$ions re5eal $"e mos$ ro2oun& secre$s o2 li2e) $"e cosmos) an& bein!; T"ey mol& all o2 $"e ossible ima!es o2 $ra&i$ional man) an& $"ereby

$"e la$$ers i&en$i$y;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

I1

T8E CENTER AND T8E AIS

Per"as no o$"er socie$y is as reno:ne& 2or i$s obsession :i$" $"e

symboli<in! o2 a+is an& cen$er as are $"e ol& Precolumbian cul$ures; In

all o2 $"ese cul$ures mani2es$a$ions) $"ose symbols are resen$)e+resse& in $"e 2our &irec$ions o2 sace an& $ime) as :ell as in $"e 2i2$")

eui&is$an$ an& cen$ral oin$@:"ic" is bo$" $"eir ori!in an& $"eir locus o2

con5er!ence@mar/in! $"e 5er$ical) abo5e an& belo:) "ea5en an& ear$")

&irec$ion; Al2onso Caso $ells usB

One o2 $"e 2un&amen$al no$ions o2 $"e A<$ec reli!ion

consis$s in a !rouin! o2 all bein!s in $erms o2 $"e car&inal





oin$s an& $"e cen$ral) or abo5e#an&#belo:) &irec$ion; ; ; ;

T"e 2our sons o2 $"e &i5ine air >:"ic" reresen$s $"e

cen$ral) abo5e#an&#belo:) &irec$ion) $"a$ is) "ea5en#an&#

ear$"? are $"e rulers o2 $"e 2our &irec$ions or car&inal

oin$s; ; ; ; T"is 2un&amen$al i&ea o2 $"e 2our car&inal

oin$s an& $"e cen$ral re!ion is 2oun& in all o2 $"e reli!ious

mani2es$a$ions o2 $"e A<$ec eole) an& is one o2 $"e

conce$s $"a$ $"is eole recei5e& :i$"ou$ &oub$ 2rom $"e

ol& Mesoamerican cul$ures;

In $"e Popol Vuh) :e rea&B

Grea$ :as $"e &escri$ion an& accoun$ o2 "o: $"e

2orma$ion o2 $"e s/y an& $"e ear$" :as accomlis"e&) an&

"o: i$ :as 2orme& an& &is$ribu$e& in$o 2our lan&mar/s)

"o: i$ :as oin$e& ou$) an& "o: $"e s/y :as measure&)

an& $"e measurin! line :as brou!"$ an& e+$en&e& $o $"e s/yan& $o $"e ear$") $o $"e 2our an!les) $o $"e 2our corners;

For $"e Mayas) $"e :orl& :as a lane an& suare sur2ace) a croco&ile or

i!uana) a2loa$ on a la/e) li/e $"e A<$ecs Ciac$li) $"e C"inese &ra!on) or

$"e my$"ical $or$oise o2 $"e Nor$" American Irouois) an& also $"e

8in&us) an& many o$"er $ra&i$ional eoles; A$ $"e cen$er o2 $"e ear$"

>:"ic" :as an islan&? !re: an enormous $ree) a ceiba tree) $"e symbol

o2 $"e a+is) an& a$ eac" corner o2 $"is suare :as ano$"er $ree) a smaller

one) in :"ic" a bir& &:el$; Fray Die!o &e Lan&a e+lainsB 9T"ey

:ors"ie& 2our so#calle& 7acabs eac" one o2 $"em; T"ese) i$ :as sai&)

:ere 2our bro$"ers) lace& by Go&) :"en "e crea$e& $"e :orl&) a$ i$s 2our ar$s) $o suor$ $"e s/y in or&er $"a$ i$ no$ 2all;92

In $"e my$" o2 $"e 2oun&in! o2 $"e Inca Emire) an ances$ral air) Manco

Caac an& Mama Ocllo) a2$er a laborious ourney@a il!rima!e 2a5ore&

by $"e sun) :"ic" "a& bes$o:e& uon $"em a !ol&en s$a22 >symbol o2 $"e

a+is?@succee&e& in lun!in! i$ :i$"ou$ &i22icul$y in a ma!ical) recise

lace :"ere) accor&in! $o $"eir s$ar) $"ey :ere $o remain) since $"is

:oul& be $"eir cen$er) $"e lace :"ere $"ey :ere $o 2oun& an& &e5elo

$"eir emire; T"e si!n "a& been ro&uce&) $"en) an& i$ s"o:e& $"e

conunc$ion o2 "ea5en an& ear$") by $"e 5er$icali$y o2 $"e s$a22 asmasculine 2ac$or) an& "ori<on$al rece$i5i$y o2 $"e ear$" as 2eminine

comonen$; A$ $"is my$"ical so$) $"en) :"ic" accor&in! $o cer$ain

le!en&s $urne& ou$ $o be Cu<co) :as mani2es$e& $"e con2luence o2 $:o

ener!ies $"a$ su22ere& no con$ra&ic$ion@as i$ "a& been ro"esie&@

resul$in! in a reconcilia$ion o2 oosi$es $"a$ 2acili$a$e& $"e irru$ion o2

$"e celes$ial) &i5ine) a+ial ener!y; T"is irru$ion $oo/ $"e 2orm o2








emana$ions $"a$) by :ay o2 $"e $oil o2 $"is eole) "eirs o2 $"e sun) coul&

be e+$en&e& in $"e 2our &irec$ions o2 sace an& $"rou!"ou$ all cyclic

$ime) $"e la$$er bein! mar/e& as :ell by $"e ua$ernary o2 $"e seasons o2

$"e year) o2 $"e !rea$ eras o2 $"e :orl&@in associa$ion :i$" $"e 2our s$a$es

o2 ma$$er@or o2 $"e "ours o2 $"e &ay;7

Dance o2 $"e (ocohuet!i) Codex /orb-nico

Symbolism is no less e5i&en$ in $"e 2oun&a$ion o2 Me+ico Tenoc"$i$lan;

Once more :e "a5e an islan&@a symbol uni5ersally emloye&) li/e $"e

omphalos) $"e na5el) $o mar/ $"e cen$er@on :"ic" are 2oun& a roc/ an& a

ric/ly ear $ree >:"ic") li/e $"e moun$ain an& $"e $ree) are e+ressions

o2 $"e a+is?) an& uon $"em an ea!le an& a seren$ >or $:o curren$s o2cosmic ener!y mani2es$e& by $:o srin!s o2 :a$er) one o2 $"e color re&

an& $"e o$"er blue) e+ressin! &uali$y an& $"e comlemen$ari$y o2

con$raries?; T"ese are $"e si!ns $"a$ $"e na$ion see/s 2or years) !ui&e& by

$"eir &ei$y) 8ui$<ilooc"$li) a :arli/e an& solar ima!e; 8ere) $"en) $"ey

2in& $"eir cen$er) $"eir ubica$ion) an& i$ is 2rom $"is oin$ o2 &ear$ure

$"a$ $"ey are $o crea$e $"eir na$ion) 2ul2ill $"eir &es$iny as a eole an& as





ersons) in $"e $o$ali$y o2 sace an& $ime) :"ic") 2rom $"is momen$) are

or&ere& an& sacrali<e&@$"a$ is) $"ey no: really e+is$) $"ey can ac$ually be

re!ar&e& as suc"; Mi!uel LeKn Por$illa :ri$esB

To s"o: "is aro5al) 8ui$<ilooc"$li so/e $o "is ries$s;

8e !a5e $"em $o /no: $"a$ i$ :as $"eir &es$iny $o !o 2or$"

$o $"e 2our uar$ers o2 $"e :orl&) recisely 2rom a s$ar$in!

oin$ a$ $"e "ear$ o2 $"e 2u$ure ci$y) :"ere $"ey "a& raise&

"is $emle) $"e sacre& sace ar e+cellence; Al$"ou!" in

some sense all Tenoc"$i$lan arises an& e+is$s in sacre&

sace) sacre& sace is reeminen$ly $"e sace o2 $"e

enclosure o2 $"e !rea$er $emle; ; ; ;

Primor&ial $ime@ ab origine) illo tempore @in :"ic" $"is

eoles ne: e+is$ence elases) :ill un2ol&) be!innin!

:i$" $"e mani2es$a$ion o2 $"e or$en$ous !o&) in a seuence

culmina$in! in sacre& sace) in $"e re!ion o2 $"e la/es;8

In&ee& $"e case is $"e same) in er2ec$ correson&ence) :i$" e5ery

$ra&i$ional ci5ili<a$ion in $"e 2oun&a$ion o2 $"eir ci$ies in sacrali<e& $ime

an& sace) :i$" $"e e+ce$ion o2 $"e mo&ern me$roolis an& i$s seu&o#

cul$ure;/ On $"e o$"er "an&) $"e ima!e o2 $"e "ear$ as $"e cen$er@a

re2lec$ion o2 $"e a+is@is resen$ in $"e maori$y o2) i2 no$ in all) /no:n

$ra&i$ions; T"is symbolism o2 $"e cen$er o2 $"e ci$y as $"e ossibili$y o2

irri!a$ion o2 $"e social or!anism) $"a$ is) o2 $"e $o$ali$y o2 $"a$ bein!) is

$ransose& $o $"e in&i5i&ual :"o s"aes $"a$ same socie$y) an& $o :"omis bes$o:e& a ne: li2e by ini$ia$in! "imsel2 in$o a &i22eren$ reali$y) in

re!enera$e& $ime an& sace; T"e In&ians o2 $"e ni$e& S$a$es rocee& no

&i22eren$lyB 9Amon! $"e Siou+ $ribes) $"e sacre& cabin in :"ic"

ini$ia$ions $a/e lace reresen$s $"e uni5erse; I$s roo2 symboli<es $"e

celes$ial 5aul$) i$s 2loor $"e ear$") $"e 2our :alls $"e 2our &irec$ions o2

cosmic sace; ; ; ; T"us) $"e Cons$ruc$ion o2 $"e sacre& cabin reea$s $"e

cosmo!ony;9 T"is is a uo$a$ion 2rom Mircea Elia&e) :"o also e+lains

$"a$B

T"e e+erience o2 sacre& sace ma/es ossible $"e

92oun&a$ion o2 $"e :orl&;9 ; ; ; -"ere $"e sacre& ismani2es$e& in sace) $"e real is re5eale&) $"e :orl& comes

$o e+is$ence; 7u$ $"e irru$ion o2 $"e sacre& is no$ limi$e& $o

$"e roec$ion o2 a 2i+e& oin$ ami&s$ $"e amor"ous

2lui&i$y o2 ro2ane sace@a 9Cen$er9 in 9C"aos;9 I$ also

e22ec$s a breac" o2 le5el) oens a communica$ion be$:een

$"e cosmic le5els >Ear$" an& 8ea5en?) an& 2acili$a$es $"e







$ransi$ion) an on$olo!ical one) 2rom one mo&e o2 bein! $o

$"e o$"er;

T"is is all in&ee& $"e case) an& i$ su!!es$s a series o2 associa$ions; Firs$)

:e no$ice $"e rela$ions"i) a+is) cen$er) "ear$) $emle) sacre& sace)

ini$ia$ion) re!enera$ion o2 bein!) ne: li2e an& reali$y) an& so on; T"is is

2ace& :i$" amor"ous c"aos) in&e$ermina$ion) rei$era$ion an& cyclical

sla5ery) 2alse li2e) a ro2ane :orl&) an& so 2or$"; Le$ us a$$em$ $o

e+lain cer$ain $erms in $"e li!"$ o2 $ra&i$ional co!ni$ion) as i$ is

recisely $"e la$$er $"a$ ma/es use o2 $"em;

4he 6acred and the <rofane

-e "a5e seen $"a$ $"e 5er$ical a+is) loca$e& a$ $"e cen$er) ac$s as an

in$erme&iary) e22ec$in! $"e "ea5en#ear$") or abo5e#belo:) rela$ions"i)

an& $"a$ i$ is symboli<e& by $"e $ree) $"e roc/ >$"e moun$ain in

minia$ure?) $"e $emle) an& seci2ically in Mesoamerica) $"e yrami&; I$

2alls $o man $o be $"e "i!"es$ an& mos$ comle$e e+onen$ o2 5er$icali$y)

since i$ is "e :"o cro:ns an& 2inis"es crea$ionB "e conoins :i$"in

"imsel2 $"e ener!ies o2 $"e "ea5enly an& $"e ear$"ly) an& i$ is $"rou!" "is

me&ia$ion $"a$ $"e cosmos is erennially re#crea$e&; -e "a5e alrea&y

in&ica$e& $"a$) 2or na$i5e ci5ili<a$ions) $"e :orl& :as a lane) :i$" a

ua&ran!ular base) surroun&e& by a sea; I$ :as a /in& o2 islan&; T"e

surroun&in! sea 2use&) in $"e "ori<on) :i$" $"e &ome o2 "ea5en >9$"e

celes$ial :a$ers o2 $"e &i5ine sea9?; 7enea$" $"is ear$"@in some casessuor$e& by columns) !o&s) or !ian$s@is $"e lo:er :orl&) $"e re!ion o2

$"e &ea&;

As :e "a5e alrea&y em"asi<e&) $"is conce$ion ma/es i$ lain $"a$

Precolumbian $"ou!"$ :as $"e same as $"a$ o2 $"e $ra&i$ions o2 $"e Ol&

-orl& an& An$iui$y; In 2ac$) $"is conce$ion o2 $"e ear$" as a lane

sur2ace is main$aine& almos$ unanimously by $"e 2irs$ Fa$"ers o2

C"ris$iani$y >$"ir&) 2our$") an& 2i2$" cen$uries?) by Sain$ Clemen$ o2

Ale+an&ria) Sain$ 7asil) Sain$ Ho"n C"rysos$om) Sain$ Ambrose)

Lac$an$ius) an& so on) an& is in"eri$e& 2rom $"e Gree/ $ra&i$ion as :ellas 2rom o$"er ci5ili<a$ions; In any case $"e American $ra&i$ion is no$

uniue >al$"ou!" i$ is cer$ainly 9c"arac$eris$ic9@$"a$ is) au$oc"$"onous?;

I$ aears ra$"er $"a$ all /no:n 5ersions o2 $"ese symbols an& my$"s are

a&a$a$ions o2 a sin!le non"is$orical e5en$ :o5en in$o $"e $issue o2 $"e

"uman bein!; T"e number 2i5e) :"ic" is a$ $"e basis o2 $"e Precolumbian

cosmo!ony@$"e 2our car&inal oin$s an& $"e cen$er or uin$essence@is)



by &e2ini$ion) $"e numeral o2 man) $"e microcosm 2or -es$ern

symbolism) as :ell as $"e lace o2 $"e Emeror >as me&ia$or) !o5ernor)

an& a&minis$ra$or? in C"inese $ra&i$ion; An& $"is "uman bein!) ima!e o2

$"e 5er$ical) is &ual) e+is$in! en$irely be$:een $:o oles) $"e "i!"es$ an&

$"e lo:es$) $"e "ea5enly an& $"e ear$"ly) $"e &i5ine an& $"e "uman) $"e

5er$ical an& $"e "ori<on$al) $"e sacre& an& $"e ro2ane@:"ic") li/e any

air o2 oosi$es $"a$ only seem $o be con$ra&ic$ory) mus$ "a5e a

common) uni$ary oin$ a$ :"ic" $"ey oin;

T"e sacre& an& $"e ro2ane are bu$ $:o &i22eren$ :ays o2 seein! a sin!le

reali$y) by no$in! or un&erscorin! ar$icular c"arac$eris$ics $"a$ accor&

:i$" our 5ision; T"a$ o:er is :i$"in man; I$ 2alls $o "im $o sacrali<e or

ro2ane $"e :orl& an& li2e) $o /no: o2 $"e "i!" an& $"e lo:) an& o2 $"e

ro2oun& cosmo!onic mys$eries en:rae& in $"e i&eas symboli<e& by

"ea5en an& ear$") i&eas un&ers$an&able an& /no:able by man $"an/s $o

$"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"ey are resen$ in "is consciousness) in "is in$erior) men$al

sace; I$ is $"e "uman bein!) $"en) :"o "as $"e caaci$y $o "ear an&

/no: o2 $"e celes$ial ener!ies) reco!ni<e $"e !o&s re5eale& $o "im) an&

obser5e $"eir comman&s on ear$" by :ay o2 a series o2 a&a$a$ions; T"is

insira$ion) or asira$ion) o2 &i5ine emana$ions) an& $"eir e+ira$ion in$o

$"e :orl&) $"is recon5ersion o2 $"e 5er$ical in$o $"e "ori<on$al@i2 :e

mi!"$ be ermi$$e& $"e e+ression@is :"a$ "as al:ays s"ae& cul$ures)

:"ic" cons$an$ly rei$era$e $"e sacrali$y o2 $"eir ori!ins an& $"eir

/no:le&!e o2 a reali$y o2 ano$"er) in5isible an& more ele5a$e&) lane;T"is reali$y is e+erience& as an$ece&en$) or as "a5in! elase& in an

a$emoral $ime@cus$omarily &esi!na$e& $"e Ci$y) $"e Palace) or $"e

8ea5enly Temle) :"ic" are $"e ro$o$yes o2 $"e ear$"ly ci$y) alace)

an& $emle; Eac" "uman bein! is $"e 5isible ima!e o2 a ni5ersal

7ein!) :"ic" a$ $"e same $ime is :i$"in) or reresen$e& by) $"a$ erson)

an& $"e li2e an& bo&y :"ic" $"e erson uses in $"e ear$"ly abo&e are

illusory;

Li2e is a &ream)

-e only come $o slee) :e only come $o &ream; I$ is no$ $rue) i$ is no$ $rue

T"a$ :e come $o li5e on ear$"U9

Our real li2e is no$ $"is resen$ one >nor is our bo&y our au$"en$ic bein!?)

2or our $rue abo&e is $"e "ea5enly one; T"ese $:in $en&encies or

ener!ies) o2 $"e real an& $"e illusory) $"e ascen&in! an& $"e &escen&in!)

coe+is$ in any mani2es$a$ion) al$"ou!" one almos$ al:ays re&omina$es







o5er $"e o$"er; Tra&i$ional ci5ili<a$ions "a5e subor&ina$e& $"e ro2ane $o

$"e sacre&) an& i$ is recisely $"is $"a$ &i22eren$ia$es $"em 2rom mo&ern

socie$y) :"ic" "as o5er5alue& $"e ro2ane $o $"e oin$ $"a$ i$ scarcely

/no:s any$"in! else) bes$o:in! on $"e sacre& an in2erior lace@i2 any

lace a$ all@re!ar&in! i$ as unnecessary an& e5en "arm2ul; Or else i$ is

a&ul$era$e&) assimila$in! i$ e+clusi5ely $o $"e 9reli!ious)9 $o 9"oliness)9

>$o some$"in! 2ra$ernal) ious) sen$imen$al?) an& a$ $imes $"e

communi$arian; In $"is sense) $"e sacre&) $"e au$"en$ically "oly) 2or

$ra&i$ional $"ou!"$ "as scarcely any$"in! a$ all $o &o :i$" :"a$ or&inary

ersons o2 -es$ern cul$ure /no: un&er $"a$ name $o&ay) or ima!ine in

i$s re!ar& in $erms o2 $"e a$$erns in$ernali<e& by $"eir social an&

reli!ious ubrin!in!;

a)a codex

T"e reali$y o2 $"e sacre&) :"ic" imoses i$sel2 o2 i$s o:n :ei!"$) is

ercei5e& in $"e in$eriori$y o2 consciousness) an& mani2es$s i$sel2 as $"e

sole) $"e ac$ual an& $rue; I$ is ercei5e& as a resence no$ subec$ $o

becomin!) a immu$able resence in nee& o2 no$"in! an& no one since i$

is e$ernal in i$sel2; Con2ron$e& :i$" $"is e+erience) in :"ic" man a$$ains

"is au$"en$ic bein!) o$"er $"in!s :ill $"en be rela$i5e) an& :ill "a5e

5alue $o $"e e+$en$ $"a$) on $"eir le5el) $"ey are e+ressions o2 $"e

ni5ersal 7ein! $o :"ic" $"ey a$$es$ an& :"ic" $"ey re5eal) becomin!

symbols) un&erinnin!s o2 /no:le&!e) or erennial ri$ual !es$ures;



Codex Vaticano /

In $"is sense) le$ us say $"a$ $"e ar$ician$s o2 a $ra&i$ional communi$y)

in $"eir ri5a$e as :ell as in $"eir ublic li5es) sen$ $"eir $ime in

sacri2ices) rayers) 2es$i5als) an& sacre& ri$es o2 :ar or eace@$"eir &aily

li2e@$"a$ is) $"a$ $"ey :ere min&2ul) in $"ese occua$ions an& 2unc$ions)o2 $"eir cosmo!ony) o2 $"eir imago mundi) e5er an& al:ays) 2rom $"eir

bir$" $o $"eir &ea$"; In a :or&) $"ey li5e& in a ermanen$ly sacrali<e&

:orl&) suc" as :e 2in& unanimously e+resse& in all o2 $"e &ocumen$s)

$e+$s) an& :or/s o2 ar$ $"a$ "a5e come &o:n $o us as $es$imonials o2 $"e

in&i!enous cul$ures) some o2 :"ic" are s$ill ali5e $o&ay;

Nor is $"e sacre& a sanc$imoniousness) a reli!iosi$y) or suers$i$ion; I$ is

no$ $ie& e+clusi5ely $o a moral $"eory an& $o be"a5iors in con2ormi$y

:i$" coerci5e la:s; In&ee&) a$ $imes i$ con$ains some$"in! o2 $"e

abnormal) an& resen$s i$sel2 in mons$rous >&isease) insani$y) mis2or$une?or e5en !ro$esue 2orm; In a sense) $"is is re5eale& in $aboo an& i$s

obec$) a reali$y :"ic" :e 2in& mar/e& by a 2alse@$o an ou$si&er@aura)

li/e any$"in! else $"a$ mi!"$ be 9an$ina$ural;9 T"e sacre& e+is$s a$ $"e

"ear$ o2 $"e consciousness o2 man :"o s"ares in ni5ersal 7ein!) an&

ye$ $"is s$a$e) $"is reali$y) is as &i22icul$ $o &escribe as $"e na$ure o2

recisely :"a$ i$ e+resses >:"ic" is $an$amoun$ $o "is i&en$i$y?; Per"as

one mi!"$ asser$ $"e sacre& by :ay o2 &enyin! all $"a$ i$ is no$; 7u$ :e

s"all "a5e $o $a/e 5ery muc" in$o accoun$ $"a$ $"e "oly is no$ only a

92eelin!)9 as is claime&) nor a 2an$asy) as is susec$e&) nor a 95ir$ue)9 as

is ima!ine&; T"e reali$y o2 $"e sacre&) i$s $ru$") is &e&uce& 2rom $"e2alseness o2 $"e ro2ane) 2rom i$s ine22icacy; One $"in/s o2 "eal$" :"en

e+eriencin! illness; I$ is $"an/s $o crea$ion $"a$ :e concei5e $"e

uncrea$e&; Essence is immanen$ in subs$ance; A $ra&i$ional conce$ion o2

sacrali$y is in$ima$ely connec$e& :i$" $"e /no:le&!e o2 o$"er le5els or

:orl&s) :"ic" are e+erience& as real) an& are no$ ou$si&e man as i2 $"ey

cons$i$u$e& o$"er "ysical :orl&s or laces) bu$ are 2oun& a$ $"e core o2



"is consciousness) by :"ic" "e can ercei5e $"em) since $"ey resen$

$"emsel5es as i&en$ical :i$" "imsel2) as i2 $"ey :ere "is au$"en$ic bein!)

$"e ni5ersal 7ein! $"a$ is "is ori!in an& &es$iny) an& 2rom :"ic" all

men an& $"in!s emana$e) $o re$urn $o 8im in&e2ini$ely; T"is c"an!e) $"is

re$urn $o ni5ersal 7ein!) is $"e mans $as/ as a&minis$ra$or o2 crea$ion;

An& ri$e an& symbol are $"e 5e"icles emloye& in $ra&i$ional socie$ies

2or buil&in! a bri&!e be$:een $"e 2lee$in! an& $"e ermanen$) be$:een

i!norance an& /no:le&!e;

All o2 $"e cul$ure o2 $"e $ra&i$ional erson) $ransla$e& in$o e5ery&ay ri$es

an& &aily symbols) is bu$ a con$inuous memorial) in !es$ure an& min&) o2

$"e in5isible lane) o2 $"e sacrali$y o2 $"e :orl&) an& a cons$an$ o22erin!

o2 $"an/s an& re5erence $o $"e &ei$y) $o $"e numina $"a$ are ere$ually

!enera$in! us; No con$rary $"ou!"$ "as e5er 2oun& a lace in a $ra&i$ional

socie$y): :"ic" e+$rac$s all o2 i$s /no:le&!e 2rom $"e are"ension o2

$"ese arc"e$yal $ru$"s $"a$ cons$i$u$e i$s cosmo!ony@i$s :ay o2 seein!

$"e one cosmo!ony; I$ is $"an/s $o i$s cosmo!ony $"a$ suc" a socie$y can

or!ani<e an& li5e in 2ree&om an& roseri$y@accor&in! $o $"e measure o2

i$s oor$uni$ies@an& ossess an i&en$i$y $"a$ :ill $ransla$e in$o i$s &aily

ac$i5i$ies) i$s labors) i$s social) 2amily) an& in&i5i&ual occua$ions) i$s

2es$i5als an& !ames) i$s social or!ani<a$ion) i$s :ri$in! an& calen&ars) i$s

!o&s) i$s my$"s an& symbols@in sum) in$o i$s cul$ure as a !i!an$ic $o$al

ri$e;

3O456 Al2onso Caso) The A!tecs: people o0 the sun1 >ni5ersi$y o2 O/la"oma

Press) Norman %4,3?;

2 Landa$s &elaci-n de las cosas del 2ucatán >Peabo&y Museum Paers %3)

%4*%?;

7 Cu<co) $"e cai$al) :as $"e !eo!ra"ical as :ell as $"e oli$ico#social cen$er

o2 $"e emire) :"ic" :as &i5i&e& in$o 2our lar!e re!ions or ro5inces; Eac"o2 $"e la$$er :as !o5erne& by a member o2 $"e royal 2amily) :"o) conoin$ly

:i$" $"e Inca) rule& all Ta3antisu)o >$"e emire?@a :or& :"ic") inJuec"ua) means li$erally) 9Lan& o2 $"e Four Juar$ers;9

8 4xico Tenochtitlan: Su "spacio ) Tiempo Sagrado >Me+ico Ci$yBI;N;A;8;) %403?;

/ In C"ina) as :ell) $"ere :as a my$"ic isle) :"ere 2our 9mas$ers9 li5e&) one a$

eac" car&inal oin$; In Irelan& $"ere :ere once 2i5e /in!&oms) one in eac"

&irec$ion an& one cen$ral; T"e same :as $"e case 2or In&ia an& Tibe$) :"ere















$"e 2our ah5r5has) or !rea$ /in!s) rule&; T"e same :i$" $"e 2our A3t5d o2

Islamic eso$erism; See Ren Gunon) Lord o0 the 6orld ) c"as; 4) %6;

T"e Mesoamerican sacre& ball !ame is laye& in a sace symboli<in! $"ecosmos) an& $"e ar$ician$s in $"is ri$e reresen$ $"e rimor&ial !o&s@$"e

cosmic ener!ies@$"an/s $o :"om crea$ion $oo/ lace in an ori!inal $ime;

9 Anon; >o2 Tenoc"$i$lan?) Cantares exicanos) Sanis" $rans; An!el MarQa

Garibay ;

: A $ra&i$ional socie$y coul& en!en&er a robber) a mur&erer) a $rai$or) bu$ne5er an a$"eis$; T"e la$$er is a "enomenon $"a$ canno$ be in suc" a

socie$y;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

1

T8E PRECOLM7IAN -ORLD

As :e "a5e alrea&y em"asi<e&) $"e anorama o22ere& by $"e

Precolumbian cul$ures is 5as$ an& comle+) al$"ou!" $"e remnan$s o2 $"e

!ran&eur o2 $"ese cul$ures are more $"an su22icien$@suc" is $"eir clari$y

an& e5i&ence@2or $"eir essen$ial recons$ruc$ion; E+$en&in! 2rom $"e

Es/imos an& In&ians o2 Cana&a an& Nor$" America $o $"e Araucans an&

Pamas o2 C"ile an& Ar!en$ina is an immense comle+ o2 my$"s)

$ra&i$ions) symbols) ri$es) usa!es an& cus$oms) :ays o2 li2e) an& so on)

:"ic") &esi$e $"eir 5arie$y) ar$icula$e in a co"eren$ manner; T"ey

roec$ an ima!e o2 :"a$ $"ese cul$ures :ere be2ore $"e Conuis$a an&

coloni<a$ion) al$"ou!" many o2 $"em "a& alrea&y been los$ by $"a$ $ime

>or "a& 2use& :i$" o$"ers?) or "a& more or less aban&one& $"eir ori!ins)

soli&i2ie& in minor 2orms because o2 "is$orical reasons@by 5ir$ue o2

oli$ical an& economic 2ac$ors;

A!ain) by $"e $ime $"e Euroeans arri5e&) $"is enormous i!sa: u<<le

o2 cul$ures 2oun& i$sel2 in a number o2 &i22eren$ s$a!es o2 9&e5elomen$;9

T"is 9&e5elomen$9 $o :"ic" :e re2er is in no :ay 9ro!ressi5e)9 as i2 i$












"a& been a linear) unin$erru$e& a&5ance on $"e ar$ o2 man as a member

o2 $"e e5olu$ion o2 $"e secies or as $"e in5en$or o2 scien$i2ic 9a&5ances;9

Ra$"er) :"a$ :e are callin! 9&e5elomen$9 "ere re2ers $o $"e 5arious

cyclical s$a!es@bir$") you$") ma$uri$y) &eca&ence@in :"ic" any cul$ure

normally &e5elos) 2inally $o &isaear) $"ence $o arise once more in a

&i22eren$ 2orm) !enera$e& 2rom a s$ar$in! oin$ in $"e ol& !erms an&

&es$ine& $o s"are $"e lo$ o2 i$s re&ecessors an& i$s successors; T"is is

ar$icularly clear in ancien$ America) :"ere $"e remnan$s o2 $"e ol&)

5anis"e&) ci5ili<a$ions "a5e al:ays coe+is$e& :i$" ne: cul$ural manners

an& :ays in 5arious s$a!es o2 e5olu$ion 2or &i22eren$ ar$icular reasons;

T"is s"ae& a comlica$e& mosaic o2 eoles) a s:arm o2 cus$oms an&

usa!es) o2 mani2ol&) c"an!in! 2orms an& colors@coe+is$in!) a$ $imes) in

one an& $"e same socie$y@bu$ :i$" a common !roun&:or/) a common

s$ruc$ure) $"ereby cons$i$u$in! a li5in!) &ynamic :"oleB an ensemble o2

in$errela$e& cycles an& :"eels :i$"in :"eels :i$"in :"eels) all &irec$ly

or in&irec$ly in$e!ra$e& in$o a con$inen$) as i2 $"ey "a& been in&een&en$)

bu$ connec$e&) !earbo+es 2i$$e& in$o o$"ers :i$" :"ic" $"ey comose&

$"e ma or anorama o2 Ancien$ America;

Nor) as :e /no:) :as $"is $"e e+clusi5e roer$y o2 $"ese cul$ures alone;

T"e socie$ies an& realms o2 all laces "a5e "a& $"ese same

c"arac$eris$ics o2 in&een&ence an& mu$ual in$e!ra$ion) :i$" uni2ormi$y

arri5in! only a$ $"e comin! o2 $"e emires) or analo!ous sc"ema$a)

:"ic" nee&e& $o$ali$arian) ri!i& 2orms) imosin! $"emsel5es by 2orce o2arms an& ma/in! $ribu$aries o2 $"eir nei!"bors; I$ :oul& seem) "o:e5er)

2rom a "is$orical an& cyclical s$an&oin$) $"a$ emires are in&isensable)

al$"ou!" $"e 2orms $"ey "a5e $a/en "a5e been so mili$ari<e& an& abusi5e

$"a$ $ra&i$ion i$sel2 "as been use& as a o:er 2ac$or; T"is may "a5e been

$"e case :i$" $"e A<$ec an& Inca rulers) :"o) ne5er$"eless) brou!"$ $"eir

eoles $o $"e ma+imum o2 or!ani<a$ion) ac$i5i$y) an& uan$i$a$i5e

!ro:$";2

On $"e o$"er "an&) many o2 $"e $ra&i$ional socie$ies "a& been cons$i$u$e&

as &i22eren$ia$e& cores in $"e 2orm o2 2amilies) al$"ou!" $"eir be"a5ior:as no$ al:ays "omo!eneous; A!ain) :e mus$ say $"a$ $"ese ineuali$ies

became e5en more comlica$e& in $"e era o2 $"e Euroean in5asion)

since eac" &is$inc$ eole :as $rea$e& &i22eren$ly) an& reac$e& in i$s o:n

:ay in 2ace o2 $"e Conues$) in i$s caaci$y o2 ro$a!onis$ o2 i$s "is$ory;

Desi$e all $"is) "o:e5er) i$ is as$onis"in! $"a$ so many analo!ies@

ob5ious a$ a !lance@s"oul& e+is$ be$:een $"e American In&ians o2 $"e





Nor$") Cen$er) an& Sou$"; A$ $imes $"e &is$ances seara$in! $"ese

coun$less eoles :ere merely suc" as coul& be $ra5erse& in a &ay or $:o

on 2oo$) al$"ou!" in o$"er cases $"ey :ere enormous;

In$ercommunica$ion :as main$aine& by $ra&e or :ar) resul$in! in a

mu$ual in2luence; 7u$ on occasion) an& 2or 5ery rolon!e& lases o2 $ime

an& o:in! $o 5arious circums$ances) $"ey remaine& more or less isola$e&

2rom one ano$"er; Peoles o2 $"is $ye coe+is$e& er2ec$ly on $"e same

!eo!ra"ic con$inen$ an& in $"e same "is$orical $ime) emana$in! 2rom a

!rea$er nuclea$ion $"a$ embrace& $"em all) as $"ey :ere o2 common

ori!in &esi$e $"e mul$i$u&e o2 $"eir 2orms) lan!ua!es) an& secon&ary

c"arac$eris$ics;

T"is :as $rue re!ar&less o2 :"e$"er) a$ $"e momen$ o2 $"eir 9&isco5ery)9

$"ese eoles :ere noma&s) in &ecline) in $"eir you$") or a$ $"e ea/ o2

$"eir o:er; I$ :as $rue i2 $"ey :ere simle !a$"erers) or bein!s caable

o2 e+ressin! $"emsel5es in i&eo!rams or sys$ems o2 calcula$ion as

comle+ as $"eir calen&ars; To belie5e $"a$ noma&ic eoles are no$ ye$

e5ol5e& is $o belie5e in a ro!ressi5e) ima!inary) o22icial "is$orical

sys$em in :"ic") 2rom a mon/ey or a 2is") "uman /in& 2inally becomes

an e+ecu$i5e@a $"eory so bla$an$ly 2alse) i2 one bu$ &ei!n $o obser5e $"e

mos$ elemen$ary "is$orical reali$y) $"a$ a lay erson o2 !oo& 2ai$"

imme&ia$ely &ecries $"e 2rau&; Many noma&ic eoles :ere 2ormerly

se&en$ary) an& se5eral o2 $"em "a5e been bo$" in $"e course o2 $"eir

"is$ory) as is $"e case :i$" Israel; T"e noma&ic@an& $"e 9rimi$i5e9@ cul$ures are no$ re$ar&e& or in2erior) no$:i$"s$an&in! a$$em$s $o rele!a$e

$"em $o a semi#e5ol5e& ca$e!ory or $o con2use $"em :i$" "or&es o2

sa5a!es; A$ $"e ao!ee o2 $"e Islamic $ra&i$ion) $o ci$e one e+amle) $"ey

coe+is$e& :i$" $"e ma!ni2icence an& ro!ress o2 $"e !rea$ ci$ies :i$"ou$

any /in& o2 in$er2erence) bu$ ra$"er in comlemen$ari$y) :"ic" is easy $o

corrobora$e i2 :e remember $"a$ Islam is ac$ually $"e reli!ion o2 $"e

&eser$;

T"is cul$ural mo&ali$y s$ill subsis$s $o&ay) an& $"e eoles :"o li5e i$

s$ill rac$ice $"eir $ra&i$ions; T"ey carry $"em ou$ in ere$ual :a$c" 2or$"e &an!ers an& o2 $"e roa&) in ri$ual ree$i$ion &ay a2$er &ay) in $"eir

la:s) usa!es) an& cus$oms) an& in $"e /no:le&!e $ransmi$$e& $o $"em

$"rou!" ini$ia$ion in$o $"e cosmo!onic mys$eries@us$ as in any se&en$ary

socie$y@an& e+resse& in $"eir symbols an& cul$ural mani2es$a$ions; 7y

con$ras$ :i$" se&en$ary socie$ies) "o:e5er) o:in! $o $"e roer

c"arac$eris$ics o2 $"eir :an&erin!s) $"ese !rous are less con&i$ione&)



an& e+erience mo5emen$ an& $ime more &irec$ly; An& on $"e lain@$"e

sace $"ey !enerally $ra5erse@:"ose lan&scae is $"e immensi$y o2 $"e

2irmamen$) $"eir communica$ion :i$" $"e s/y) $"e s$ars) an& $"eir

surroun&in!s is muc" lar!er $"an $"a$ o2 $"e ci$y#&:ellers; T"eir

in$e!ra$ion :i$" na$ure) as an ima!e o2 $"e suerna$ural) is un&eniable) as

$"ey &een& on i$s cycles an& mo&ali$ies in or&er $o subsis$B $"ey $en& $o

be !a$"erers) or "un$ers) or "er&ers) or 2is"ers; Ano$"er $"in! $"a$ is

2or!o$$en is $"a$ $"e maori$y o2 $"e eoles :"o are calle& noma&s are

ac$ually seminoma&sB $"eir $emorary@i2 a$ $imes rolon!e&@ins$alla$ion

in ar$icular laces resul$e& in $"eir en!a!in! in a!ricul$ure) :"ere

ossible) or in $"eir erio&ical re$urn $o cer$ain locales;7 T"is is $"e case

:i$" numerous Precolumbian cul$ures) $o :"om i!norance is a$$ribu$e&

re!ar&in! $"e alle!e& a&5an$a!es o2 $"e crys$alli<a$ion) soli&i2ica$ion)

an& sclerosis o2 se&en$ary or urban 2orms o2 socie$y; 7u$ $o noma&s

$"ese 2orms seem necessarily ri!i& 2rom $"e s$an&oin$ o2 noma&ic

2ree&om o2 mo5emen$) $"a$ re2lec$ion o2 a rimor&ial s$a$e;

Nor is i$ usually recalle& $"a$) 2or $"e Gree/s) $"e resence o2 classical

scul$ure) as a mo&el o2 r"y$"m) "armony) an& er2ec$ion@$"a$ is) as an

e+ression o2 7eau$y) a$$ribu$e o2 $"e !o&s@:as &irec$ "eir o2 $"e rou!"

s$one) a na$ural e+ression an& $es$imonial o2 $"e &i5ine ener!y; In 2ac$)

$"e olis"e& s$a$ue reresen$e& an in&irec$ 2orm o2 sacre& resence) no:

mani2es$e& un&er $"e $insel o2 2orm an& $"e al:ays rela$i5e es$"e$ic

arecia$ion@al$"ou!" $"e ar$is$s &esire& $o ma/e $"e s$one i$sel2 sea/)sou!"$ $o re5eal i$ in i$s in$imacy; T"e noma&ic eoles) or :an&erers)

are in e5erlas$in! con$ac$ :i$" $"e s/y) an& so "a5e nee& o2 2e:

in$erme&iary ima!es; T"eir rela$ion :i$" $"e celes$ial "as ne5er been

calle& in$o ues$ionB in no :ay) $"en) are $"ey in2erior $o se&en$ary

eoles) nor ou!"$ $"ey $o be re!ar&e& as an embryonic s$a!e o2 $"e

la$$er;

As $o $"e "is$orical ori!in o2 $"e Precolumbian eoles) mo&ern science

"as erec$e& $"is ues$ion in$o a ma$$er o2 suc" $o:erin! imor$ance $"a$

any e5alua$ion bearin! on $"ese ci5ili<a$ions "as been 2rame& un&er $"is ersec$i5e; T"is "as been an obs$acle bo$" $o a con$emla$ion o2 $"e

uni$y o2 $"e na$i5e $ra&i$ions@in all $"e seci2ici$y o2 $"eir cul$ural

e+ressions@an& $o an arecia$ion o2 $"e !rea$ness o2 $"eir ci5ili<a$ions;

T"is a$$i$u&e ersis$s $o our 5ery &ay) so $"a$ $"e 9&isco5erers9)

conuerors) an& coloni<ers "a5e al:ays belie5e& an& $au!"$ $"a$ $"e

enli!"$enmen$ o2 $"ese socie$ies be!ins :i$" $"eir in$er5en$ion or arri5al;






T"ey 2ail $o !ras $"a$ $"e $"ou!"$ $"ey reresen$ "as i$s roo$s in $"eir

sense o2 bein! $"e o:ners o2 "is$ory) :"ic" $"ey "a5e ins$i$u$ionali<e&)

an& :"ic" $"ey $"in/ is a branc" o2 $"e &ei$y 9science)9 $"e only $rue

$"in!; An& $"ey belie5e in o22icial "is$ory) o2 :"ic" $"ey are $"e

reresen$a$i5esB be2ore $"e in5en$ion o2 $"is &isciline) $"ere :as no

c"ronolo!y) an& $"ere2ore no li2e) as $"ey ima!ine;8

From $"e 5ie:oin$ o2 $"e In&ians) :"o "a5e al:ays in"abi$e& $"e

con$inen$ by $"e millions) an& :"o con$inue $o mar/ $"eir $ime) $"eir li2e)

an& $"eir name by o$"er rac$ices) $"e 9&isco5ery9 "as al:ays been

simly a ma$$er o2 an in$rusion) an occua$ion imose& on $"e basis o2

lies an& 5iolence) in$o :"ic" $"ey "a5e ne5er been au$"en$ically

in$e!ra$e&) by reason o2 $"e ro2ane c"arac$eris$ics o2 $"a$ in$rusion;

A$ $"e same $ime) $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"e Renaissance Euroeans are sai& $o

"a5e &isco5ere& America con2ron$s us :i$" $"e ues$ionB In $"e resence

o2 :"a$) or :"om An& "ere :e 2ace once more $"e same mis$a/en

5ie:oin$ as be2ore; T"a$ is) "is$ory@$"e "is$ory o2 $"e -es$) o2 course@

is $a/en as a le!al an& scien$i2ic ins$i$u$ion) absolu$ely 5eracious) an

in&een&en$ reali$y; T"is ma/es i$ $"e las$ ins$ance o2 aeal) an& laces

i$s 2in&in!s beyon& &iscussion; T"is en$ire in5en$ion mus$ $"en &eny $"e

$ru$" o2 :"a$e5er &oes no$ 2all :i$"in $"e ur5ie: o2 i$s measuremen$s

or else i$ is un/no:n $o i$ an& $"ere2ore none+is$en$) in :"ic" case all o2

$"e American con$inen$) :i$" i$s cul$ures an& ci5ili<a$ions) "a& no$

e+is$e&) because no accoun$ "a& been $a/en o2 i$ be2ore $"e 9&isco5ery;9

8ence also $"e nee& $o 2in& an ori!in 2or $"a$ con$inen$) an

o22iciali<a$ion) a classi2ica$ion) a nee& $o label an& le!ali<e i$ in or&er $o

consume i$) a nee& $o ma/e i$ &i!es$ible :i$"ou$ i$s !i5in! muc"

annoyance) or $oo many surrises; As 2or $"e 9&isco5ery)9 i$ is only $"a$

2rom $"e same ersec$i5e@$"a$ is) $"e -es$ern) "is$orical ersec$i5e;

A2$er all) 2or one $"in!) suc" a 9&isco5ery9 :oul& be mu$ual) an& 2or

ano$"er) :e /no: $"a$ $"ese cul$ures 2or!e& lin/s :i$" one ano$"er as

:ell as :i$" o$"er con$inen$s) across $"e seas) as "as al:ays been $"e

case :i$" all o2 $"e eoles o2 $"e :orl&;

7u$ :i$"ou$ any &oub$) $"e mos$ lamen$able reu&ice o2 all is $"a$ o2

9ro!ress9@associa$e& $o e5olu$ion) :"ic" "as i$s e+ression in $"e

9$"eories9 $"a$ ma/e $"e "uman bein! a &escen&an$ o2 $"e ae) an& o2

o$"er $rans2ormis$ic &e!enera$ions; T"e resen$ au$"or is no$ $"e 2irs$ $o

asser$ $"a$ $"e Dar:inian) 9e5olu$ionis$ic9 $"eories cons$i$u$e $"e earlies$





con$ribu$ion $o $"e li$erary !enre /no:n as science 2ic$ion) la$er

er2ec$e& by PVre Teil"ar& &e C"ar&in; To be sure) :e "a5e no in$en$ion

o2 insis$in! on $"ese oin$s) as $"ey are o2 no &irec$ concern $o us; For

our :or/) :e "a5e nee& only o2 $"e symbol in i$sel2) an& $"e uni5ersal

i&eas or rinciles $"a$ i$ mani2es$s as i$ s"aes cul$ures@al$"ou!" :e are

un:illin! simly $o omi$ $o in&ica$e $"ese anomalies) :i$" :"ic" any

9scien$i2ic9 5ie: o2 $"e Precolumbian is colore&;/

An across#$"e#boar& in5es$i!a$ion o2 $"e ancien$ American anorama

mus$ $a/e accoun$ o2 $"e 2un&amen$al elemen$s o2 i$s cul$ural symbols)

:i$" $"e "el o2 :"a$ $o&ay are calle& an$"roolo!y) e$"no!ra"y)

arc"aeolo!y) lin!uis$ics) e$"nobo$any) economics) $"e social sciences)

an& o2 course as$ronomy) ma$"ema$ics) arc"i$ec$ure an& ar$) an& so on;

All o2 $"ese sources are syn$"esi<e&) an& ori!ina$e) in a sin!le reali$yB

$"a$ o2 man) $"e "uman) suc" as $"e la$$er :as araise& by $"e

Precolumbians) an& $a/en in$o accoun$ o2 $"e "uman 2rom a $ra&i$ional

5ie:oin$) no$ un&er $"e ersec$i5e $"a$ :e $o&ay bes$o: uon $"e

ersonali<e& o:ners"i o2 $"e "uman "enomenon; I$ is $"rou!"

$ra&i$ional man an& "is symbols $"a$ :e can aroac" $"is "enomenon)

an& can ac/no:le&!e oursel5es as "uman bein!s in $"eir :"oleness; -e

ac"ie5e $"is by means o2 $"e un&ers$an&in! a22or&e& by $"e ,ia

s)mbolica) :"ic" ac$s as a bols$er an& an or&erly a$" $o /no:le&!e) as

i$ re5eals $o us our >an& $"e :orl&s? i&en$i$y an& au$"en$ic e+$ra$emoral

ori!in;

Generally sea/in!) a erson o2 a5era!e in2orma$ion :ill "a5e an i&ea o2

$"e Precolumbian $"a$) in $"e bes$ o2 cases) :ill be limi$e& $o recallin!

$"e names o2 a 2e: mys$erious eoles calle& Inca) Maya) an& A<$ec;

7u$ $"ere :ere 2ar more na$i5e cul$ures $"an $"ese) as :e "a5e sai&@in

$"e as$) as :ell as subsis$in! $o&ay in remo$e) 2ra!men$e& isola$ion;

A<$ecs an& Incas ali/e :ere mili$ari<e& eoles) 2ormin! $:o !rea$

emires) :"ic" a$ $"e momen$ o2 $"e Conuis$a "a& e+is$e& scarcely a

2e: cen$uries; T"ey :ere a$ $"e ao!ee o2 $"eir mili$ary) or!ani<a$ional)

an& commercial o:er) "a5in! arri5e& a$ $"is con&i$ion o:in! $o $"e!enerali<e& &e!ra&a$ion o2 $"e eoles aroun& $"em) :"ic" si!nale&

$"eir "is$orical &es$iny; Ac$ually) $"e s$ran!e Precolumbian :orl&) seen

as a :"ole) :as e+eriencin! an in$ernal $rauma a$ $"is momen$@an

in$erior 2ission $"a$ ma&e $"e Euroean conues$ ossible) an& $"a$ "a&

been unanimously ro"esie& by $"eir ries$s) as is :ell#/no:n in $"e

case o2 Me+ico an& Peru >bu$ also occurre& in $"e An$illes) 7ra<il) in





Nor$" America be2ore $"e arri5al o2 Cai$=n Corona&o) an& so on?; An&

al$"ou!" $"ese $:o emires &omina$e& a !rea$ ar$ o2 $"e con$inen$) i$ is

also $rue $"a$ $"is ar$ :as 5ery 2ar 2rom bein! $"e $o$ali$y; A$ $"e same

$ime) $"e emires accor&e& !rea$ 2ree&om :"en i$ came $o $"e belie2s o2

eac" ar$icular eole :"om $"ey "a& subec$e& $o $ribu$eB local &ei$ies

aar$) $"e &oc$rinal base) $"e conce$ion o2 $"e :orl&) an& $"e manner in

:"ic" $"is conce$ion :as symboli<e& :as essen$ially $"e same; In&ee&)

$"e $ra&i$ions an& co!ni$ions $"a$ $"ese eoles "a& ma&e $"eir o:n

&eri5e& 2rom a common ori!in@al$"ou!") concre$ely in $"e case o2 $"ese

$:o emires) $"e early A<$ecs an& Incas "a& $a/en all o2 $"ese $"in!s

2rom $"e more &e5eloe& >an& no: &eca&en$? cul$ures o2 $"eir :ise

2orebears an& $"e nei!"bors $"a$ $"ey "a& no: subec$e& $o $"eir imerial

re!ime;

-e mi!"$ ima!ine a "u!e mo$ion ic$ure) s"o$ a$ $"e al$i$u&e necessary

$o inclu&e $"e en$ire American con$inen$; T"e lar!er ima!e remains

2ro<en) $"e camera 2i+e&) an& $"us :e obser5e $"e mo5emen$s occurrin!

on $"e con$inen$ in %*4') a 2e: &ays be2ore $"e arri5al o2 $"e Saniar&s;

-e be"ol& some$"in! li/e a r"y$"mic &ance o2 "armonious) coor&ina$e&

!es$ures) a bubblin! bee"i5e o2 ac$i5i$y) c"ar!e& :i$" li2e; I$ is

es$ima$e& $"a$ more $"an one "un&re& million ersons li5e& in America

a$ $"a$ $ime) or!ani<e& in $"ousan&s o2 in&een&en$ cen$ers an& sub#

cen$ers; Only in Me+ico an& $"e ni$e& S$a$es a mere "un&re& !rous o2

&is$inc$ lan!ua!es :ere so/en; T"en :e see a !ran& &i5ersi$y o2 usa!esan& cus$oms) ceremonies) 2es$i5als) an& local &ress an& belie2s) alon!

:i$" 5ery &i22eren$ racial c"arac$eris$ics; Clima$e) !eo!ra"y) an&

!eo!ra"ically &e$ermine& 2auna an& 2lora occasione& coun$less

ar$iculari$ies amon! $"ese eoles@ar$iculari$ies) conseuen$ly) $"a$

mani2es$e& $"emsel5es in mos$ 5arie& :ays) surrisin! an& &eli!"$in! us

:i$" $"e :eal$" o2 $"eir con$en$ an& 2orms >:"ic" &is$in!uis" an& mar/

$"em o22 2rom one ano$"er?;

All o2 $"is 5arie$y res$s on a common 2oun&a$ion) in an in5isible

s$ruc$ure) :"ic" is :"a$ bes$o:s uni$y on $"e :"ole >an& a$ $"e same$ime &i22eren$ia$es i$ 2rom $"e Ol& -orl&?@a uni$y mani2es$e& $"rou!"

$"ese eoles symbols an& my$"s) an& e+resse& in $"eir cosmo!onies)

$"eo!onies) belie2s) an& cul$ural mo&es; In&ee&) :ere :e $o brin! our

!rea$ mo$ion#ic$ure camera &o:n so $"a$ i$ coul& be 2ocuse& on any

!i5en oin$ o2 $"e American ma) :e s"oul& 2in& $"ere a cul$ural nucleus

in 2ull ac$i5i$y; T"en) :ere :e $o s$u&y $"a$ nucleus in i$s essence) i$





:oul& re5eal a s$ruc$ure) a series o2 symbols) er2ec$ly "omolo!ous an&

co"esi5e :i$" $"a$ o2 any o$"er nucleus $"a$ :e mi!"$ :is") or be able) $o

s$u&y; True) $"is is &ue in lar!e ar$ $o $"e 2ac$ $"a$ arc"e$yal s$ruc$ures

are al:ays $"e same) in e5ery $ime an& lace; 7u$ i$ is e5en more &ue $o

$"e 2ac$@an& $"is is :"a$ in$eres$s us "ere) since i$ cons$i$u$es one o2 $"e

reasons 2or :ri$in! $"is boo/@$"a$ Precolumbian symbols 2orm a series

o2 seci2ic) $yically ancien$ American) mo&ules) :"ic" may :ell s"ae

$"e mos$ 5as$ e+ression o2 all $ra&i$ional cosmo!onic /no:le&!e;

I$ coul& seem) un&er a suer2icial li!"$) $"a$ a $rea$men$ o2 $"e symbol in

i$s ra: essence) in i$s na/e& syn$"esis) :oul& &eri5e i$ o2 a !rea$ ar$ o2

i$s mani2ol& slen&or) o2 i$s a$$rac$i5e colora$ion; 7u$ a more aci2ic

re!ar& :oul& !i5e us $o un&ers$an& $"a$ i$ is $"an/s $o /no:le&!e o2 $"e

symbol an& symbolic sc"ema$a $"a$ :e are able no$ only $o un&ers$an&

$"e essence an& $"ou!"$ o2 $"ese ci5ili<a$ions an& cul$ures) bu$ $o really

$as$e@sa5or) :e mi!"$ say@an& a&mire $"e immensi$y) :eal$") "armony)

maes$y) an& ori!inali$y o2 $"e mos$ 5arie& Precolumbian 2orms) :"ic"

mirror $"ose o2 $"e en$ire :orl&;



Codex /orgia

=ncient =merica

Le$ us brin! ou$ some o2 $"e 5alues o2 $"e Precolumbian Tra&i$ion $"a$)

2or 5arious reasons) are no$ !enerally /no:n; I$ :ill be $o our urose $o

con$inue $o un&erscore cer$ain eso$eric asec$s o2 Ancien$ America)

!i5en $"e scan$ imor$ance $"a$ o22icial science ascribes $o $"e $ra&i$ional

symbols o2 5arious cul$ures) e5en $"ou!" $"ey cons$i$u$e $"e lan!ua!e o2

$"e ci5ili<a$ions $"a$ rece&e& us) 2rom :"ic") li/e i$ or no$) mo&ern man

"as recei5e& all; An& ye$ $"ese mo&erns "a5e un&er$a/en "a"a<ar&ly $osuan&er $"is in"eri$ance) so $"a$ $"ey are no: 2ace& :i$" $"e

irre5ersibili$y o2 $"eir ac$s;

Le$ us be!in :i$" some &a$a on &i22eren$ asec$s o2 $"e American

In&ians) 2rom $"e Es/imos $o $"e na$i5es o2 Tierra &el Fue!o 2rom $"e

arc$ic $o $"e an$arc$ic $"rou!" $"e $roics an& $"e euinoc$ial line; I2 :e



be!in :i$" $"e Es/imos) :e mee$ a eole :"o) &esi$e "a5in! "abi$s

&irec$ly rela$e& $o $"eir clima$e an& en5ironmen$) ossess many $rai$s in

common :i$" $"e cul$ures $"a$ be!in $o e+$en& $o:ar& $"e sou$"; T"ey

e5en u$ili<e elemen$s 2oun& in o$"er American cul$ures) 2or e+amle) $"e

sear#$"ro:er is :iel&e& in re!ions as &is$an$ as Para!uay an& 7ra<il) as

:ell as rac$ically $"rou!"ou$ na$i5e America; Li/e:ise $"ere "a5e been

"ea&"un$ers >:"ere $"e "ea& is a $ro"y?) a c"arac$eris$ic o2 eoles all

o5er $"e con$inen$) al$"ou!" $"ey are 2oun& in o$"er $ra&i$ions as :ell;

Es/imos carry $"eir in2an$s on $"eir bac/s in 9bun&les)9 a cus$om $"a$

:ill be 2oun& e5ery:"ere $o $"e sou$" an& is s$ill common in coun$ries

o2 in&i!enous ances$ry; 7u$ esecially) $"e Es/imos cons$i$u$e an

e+amle) a mo&el) o2 :"a$ :ill be 2oun& e5ery:"ere amon! $"e na$i5e

Americans; -e re2er esecially $o $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"is cul$ure) o2 i$sel2

alone) 2orms a 5ery :eal$"y :orl&) an& $"ere2ore an immense 2iel& o2

:or/) us$ as &o $"e o$"er eoles more $o $"e sou$") :"ic") on a similar

symbolical an& cul$ural 2oun&a$ion or basis) "a5e $"eir o:n

c"arac$eris$ics) an& a comle+ in&i5i&ual "ysio!nomy; T"e Es/imos

$"emsel5es belon! $o 5arious &is$inc$ $ribes $"a$) 2or cen$uries) an& in

con$inuous mo5emen$) "a5e oula$e& no$ only Alas/a) bu$ $"e en$ire

arc$ic;

Loo/in! a bi$ 2ur$"er &o:n $"e ma) :e 2in& $"e In&ians $"a$ $o&ay

in"abi$ Cana&a an& $"e ni$e& S$a$es@coun$less eoles) in 2ormer $imes)

:"o so/e &i22eren$ lan!ua!es an& "a& &i22eren$ social or!ani<a$ions)&:ellin!s) usa!es) an& cus$oms) :"ic" i&en$i2ie& $"em as na$ions; Many

o2 $"em resemble& one ano$"er 5ery closely) usually by reason o2

"ysical ro+imi$y or a s"are& ecolo!ical area; 7u$ o$"ers "a& 5ery

&issimilar c"arac$eris$ics) be!innin! :i$" $"eir lan!ua!es an& ye$ $"ere

are cases in :"ic" socie$ies 5ery &is$an$ 2rom one ano$"er "a& common

ar$iculari$ies) inclu&in! rela$e& lan!ua!es; Ancien$ America as a :"ole

!i5es $"e imression o2 a !rea$ mo$"er Tra&i$ion $"a$ !ra&ually sli$s u

in$o 2amilies o2 na$ions) :"ic" in $urn un&er:en$ 5arious e5olu$ions)

in$ernal c"an!es) an& ou$si&e in2luences; All o2 $"ese $ribes) a$ $"e

momen$ o2 $"e &isco5ery) :ere) besi&es) :arli/e socie$ies) s$ru!!lin!:i$" one ano$"er) year a2$er year) $"e len!$" an& brea&$" o2 $"e con$inen$;

T"is) be i$ obser5e& in assin!) 2acili$a$e& $"e Conuis$a o2 $"e

Euroeans) :"o learne& o2 $"ese c"arac$eris$ics an& $urne& i$ $o $"eir

a&5an$a!e by s$ri/in! alliances a!ains$ $"ir& ar$ies;

-e s"oul& li/e $o em"asi<e once more $"a$) &esi$e $"is mul$i$u&e o2



2orms) an& e+losion o2 colors) in :"ic" Precolumbian America

mani2es$e& i$sel2) $"e symbols in :"ic" i$ e+resse& i$s /no:le&!e are

mu$ually analo!ous) an& unanimously re2er $o $"e same ro$o$yal

cosmo!ony; T"is "ol&s 2or $"ose na$i5es $"a$ :ere noma&s) !a$"erers)

"un$ers) semi#noma&s :i$" an inciien$ a!ricul$ure) an& e5en ci$y

&:ellers >li5in! in a s$a$e or emire?; In $o&ays ni$e& S$a$es or Cana&a)

$"e noma&s an& semi#noma&s re5aile&) &i5i&e& in$o al$o!e$"er &is$inc$

realms :i$" !eo!ra"ical an& clima$ic &i5ersi$y; Ne5er$"eless) $"ese

cul$ures are no :"i$ in2erior $o $"e se&en$ary) an& reuire 5ery 2e:

elemen$s >al$"ou!" $"eir combina$ions are sub$le an& &elica$e? in or&er $o

se$ in mu$ual rela$ions"i $"e necessary elemen$s 2or an un&ers$an&in! o2

$"e :orl& an& 2or li5in! in i$ "armoniously; T"ey ac"ie5e $"is by 5ir$ue

o2 $"e syn$"e$ic) many#2ace$e&) an& ma!ical arc"aic $"ou!"$) :"ic")

$"rou!" analo!ies) cons$an$ly $ies $"e si!nals an& si!ns o2 5isible

mani2es$a$ion $o $"e in5isible ener!ies an& &ei$ies $"a$ ere$ually

e+ress $"emsel5es by :ay o2 na$ural bein!s an& "enomena;

T"e smaller ci$y) or $"e ci$y#s$a$e) is a more so"is$ica$e& s$e) an&

emloys a series o2 re2ine& elemen$s in or&er $o &e5elo) assis$) an&

comlemen$ $"e cosmo!onic /no:le&!e ori!inally e+resse&; Ano$"er)

e5en !rea$er) s$e is $"a$ o2 $"e lar!e ci$y) e+onen$ o2 a ci5ili<a$ion)

:"ic" is a cen$er o2 cul$ural ra&ia$ion $"a$ may e+$en& 2or !rea$

&is$ances; 8ere $"e slen&or o2 a ci5ili<a$ion is :ell /no:n) an& is a$ i$s

ao!ee) :"ic" ne5er$"eless is $"e be!innin! o2 i$s en&; As in $"e solarcycle) $"e momen$ :"en a s$ar reac"es i$s "i!"es$ oin$ is $"e momen$ a$

:"ic" i$ mus$ &ecline; T"is is 5ali& 2or any 5i$al cycle) an& any

or!anism) :"e$"er i$ be $"e "uman in&i5i&ual or $"e social cycle;

Cul$ures) $oo) $"en) are born) &e5elo) ma$ure) an& &ie) an& $"e

ci5ili<a$ions $"a$ "a5e rece&e& us "a5e been subec$ $o $"is la: us$ as

:e oursel5es are; T"is is &ue $o an an/ylosis su22ere& by $"e cul$ural

s$ruc$ures) $ermina$in! :i$" $"eir en& in "is$orical $ime; T"is an/ylosis)

"ar&enin!) or soli&i2ica$ion becomes e5i&en$ in cons$ruc$i5e symbolism)

in :"ic" :e see $"a$ $"e noma&s an& semi#noma&s) once become

se&en$ary) "a5e e+c"an!e& $"eir $en$s o2 ra:"i&e 2or "ouses o2 :oo&)an& 2inally "a5e arri5e& a$ buil&in!s o2 s$one;9

T"e 2irs$ ci$y#s$a$es be!in $o be obser5e& in $"e Sou$" o2 $"e ni$e&

S$a$es) an& $"ereuon) al$erna$in! :i$" $"e emire ci$ies) or lar!e ci$ies)

e+$en& $"rou!"ou$ $"e con$inen$) $o $"e Nor$" o2 Ar!en$ina an& C"ile;

S$ar$in! $"ere) one encoun$ers noma&ic or semi#noma&ic eoles an&





$ribes;

Re!ar&in! $"ese ci$ies or ci5ili<a$ions) le$ us oin$ ou$ $"a$ i$ mus$ "a5e

been clear $o $"e Euroeans) e5en 2rom a ro2ane 5ie:oin$) :"a$ or&er)

"armony) an& un&eniable :eal$" many o2 $"eir cul$ural crea$ionse5ince&) be!innin! :i$" $"e simles$ an& mos$ e5i&en$) an& culmina$in!

in $"e comle+ ceremonies in correla$ion :i$" $"eir an$"eon) an& $"eir

so"is$ica$e&) slen&i& cour$s; All o2 $"is :as esecially e5i&en$ in $"e

2i!ure o2 $"e /in!@"is alace) "is &ress) "is be"a5ior) "is symbols o2

so5erei!n$y) "is cour$) an& so 2or$"; -e are s$ruc/) $"en) by $"e scan$

in$eres$ e5ince& by $"e in5a&ers in $"e eculiari$ies o2 $"e 5anuis"e&)

al$"ou!" a simle sol&ier coul& see $"a$ $"ere :as an or&er "ere) an

urbani$y;

Amon! $"e mos$ imor$an$ American ci5ili<a$ions) :e mus$ in&ica$e) by

reason o2 $"e s$ruc$ures an& crea$ions $"a$ sur5i5e& $"em) $"ose o2

MesoamericaB 2rom nor$" $o sou$" $"ose o2 Me+icos cen$ral 5alley)

be!innin! :i$" Teo$i"uac=n an& 2ollo:e& by Mon$e Alb=n an& $"e

Mayan ci$ies; I$ is clear 2rom $"e ou$se$) "o:e5er) $"a$ $"is classi2ica$ion

is !eneral in $"e e+$reme) an& rescin&s 2rom :"ole cul$ures $"a$ "a5e

been s$u&ie& in our &ay by Arc"aeolo!y an& An$"roolo!y ali/e;

Resumin! our sur5ey) :e obser5e $"a$) in Sou$" America) !rea$

ceremonial an& urban cen$ers aear in Peru an& 7oli5ia) surely many o2

$"em re#Incan; T"ere remain o$"er ci$ies an& cen$ers $o be &isco5ere&)

an& :e mus$ recall $"a$ mos$ o2 $"e /no:n ruins "a5e been e+ca5a$e&

an& s$u&ie& only in $"is cen$ury; In or&er $o !a$"er a no$ion o2 $"e

ma!ni$u&e o2 $"ese ci5ili<a$ions) or !rea$ cen$ers) :e nee& only consi&er

$"a$ more $"an $:en$y o2 $"em e+is$e& in $"e Mayan area alone) e5en

$"ou!") a$ $"e arri5al o2 $"e Saniar&s in $"is area) some 2i5e cen$uries

"a& asse& since $"e brillian$ a!e $o&ay calle& classical; Eac" o2 $"ese

Precolumbian eoles :as 5ery numerous; Tenoc"$i$lan) 2or e+amle)

$"e A<$ec cai$al &escribe& :i$" a&mira$ion by $"e c"roniclers :"o came

$o /no: i$) coun$e& some (66)666 in"abi$an$s; T"e oula$ion :as no$

$"is &ense in all o2 $"e cen$ers) o2 course) bu$ le$ us recall $"a$ "un&re&so2 $ribes an& realms e+$en&e& $"rou!"ou$ $"e len!$" an& brea&$" o2 $"e

American con$inen$; On $"e o$"er "an&) $"is oula$ion &roe& $o less

$"an "al2 &urin! $"e 2irs$ years o2 $"e Conuis$a; Diseases >smallo+)

measles an& so on?) :ars) mis$rea$men$) an& e5en :il& &o!s) alon! :i$"

collec$i5e suici&e ou$ o2 &esera$ion an& sa&ness) &es$roye& $"e In&ians

in !rea$ numbers) in $an&em :i$" $"e a&ul$era$ion o2 $"eir belie2s an&



ins$i$u$ions;

-e s"oul& li/e $o oin$ ou$ $"a$ $"ere is an enormous mass o2

in2orma$ion a5ailable on $"e Precolumbian 5ision o2 $"e cosmos an&

$"eo!ony) as :ell as on Precolumbian usa!es an& cus$oms) social) oli$ical) an& economic or!ani<a$ion) "is$ory) lan!ua!es) e$"nic $yes)

an& all suc" seci2ica$ions o2 $"e ancien$ American cul$ures; T"is

in2orma$ion is a5ailable in co&ices) or na$i5e :ri$in!s) as :ell as in $"e

:or/ o2 $"e Sanis" c"roniclers o2 $"e In&ies >:"o crea$e& a !enre in

Sanis" li$era$ure?) "is$orical &ocumen$s) $ra5elers reor$s) an& $"e

labors o2 an$"roolo!is$s) arc"aeolo!is$s) an& researc"ers !enerally; T"is

2acili$a$es sc"olars searc") esecially sc"olars in$eres$e& in symbols as

5e"icles o2 $"e co&e& /no:le&!e o2 $"e !rea$ $ra&i$ions) as :ell as in

means $o ene$ra$e $"eir secre$s; T"e sa$is2ac$ion o2 a li/e in$eres$ :ill

resuose a min& an& siri$ in i$s subec$s un$rammele& by reu&ice) i2

no$ a comle$e re2orm o2 $"eir men$ali$y) :"ic" :ill "a5e been s$ame&

an& corru$e& by $"e con&i$ionin! imose& on i$ by $"e e+clusi5ely

ma$erial) narro:ly limi$e& cri$eria o2 con$emorary i!norance;

T"ese symbols are 2oun& e5ery:"ere) in e5ery elemen$ o2 $"e

Precolumbian cul$ure) an& are e+resse& in all "uman ac$i5i$iesB 2or

e+amle) in $"a$ cul$ures ic$o!ra"ic) i&eo!ramma$ic) an& "iero!ly"ic

:ri$in!) some o2 i$ :i$" "one$ic elemen$s; A!ain) :e 2in& $"em in i$s

my$"ical "is$ories >in $"e Popol Vuh) 2or e+amle?) :"ic" :ere ac$e& ou$

in ri$ual 2as"ion by "u!e masses o2 ac$ors) &ancers) sin!ers) reci$ers)

musicians) a&orne& in ceremonial !armen$s an& ain$in!s) en2les"in! $"e

ener!y o2 5arious siri$s an& numina) resen$in! $"eir cosmo!ony in

$"ea$rical 2orm in a sacre& !eo!ra"ical sace; T"is sace :as a mirror

o2 $"e ci$y o2 $"e beyon&) o2 "ea5en) :"ere $"ese "is$ories an& $"eir

e+ac$) recise mo5emen$s@c"an!eable only :i$" $"e 5arious

c"oreo!ra"ies an& s$a!e resen$a$ions es$ablis"e& in $"eir calen&ar o2

2es$i5als@:ere con$inually reea$e&) in or&er $"a$ $"e li2e o2 man an& $"e

cosmos mi!"$ be ossible; Ima!ine :"a$ o:er) an& :"a$ &e!ree o2

re2inemen$) a eole mus$ "a5e "a& :"o :oul& cons$an$ly rei$era$e)ri$ually) $"eir cosmo!ony an& $"eir my$"ic) an& e+emlary symbolical)

"is$ory) &aily incarna$in! $"ese in ceremonies o2 $"is na$ure all $"e &ays

o2 $"e mon$"s o2 $"e year) an& all o2 $"e years o2 $"eir li5es;

7u$ :"ere $"eir symbols become mos$ clear) in $"a$ $"ey are numerical)

an& re2er $o sace#$ime) is in $"e Mesoamerican calen&ars; T"ese



as$ronomical an& as$rolo!ical mec"anisms) :"ose basis is ma$"ema$ical)

an& :"ic" are 2oun&e& on $"e cyclical an& r"y$"mical na$ure o2 reali$y)

es$ablis"e& $"e !ui&elines o2 $"e en$ire cul$ure; T"ey mar/e& in&i5i&ual

an& !rou e+is$ence) since $"e bein! i$sel2) an& i$s name) :ere

&e$ermine& in 2unc$ion o2 $"e cosmic erio&s i&en$i2ie& as &ei$ies; T"is

e+$raor&inary in5en$ion@in :"ic" sace an& $ime "armoni<e&) by :ay o2

con$inuous mo5emen$) sace an& $ime :i$" $"e s$ars) $"e colors) $"e

scen$s) &iseases) $"e animals an& 5e!e$ables) s$ones) "uman

cons$ruc$ions) $"e 5arious !o&s) na$ural "enomena) a!ricul$ure) :ar an&

eace) ro"ecies) an& e5ery$"in! ima!inable@is o2 a er2ec$ "armony)

esecially :"en one consi&ers $"a$ i$s rea&in! is mul$i&imensional) an&

$"a$ $"e 5arious le5els on :"ic" $"is a&mirable cons$ruc$ion) mirror an&

mo&el o2 $"e uni5erse) mani2es$s i$sel2 are in&issolubly 2use&) :i$"ou$

con2usion) by :ay o2 analo!ies) absolu$ely in correson&ence :i$" $"e

5ery na$ure o2 bein!s) "enomena) an& $"in!s;

T"ese calen&ars :ere $"e mos$ er2ec$ e+ression o2 $"e 5ision o2 $"e

cosmos o2 $"ese eoles) an& on $"eir basis $"ey s$ruc$ure& $"eir

ci5ili<a$ions; A!ain) i$ :as $"ese calen&ars $"a$ mar/e& $"e ri$ual

2es$i5i$ies an& all in&i5i&ual ac$i5i$y) an& reresen$e& $"e ma!ic o2 a

cosmo!ony in ere$ual re#crea$ion) us$ as &i& $"e !rea$ ceremonies o2

my$"ical reresen$a$ion men$ione& abo5e; May :e be ermi$$e& $o recall

once more $"a$ all Precolumbian cul$ural s$ruc$ures) inclu&in! social

or!ani<a$ion) are &eri5e& 2rom i$s o:n cosmo!ony;

I$ is curious $o obser5e "o: $"e same 5ision o2 $"e :orl& can $a/e on so

many &i22eren$ &e$ails an& &is$inc$ nuances) as is $"e case :i$" $"e many

in&i!enous na$ions; O2 one common ma$ri+) &i22eren$ c"il&ren are

srun!) :"o are in&i5i&ually &is$inc$; Cul$ures) ci5ili<a$ions) or emires)

seemin!ly so &i22eren$) as $"e A<$ec an& $"e Incan) re5eal) by :ay o2

$"eir numerical symbols) by :ay o2 $"ose o2 sace#$ime) by :ay o2 $"eir

my$"s an& ri$ual conce$ions) a common ori!in; T"e essen$ial) cen$ral) or

absolu$e asec$s o2 $"ese cul$ures are i&en$ical only $"e subs$an$ial) $"e

eri"eral) an& $"e rela$i5e 5ary; T"e la$$er $a/e &i22eren$ 2orms) an&e5en lea& $o con$rary rac$ices ye$) $"ey mani2es$ $"e same $"in!; Le$ us

em"asi<e $"a$ $"is is recisely :"a$ occurs in $"e case o2 $"e 5arious

e+ressions o2 $"e Perennial P"iloso"y; From a common ori!in) $"a$ is)

ou$ o2 a nanimous Tra&i$ion@:"ic" in $"e las$ ins$ance is a$emoral

an& nonsa$ial) bein! arc"e$yal@&eri5e $"e 5arious s"aes an& colors o2

$"eir ar$icular mani2es$a$ions) in $"is case cul$ures an& ci5ili<a$ions)



many o2 $"em s$ill rac$ically un/no:n; T"e cul$ures an& ci5ili<a$ions

crea$e& by $"e re& man 2all in$o $"is ca$e!ory) an& :e :is" $o o22er a

ic$ure o2 $"ese as an in5i$a$ion $o s$u&y $"em; T"e urose o2 suc" a

s$u&y :oul& be $"e /no:le&!e) by :ay o2 $"e in5es$i!a$ion an& !enuine

!ras o2 $"eir symbolic co&es) o2 $"e s$ruc$ure o2 $"e uni5erse@$"eir

cosmo5ision) :"ic" is) besi&es) $"e ro$o$yal e+ression o2 a

Tra&i$ional or Arc"aic socie$y; Ac$ually) $o really /no: $"e arc"e$yal

cosmo!ony is $o be one :i$" i$) :"ic" is $o es$ablis" on$olo!y as a basis

2or an au$"en$ic me$a"ysics) an& $"is means simly recei5in! $"e le!acy

o2 an$iui$y@:"ic" is er2ec$ly 5ali& 2or any circums$ance o2 $ime an&

lace) an& accor&in!ly) 2or ours;

3O456

For e+amle) i2 :e s$u&y $"e In&ians o2 $"e ni$e& S$a$es an& Cana&a) :e2in& $"a$ $"ey cons$i$u$e) us$ by $"emsel5es) a !enuine an& e+$remely 5as$

sociocul$ural comle+@a :orl& $"a$) al$"ou!" s$ill ali5e in many cases un$il a2e: cen$uries a!o) "as $o&ay been rac$ically elimina$e&) esecially i2 :e

consi&er $"e $o$al in5asion o2 $"e communica$ions me&ia) :"ic" sooner or

la$er &es$roys) c"an!es) an& imoses uni2ormi$y uon) $"e li$$le $"a$ s$illremains o2 $"e au$oc"$"onous socie$ies an& $"eir 5alues;

2 T"e emire arises a$ a socie$ys cro:nin! momen$) an& ara&o+ically mar/s

i$s ine+orable &ecline;

7 T"ere is con2usion) besi&es) be$:een eoles :"o "a5e lon! :an&ere& an&

li5e& as noma&s 2or symbolic#sacre& reasons >:"ic" $"ey ma/e $"econs$i$u$ion o2 $"eir cul$ure an& $"eir social uni$y?@an& $"is is $"e case :i$" a

!oo& many Precolumbian eoles@an& on $"e o$"er "an&) simle "or&es o2

!a$"erers in a semi#sa5a!e or 9rimi$i5e9 s$a$e; Per"as i$ is :i$" $"e A<$ecs$"a$ $"is unus$ error is mos$ no$oriously commi$$e&) $o be &issia$e&

imme&ia$ely :"en :e a$$en& $o $"e memorials o2 $"eir ere!rina$ions@:"ose

&ocumen$a$ion :e "a5e@resi&e& o5er an& or&aine& by a !o&) by a c"ie2 ries$) an& by an e+ecu$i5e council o2 sa!es; A$ $"e same $ime) $"e cons$an$

mobili$y o2 $"e Precolumbian eoles) $"rou!"ou$ "is$ory an& o5er $"e

len!$" an& brea&$" o2 !eo!ra"y) s"oul& be oin$e& ou$; I$ is 5ery in$eres$in!$o see $"e similari$ies an& i&en$i$ies amon! socie$ies :i&ely seara$e&

!eo!ra"ically@:"ic" mus$ "a5e been closely uni$e&) or "a5e been one) in&is$an$ $imes;

8 No one :on&ers :"ere o$"er cul$ures an& ci5ili<a$ions "a5e come 2rom soearnes$ly as in $"e case o2 $"e re#8isanics; T"e e+lana$ion is $"a$) 2or

an$iui$y an& $"e Renaissance) $"ose o$"er cul$ures :ere more or less

!eo!ra"ically si$ua$e& an&) accor&in!ly) 9alrea&y :ere;9 Inasmuc" as $"ere

9:as no9 America) i$s in"abi$an$s mus$ "a5e been) as i$ :ere) surious











9a&&i$ions9 ra$"er $"an 9ori!inal9@er"as some$"in! o2 ano$"er na$ure) $o

:"ic" ones o:n i!norance :as $rans2erre&; T"is is no$ $o &eny) in any :ay)

$"e 2ac$ o2 successi5e mi!ra$ions 2rom o$"er oin$s o2 $"e ear$") ar$icularlysuc" mi!ra$ions as occurre& in a as$ 2ar remo5e& 2rom our "is$orical $ime;

E&mun&o OGorman) in "is La 7n,enci-n de Am4rica >Me+ico Ci$yB Fon&o

&e Cul$ura EconKmica) %400?) &emons$ra$es $"a$ $"e 9&isco5ery9 o2 Americais ra$"er $"e 9in5en$ion9 o2 America; -e) 2or our o:n ar$) :oul& li/e $o a&&

$"a$ $"e 9&isco5ery)9 2ar 2rom bein! an irre2u$able "is$orical 9reali$y9 in $"e

sense ima!ine& $o&ay) :as) in $erms o2 $"e Ol& -orl&s men$ali$y) $"e 9i&ea9o2 a &isco5ery) since $"e Ne: Con$inen$ "a& no lace in $"e !eo!ra"ical

&escri$ion main$aine& by Euroean $"ou!"$ a$ $"e en& o2 $"e 2i2$een$"

cen$ury an& $"e be!innin! o2 $"e si+$een$"; On $"e o$"er "an&) $"e !eolo!ical

an& arc"aeolo!ical 9roo2s9 o2 $"e you$" o2 $"e Ne: -orl& :ere no$ ye$/no:n a$ $"a$ $ime;

/ -"en :e re2er $o symbol) le$ i$ be clear $"a$ :e mean bo$" !ra"ic or 5isual

e+ressions) an& my$"s) le!en&s) or &ances) $"e s$u&y o2 lan!ua!e an& o2

cosmo!ony) conce$s o2 sace) $ime) an& number) a!ricul$ure) me&icine) $"eri$es o2 &aily li2e) an& so on;

I$ is in$eres$in! an& imor$an$ $o obser5e $"a$ Me+ico :as in5a&e& in %,%4)

an& Peru $:en$y years la$er $"e In&ians o2 $"e ni$e& S$a$es) Ar!en$ina) an&

else:"ere cons$i$u$e& na$ions :i$" $"eir o:n :ays o2 li2e un$il $"e as$cen$ury $o&ay $"e abori!inal cul$ures s$ill subsis$ isola$e& in 2ores$s) &eser$s

an& moun$ain re!ions) in laces :"ere Euroean cul$ure "as rac$ically no$

arri5e&) 2or :"a$e5er $ime $"is may con$inue $o be $rue;

9 T"e &i22erence be$:een $"e ci$y#s$a$e an& $"e ci$y#emire) or be$$er) $"e lar!eci$y) is obser5able in arc"i$ec$onic $erms in $"e yrami&s) :"ic" :ere

comle$e& a$ $"e $o :i$" a small sacre& enclosure; To $"e 2ormercorreson& enclosures o2 :oo& an& s$ra:) $o $"e secon& $"ose o2 s$one;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

1I

INTRODCTION TO PRECOLM7IAN SYM7OLOGYSOME

P8ILOSOP8ICAL MISTAES

Li/e i$ or no) $"e 5ision $"a$ :e "a5e o2 a $"in! or $"eme "as a ar$icular









2ocus; I$ is &ye& in a color :i$" :"ic" our 5ie:oin$) $"e an!le o2 our

5ision) is ar$icularly coma$ible; T"is is ar$icularly $rue in $"e

in$ellec$ual or&er; Our ba!!a!e o2 i&eas) reconce$ions) $as$es)

a$$rac$ions) an& "obias) :i$" :"ic" our $"ou!"$ an& e5en our 5ery

2eelin!s) are con&i$ione&) are limi$e& 2irs$ an& 2oremos$ by $"e

circums$ances o2 sace an& $ime in :"ic" i$ "as 2allen $o us $o e+is$;

T"ese circums$ances) learne& as reali$y) mar/ an& 2rame $"e osi$ion :e

$a/e be2ore $"in!s) :"e$"er i$ be a ma$$er o2 $"e &eees$ belie2s or merely

o2 suer2icial "abi$s;

For $"e mos$ ar$) $"is limi$a$ion asses unobser5e&) an& :e

unconsciously i&en$i2y :i$" i$ in an arioris$ic 2as"ion; I$ is !i5en in

cul$ural $erms by $"e &ominion o2 &e$ermina$e arame$ers rela$i5e $o our

"is$orical $ime an& our !eo!ra"ical sace; Re!ar&in! $"e 2ormer) le$ us

obser5e $"a$ our con5en$ions) or $"e i&eas o2 our era) :ill &e$ermine our

5ision; As $o $"e la$$er) :e see $"a$ $"e resuosi$ions o2 9mo&ern

ci5ili<a$ion9 are clearly -es$ern) an& "a5e come $o in5a&e $"e :"ole

lane$; T"is &ouble circums$ance is no$iceable esecially in our

un&ers$an&in! o2 $"e re#8isanic $ra&i$ions) :"ic" "a5e been

&isco5ere& recisely a$ $"e momen$ :"en $"e -es$ "a& us$ ma&e a

breac" :i$" i$s o:n $ra&i$ion; T"a$ $ra&i$ion "a& en&ure& $o $"e

be!innin!s o2 $"e I$alian Renaissance) an& lin!ere& on in$o $"e

se5en$een$" cen$ury >ere$ua$in! i$sel2) in&ee&) in an 9occul$9 2as"ion)

&o:n $o our o:n &ay?; From $"ere on) $"e reali$y o2 symbol is

$rans2orme& in$o alle!ory@la$er $o lose all o2 i$s meanin!@an& a series o22ac$s an& circums$ances is unleas"e& :"ic" :ill lea& $o a breac" :i$" $"e

uni5ersal rinciles 2rom :"ic" no au$"en$ic ci5ili<a$ion "a& rescin&e&;

No: $"ese rinciles :ill be 2or!o$$en) an& re!ar&e& as relics) oose&

by a soli& ro!ress $"a$ can $olera$e $"em in no :ay;

T"is "as issue& in misun&ers$an&in! uon misun&ers$an&in!) mis$a/e

uon mis$a/e) in our o:n $imes) :"ic" "a5e 2ai$"2ully in"eri$e& $"e

le!acy o2 a series o2 erroneous "iloso"ical resuosi$ions; -"ile

$"ese resuosi$ions "a5e $"eir an$ece&en$ :i$" $"e Gree/s $"emsel5es)

$"ey culmina$e in $"e Renaissance an& i$s lo!ical conseuencesBCar$esian ra$ionalism) $"e in&us$rial re5olu$ion) ro&uc$ion as an en& in

i$sel2) consumerism) an& $ec"nical &e"umani<a$ion;

I$ :ill no$ be our urose $o $rea$ $"e &eca&ence o2 $"e -es$ "ere; -e

only :is" $o un&ers$an& in &e$" cer$ain conce$ions eculiar $o sc"olars

o2 $"e American "enomenon) conce$ions in$ima$ely rela$e& :i$" $"eir



$ime an& cul$ure; -"ile roer $o recen$ cen$uries) $"ese no$ions $en& $o

be a$$ribu$e& $o $"e uni5ersal "uman bein! o2 all $imes an& all saces;

T"a$ is) $"e $en&ency is $o &eny $"e li5in! 2orms o2 u$$erly 5as$ earlier

cul$ures) bur&enin! $"em :i$" c"arac$eris$ics roer $o $"e mo&ern -es$)

:"ic") in all messianism) in5es$s i$sel2 :i$" $"e s$a$us o2 !o5ernor an&

re&eemer o2 sa5a!ery an& bac/:ar&ness; T"e -es$) :e see) is o:ner#

mana!er o2 a suose& o22icial or scien$i2ic $ru$" $"a$ ma/es us@as

ersons in$e!ra$e& in$o mo&ern cul$ure@some"o: suerior) so $"a$ :e

mus$ some$imes c"ari$ably 2or!i5e ancien$ ci5ili<a$ions $"eir

&e2iciencies) as :ell as raise cer$ain 5ir$ues o2 $"eirs in or&er $o

&emons$ra$e $"a$) a2$er all) $"eir members :ere no$ absolu$ely s$ui&) or

ill#in$en$ione& sa5a!es; O$"er:ise $"e a$$i$u&e is one o2 :"olesale

reu&ia$ion;

Gran$e&) $"is is no$ $"e case :i$" $"e !rea$ number o2 $"ose :"o) :i$"

in$ense lo5e) a$ience) an& comle$e &e&ica$ion "a5e occuie&

$"emsel5es :i$" $"e ar&uous) beau$i2ul) an& e+"aus$in! $as/ o2 $"eir

in5es$i!a$ion; S$ill) $"is &oes no$ mili$a$e a!ains$ $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"ey

aroac" $"e $"emes o2 $"eir secial$y :i$" $"eir cul$ural ba!!a!e) $"a$ o2

$"eir $ime; An& i$ mus$ be 2ur$"er s$a$e& $"a$) i2 $"ese ara"ernalia :ere

$o be comose& o2 "iloso"ical i&eas $"a$ :ere mis$a/en e5en in

classical an$iui$y) $"ey :ill cer$ainly mar/ sc"olars 5ie:oin$ us$ as

erroneously $o&ay) &esi$e $"eir meri$s) an& $"e many use2ul or emirical

re:ar&s $"ey may "a5e yiel&e&) or !enerously beuea$"e& $o us;

Pa&re Hose" &e Acos$a is scan&ali<e&) 2rom a 2ran/ly reli!ious

s$an&oin$) $"a$ $"e na$i5es "a& no seci2ic name 2or $"e Sureme 7ein!

an& Ma/er) e5en $"ou!" $"ey /ne: suc" a 7ein!; >T"ey name& $"a$

7ein! by :ay o2 5arious in$erme&ia$e &ei$ies;? 9; ; ; -"ence one sees

"o: slen&er an& :ea/ a /no:le&!e o2 Go& $"ey "a5eB $"ey are no$ e5en

able $o name 8im;9 7u$ $"en) ara&o+ically) "e em"asi<es "o:

imressi5e $"e $emles an& ri$es) an& 9reli!iousness)9 o2 $"e 2ol/ are;

An& ar$icularly) re2errin! $o $"eir cosmo!ony) "e obser5es) sa!aciouslyB

9I$ aears $"a$ $"ey "a5e &ra:n $"e &o!ma 2rom $"e i&eas o2 Pla$o;9Ac$ually) $"ere is no$"in! s$ran!e abou$ no$ namin! $"e &ei$y &irec$ly)

an& $ra&i$ional &oc$rine re!ar&s $"e Sureme I&en$i$y as unnamable

recisely by 5ir$ue o2 i$s suracosmic essence) :"ic" is subec$ $o no

&e$ermina$ion an& "ence $o no name; T"a$ essence is e+resse& only by

:ay o2 i$s a$$ribu$es@$"a$ is) $"rou!" $"e &i5ine names) a roce&ure

ob5iously in$ima$ely rela$e& $o $"e Pla$onic arc"e$yes) no$ $o men$ion



Islamic Su2ism an& He:is" cabala) :"ic" 2louris"e& in $"e same

"is$orical sace) con$emoraneously :i$" $"e Precolumbian

ci5ili<a$ions;

On $"e o$"er "an&) $"e na$i5es subu!a$e& by $"e Inca emire use& $"e:or& huaca 2or $"e resence o2 $"e sacre& an& $"e ma!ical#$elluric in any

o2 i$s mul$ile 2orms or mani2es$a$ions >roc/s) moun$ains) ri5ers) s$ars)

celes$ial an& $erres$rial "enomena) crossroa&s) cul$s o2 $"e &ea&) an& so

on?) :"ic") o2 course) :ere resen$ e5ery:"ere in a sacrali<e& :orl&@

an& sacrali<e& men$al sace;2 I$ is i!norance o2 $ra&i$ional symbolical

$"ou!"$@i!norance o2 "o: an$iui$y concei5e& an& e+erience& symbol@

$o &e&uce 2rom $"is 2ac$) 5ia a simle e+$erior rea&in! >nearly al:ays

subec$) besi&es) $o curren$ 2as"ion?) $"a$ $"e na$i5es :ere oly$"eis$s)

i&ola$ers) animis$s) or na$uralis$s; No) $"e na$i5es simly re5erence& $"e

coun$less s$a$es o2 a ni5ersal 7ein!@$"e &ei$y) $"e 8oly@mani2es$e& in

e5ery$"in! aroun& $"em as "iero"anies;

An& so i$ be"oo5es us $o sin!le ou$ some mis$a/en i&eas@or

reconce$ions@in cer$ain a$$i$u&es &e$ermine& by $"e in$ellec$ual

curren$s in 5o!ue in a !i5en erio&; -e &o no$ in$en& $o &ra: u a lis$ o2

$"em) or e+"aus$i5e classi2ica$ion) :"ic" :oul& seem $o us $o be :i$"ou$

u$ili$y) an& ina&eua$e $o our uroses "ere; 7u$ :e can in&ee& brie2ly

re2er $o some o2 $"e more common errors >$o :"ic" :e s"all re$urn in $"e

course o2 $"is boo/?; Nearly all o2 $"ese are srun!) as :e "a5e alrea&y

s$a$e&) 2rom $"e osi$i5is$ic science o2 $"e as$ cen$ury) $"a$ science

bein! $"e le!a$ee o2 ra$ionalism an& e5olu$ionism :i$" i$s seuelsB

ro!ressi5is$ic i&eas :"ic" "a5e no suor$ $o&ay >$"a$ is) e5en $"e more

recen$ emirical 9science9 "as aban&one& $"em?) bu$ :"ic" con$inue $o

2louris" an& roser as 2ac$ors o2 social o:er) bran&is"e& by cer$ain

ersona!es :i$" $"eir c"arac$eris$ic arro!ance;7

-e "a5e alrea&y in&ica$e& $"a$ i$ is :ron! $o consi&er Precolumbian

socie$ies as oly$"eis$ic) animis$ic) na$uralis$ic) or) esecially) i&ola$rous;

In $"e 2irs$ case) $o re!ar& $"em in $"is mis$a/en 2as"ion is some$"in! ourcul$ure &oes :i$" all o2 $"e $ra&i$ions an& reli!ions $"a$ see $"e ener!y o2

$"e &ei$y $o be incarna$e in numerous 2orms) in 5arious !o&s) or be$$er)

numina) rincial or secon&ary) &escen&in! or ascen&in!) :"ic"

mani2es$ a$$ribu$es o2 $"e ni5ersal 7ein!; Amon! $"e ancien$s an& $"e

mo&erns $"is is $"e case :i$" $"e Gree/s) Romans) E!y$ians) Nor&ics)

Cel$ics) C"al&eans) Ma<&ais$s) 8in&us) 7u&&"is$s) Far Eas$erners) an& so










2or$"; In Hu&aism) C"ris$iani$y) an& Islam) an analo!ous 2unc$ion is

er2orme& by arc"an!els) an!els) an& &i5ine bein!sB $"ese are

in$erme&iaries@symbols or messen!ers@o2 $"e Sureme I&en$i$y;

For $"e secon& case) $"e con5en$ional $"in/in! is $"a$ $"e eoles :esa&&le :i$" $"e name o2 9animis$9@!enerally) 9rimi$i5e9 eoles@mus$

"a5e been 5ic$ims o2 $"e $error insire& in $"em by $"e cosmos) $o :"ic"

$"ey ren&ere& $ribu$e an& en$rea$y) re!ar&in! i$ as anima$e; Re5erence 2or

li2e) an& 2ear o2 or resec$ 2or $"e sacre&) are con2use& :i$" an i!norance

caable o2 concei5in! e5il or beni!n siri$s as in&een&en$ en$i$ies)

en&o:e& :i$" a li2e o2 $"eir o:n) all bu$ ma$eriali<e&) in :"ic" $"ese

eoles are suose& $o "a5e belie5e& li$erally an& :"ic" $"ey obeye&

blin&ly; T"is is ossible only 2or $"e men$ali$y o2 our con$emoraries@

$"ose :"o buil& $"eir ar!umen$s 2rom 2ilms abou$ co:boys an& In&ians)

an& cannibals an& e+lorers;

T"e $"ir& error is a/in $o $"e secon&@as eac" is a/in $o all; T"e

9na$uralis$ic9 5ision) o2 :"ic" $"e :orl&s bes$ e+onen$ may be H; G;

Fra<er) a !oo& :ri$er) consis$s in $"e re&uc$ion o2 all my$"s) symbols)

an& ri$es o2 $"e rimi$i5es an& an$iui$y $o mere ac/no:le&!men$s o2

na$ural or as$ronomical "enomena) $o :"ic" ma!ical ca$e!ories :ere

assi!ne&) :"en $"ey are only scien$i2ically 5eri2iable 2ac$s) an& er2ec$ly

normal; Many o2 $"e sc"olars :"o "a5e 2ollo:e& $"is line "a5e $"e

enormous meri$ o2 "a5in! seen $"e rela$ions"i be$:een cer$ain belie2s)

usa!es) an& cus$oms :i$" celes$ial an& $erres$rial e5en$s) cycles o2 $"e

s$ars an& !enera$ion) an& so on; 7u$ $"ey err in limi$in! Americans

un&ers$an&in! $o a simle obser5a$ion o2 e5en$s) an& conseuen$

s$ue2ac$ion an& as$onis"men$ in $"e 2ace o2 $"ese e5en$s) :"ic" is

$"ou!"$ $o lea& $"em $o $"e a&ora$ion o2 $"ese 2orces in $"emsel5es; On

$"e con$rary) $"ose ener!ies are bu$ mani2es$a$ions o2 in5isible

rinciles) :"ic" $"ey e+ress an& o2 :"ic" $"ey are merely $"e symbol;

T"e Precolumbian ci5ili<a$ions :ere only cre&i$in! $"e suerna$ural)

:"ic") as e5eryone /no:s) is $"a$ :"ic" is 2oun& beyon& $"e na$ural)

"o:e5er muc" i$ may be e+resse& in $"e symbolical sacrali$y o2 na$ure;

Finally) $o call $ra&i$ional Americans i&ola$rous suoses $"a$ :"a$ $"ey

see in $"e "ysical ima!e o2 a !o& is simly $"a$ :"ic" is &irec$ly

reresen$e& $"ere; I$ may be $"a$ $"is &i& occur in some case or a$ some

momen$) us$ as i$ &i& in Hu&aism an& C"ris$iani$y; 7u$ $"e !enerali<e&



"yo$"esis seems ra$"er $o "a5e been base& on $"e <eal o2 Ca$"olic

ries$s :"o sa: only i&ols or &emonic 2orms in e5ery$"in! $"a$ :as no$

$"e Hesus o2 $"e Euroean Inuisi$ion;

Ano$"er error seems $o us $o be $"e conce$ $"a$ $"e Precolumbianlan!ua!es &i& no$ $"ri5e@meanin! $"a$ $"ey &i& no$ reac" a s$a!e o2

"one$ic :ri$in!;8 Jui$e $"e con$rary o2 :"a$ is usually $"ou!"$) $"e

i&eo!ra"ic an& "iero!ly"ic reresen$a$ions are immeasurably ric"er

$"an $"e "one$ic ones@2or $"e eoles :"o e+erience $"em concre$ely

an& really) no$ 2or oursel5es :"o &o no$ un&ers$an& $"em@an& more

sub$le) alon! :i$" bein! simle an& a5ailable $o imme&ia$e

un&ers$an&in!; T"ey romo$e coun$less associa$i5e men$al oera$ions)

an& broa&en $"e in$ellec$ual caabili$ies o2 $"e in&i5i&uals an& socie$ies

$"a$ mana!e $"ese co&es; A$ $"e same $ime) $"eir e5oca$i5e o:er an&

$"e lurali$y o2 $"eir ima!es 2acili$a$e con$inual syn$"eses) an& broa&en

$"e uni5ersali$y o2 consciousness; I&eo!ra"ic an& "iero!ly"ic

reresen$a$ions &esi!na$e 5arious le5els) or 5olume$ric saces) in :"ic"

$"ey are able $o combine &i22eren$ rea&in!s an& conce$s amon!

$"emsel5es; C"inese :ri$in! is ar$ly i&eo!ra"ic e5en $o&ay) an& $"a$

ci5ili<a$ions re2inemen$ o2 $"ou!"$ is :ell /no:n;

Ac$ually) all :ri$in! "as been i&eo!ra"ic in i$s ori!in) an& "as been

corru$e&@li/e all cul$ural 2orms@in$o $"eir "one$ic) $"en al"abe$ical)

simli2ica$ion; T"is simli2ica$ion crys$alli<es an& ar$iculari<es a

conce$) by limi$in! an& 2i+in! i$@an& seara$es i$ 2rom $"e :"ole@

besi&es &eri5in! i$ o2 i$s crea$i5e) !enera$i5e o:er; T"e a$$i$u&e in

ues$ion !oes "an& in "an& :i$" socie$ies cyclical c"an!es) an& $"e

assa!e 2rom an in$ui$i5e) syn$"e$ic) an& analo!ical men$ali$y@:"ic"

are"en&s &irec$ly@$o $"a$ o2 reason) an& $"e mul$ilici$y o2 analysis

an& lo!ic) :"ic" are in&irec$;

T"e ci$y a$ i$s ao!ee) ci5ili<a$ion >$"e !rea$ classic cul$ures as :e

a&mire $o&ay) or $"a$) as ri!i& mo&ules $"a$ roclaim $"eir o:n

imen&in! collase an& &isaearance?) are $"e bes$ e+amles o2 $"is las$asser$ion; Suc" also is "iloso"y) :"ic" mus$ be seen as a &eca&en$

e+ression) inasmuc" as i$ imlies in i$sel2 an ac$i5i$yB lo5e 2or :is&om)

:"ic" mus$ be s$imula$e& :"en no:le&!e is los$; T"e mo&els or mol&s

imlan$e& by our cul$ural erio& are as ri!i& as $"e :alls) 2or$i2ica$ions)

an& s$one cons$ruc$ions o2 $"e ci$y) :"ic" are $rans2erre& $o $"e $"in/in!

o2 i$s in"abi$an$s) :"o $"us become $"e unconscious ro$a!onis$s o2 $"a$





soli&i2ica$ion;

Hus$ so) i$ "as been sai& $"a$ $"e na$i5es &i& no$ "a5e) an& s$ill &o no$

"a5e) 9ersonali$y;9 T"is cri$icism is a curious one; A 2orm o2 bein! is

con&emne& $"a$) as i$ is no$ usual) is u&!e& a &e2iciency in $"e o$"er;Peoles :"o belie5e $"a$ $"eir e+ile is ear$") $"eir abo&e acci&en$al) an&

$"eir &es$iny an& ori!in "ea5en) $o :"ic" $"ey are $o re$urn) 2in& i$

&i22icul$ $o re!ar& $"emsel5es as 9ersonali<e&9 in&i5i&uals in $"e sense

o2 $"e mo&ern i&eal) :"ic") 2or $"a$ ma$$er) is $"e an$i$"esis o2 any

$ra&i$ional $eac"in!;/

Laure$$e Seourn) one o2 $"e mos$ in2luen$ial an& luci& sc"olars o2 $"e

Precolumbian) cri$ici<es ano$"er imor$an$ researc"er@E&uar& Seller@2or

"ol&in! a 5ie: $oo roer $o "is $ime an& si$ua$ion; 7u$ s"e 2alls in$o $"e

same error in "er Pensamiento ) &eligi-n en el 4xico Antiguo

>9T"ou!"$ an& Reli!ion in Ancien$ Me+ico9?; T"ere) &esi$e correc$ly

connec$in! $"e $"eo!ony an& cosmo!ony@an& :ays o2 social an&

in&i5i&ual li2e@o2 $"e re#Cor$esians $o $"eir ini$ia$ion >a uni5ersal

rac$ice in $ra&i$ional socie$ies?) errs in a$$ribu$in! $o $"e la$$er a simle

reli!ious) &e5ou$) or asce$ical c"arac$er) $"us re&ucin! i$ almos$ $o a

ious 2ormalism; In&ee&) on $"e one "an& "er boo/ &eclares) :i$" er2ec$

accuracy) $"a$ Teo$i"uacan :as $"e ci$y o2 $"e !o&s) :"ic") 92ar 2rom

imlyin! any crass oly$"eis$ic belie2s) e5o/es $"e conce$ o2 "uman

&i5ini$y)9 an& $"a$ i$ 9:as none o$"er bu$ $"e lace :"ere $"e seren$

learne& miraculously $o 2ly@$"a$ is) :"ere $"e in&i5i&ual a$$aine& $"e

ca$e!ory o2 celes$ial bein! by in$erior ele5a$ion;9 7u$ $"en "er asser$ion

is e5acua$e& :"en s"e associa$es in$erior ele5a$ion :i$" reli!ious i&eas

in :"ic" $"e 9mys$ical9 an& $"e 9moral9 are comare& $o $"e ini$ia$ory

rocess o2 /no:le&!e; T"is is ar$ial) an& mis$a/en) us$ as i$ is $o

con$inue $"in/in! $"a$ ma!ic is an an$ece&en$ s$a!e $o $"e reli!ious

conce$ion) an& $"a$ bo$" are eui5alen$ $o $"e rocess o2 me$a"ysical

reali<a$ion) or ini$ia$ion;

As $o $"e u&!men$ $"a$ $"e na$i5es "a& no "is$ory) :"ic" is an a$$em$ $o oin$ $o an elemen$ o2 bac/:ar&ness in $"ese socie$ies) or a &e2ec$) :e

s"all only recall $"e ma+im) 98ay eoles "a5e no "is$ory;9 An& $"e

reason $"a$ $"ey "a5e none is $"a$ $"eir $"in/in!) $"eir cul$ure) "as no

urc"ase on) &oes no$ em"asi<e) $"e successi5e) $"e 2ra!men$e&) an& $"e

in&i5i&uali<e&@sa5e in $"e in&ica$ion o2 cer$ain cyclical e5en$s

mani2es$e& in $"eir !enealo!ies an& my$"ical e5en$s; Ins$ea& i$ sei<es





uon) un&erscores) $"e simul$aneous) an& $"us e+eriences an in&e2ini$e

resen$) :"ic" is al:ays ne: since i$ is cons$an$ly re!enera$e&; T"e

curren$ "is$orical 5ision bes$o:s on "is$orical $ime an "ourly) linear

c"ronolo!y) an& claims $o en&o: i$ :i$" an obec$i5e reali$y) :"ic" is

suc" only in $"e subec$i5e min& o2 our con$emoraries; To "a5e a

conce$ o2 9"is$ory)9 or 9"iloso"y)9 or 9li$era$ure9 is no$) con$rary $o

$"e re5ailin! no$ion) a social a&5ance) or a suerior cul$ural s$a!e; On

$"e con$rary) i$ is $"e cleares$ in&e+ o2 an incon5er$ible &e!ra&a$ion; T"is

is :"a$ "as "aene& :i$" classical an$iui$y) an& no: $"e -es$ "as

been :innin! o5er $"e Eas$) so $"a$ $o&ay e5en $"e Eas$ "as 2inally 2oun&

i$sel2 "i$c"e& $o $"e &ea2enin! collase o2 mo&ern socie$y;

No:) i2 $"ese e5alua$ions) :"ic" :e "a5e us$ reulse&) "a5e been ma&e

2rom a s$an&oin$ &e$ermine& by sace an& $ime >an& by $"e i&eas an&

conce$ions $"a$ 2lo: $o!e$"er in sace an& $ime?) $"en our 2ocus) as

:ell) mi!"$ be e+ec$e& $o be subec$ $o $"ese cul$ural carices an&

2as"ions; 7u$ :e &o no$ belie5e $"is $o be $"e case; -e "a5e $a/en our

s$an&oin$ in $"e ersec$i5e o2 $"e Philosophia Perennis @$"a$ is) 2rom a

ermanen$ $"ou!"$ no$ subec$ $o 2luc$ua$ions) as i$ is arc"e$yal an&

Tra&i$ional; T"is ermanen$) in5ariable $"ou!"$ is e+resse& in

unanimous 2as"ion $"rou!" symbols an& cul$ural s$ruc$ures :i$"in e5ery

socie$y; T"is is recisely $"e obec$ o2 $"e s$u&y o2 Symbolo!y)

inasmuc" as $"is science consi&ers $"e cosmos an& man in $"eir $o$ali$y)

an& ul$ima$ely $a/es all mani2es$a$ions) esecially cul$uralmani2es$a$ions) as symbolic;

A$ $"e same $ime) as symbol is $"e bri&!e be$:een $"e /no:n an& $"e

un/no:n) so no:le&!e 2ur$"ere& by Symbolo!y bears on $"e in5isible)

or un/no:n) le5el) $"rou!" $"e in$erme&iary o2 $"e symbol) :"ic"

reresen$s $"e in5isible) or un/no:n) on $"e le5el o2 $"e 5isible) or

/no:n; -e s"all no$ ma/e bol& $o say $"a$ $"is 5ie:oin$) :"ic" :e

main$ain) e+$en&s as 2ar as $"e eso$eric) since $"is :or& seems $o&ay $o

in&ica$e some$"in!) as i$ :ere) ou$si&e o2 reali$y; Ano$"er reason :"y :e

s"all no$ use $"e $erm is $"e &iscre&i$ in$o :"ic" i$ "as 2allen o:in! $o i$s bein! un&ers$oo& as 9secre$ 2or secre$s sa/e9@$"a$ is) as synonymous

:i$" mys$i2ica$ion; 7u$ :ere :e $o see) in $"is :or&) :"a$ i$ ac$ually

e+resses@i$s con$raosi$ion :i$" $"e e+o$eric as $:o mo&ali$ies o2 one

an& $"e same $"in!) $"e $:o si&es o2 a $aes$ry) $"e e+o$eric bein! $"e

brillian$ an& &escri$i5e si&e) an& $"e eso$eric $"a$ o2 $"e &ar/ :e2$ an&

:ar@or) in o$"er $erminolo!ies) $"e e+$ernal an& $"e in$ernal) or





e+is$ence an& essence@:ere :e $o un&ers$an& $"is :or& in i$s au$"en$ic

meanin!) $"en) :e coul& $"ereuon a!ree $"a$ symbolo!y) in $a/in!

symbol as $"e obec$ o2 i$s s$u&y) :ill !ra&ually aroac" $"e un/no:n

un&er $"e !ui&ance o2 $"e /no:n;

Codex /orgia

3O456

T"e Guarani :ors"ie& a Go& calle& Tu=) meanin!) 9-"o are you9

2 T"e Irouois) an& o$"er Nor$" American In&ians) &enomina$e& $"is resence)

9Oren&a;9 I$ :as also incarna$e& in Mani$u) $"e Grea$ Siri$) calle& by $"e

Siou+ 9-a/an#Tan/a9@ 6akan bein! $"e !eneric :or& in $"eir lan!ua!e 2orall o2 $"e sacre&) $"a$ is) 2or any$"in! >obec$) "enomenon) or bein!? "a5in!

$"e o:er $o $ransmi$ $"e ener!y o2 $"e &i5ine) esecially na$ure as $"e

ima!e or 5es$i!e o2 $"e suerna$ural; Le$ us obser5e $"a$ $"e $erms) 6akan an& huaca are rac$ically i&en$ical in meanin!; One o2 $"e ara&o+es o2

Precolumbian reali$y is $"a$ cer$ain lan!ua!es o2 $ribes o2 $"e Nor$"American lains are o2 $"e same 2amily as Juec"uan) e5en $"ou!" $"ey are

seara$e& by $"ousan&s o2 miles an& an in2ini$u&e o2 o$"er lan!ua!es;

7 Al$"ou!" $"e ori!in o2 mo&ern Science :as ma!ical us$ $o men$ion 7acon)

Ne:$on) 7oyle) eler) an& so on) as :ell as Paracelso an& all successors

2or !enera$ions) :"o la$er sa: $"e in5ersion o2 $"eir rincials &ue $o

cyclical reasons;









8 -e "a5e a clear e+amle in $"e in$ro&uc$ion $o $"e C-dice /orb-nico

>Me+ico Ci$yB Si!lo I) %43%?) ; +iii) by Francisco &el Paso y Troncoso)

in "is commen$ary on $"a$ co&e+;

/ 9Do :e sea/ some$"in! $rue "ere) Li2e!i5er

-e bu$ &ream) :e bu$ rouse oursel5es 2rom slee;

I$ is bu$ as a &ream; ; ; ; No one sea/s "ere any $ru$"; ; ; ;9Cantares exicanos) 5ol; , 5; Sanis" $rans; Mi!uel LeKn Por$illa;

I$ is no$ $"a$ $"ey 2aile& $o concern $"emsel5es :i$" >"is$orical? 2ac$s) bu$

$"a$) 2or $"em) $"ose 2ac$s :ere c"ar!e& :i$" o$"er meanin!s@broa&er) in

$"eir mul$i&imensionali$y) $"an $"ose re!is$ere& by a simle "is$orio!ra"y;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

1II

CERTAIN PECLIARITIES IN T8E 1ISION OF T8E -ORLD

As :e "a5e alrea&y obser5e&) a !rea$ e22or$ is some$imes reuire& in

or&er $o si$ua$e onesel2 in $"e milieu o2 cul$ures 2orei!n $o $"ose o2mo&ern socie$y) esecially :"ere $"eir 5ision o2 $"e sacre& is concerne&)

:"ic" con$ras$s :i$" $o&ays 5ie:oin$s on $"e $"eme) as :ell as :"en

a&&ressin! o$"er e+eriences) usa!es) an& cus$oms :"ic" :e &o no$

comre"en& because :e &o no$ un&ers$an& $"e rinciles $"a$ "a5e

mol&e& $"em; T"e same $"in! occurs :"en :e are con2ron$e& :i$" $"e

men$ali$y o2 $"e men :"o ar$icia$e& in $"ese socie$ies; Cul$ural

!ui&elines $"a$ are 2orei!n $o our o:n) an& e5en our o:n in o$"er

"is$orical erio&s) are almos$ a $aboo 2or us) since :e 2ail $o assimila$e

$"em an& are accus$ome& $o 2all in$o $"e error o2 $rans2ormin! $"em in$o

some$"in! &i22eren$ 2rom :"a$ $"ey ac$ually are) $"ereby a&ul$era$in!$"em; A$ $imes $"ese 2orei!n !ui&elines resen$ $"emsel5es in

&isa!reeable :ays) an& :e $"in/ i$ be$$er no$ $o men$ion $"em@or s$ill

:orse) $"ey are ercei5e& as reali$ies callin! 2or 9&eo&ori<in!)9 or

&is$or$ion in or&er $o ren&er $"em consumable; An& ye$) as :e "a5e sai&)

$"e e22or$ o2 concei5in! ano$"er $ime) o2 ima!inin! a men$al sace

&i22eren$ 2rom ours@$"a$ is) $"e in#&e$" in5es$i!a$ion o2 :"a$ i$ is $o be a









"uman bein!@:ill see i$sel2 recomense& by $"e /no:le&!e o2 ano$"er

:ay o2 seein! $"e :orl&) :"ic" :ill commune recisely :i$" $"e ori!inal

i&eas $"a$ "a5e !i5en li2e $o $"is :orl&; An& $"ese conce$ions o2 $"e

$ra&i$ional an&or arc"aic socie$ies) ara&o+ical as i$ may seem) are

recisely $"e conce$ions $"a$) in $"e as$) ro&uce& our o:n ci5ili<a$ion)

o2 :"ic" :e li/e:ise are i!noran$; I$ mus$ also be sai& $"a$) :"en o$"er

cul$ures are s$u&ie&) $"e 5alue@a$ $imes &ual@a$$ribu$e& $o suc" an& suc"

a bein! or obec$ 2reuen$ly causes surrise) ei$"er because i$s a$$ribu$es

&o no$ correson& $o our curren$ conce$ion) or because $"e e5alua$ion in

ues$ion &oes no$ coinci&e :i$" $"ose o2 o$"er) /no:n socie$ies or :i$"

:"a$ :e "a5e been $ol& abou$ $"em;

T"e sacre& &eer) Codex /orgia

-"a$ :e ou!"$ in any case $o un&ers$an& is $"e 2ac$ $"a$ symbol is reallyan ener!y an& 2orce) :"ic" au$"en$ically reresen$s :"a$ $"e bein! or

$"in! reresen$e& is) an& no$ an 9alle!ory9 o2 i$; For $"e 8uic"oles) $"e

&eer is $"e pe)-tl ; T"e $:o elemen$s are i&en$ical) since $"ey $ransla$e

e+ac$ly $"e same $ye o2 cosmic ener!y $"a$ "as mol&e& $"em) an&

ma/es $"em eui5alen$; I$ is mani2es$e& in $"e animal an& $"e lan$ ali/e)

:"ic" obey common rinciles; Or be$$er) $"ey obey $"e same rincile)



:"ic" is rela$e& $o sacri2ice an& bloo&) conce$s $"a$ lin/ $"e &eer $o

pe)-tl @an& $o $"e ceremonies boun& u :i$" $"ese@$o &ea$" an&

re!enera$ion; Trans2orma$ion) 2or $"a$ ma$$er) also su22ere& an&

ri$uali<e& by $"e ear$" in $"e $ime o2 &rou!"$) :i$" i$s a!ony) an& $"e

subseuen$ resurrec$ion "eral&e& by $"e rains; T"e 8uic"oles an& o$"er

na$i5es "a5e in $"eir $urn assimila$e& $"is &ea$" o2 na$ure an& conseuen$

resurrec$ion $o C"ris$ian Len$@as "a5e many Euroean easan$s) $"e

"eirs o2 re#C"ris$ian cul$ures@:"en $"e &ea$" o2 $"e ear$" >an& o2 Hesus?

is $ransmu$e& in$o 2lo:ers; Flo:ers) 2or $"ese in&i!enous na$ions) are

ac$ually eui5alen$ $o bloo&) as a &irec$ symbol o2 li2e) an& $"e $:o $erms

are absolu$ely in$erc"an!eable) li/e $"e &eer an& pe)-tl ;

-"a$ :e :is" $o em"asi<e is "o:) 2or a rimi$i5e socie$y) a sys$em o2

symbolical correson&ences is ar$icula$e& $"a$ cons$i$u$es a co&e o2

resuosi$ions) an au$"en$ic lan!ua!e o2 syn$"e$ic ima!es in ac$ion)

:"ic") because $"ey are &i22eren$ 2rom $"e ones :e are accus$ome& $o)

:e &o no$ un&ers$an&; -e 2ail $o reali<e $"a$) &esi$e ra$ionalism) an& $"e

con&i$ionin!s imose& by $"e ra$ionalis$ic men$ali$y) $"e min& s$ill

con$inues $o 2unc$ion in $"is 2as"ion;

T"e sacre& "as been seen by socie$ies an& in&i5i&uals un&er $"e color

:i$" :"ic" i$ "as been resen$e& $o $"em) in con2ormi$y :i$" $"e

circums$ances an& $imes o2 i$s irru$ion in$o collec$i5e or in&i5i&ual

e+is$ence; I$ "as al:ays been clo$"e& in $"e &ress o2 "orror or o2

s:ee$ness) o2 $"e comle$ely em$y or o2 2ullness) o2 some$"in! bene2icial or o2 cas$i!a$ion; I$ "as $a/en $"e 2orms o2 :ar or eace; T"is

is ossible because $"e sacre& embraces $o$ali$y) an& is mani2es$e&@as

are all $"in!s@by a curren$ o2 &ual ener!y in :"ic" "uman bein!s s"are)

an& by :"ic" $"ey ercei5e $"e me$a"ysical as some$"in! e+$raor&inary

by means o2 $"e olari$y o2 $"e e+$remes;

Sacre& in$o+ica$ion) 2rom a moralis$ic or con5en$ional oin$ o2 5ie:@

:"ic" :e "a5e al$o!e$"er in$eriori<e&@:oul& be some$"in! concei5able

only 2or an alco"olic; An& ye$ i$ "as been "abi$ual in $"e ceremonial

rac$ices o2 $"e American In&ians o2 $"e Nor$") Cen$er) an& Sou$") :"o$ra&i$ionally in!es$e& 2ermen$e& alco"olic &rin/s@ulue) balch4) c"ic"a)

an& so on@as ar$ o2 $"eir ri$es; 8ere $"ey "a5e &one only :"a$ o$"er

eoles "a5e &one in $"e Ol& -orl&) amon! $"em $"e E!y$ians) $"e

Nor&ics) $"e Gree/s) an& $"e Romans) no$ $o men$ion $"e C"ris$ians) in

:"ose symbolism) as :e /no:) :ine is eui5ala$e& $o $"e bloo& o2

Hesus) :"ile $"e o$"ers re2erre& i$ $o $"eir !o&s; T"e in!es$ion o2





"allucino!enic &ru!s 2or ri$ual uroses > pe)-tl ) cer$ain mus"rooms)

a)ahuasca) e$c;? is closely a/in $o $"is rac$ice) no$:i$"s$an&in! $"e 2ac$

$"a$ suc" a ri$ual cus$om seems $o $"e lai$y@o:in! $o i!norance@$o be

e5en more rere"ensible $"an $"e 2ormer) $o $"e oin$ :"ere i$ is u&!e&

&o:nri!"$ imure) a &iabolical &e!enera$ion; To&ay :e /no: $"a$ $"e

5as$ maori$y o2 $ra&i$ional eoles "a5e use& $"ese "allucino!enic

subs$ances in $"eir ceremonies as a :ay o2 2os$erin! /no:le&!e) an&

es$ablis"in! con$ac$ :i$" $"e !o&s) an& $"a$ $"ese rac$ices con$inue $o be

main$aine& $o&ay;2 -e nee& no$ e5en men$ion $"e re5ulsion@an&

a$$rac$ion@!enera$e& by $"e no$ion o2 se+ as a siri$ual e+erience) or any

9e+cess9 in narro: min&s an& con5en$ional ersons) e5er subec$ as $"ey

are $o $"e 2ears resi&in! in an almos$ in5olun$ary sel2#reression;

As 2or $"e 9&ru!s9 use& by na$i5e ini$ia$es) :"ic" o22en& $"e &ecorum o2

$"e mi&&le class) le$ us in&ica$e $"e in$en$ion an& meanin! :i$" :"ic"

$"ey are in!es$e&) an& :i$" :"ic" $"ese rac$ices are carrie& ou$@$"a$ is)

$"eir 2unc$ion as me&ia$in! a!en$s o2 /no:le&!e) inasmuc" as $"ey

2acili$a$e access $o me$a"ysical reali$y an& $"rou!" $"e la$$er $o

un&ers$an&in! o2 $"e "ysical as :ell) :"ic" is $"en un&ers$oo& as a

ma$erial e+$ension o2 $"e 2ormer; Fur$"ermore) $"ese ri$es an& sacre&

subs$ances lea& $o a ca$"arsis) $"rou!" a cleansin! or uri2ica$ion@a

&ea$" an& subseuen$ resurrec$ion@ro&uce& by $"e in$ensi$y o2 $"e ri$ual

si$ua$ion) :"ic" 2os$ers a breac" o2 le5el) in :i$"&ra:in! subec$s 2rom

$"eir "abi$ual $ime an& sace $o si$ua$e $"em a$ $"e cen$er o2 $"emsel5es;T"e ne: ubica$ion is $an$amoun$ $o ano$"er rea&in! o2 reali$y) or $o a

&i22eren$ reali$y) :"ic" no: aears as 2ar more cer$ain an& ac$ual) bein!

no: an in$eriorly 5eri2iable $ru$") coe+is$en$ :i$" $"e re2le+ ima!e $"a$ is

usually "a& concernin! $"e 7ein! an& $"e -orl&;

Ob5iously cer$ain usa!es an& cus$oms are s$ran!e $o us) e5en surrisin!;

T"is is &ue in ar$@as :e "a5e alrea&y seen@$o $"e 2ac$ $"a$ :e "a5e

ne5er been 2amiliari<e& :i$" $"em) an& esecially $o $"e 2ac$ $"a$ our

conce$s &o no$ coinci&e :i$" $"ose o2 $"e $ra&i$ional cul$ures;7 7u$ $"is

&i22icul$y also resen$s $"e rou$e $o an un&ers$an&in! o2 $"ese cul$ures)since i$ is lo!ical $o $"in/ $"a$) i2 :e come $o /no: $"e conce$ions $"a$

"a5e !i5en rise $o $"em) by 2or!in! lin/s :i$" $"eir symbolical

mani2es$a$ions) :e s"all be able $o un&ers$an& $"e a$mos"ere an&

surroun&in!s in :"ic" $"ey &e5eloe&@$"e 2eelin! an& $"in/in! o2 a

normal communi$y o2 $"is $ye; T"eir reli!ious 2eas$s "a& li$$le or

no$"in! in common :i$" :"a$ :e $o&ay un&ers$an& as suc") nor are $"ey







2oun& $o "a5e been in any :ay a/in $o $"e 9sen$imen$al9 or

9commemora$i5e;9 In $"ese ceremonies) $"e communi$y ar$icia$e&

:"ole an& en$ire) $o resen$) as a !rou) syc"o&ramas o2 i$s cosmo!ony

an& $"eo!ony) as $"e c"roniclers a$$es$ :"en $"ey re2er $o $"eir sacre&

&ances an& ri$uals) :"ic" &i& no$ e+clu&e >2ar 2rom i$? leasure an&

en$er$ainmen$; Re2errin! $o $"e A<$ecs) Fray Toribio &e Mo$olinQa $ells

usB

T"ey are no$ 2e: :"o a$$en&) bu$ as many as a $"ousan&)

an& a$ $imes more) &een&in! on $"e eoles an& $"e 2eas$s;

7e2ore $"e :ars o2 conues$) :"en $"ey celebra$e& $"eir

2es$i5als in 2ree&om) amon! $"e more numerous eoles

$"ere :oul& !a$"er $"ree $"ousan&) 2our $"ousan&) an&

more) $o &ance;

; ; ; T"e 2irs$ c"an$s are sun! on a lo: $one) slo:ly) as i2 $"e

sin!ers :ere &o<in!; T"e 2irs$ c"an$ is one aroria$e $o

$"e 2eas$) an& $"e &ance is al:ays be!un by $"ose $:o

mas$ers) an& $"en $"e :"ole c"orus con$inues $"e c"an$ an&

$"e &ance as a !rou) an& $"a$ en$ire mul$i$u&e mo5e $"eir

2ee$ li/e 5ery a&roi$ &ancers o2 Sain; An& :"a$ is more)

$"e :"ole bo&y) "ea&) arms) an& "an&s mo5e in suc"

coor&ina$ion) measure) an& or&er) $"a$ eac" &ancer is in

er2ec$ $ime :i$" all o2 $"e o$"ersB in 2ac$) :"a$ one &oes:i$" $"e ri!"$ 2oo$) an& $"en :i$" $"e le2$) all &o a$ $"e same

$ime) an& in $"e same r"y$"m; -"en one lo:ers $"e le2$

arm an& raises $"e ri!"$) all &o $"e same) a$ $"e same $ime)

in suc" :ise $"a$ $"e &rums) $"e sin!in!) an& $"e &ancers all

main$ain $"e same r"y$"m; ; ; ; Sains 2ine &ancers are in

:on&ermen$ :"en $"ey see $"is) an& "a5e !rea$ resec$ 2or

$"ese na$i5es &ances) an& $"e !rea$ accor& an& 2eelin! $"a$

$"ey main$ain in $"em;8

O2 $"e Mayas) Die!o &e Lan&a recoun$sB 9T"ere is ano$"er &ance) in:"ic" ei!"$ "un&re& In&ians) more or less) &ance) :i$" small banners)

an& :arli/e soun&s an& s$es) an& no$ one 2ails $o /ee r"y$"m; An&

$"ey are slu!!is" in $"eir &ances) since) all $"e &ay $"rou!") $"ey &o no$

s$o &ancin!) an& are !i5en $o ea$ an& &rin/ :"ile $"ey are &oin! so;9 /

As :e /no:) e5en $o&ay $"ese &ances con$inue $o be rac$ice&@al$"ou!"

a colora$ion o2 92ol/lore9 is no: resen$@by !rea$ numbers o2 ersons in







Peru an& 7oli5ia) esecially a$ $"e $ime o2 $"e summer an& :in$er

sols$ices;

T"e same occurs :i$" !ames; Games symboli<e a cosmo!ony in

mo5emen$B $"e layers er2orm) an& ren&er resen$) $"e cosmic &rama;

Per"as $"e mos$ er2ec$ e+amle :oul& be $"e 7all Game) a ceremonial

come$i$ion $yical o2 $"e !rea$ Mesoamerican ci5ili<a$ions@al$"ou!" :e

mus$ no$ ne!lec$ o$"er !ames an& 9sor$s9 "a5in! a clear ri$ual an&

me$a"ysical in$en$ion; Le$ us ci$e $"e ri$ual !ame o2 $"e 92lyers)9 s$ill

laye& in cer$ain ar$s o2 Me+ico an& Gua$emala; I$ consis$s in $"e aerial

circum5alla$ion o2 a ri$ual column) symbol o2 $"e a+is an& $"e cen$er) by

2our ro$a!onis$s; Huan &e Toruema&a &escribes i$ as 2ollo:s;

-"en i$ :as $ime $o 2ly) $"ey &ra!!e& a "u!e) bul/y $ree

2rom $"e moun$ain) an& s$rie& i$ smoo$"; T"e $ree :as

5ery s$rai!"$) an& o2 su22icien$ si<e $"a$ $"e one :"o 2le:

aroun& i$ :oul& !o aroun& $"ir$een $imes; T"e $ric/ in $"is

in5en$ion :as a bo:l) a&us$e& on $"e $o o2 $"e $ree) 2rom

:"ic" a suare o2 :oo& "un!) a2$er $"e 2as"ion o2 a 2rame)

:i$" a cur$ain "an!in! &o:n nearly $:o arms len!$"s)

$i!"$ly a$$ac"e& $o $"e bo:l by $"e 2our corners o2 $"e

cur$ain or 2rame :i$" s$ron! cor&s; 7e$:een $"e bo:l an&

$"e 2rame :ere 2our cor&s) s$ron! enou!" $o "ol& $"ose :"o

"un! 2rom $"em;

An& "e a&&sB I $"in/ $"a$ $"is in5en$ion :as 2rom $"e &e5il) an& $"a$ i$s

urose :as $o /ee $"ese 2alse ser5an$s o2 "is mos$ 5i5i&ly

an& ere$ually min&2ul o2 $"eir in2ernal an& abominable

ser5ice; A2$er all) i$ :as a remin&er o2 $"e 2i2$y#$:o years o2

$"eir cen$ury; T"ey celebra$e& $"e rene:al o2 $"is cycle

:i$" $"e ne: 2ire) :"ic" $"ey &re: 2rom $"e ac$ an&

a!reemen$ $"a$ $"ey "a& ma&e :i$" $"e &e5il $o ser5e "im

$"a$ same number o2 years in $"e course o2 $"e $ime $o

come; T"is is e5ince& in $"e $"ir$een re5olu$ions $"ey ma&e;

Al$"ou!" $"e $urns are no more $"an $"ir$een) mul$ilie& by$"e 2our s$rin!s an& cor&s $"ey ma/e 2i2$y#$:o) !i5in! eac"

o2 $"e 2our 2lyers $"ir$een re5olu$ions) :"ic") mul$ilie&

by 2our) !i5es 2i2$y#$:o;

Ano$"er in$eres$in! 9en$er$ainmen$9 $o consi&er is Patolli >:"ose

$ransla$ion is eui5alen$ $o 9!ame)9 al$"ou!" patoll is also a $ye o2





sec/le& bean use& in $"is !ame?;9 I$ :as laye& on a ma$) on :"ic" a

suare crosse& by $:o &ouble &ia!onals "a& been ain$e&; A$ $"e oin$

o2 in$ersec$ion :as ano$"er suare) &i5i&e& in$o 2our eual ar$s) :i$"

eac" o2 $"e lines o2 $"e cross bein! &i5i&e& in$o $:el5e cells; As :e

no$ice) $"e number o2 comar$men$s :ill be 2i2$y#$:o) :"ic" is $"e

number o2 years in a cosmic cycle 2or $"e Mesoamericans; T"e number

o2 $"ro:s an& o2 layers) as :ell as $"a$ o2 $"e 9&ice9 :i$" :"ic" $"e

!ame is laye&) is rela$e& $o as$ronomical an& cyclical comu$a$ions) as

is illus$ra$e& in Fray Die!o Dur=ns %istoria de las 7ndias an& o$"er

sources;

T"ere is ano$"er 9!ame)9 or ra$"er) 9sor$)9 $"a$ :e s"oul& li/e $o

men$ion; -e re2er $o lacrosse) laye& by 5arious na$i5e !rous o2 Nor$"

America an& s$ill sur5i5in! as 2ol/lore; T"is ar&uous an& $a+in! !ame)

laye& by a&ul$ males o2 $"e communi$y) is also calle& $"e 9li$$le :ar)9

an& clearly s"o:s $"e rela$ions"i be$:een $"ese 9sor$s9 an& mar$ial

ac$i5i$y) or $"e ini$ia$ions in5ol5in! $"e :arriors an& $"eir ba$$les;

In&ee&) 2or $"e era o2 $"e 9&isco5ery9 o2 America) 2or cyclical an&

as$rolo!ical reasons correson&in! $o $"e $ime a$ :"ic" $"ey "aene& $o

li5e) $"e na$i5e socie$ies :ere :arrior socie$ies) as :e "a5e been sayin!)

an& $"e ba$$le :as a mys$ical symbol by :ay o2 :"ic" $"e ener!ies o2 $"e

cosmos became incarna$e; T"us) :"en men ar$icia$e&) $"ey :ere

layin! ou$ $"eir li2e an& $"eir Des$iny; -ar :as ar$ o2 $"e &aily ri$e)

an& $"ose :"o &e5o$e& $"emsel5es $o i$) "a5in! recei5e& sui$able$rainin!@an& no$ us$ mili$ary $rainin!@!aine& 2or $"eir labors $"e 5ir$ues

an& ar$s in"eren$ in $"is o22ice) 2ul2illmen$ on $"e or&inary lane o2

mani2es$a$ion) an&@as consumma$ion@access $o o$"er) in5isible :orl&s;

-ar is e+licable only as a sacre& ac$i5i$y) since by :ar e5il is

comba$e&; A ne!a$ion is ne!a$e&) an& accor&in!ly) bein! is asser$e&; T"e

!enerali$y o2 $"e ba$$les amon! arc"aic eoles are :a!e& a!ains$ $"e

siri$s o2 e5il incarna$e in $"eir a&5ersaries) :i$" :"om $"e communi$y

may no$ comromise) un&er ain o2 $"e ossible collase o2 an or&er) o2

:"ic" $"ey are $"e !uar&ians;:

All o2 $"e American eoles o2 $"e era :ere :arriors) :i$"ou$ any nee&

2or some $o reresen$ $"e role o2 9!oo&9 an& o$"ers o2 9ba&;9 In $"e

American con$e+$) :ar :as an ac$i5i$y o2 $"e soul) a s$a$e occasione& by

ersons bo&y $o bo&y) :i$" $"e ime$us an& in$ensi$y a&eua$e $o $"is

occua$ion) 9in :"ic" :as o22ere& $"e &i5ine liuor9 >bloo&? an& brea$"; -

For an$iui$y@an& $"is :as uni5ersal) amon! all eoles@$"e no$ion o2 an









e+$ermina$ion or $o$al anni"ila$ion o2 $"e a&5ersary ne5er 2oun& a lace

in $"e $ra&i$ional men$ali$y) :"ic" &oes no$ e+clu&e $"e oosi$ion) bu$

comlemen$s i$) an& accor&in!ly) "as nee& o2 i$; In or&er $o aroac" a

mar$ial conce$ion o2 $"is /in& :e s"oul& "a5e $o rela$e i$ $o $"e ima!e

o2 a me&ie5al 9$ourney)9 as con&uc$e& in $"e mili$ary or&ers an& /ni!"$ly

ini$ia$ions >C"ris$ian an& Islamic?) :"ic" also e+is$e&) as :e /no:) in

$"e Ne: -orl&; -e nee& only recall $"e ni!"$s o2 $"e Sun) $"e

Me+ican Ea!le an& Ti!er ni!"$s) $"e An&ean Falcons an& Pumas) an&

$"e 5arious "oly :ars;;

T"e e+ression o2 $"is conce$ion on $"e American con$inen$ :oul& be

clearly e+emli2ie& by $"e Tlachinolli) $"e 9sacre& :ars9 :a!e& by $"e

A<$ecs an& $"e Tla+cal$ecas 2or years; T"e obec$i5e :as $o ro5i&e

5ic$ims 2or $"e solar sacri2ices) or@eui5alen$ly@$o &ie "eroically in

ba$$le an& $"us 2ee& $"e /in! s$ar) $"ereby comin! $o 2orm ar$ o2 $"e

sacre& sace o2 $"e !o&s >becomin! an ac$i5e ar$ o2 $"e :orl& rule& by

$"e sun?; -e mi!"$ also men$ion $"e 2es$i5al or mar$ial reresen$a$ion

er2orme& by $"e A<$ecs on $"e las$ &ay o2 $"e mon$" o2 pan#uet!ali!tli

on $"e ball 2iel& o2 Tenoc"$i$lan; T"e resen$a$ion :as &e&ica$e& $o

Painal) 5icar o2 8ui$<ilooc"$li) !o& o2 :ar) an& i$ symboli<e& $"e ba$$le

o2 $"e cosmic ener!ies) incarna$e in lane$s an& men ali/e; T"a$ same

ba$$le :as reresen$e& by $"e layers in $"e ball !ame) :"o :ere

$"ereuon 2reuen$ly sacri2ice&) $o be uni$e& in bloo& :i$" $"e sol&iers

:"o "a& &ie& in comba$;

8ere :e ou!"$ $o recall $"a$ $"e $:o !rea$es$ ci5ili<a$ions 2louris"in! in

$"e a!e o2 $"e 9&isco5ery)9 $"e A<$ec an& $"e Incan) subsis$e& un&er an

imerial re!ime c"arac$eri<e& by 9mili$arism;9 T"eir cus$oms) an& $"e

5ery na$ure o2 $"eir ri$es an& symbols) "a& been a&ul$era$e&B $"ese "a&

been in 5aryin! &e!rees uroo$e& 2rom $"eir rinciles) $"eir symbolic

reali$y no: bein! clou&e& o5er by a linear) ro2ane rea&in!; T"is can be

obser5e& in $"e area o2 "uman sacri2ice) :"ose no$ion an& a$$i$u&e is

5ery muc" a/in) in i$s rinciles) $o $"ose o2 :ar; Su22ice i$ $o say $"a$)

ori!inally) $"e in&i5i&ual selec$e& 2or sacri2ice or $or$ure) an&mani2es$in! !enerosi$y) 5alor) an& !la& rea&iness 2or i$) :as consi&ere&)

li/e $"e :arriors) an in&i5i&ual $ouc"e& by 2or$une an& !lory) an& one

:"o :oul& become) by "is &ea$") a ar$ o2 $"e &i5ine) $o accomany $"e

sun in i$s $rium"al ourney; Cer$ain &ocumen$s $ell us $"a$ $"is

conce$ion :as no$ main$aine& in i$s ris$ine uali$y in $"e mili$aris$ic

emires; I$ "a& been &e!ra&e&) :"ic" &oes no$ mean i$ :as no$ in$e!ral





in $"e ori!inal na$i5e cul$ures in :"ic" $"ese emires "a& $a/en roo$) or

$"a$ $"ey &i& no$ remain ac$ually ali5e) e5en in $"a$ era) amon! o$"er

eoles o2 $"e con$inen$;

-e mus$ no$ conclu&e $"ese re2lec$ions) in :"ic" :e "a5e in&ica$e&cer$ain conce$ions o2 An$iui$y $"a$ &i22er 2rom our o:n >:i$" $"e

in$en$ion o2 en$erin! in$o $"e Precolumbian :orl&?) :i$"ou$ ma/in!

men$ion o2 $"e &i22erence be$:een $"e curren$ i&ea o2 e&uca$ion an&

$eac"in!) an& $"a$ o2 $"e $ra&i$ional cul$ures) esecially in $"e ma$$er o2

$"e saien$ial ini$ia$ions; On $"is la$$er oin$) le$ us obser5e $"a$ $"e

mo&ern :orl& is i!noran$ o2 any$"in! "a5in! $o &o :i$" ini$ia$ion) i2 i$

&oes no$ reec$ i$ as some$"in! obsole$e or 2an$asy#ri&&en; On $"e

con$rary) in a $ra&i$ional cul$ure all $eac"in! is $urne& in $"is &irec$ion;

Ini$ia$ion in$o $"e mys$eries is $"e same as $"e !ainin! o2 no:le&!e)

2rom :"ic" cosmo!ony is s$ruc$ure& an& $"e collec$i5e an& in&i5i&ual

li2e is ar$icula$e&; T"is no:le&!e "as no$"in! in common :i$"

uan$i$a$i5e /no:le&!e) an encycloe&ic sum o2 in2orma$ion) emirical

e+erimen$a$ion) or analy$ic mul$ilici$y; Ra$"er i$ bears on a syn$"esis)

on $"e e+erience o2 essence an& $o$ali$y;

7u$ abo5e all) :"a$ &e2ini$i5ely &is$in!uis"es $"e one /in& o2 /no:le&!e

2rom $"e o$"er consis$s in $"e 2ac$ $"a$ curren$ socie$y belie5es $"a$

/no:le&!e ro!resses o5er $"e course o2 $ime) an& $"a$ i$ is $"e

acuisi$ion o2 ersonal 9$"eses)9 $"a$ is) o2 in&i5i&uali<e& an& "is$orical

9in5en$ions9 or 9&isco5eries9 :"ile a $ra&i$ional cul$ure) on $"e con$rary)

consi&ers /no:le&!e e$ernal an& re5eale&) curren$ an& li5in!) an& o2

non"uman) $"a$ is) &i5ine) ori!in;

T"e 7all Game) Codex Vindobonensis





3O456 Fray Die!o &e Lan&a recoun$s $"a$) in Yuca$an) :"en an In&ians :i2e :as

un2ai$"2ul $o "im) i$ :as sai& $"a$ s"e "a& 9u$ "is mirror in $"e croco&iles

e+$ra "air;9 O2 course $"is 2i!ure is 2orei!n $o us) $o $"e oin$ o2 seemin!

imrobable) as i$ 2ails $o correson& :i$" our ima!es; T"e comle+i$y o2 $"erela$ions"is an& suosi$ions ossesse& by a $ye o2 lan!ua!e as sub$le as

$"is is suc" $"a$ i$ is 5ery unli/ely $"a$ :e s"oul& e5er reac" an e+ac$ an&

li$eral un&ers$an&in! o2 i$@no$ e5en :"en :e /no: $"a$ a&ul$ery :as unis"e& by &ea$" by s$onin! or $"a$ men) no$ :omen) use& mirrors an& so

2or$"; Ancien$ eoles "a5e al:ays use& $"is /in& o2 i&iom) base& on

associa$ions an& analo!ies) an& e5en &esi!ne& i$ !ra"ically in $"eir

i&eo!ra"ic si!ns; T"is :as $"e case :i$" $"e C"inese an& E!y$ians) us$ asi$ :as :i$" $"e Precolumbians;

2 See R; Gor&on -asson) The 6ondrous ushroom: icolatr) in

esoamerica >McGra:#8ill) N;Y; %436? i&em an& A; 8o2mann) The &oad

to "leusis: 8n,eiling the Secret o0 the )steries >Ne: Yor/) %403?;7 For e+amle) ri$ual suici&e;

8 emoriales) c"a; '.;

/ Landa$s &elaci-n de las Cosas de 2ucatán) c"a; '';

Huan &e Toruema&a) onar#uía 7ndiana) boo/ %6) c"a; (3;

9 T"e in&e2a$i!able 8umbol&$ comare& $"is !ame :i$" parchesi >or parchís?)

:"ic" is o2 8in&u ori!in; T"is !ame also bears a resemblance $o $"e

Euroean 9royal !oose;9 Patolli :as ro"ibi$e& &urin! $"e Conuis$a on!roun&s $"a$ i$ :as &an!erous) i&ola$rous) an& a!an) an& $"ose &isco5ere&

layin! i$ "a& $"eir "an&s burne&) suc" :as $"e imor$ance a$$ribu$e& byC"ris$ian o:er $o $"is !ame an& cosmolo!ical amusemen$) o2 sacre& ori!in):i$" :"ic" $"e na$i5es i&en$i2ie&;

: 9-"a$ as$onis"es me mos$ abou$ $"eir :ars an& $"eir cruel$y is $"a$ $"e

reason :"y $"ey ma&e :ar uon one ano$"er canno$ be &isco5ere&B $"ey

"a5e nei$"er !oo&s o2 $"eir o:n nor so5erei!n$y o2 emire or /in!&om@nor&o $"ey /no: :"a$ !ree& is) $"a$ is) robbery or ambi$ion $o rei!n) :"ic"

seems $o me $o be $"e cause o2 :ars9 >Americus 1esucius) Letter to

Loren!o de edici?;

- 8un$in! is also a /in& o2 :ar; T"e slau!"$ere& animal) a2$er $"e $rac/in! an&

searc") "as been $"e "un$ers obec$ an& 9$ar!e$;9 T"ere is an i&en$i2ica$ion be$:een 5ic$im an& 5ic$imi<er) an& e5en a ceremonial raroc"emen$) a

oneness be$:een $"e rey an& $"e "un$er) inclu&e& in $"e 5ery ri$e; Le$ usno$e as :ell $"a$ $"e obec$i5e o2 $"e na$i5e sacre& :ars is no$ so muc" $o

/ill as $o $a/e ca$i5e; To ca$c" a risoner is $o "un$ "im;

; As a 9curiosi$y)9 le$ us oin$ ou$ $"a$ $"e Romans calle& uon $"eir !o&s

be2ore $"eir ba$$les) an& $"ese !o&s 2ou!"$ :i$" $"e a&5ersaries numina;























9T"e 2ol/ o2 Ne: Sain surasse& all o2 $"e o$"er na$ions o2 $"e :orl& in

o22erin! $o $"eir !o&s suc" cos$ly an& ain2ul@an& $"us more recious) i2

"orren&ous@sacri2ices9 >Fray 7ar$olom &e las Casas) Apolog4tica %ist-rica?;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

1III

INTRODCTION TO PRECOLM7IANSYM7OLOGYINITIATION

Le$ us obser5e 2rom $"e ou$se$ $"a$) :"ile a $ra&i$ional socie$y

e+eriences $"e sacre&) no$ all o2 i$s members &o so $o $"e same &e!ree

or in $"e same :ay; T"ere are &i22eren$ s$a!es in $"e /no:le&!e o2

in5isible reali$y) o2 $"e Sureme I&en$i$y) as 2oun& in $"e a:areness o2

some o2 $"e in&i5i&uals belon!in! $o $"a$ socie$y an& mar/in! $"a$

in&i5i&uals 2unc$ion :i$"in $"e socie$y; A!ain) $"e :ays in :"ic" $"is

e+erience is reali<e& are &issimilar) as $"ey &een& uon $"e eculiar

c"arac$eris$ics o2 eoles an& in&i5i&uals) $"e $ime an& sace in :"ic"

$"ey "aen $o li5e) $"eir "is$orical or ersonal lo$) an& so 2or$";

8o:e5er) $"ere is one $"in! common $o all o2 $"e &e!rees o2 no:le&!e

o2 o$"er le5els an& :orl&sB Ini$ia$ion; T"is reali$y) s"are& by all eoles

in all a!es) an& encoun$ere& by $"e e$"nolo!is$) $"e arc"aeolo!is$) $"e

"is$orian) $"e "iloso"er@in a :or&) by $"e sc"olar o2 man or o2

an$iui$y@is an e5i&en$ 2ac$) :"ose imor$ance is $"ere2ore ob5ious; S$ill)

i$s meanin! mus$ be e+laine&@all $"e more so in 5ie: o2 $"e 2ac$ $"a$

$"e scien$i2ic conce$ions curren$ly in 5o!ue en&o: i$ :i$" a merely

secon&ary 5alue) $rea$in! suc" ri$es as ri$ual ceremonies) ne!li!ible

cus$oms :i$" na$uralis$ic or social e+lana$ions) or assimilablee+clusi5ely $o ro2ane 9e&uca$ion9 or $o ma!ical rac$ices;

T"e uni5ersal cul$ural "enomenon $"a$ is Ini$ia$ion mar/s $"e li2e o2 $"e

aren$ice :"o is ini$ia$e&) an& es$ablis"es $"e $ransi$ion 2rom one s$a!e

o2 /no:le&!e $o ano$"er) 2rom one le5el o2 consciousness $o $"e reali$y

o2 a &i22eren$ one) 2rom $"e ro2ane $o $"e sacre&) 2rom one :ay o2 bein!





in $"e :orl& $o ano$"er :ay o2 concei5in! i$) an& accor&in!ly) o2 bein!;

Ne5er$"eless) $"ere are 5arious /in&s o2 ini$ia$ions; Some $a/e lace a$ a

&e$ermina$e a!e) or a$ a cer$ain $ime o2 $"e year) an& are 2i+e& an&

collec$i5e) bein! celebra$e& a$ 2es$i5als) :i$" e+ac$ ceremonies an&

:or&s an& i&en$ical !es$ures) in :"ic" all o2 $"e eole s"are a$ $"e

roer momen$; Suc" are $"e ini$ia$ions boun& u :i$" $"e ri$es o2 $"e

ne: year >an& &ea$" o2 $"e re5ious year?) an& lin/e& $o 5e!e$a$ion an&

2er$ili$y; Suc" also are $"e ri$es o2 uber$y) :"ic" ro5i&e $"e communi$y

:i$" access $o "uman reali<a$ion) $o re!enera$ion@us$ as &oes C"ris$ian

ba$ism@an& ano$"er &e!ree or le5el o2 reali$y) o2 $rue li2e; Li/e:ise

$"ere are !ra&ual an& successi5e ini$ia$ions 2or $"ose in5ol5e& in or

calle& $o no:le&!e) $o e5er "i!"er an& &eeer le5els) as $"ey see/ $"e

reali<a$ion o2 o$"er s$a!es o2 ni5ersal 7ein!) :"ic" are al:ays $au!"$

by mas$ers $o &isciles) in con2ormi$y :i$" an& by $"e in$erme&iary o2

$"e symbols) $"e $ra&i$ions) $"e my$"s) an& $"e ri$es) secre$ an& e22ec$i5e)

:"ic" &escribe an& re#resen$ $"e cosmo!onic mys$eries; T"us i$

becomes ossible 2or $"ese mys$eries $o be resen$ once more) an& $o

a22or& access $o an un&ers$an&in! o2 $"e :orl& an& man) $o /no:le&!e o2

$"e $o$ali$y) an& $"ereby $o :is&om;

T"us) Sa"a!n recoun$s $"a$) in $"e Calm4cac) aren$ices 9:ere $au!"$

all o2 $"e c"an$ 5erses) in or&er $"a$ $"ey mi!"$ sin! $"em; T"ey :ere

calle& &i5ine c"an$s) an& $"eir 5erses :ere :ri$$en in $"eir boo/s in

c"arac$ers; Fur$"er) $"ey :ere $au!"$ In&ian as$rolo!y) an& $"ein$erre$a$ion o2 &reams an& $"e numberin! o2 $"e years9 >boo/ () c"a;

3?; Else:"ere "e ci$es 9$"e soo$"sayers) :"o "el& $"e boo/s o2 &i5ina$ion

an& o2 $"e 2or$unes o2 $"ose born) an& o2 :i$c"cra2$ an& au!uries) an& o2

$"e $ra&i$ions o2 $"e ancien$s $"a$ "a& reac"e& $"em9 >boo/ %) c"a; %'?;

An& Lan&a s$a$esB 9T"e sciences $"a$ $"ey $au!"$ :ere $"e numberin! o2

$"e years) mon$"s) an& &ays) 2es$i5als an& ceremonies) $"e a&minis$ra$ion

o2 $"eir sacramen$s) $"e au!ure& &ays an& $imes) $"eir me$"o&s o2

&i5ina$ion) reme&ies 2or &iseases) $"eir ancien$ "is$ory) an& rea&in! an&

:ri$in! :i$" $"eir le$$ers an& c"arac$ers) in :"ic" $"ey :ro$e :i$" 2i!uresreresen$in! :ri$in!9 > &elaci-n de las Cosas de 2ucatán) c"a; 0?; Fe:

belon!e& $o $"is class o2 in&i5i&ual; T"ey "a& !o5erne& $"e eoles 2or

cyclic erio&s) by 5ir$ue o2 $"eir /no:le&!e) :is&om) an& a$i$u&es) an&

in e5ery case consis$e& o2 $"ose :"o "a& &esi!ne& or al:ays romo$e&@

by $"eir ac$i5i$y in $"e :orl&@all !i5en cul$ure; T"eir ini$ia$ions :ere

calle& saien$ial) an& :ere al:ays $"e mos$ ele5a$e&; T"ey :ere



rac$ice& e5en amon! 5ery rimi$i5e eoles) :"ere $ribal /no:le&!e

:as $au!"$; 7u$ as :e "a5e in&ica$e&) ini$ia$ions $oo/ 5arious 2orms)

&een&in! on $"e na$ure o2 $"e in&i5i&uals an& $"e eoles) an& $"e

cyclical or "is$orical eras in :"ic" $"ey "aene& $o be li5in!; T"e

:arrior ini$ia$ions :ere no$ $"e ones us$ men$ione&) $"e saien$ial) nor

:ere $"e ini$ia$ions o2 $"e ar$isans $"e same as $"e :arriors;

To boo$) :i$"ou$ $"e ac$ual) concre$e &ee& o2 Ini$ia$ion) i$ :oul& be

imossible $o /no: or un&ers$an& any$"in! o2 $"e "uman bein! an& $"e

li2e o2 $"ese eoles; An& s$ill 2ur$"erB $"is !ran& e5en$) by :"ic" bein!

is a$$aine& !ra&ually) an& $"rou!" $"e in$erme&iary o2 :"ic" :e

un&ers$an& oursel5es an& our role in $"e :orl&) is $"e one $"a$ connec$s

us :i$" $"e reali$y o2 o$"er le5els) :"ic" mi!"$ be calle& $"e seci2ically

"uman; T"us) i$ is $"e one $"a$ &is$in!uis"es man 2rom more limi$e&

secies; Finally) $"ese e+lain $"e e+is$ence o2 $"e uni5erse an&

oursel5es) since $"ese inclu&e $"e i&en$i$y o2 no:in! an& 7ein!) in $"e

2ace o2 :"ic" all $"a$ is no$ no:le&!e is illusion) or a 2orm o2 &ecei$

an& lie;

For $"e $ra&i$ional ersec$i5e) :ere i$ no$ 2or Ini$ia$ion in$o $"e

mys$eries) li2e :oul& "a5e no meanin!;2 Nor is Ini$ia$ion) 2or $"ese

socie$ies) a simle 2ormali$y or roce&ure) or an alle!ory; Far 2rom i$;

Ini$ia$ion is $"e ossibili$y@$"e nee&@$o /no: an& reli5e $"e ori!inal

cosmo!ony) $"e 5ir!ini$y o2 $"e be!innin!) :"a$ o$"ers call siri$ual

reali<a$ion; I$ can be ob$aine& $"rou!" symbol an& ri$e@an& $"e rac$ices

o2 obser5a$ion) in5es$i!a$ion) an& s$u&y) conoin$ly :i$" $"ose o2

me&i$a$ion) con$emla$ion) an& rayer o2 $"e "ear$; T"ese are no$ mere

con5en$ions or ceremonies) since) $"e e&uca$or) $"e au$"en$ic ini$ia$or) is

2inally $"e numen) in a sel2#re5ela$ion $o $"e "uman bein!) $o :"om

e5ery$"in! mus$ be $au!"$ because "e "as e5ery$"in! $o learn; -"o

ins$ruc$e& man) bu$ $"e e&uca$or !o& -"a$ bu$ $"e my$"ic ori!in@

al:ays $ransla$e& by "is$orical) $emoral) or anec&o$al 2ac$s@an& $"e

irru$ion o2 $"e sacre& in$o $"e ro2ane@:oul& us$i2y $"e reali$y o2 $"e

:orl& an& our e+is$ence) sanc$i2yin! i$) ren&erin! i$ $rue 8o: coul& a eole main$ain an& rero&uce i$sel2 $"a$ :ere no$ $o be 2oun&e& on $"e

au$"en$ic /no:le&!e o2 $"in!s Dea$") on one le5el o2 a:areness@

er"as :e mi!"$ call i$ one &e!ree o2 e+erience@an& resurrec$ion $o a

le5el $"a$ is !rea$er) inasmuc" as i$ is broa&er an& more uni5ersal) are

in$ima$ely boun& $o $"e i&ea o2 $"e &es$ruc$ion o2 $"e as$@o2 $"e en& o2

$"e conce$ual ima!es o2 $"e ol& "uman bein! an& rebir$" $o ano$"er







:orl&) $"a$ o2 $"e ne: man;

I$ is also in$ima$ely boun& :i$" $"e i&eas) o2 labor) o2 &isciline) o2

or&er) an& o2 sacri2ice@:"ic" comes 2rom sacrum 0acere) $o 9ma/e

sacre&9@) or be$$er) sel2#sacri2ice) in $erms o2 $"e $rials $o be surasse&an& o5ercome in $"e ri$es o2 ini$ia$ion; T"ese $rials mus$ obli!a$orily be

e+erience& no$ in mere suer2iciali$y) bu$ in $"e in$eriori$y o2

consciousness) in or&er $o be ar$ o2 $"e a$" o2 no:le&!e) o2

in$elli!en$ in$ui$ion ercei5e& in &irec$ 2as"ion@$"a$ is) in or&er $o be an

ini$ia$e) or $o "a5e some &e!ree o2 ini$ia$ion;7 I2 :e :is" $o un&ers$an&

$"e arc"aic eoles) :e mus$ aroac" $"e ma$$er o2 Ini$ia$ion as an

au$"en$ic cosmo!onic 2ac$) a $ru$" reco!ni<e& in all $ra&i$ional an&

arc"aic cul$ures) an e5en$ summonin! 2or$" an unin$erru$e& $ra22ic

be$:een "uman bein!s an& !o&s >in5isible 2orces) siri$s) an!els)

mons$ers) an& so 2or$"?; T"e in$erme&iary is $"e collec$i5i$y as sacre&

an& ini$ia$e& eole in !eneral) an& in ar$icular by $"e in$er5en$ion o2

$"ose :"o "a5e come $o be calle& 9secialis$s in $"e sacre&9 >men o2

/no:le&!e) sa!es) ma!icians) s"amans) ries$s) c"ie2s) soo$"sayers)

:i<ar&s) sorcerers) "ealers) rac$i$ioners o2 "erbal me&icine) an& so on?

on $"e 5arious le5els on :"ic" $"ese 9secialis$s9 e+ress $"emsel5es) in

con2ormi$y :i$") an& by 5ir$ue o2 $"eir /no:le&!e;

-e "a5e alrea&y seen $"a$ one o2 $"e c"arac$eris$ics common $o all o2

$"e ini$ia$ions is $"a$ o2 $"e $rials $o :"ic" $"e asiran$ is subec$e&; A$

$"e resen$ $ime) $"ese $rials are e+erience& by $"e a&e$s :"o "a5e

be!un $o a&5ance in $"e :ay o2 /no:le&!e as con$rarie$ies :i$" resec$

$o $"eir milieu@:"ic" $"ey e+erience as aliena$e&) 2alse) an& i!noran$)

an& :"a$ is :orse) a re2lec$ion o2 ones o:n in&i5i&uali$y) since $"e

ro!rammin! $"a$ $"is milieu "as in2lic$e& on $"em is $"e same as ours;

Accor&in!ly) by :ay o2 a ues$) $"ey be!in $o 2in& $"e sca$$ere& ieces o2

a cosmo!ony) as $"e 2oun&a$ion o2 an on$olo!y an& o2 an au$"en$ic me$a#

"ysics) an& commi$ $"eir :"ole bein! $o i$@since i&eas are crea$i5e)

!enera$i5e@:"e$"er i$ is a ma$$er o2 $"e in$ellec$ual) $"e emo$ional) ore5en $"e ins$inc$i5e; An& $"ereby $"ey :ill ercei5e a re2orm o2 $"eir

5ision o2 $"e :orl&) in s$e :i$" a con5ersion o2 $"e ps)che cons$i$u$e&

by a renuncia$ion o2 a :orl& o2 2alse ima!es; T"is bir$"!i5in! is ui$e a

&i22icul$ one 2or $"e ro$a!onis$s; T"ey mus$ un&er!o !enuine e+is$en$ial

an& in&i5i&ual $rials) ro&uce& by $"e s$ru!!le be$:een a ne: rea&in! o2

reali$y) :"ic" resuoses au$"en$ic /no:le&!e) an& an ol& an& i!noran$





one) :"ic" none$"eless s"aes our i&en$i$y) as :e lis$en $o $"ose :"o say

$"a$ bein! is :"a$ one /no:s) namely) $"a$ $"ere is an i&en$i$y be$:een

bein! an& /no:in!; A$ $"e same $ime) s$riin! $"e mas/ 2rom $"e

mis$a/es an& errors o2 $"is i!noran$ milieu issues) in one manner or

ano$"er) in os$racism;

A!rarian ri$es) an& all o2 $"e my$"s an& symbols !enerally $"a$ are boun&

u :i$" na$ure >an& i$s r"y$"ms an& cycles?) cons$an$ly sacrali<e na$ure)

:"ic" is $a/en as $"e mani2es$a$ion o2 7ein!@an& 8is souse) besi&es@as

$"e in5er$e& re2lec$ion o2 $"e &i5ini$y) in :"ic" $"e la$$er is e+resse& in

an immanen$ manner; Esecially) $"ese ri$es) my$"s) an& symbols are

boun& u :i$" $"e circle o2 $"e seasonsB :in$ers aralysis an& an/ylosis)

srin!s ma!ic a:a/enin!) $"e 2rui$2ul :eal$" o2 summer) au$umns

melanc"oly;

T"ere are eoles :"o "a5e only $:o seasons) $"e rainy an& $"e &ry) as

in $"e case o2 numerous In&ian eoles; T"e 2irs$ is rela$e& $o !enera$ion;

In $"e secon&) ins$ea&) $"e 5e!e$a$ion $"a$ is $"e sus$enance o2 beas$s an&

mor$als &ies;

T"e !o&s an& $"e 5icissi$u&es o2 $"eir lo$ are in$ima$ely connec$e& $o

na$ural e5en$s; 7u$ $"e !o&s) or ener!y o2 $"e !o&s) are "i&&en in

"enomena; 7u$ "enomena &o no$ !enera$e or name $"e !o&s) since

$"ere is a "ierarc"y amon! $"e crea$in! siri$s an& $"eir crea$ures;

T"e Na"ua$l !o& o2 $"e :in& "h4catl ) 2or e+amle) is no$ !o& o2 $"e

:in& only because "e ma/es $"e :in& $o blo:; In an arc"aic cul$ure)

e5ery$"in! is in&issolubly uni$e&) an& $"e :in&ly a!i$a$ion o2 $"e

a$mos"ere is connec$e& :i$" $"e &i5ine resira$ion) $o!e$"er :i$" $"e

"uman) :i$" $"e 5i$al brea$"in! o2 man an& $"e :orl&) :i$" $"e 2er$ili$y)

an& $"e conser5a$ion an& re!enera$i5e &es$ruc$ion) ro&uce& in $"e

biolari$y o2 summer:in$er) in"ala$ione+"ala$ion) an& 5arious o$"er

airs o2 oosi$es &irec$ly rela$e& $o li2e an& &ea$") or $o $"e &ea$" an&

resurrec$ion) so i&eally e+emli2ie& by $"e na$ural r"y$"ms o2 5e!e$a$ion)

:isely use& in $"e cul$i5a$ion o2 $"e 2iel&;

Le$ us ma/e i$ clear $"a$ ini$ia$ion) :"ic" is eui5alen$ $o a re!enera$ion)

$o a c"an!e o2 s/in in :"ic" $"e 9o$"er9 e+is$ence is le2$ be"in&) is

li/e:ise in$ima$ely lin/e& :i$" $"ese na$ural r"y$"ms) an& $"ere2ore :i$"

$"e a!rarian r"y$"ms) $"e la$$er bein! an e+$eriori<a$ion) or ro$o$yal

mo&el o2 $"e crea$ion o2 a >ne:? li2e) on :"ic"e5er le5el $"a$ li2e be



ro&uce&; In $"is las$ sense as :ell) $"e s"amanic ecs$asy >&i5ine

insira$ion? mus$ s$ri/e a rela$ions"i :i$" $"e air !enerally) an&

esecially) mus$ be seen as ro&ucer o2 li2e as :ell as ini$ia$or

> ps)chopompos? o2 a rocess 2os$ere& an& $ransmi$$e& by $"e :in&;

Follo:e& in a correc$) or na$ural) or&er) $"is rocess :ill culmina$e in $"e

bir$" o2 a ne: bein!) :"en $"e $ime is rie) as occurs :i$" all 2rui$s;

7u$ :"a$ "as al:ays been $ruly resen$ in $"ese ri$es@as is clear in $"e

Eleusinian mys$eries) $o ci$e bu$ one e+amle@is $"a$ all o2 $"ese

ceremonies e5o/e a &ea$" an& a resurrec$ion; T"a$ is) $"ey no$ only

reresen$ bir$" $o a ne: s$a!e) 2rom a s$ar$in! oin$ in $"e $remblin!)

2ear) an& a!ony o2 a &emise) bu$ $"ey e+emli2y) comle$ely) clearly) an&

concre$ely $"e post mortem $ransi$ion o2 $"e soul) or ourney $o $"e

9beyon&9 un&er$a/en by $"e bein! imme&ia$ely a2$er &ea$";

T"e 9s"amanic9 $rances) le$ us rei$era$e) li/e:ise reea$ $"is e+erimen$)

:"ic" a$ $"e same $ime is 5isuali<e& as a &escen$ $o $"e un&er:orl& or

cen$er o2 $"e ear$") 2rom :"ic" $"e ini$ia$e emer!es as ne:)

recons$ruc$e&) an& :i$" a re!enera$e erce$ion o2 reali$y; T"e s"amans

are a$ $"e same $ime ps)chopompoi) an& $"e urose o2 $"eir &escen$ $o

$"e coun$ry o2 $"e &ea& is 2reuen$ly $o rescue a los$ soul; In any case)

$"is e+erience is o2$en seen $o be cro:ne& :i$" success only a2$er a

series o2 a&5en$ures in $"e o$"er :orl&) $errible &an!ers an& obs$acles@

amon! $"ose :"ic" s$an& ou$) e5ery:"ere in America) $"e crossin! o2 a

ri5er) an& a bri&!e) as in o$"er $ra&i$ions@:"ic" symbolically rero&uce

$"e souls assa!e in $"e Ini$ia$ion rocess $o $"e cosmic) on$olo!ical) an&

me$a"ysical mys$eries) or $"e post mortem 5oya!e $o $"e lan& o2 $"e

ances$ors;

T"ere is a &ialec$ic o2 su22erin!; Go& is Lo5e) an& &eman&s Lo5e; Go&

Lo5es an& is Lo5e&; Su22erin!) $"en) arises as an an!uis" o2 $"a$ lo5e)

an& $"e imera$i5e nee& $o lo5e; All o2 $"e $ra&i$ions o2 $"e :orl& "a5e

/no:n $"a$ ara&o+) $"is in5ersion an& comlemen$a$ion) $"is analo!y

in&es$ruc$ibly lin/in! all eoles :i$" one ano$"er an& cons$i$u$in! $"e&ynamics o2 $"e :orl&; Su22erin! as a 2orm o2 lo5e 2or Go& is ar$ o2 $"e

&ialec$ic o2 crea$ion) an& :as rac$ice& no$ only by $"e Hu&eo#C"ris$ian

$ra&i$ion) by $"e 9&isco5erers)9 bu$ also) in 5ery ri!orous 2as"ion) by $"e

Precolumbians; T"is $ye o2 sacri2ice) o2$en a bloo&y one) acuire& i$s

comle$e sense in $"e $rials o2 Ini$ia$ion) :"ere no:le&!e an& $"e

reara$ion 2or o$"er) au$"en$ic an& $rue) reali$ies an& :ays o2 ercei5in!



"a& nee& o2 $"e 5ery essence) $"e 7ein! o2 $"e ini$ia$e;

Le$ us also no$ice $"a$) un2or$una$ely) $"e elemen$s $"a$ sur5i5e mos$

abun&an$ly :"en an au$"en$ic $ra&i$ion &isaears are i$s lo:es$ ones)

$"ose in5ol5in! :i$c"cra2$ an& suers$i$ion; Suc" elemen$s &i& o2 coursecoe+is$ :i$" au$"en$ic $ra&i$ions) al$"ou!" $"ey :ere ro"ibi$e& an&

unis"e& :"en 2oun& ou$) as :i$" $"e Juic"s an& $"e In&ians o2

1eraa<) :"ere sorcerers :ere e+ecu$e&;

In conclusion) le$ us obser5e $"a$) al$"ou!" $"e saien$ial ini$ia$ions

cons$i$u$e $"e innacle o2 $"e "ierarc"y in a !rea$ $ra&i$ional ci5ili<a$ion)

$"e 2ac$ remains $"a$ $"a$ ini$ia$ion@more er2ec$ 2rom $"e 5ie:oin$ o2

$"e comle+i$y o2 i$s $"ou!"$) ric" in all o2 i$s roce&ures an& ca$e!ories)

an& re2ine& in i$s conce$ions an& mani2es$a$ions@is o2 a "i!"er class

$"an $"e 9ini$ia$ion9 ob$aine& by o$"er !rous in more &irec$ 2as"ion;

P"iloso"y is e+resse& in a successi5e) &ialec$ical lan!ua!e) an& is

accor&in!ly 2ur$"er remo5e& 2rom i$s obec$ $"an is $"a$ &irec$ in$ui$ion

$"a$ in i$sel2 "as no nee& o2 e+ression) :"ic" is recisely :"a$ is s$ri5en

2or by "iloso"y in i$s oera$ion as me$a"ysics; -"en man

consoli&a$es) crea$es ci5ili<a$ion) an& buil&s "is $emles in s$one@:"ic"

reuires /no:le&!e in ar$) science) an& in&us$ry) all o2 $"ese "a5in! $o be

$au!"$ an& learne&) in a len!$"y rocess@$"en i$ is also a ma$$er) in $"e

in&i5i&ual) o2 $"e cons$ruc$ion o2 $"e $rue "uman bein!) $"e in$erior

$emle; T"is :as !ra&ually sulie& by $"e Calm4cac) amon! $"e

A<$ecs) an& $"e saien$ial ini$ia$ions cer$ainly calle& 2or more

comlica$e& sciences an& ar$s $"an &i& $"e simle $ransmission o2 $"e

my$"s an& $ribal secre$s 2rom 2a$"er $o son or mas$er $o &iscile;

-"a$ is /no:n is $"e same@on $"e le5el a$ "an&@bu$ in"abi$an$s o2 a

ci5ili<a$ion "a5e a series o2 names) 5alues) an& ca$e!ories $o classi2y

$"eir e+eriences) :"ile $"e o$"ers >:"o also incarna$e $"ese

e+eriences? "a5e no nee& o2 suc" names) 5alues) an& ca$e!ories; -e

&een& on $"e men$al ima!es $"a$ :e ossess) an& i2 :e "a5e ne5er "a&

an i&ea o2 Gree/ "iloso"y an& i$s lan!ua!e) i$ is 5ain $o $"in/ $"a$ :es"all "a5e e+eriences in $"a$ sense; T"is &oes no$ mean $"a$ $"e

e+erience is no$ $"e same) e+resse& in one co&e or ano$"er) inasmuc"

as ul$ima$ely all lan!ua!es are a sin!le uni5ersal lan!ua!e;



Ceremony o2 $"e Ne: Fire) Codex /orbonico

3O456

9-i$"ou$ bein! able $o see 1iracoc"a) $"e 5ery ancien$ a&&resse& an&:ors"ie& "im; An& muc" more &i& $"e mas$er :ea5ers) :"o "a& suc"

&i22icul$ :or/) :ors"i an& cry $o "im9 > Dioses ) hombres de %uarochirí )

colonial na$i5e manuscri$) $rans; H; M; Ar!ue&as Me+ico Ci$y) %40,?; I$:as 1iracoc"a) $"e e&uca$or !o&) :"o "a& $au!"$ "uman bein!s $"e ar$s)

$"ereby es$ablis"in! communica$ion be$:een "ea5en an& ear$"; T"is is a2ine e+amle o2 ri$ual in5oca$ion $"rou!" $"e in$erme&iary o2 an ar$isanalini$ia$ion) ar$icularly i2 i$ be $a/en in$o consi&era$ion $"a$ $"e $e+$iles o2 $"e

re!ion in :"ic" $"is manuscri$ :as 2oun& are rec/one& amon! $"e mos$

beau$i2ul in $"e :orl&; T"e scan$ imor$ance ascribe& by $"e colonialc"roniclers $o $"e cra2$s as ri$ual an& &i&ac$ic) as rece$ion an& $ransmission

o2 /no:le&!e) is no$orious) al$"ou!" $"ey raise $"e con&i$ion an& $"e

in&us$ry o2 $"e na$i5es) an& $"e 9lorentine Codex) 2or e+amle) clearly

illus$ra$es $"eir ac$i5i$ies; T"e in&i!enous in2orman$s o2 Sa"a!n re!ar&e&$"e o$$ers >Tol$ec ar$isans? as eual $o $"e sa!es an& mas$ers) inasmuc" as

$"e 2ormer are crea$ors@$"ey !i5e li2e $o $"e 2ormless mass; 98e :"o !i5es a

bein! $o $"e clay) :i$" s"ar eye mol&s) /nea&s $"e clay; T"e !oo& o$$er laces !rea$ care in$o $"in!s) $eac"es clay $o lie) &ialo!ues :i$" "is o:n

"ear$) ma/es $"in!s li5e) crea$es $"em) /no:s e5ery$"in! as i2 "e :ere a

Tol$ec;9 I$ is $"e same :i$" ain$ersB 9T"e !oo&) s/ille& ain$er) "as Go& in"is "ear$) &i5ini<es $"in!s :i$" "is "ear$) &ialo!ues :i$" "is o:n "ear$9

>Sanis" $rans; Mi!uel LeKn Por$illa see also $"e En!lis" 5ersion in

biblio!ra"y?; A$ $"e same $ime) $"e ar$isanal 9&ecora$i5e9 mo$i2s are no$

oular crea$ions) as is cus$omarily belie5e& ra$"er $"ey cons$i$u$e &esi!ns





er2ec$ly :ell es$ablis"e& an& ceremonially reea$e&@$ra&i$ional symbols

re5ela$ory o2 a cosmo!onic $"ou!"$ an& i&ea;

2 Ini$ia$ion) as :ell) as :e "a5e in&ica$e&) is $"e eui5alen$ o2 $"e ourney o2$"e &ea& $o $"e beyon&; I$ is li/e:ise i&en$i2ie& :i$" $"e course o2 $"e s$ars

$"rou!" $"e un&er:orl&; I$ is al:ays associa$e& :i$" $rials an& labors) an&)

as :e "a5e sai&) :i$" &ea$" an& resurrec$ion;

7 T"e youn! Incas scale& a moun$ain) 8uanacauri) as ar$ o2 $"eir ini$ia$orylabors; T"e In&ians o2 $"e ni$e& S$a$es $or$ure $"emsel5es in $"e celebra$e&

9Sun &ance9; All Mesoamerica is a$$ac"e& $o $"e i&ea o2 crossin! one or nine

5ery &an!erous ri5ers as ar$ o2 $"e ourney o2 $"e beyon&; T"is is common

$o $"e arc"aic $"ou!"$ o2 $"e en$ire :orl&) an& can be obser5e& $o&ay) as:ell) in Tra&i$ional A2rican $"ou!"$; In $"e ini$ia$ions o2 $"e In&ians o2 $"e

Sou$"eas$ern ni$e& S$a$es) :"o are 2armers an& :arriors) $"e "ierarc"ical

&e!rees o2 ini$ia$ory /no:le&!e an& in$erior !ro:$" :ere mar/e& e+$eriorly by means o2 an incision) or $a$$oo car5e& in$o $"e s/in; -"en a boy :as

!i5en "is 2irs$ name) "e recei5e& $"e 2irs$ suc" mar/; -"en "e became anasirin! :arrior) in a&olescence) "e :as !i5en $"e secon&; T"e $"ir& :ascon2erre& :"en "e "a& success2ully un&er!one $"e ini$ia$ory $rials o2 :ar

an& "a& become a $rue man; T"en "e recei5e& a ne:) au$"en$ic name; No:

"e :oul& con$inue $o recei5e incisions) as "e &emons$ra$e& more e+erience)

abili$y) an& coura!e in ba$$le;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

I

T8E REDISCO1ERY OF AMERICA

T"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ions may be $"e cul$ures $"a$ "a5e been $"emos$ s$u&ie&) an& abou$ :"ic" $"e mos$ "as been :ri$$en) in $"e las$

cen$ury) ar$icularly in $"e area o2 $"e secial$ies >An$"roolo!y)

Arc"aeolo!y) an& so on? bu$ $"ey are $"e leas$ un&ers$oo& in $"eir

in$e!ri$y) sa5in! cer$ain "onorable e+ce$ions; Ne5er$"eless) a$ $"e

resen$ $ime :e "a5e incomarably more elemen$s an& ieces o2

in2orma$ion a5ailable abou$ $"em) $"an/s $o $"e 9uni5ersali<a$ion9 o2 $"e







:orl&) a "enomenon ro&uce& by $"e e+losion o2 $"e communica$ion

sciences; T"ese sciences are &ual@eually caable o2 o22erin! correc$ an&

use2ul in2orma$ion) or o2 comu$eri<in! 5alues :i$"ou$ r"yme or reason;

Re&isco5erin! America 2i5e "un&re& years a2$er A&miral Columbuss

5oya!e) $"en) means) in $"e li!"$ o2 $o&ays means an& 5alues)

un&ers$an&in! $"e !rea$ messa!e $"a$ $"e eoles :"o li5e& $"ere

beuea$"e& $o os$eri$y) or $o $"e "uman race; -e re2er $o :"a$ $"ey

em"asi<e& $ime an& a!ain in $"eir cul$ures >re!ar&in! $"e /no:le&!e

$"ey ossesse& concernin! e5ery$"in!) :"ic" /no:le&!e $"ey &eri5e&

2rom $"eir e+eriences :i$" uni$y) $"e cosmo!onic s$ruc$ures) an& $"eir

$"eo!ony?) symbols) an& my$"s $"a$ $"ey "an&e& &o:n $o $"e 2u$ure by

:ay o2 $"eir o:n li5in! o2 $"is no:le&!e on a &aily ri$ual basis; T"ese

mani2es$a$ions) e+resse& by $"e 5arious socie$ies $"rou!"ou$ $"e len!$"

an& brea&$" o2 $"e American con$inen$) $"e usa!es an& cus$oms o2 $"ese

socie$ies) $"eir ri$es) $"e 5arious socioeconomic con2orma$ions an& $"e

&i22eren$ asec$s) inclu&in! e$"nic) o2 $"e 5arious in&i!enous eoles)

eoles &i22eren$ in sace an& $ime) is asser$e& e5en in $"eir lan!ua!es)

$"eir 9"iloso"ies)9 $"eir conce$ion o2 $"e :orl& an& o2 man; T"ese

mani2es$a$ions are resen$ as :ell in $"e numberless samles :e "a5e

ran!in! 2rom $"e :ri$in! o2 $"eir co&ices) $"eir ic$o!ra"y) i&eo!rams)

an& o$"er means o2 communica$ion) $o $"e crea$ion o2 $"eir calen&ars an&

$"eir ar$icular a&a$a$ions o2 $"e noma&ic) 9rimi$i5e9 li2e) mani2es$e&

in $"eir oe$ry) scul$ure) !ol& an& sil5er :or/) :ea5in!) bas/e$ :or/)

an& so on an& on) all o2 $"ese $"in!s bein! symbolical;

I$ is mos$ in$eres$in! $o obser5e $"a$ many o2 $"ese seemin!ly &ea&

cul$ures are ali5e in our o:n &ay; T"ey con$inue $o e+ress $"emsel5es

by means o2 ri$es an& ceremonies $"a$ re5eal $"eir ori!in) a$ $imes in a

C"ris$iani<e& syncre$ism) or un&er $"e a!reeable &is!uise o2 2ol/lore) or

in $"e case o2 some) e+ressin! $"emsel5es) as $"ey "a5e al:ays &one)

$ra&i$ionally; T"e la$$er is cer$i2ie& by $"e :or/ o2 an$"roolo!is$s $o&ay)

$o!e$"er :i$" $"e c"ronicles o2 $"e a!e o2 coloni<a$ion) an& $"e reor$s o2

coun$less 2orei!n $ra5elers@as :ell as) :e mus$ a&&) by $"e e+$raor&inary

labors o2 $"e sc"olars o2 $"in!s na$i5e in Euroe an& America;

All o2 $"ese $es$imonials are a5ailable $o all :is"in! $o 2amiliari<e

$"emsel5es :i$" $"em; T"e only $"in! necessary 2or con&uc$in! an

in5es$i!a$ion o2 $"is na$ure is !oo& :ill) in$eres$) an& a$ience@:eaons

:i$" :"ic" one can :in an un&ers$an&in! o2 $"e Precolumbian cul$ures;

T"ese can be un&ers$oo& in $"eir 2ormal or subs$an$ial c"arac$er as





mani2es$a$ion) :"ic" is in5ariably ric") a&mirable) an& su!!es$i5e) as

:ell as in $"eir reali$yB $"a$ is) in $"eir au$"en$ic roo$) in $"eir essence)

:"ic" is $o un&ers$an& $"em in $ru$") an& :"ic" comes $o assimila$in!

$"e 5alues) $"e /no:le&!e) $"a$) as :e "a5e sai&) $"ey "a5e beuea$"e&

$o us; I$ also means un&ers$an&in! a $ra&i$ional socie$y) an& li/e:ise $"e

arc"aic men$ali$y) :"ic" is $"e ori!in o2 all o2 $"e !rea$ ci5ili<a$ions)

amon! :"ic" $"e Precolumbian s$an&s ou$) on a ar :i$" $"e !rea$es$

ci5ili<a$ions /no:n in $"e -es$ or $"e Eas$;

On $"e o$"er "an&) $"e &isco5ery o2 $"eir cosmo5ision) :"ic" is

some$imes analo!ous $o an& some$imes i&en$ical :i$" $"a$ o2 o$"er

eoles) besi&es bein! a surrise@an& li/e any uali$a$i5e 5eri2ica$ion) a

leasure@is $"e roo2 $"a$ $"ere is suc" a $"in! as an arc"e$yal

cosmo!ony) a mo&el o2 $"e uni5erse) :"ose s$ruc$ure mani2es$s :"a$ is

a5ailable in :"a$ :e call $"e Philosophia Perennis; T"e la$$er aears

uni5ersally) &esi$e $"e innumerable $rain!s i$ &ons in &i22eren$

!eo!ra"ies an& eras; Fray Huan &e Toruema&a) in "is onar#uía

7ndiana) boo/ 0) rolo!ue) sa!aciously obser5esB

An& may i$ no$ seem besi&e $"e oin$) in &ealin! :i$" $"e

-es$ern In&ians an& $"eir manner o2 reli!ion) $o recall

o$"er na$ions o2 $"e :orl&) remar/in! $"eir usa!es since

$"eir be!innin!s) since one o2 my in$en$ions in :ri$in! $"is

len!$"y) :or&y "is$ory "as been $o e5ince $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"e

usa!es o2 $"ese In&ians) bo$" in $"e rac$ice o2 $"eir

reli!ion as in $"e cus$oms $"a$ $"ey "a5e obser5e&) "a5e no$

been $"eir o:n in5en$ions) srun! 2rom $"eir 2ancy alone)

bu$ "a5e also belon!e& $o many o$"er "uman bein!s o2 $"e

:orl&;2

I$ may be $"a$ $"e $erm) 9Perennial P"iloso"y)9 2alls s"or$ o2 an

a&eua$e &enomina$ion o2 $"is science; T"us i$ "as also been calle&)

9Perennial an& ni5ersal Reli!ion;9 T"e la$$er e+ression may be e5en

less clear $"an $"e 2ormer) an& mi!"$ occasion mis$a/esU 7u$ i$ can also

be calle&) 9ni5ersal) Perennial Gnosis)9 or 9ni5ersal 1ision o2 $"eCosmos)9 or 9nanimous Tra&i$ion;9 I$ is no$ i$s &enomina$ion) bu$ i$s

con$en$) $"a$ is $ruly imor$an$) $"a$ is $ranscen&en$; 8o:e5er) $"is

conce$ion o2 $"e :orl&) common $o all 5eri2iable $ra&i$ions) an&

uni5ersally mani2es$e& >&esi$e) as :e "a5e sai&) i$s 2ormal &i22erences)

:"ic" "a5e $"e e22ec$ o2 &i22eren$ia$in! eac" $ra&i$ion 2rom $"e o$"ers)

eac" "a5in! i$s roer 5alues) :"ic" a$ once &is$in!uis" $"em an&





i&en$i2y $"em?) is /no:n $o bu$ a 2e: ersons in $"e mo&ern :orl& $o&ay;

I$ is no$ $au!"$ broa&ly an& 2ormally; In&ee&) i$ "as been &enie& by $"e

conce$ions o2 $"is mo&ern :orl&) 2rom $"e !es$a$ion o2 $"e la$$er

recisely in $"e Renaissance) u un$il our o:n &ay) :"ic" is :"y $"e

con$emorary erson) by con$ras$ :i$" $"e $ra&i$ional erson@$"a$ is) $"e

erson o2 all $imes@"as &iscar&e& $"e siri$ual) sub$le ener!ies $"a$

ac$i5ely comose $"e cosmic mani2es$a$ion an& $"a$ are al:ays resen$

in i$) an& $a/es an in$eres$ only in $"e ma$erial an& limi$e&) on :"ic" i$

ro&uces e+$ensi5e s$a$is$ics;

-e "as$en $o e+lain $"a$ $"e real analo!ies ossesse& by $"e &i22eren$

$ra&i$ions amon! $"emsel5es) &eri5e& 2rom $"eir me$a"ysical)

on$olo!ical) an& cosmo!onic conce$ions) are no$ mere coinci&ences o2

2orm) coinci&en$al similari$ies; On $"e con$rary) $"ey are eui5alencies o2

a sin!le) uni5ersal reali$y) in$ui$e& >re5eale&? by all "uman bein!s o2 all

laces an& $imes; I$ is 2oun&e& in $"e $rue na$ure o2 $"e "uman bein! an&

$"e cosmos; 8ence $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"ese "iloso"ies are au$"en$ically

erennial) an& re5eal an i&en$ical $"ou!"$ in 5arious :ays) a&us$in! i$ $o

circums$ances o2 men$ali$y) $ime) an& sace; I$ is eually :ell /no:n

$"a$ !ui&elines e+is$ ermi$$in! $"e i&en$i2ica$ion o2 $ra&i$ional $"ou!"$@

i$s cosmo5ision) i$s symbolism) i$s 7mago undi) al$"ou!" $"ese are no$

e+clusi5ely e+resse& in a lo!ical or &iscursi5e manner; Man) as a

comle$e bein!) inclu&es 5arious &e!rees o2 bein!#:i$"in) :"ic" escae

ra$ionalism) an& in $"is sense one mus$ /ee accoun$ o2 $"e :arran$y

ro5i&e& by $"e symbols in $"is resec$) as :e s"all se$ 2or$" belo:;Mi!uel LeKn Por$illa) in "is La 9iloso0ía +áhuatl ) $ells usB

In $"e cosmolo!ical $"ou!"$ o2 $"e Na"ua$l) e5en more $"an

in $"eir i&eas concernin! $"e "uman bein!) :e s"all

encoun$er coun$less my$"s; 7u$ :e s"all also 2in&) in $"a$

$"ou!"$) ro2oun& $o/ens o2 uni5ersal 5ali&i$y; Hus$ as

8eracli$us :i$" "is my$"s o2 unuenc"able 2ire) an& o2 :ar

as $"e 92a$"er o2 all $"in!s)9 or Aris$o$le :i$" "is &eclara$ion

on $"e a$$rac$i5e unmo5e& mo5er $"a$ arouses lo5e 2or all

$"a$ e+is$s) so also $"e Na"ua$l na$i5e sa!es) $"etlamatinime or ries$s) see/in! $o comre"en& $"e $emoral

ori!in o2 $"e :orl& an& i$s car&inal osi$ion in sace)

2or!e& an en$ire series o2 ric"ly symbolic conce$ions;7

Le$ us also obser5e $"a$ no$ only &i& $"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ion su22er an

incomre"ension o2 i$s cul$ure) :"ic" mus$ &ie a$ $"e "an&s o2 a $ra&i$ion

"is$orically more o:er2ul) $"e C"ris$ian Euroean bu$ $"e 5ery na$ure





o2 $"e con$inen$ an& i$s in"abi$an$s "as been sys$ema$ically &iminis"e&)

2rom $"e Conuis$a $o our o:n &ay) a reression ran!in! 2rom a &enial

$"a$ $"e na$i5es "a& souls $o $"e in5en$ion o2 reasons 2or re!ar&in!

American 5e!e$able an& animal secies as :ea/ an& in2erior >scien$is$

7u22on an& o$"ers?;8

E5er since $"e era o2 $"e &isco5ery) Euroe "as 2os$ere& a "u!e uan$i$y

o2 $aboos re!ar&in! $"e ne: con$inen$; All o2 $"ese elemen$s "a5e o2

course !enera$e&) in $"e Euroean min&) ar$icular ima!es o2 a$$rac$ion

an& a5ersion 2or $"e un/no:n; Incer$i$u&e) susicions) 2ear) an& a

o:er2ul imulse $o &eny or reec$ any$"in! $"a$ "as no$ suare& :i$" i$s

men$al sc"ema$a) "a5e been $"e or&er o2 $"e &ay; I$ "as been on $"ese

sc"ema$a $"a$ $"e Euroean min& "as bes$o:e& $"e 5alue o2 $ru$") simly

because $"ey "a5e been i$s o:n) an& "a5e been $"ose o2 $"e cul$ural

en5ironmen$ i$ "as /no:n; I$ :oul& "a5e been imossible) !i5en $"e

:"ole s$rin! o2 men$al reu&ices an& reli!ious $aboos en$er$aine& by $"e

&isco5erers) $o re!ar& $"e abori!ines an& $"eir cul$ure as some$"in! in

"armony :i$" a Euroean conce$ion o2 man an& $"e :orl&;

T"en $oo) $"e role o2 $"e Euroeans as conuis$a&ors an& missionaries

>$"a$ is) $"eir 2unc$ion as e5an!eli<ers an& ci5ili<ers@in a :or&) as

ro5i&en$ial ersons? ren&ere& a riori imossible any in$en$ o2 a

osi$i5e araisal o2 $"e &e2ea$e& cul$ures; T"ey :ere con&i$ione& by

$"eir $ime) $"en) an& by $"e !eo!ra"ical loca$ion o2 $"eir bir$"; I$ mus$

also be /e$ in accoun$) 2or an imar$ial s$u&y o2 $"e PrecolumbianTra&i$ion) $"a$ $"e !eneral cyclical erio& in :"ic" American eoles

2oun& $"emsel5es be2ore $"e &isco5ery :as one o2 &eca&ence) us$ as :as

$"e case :i$" Euroean cul$ure i$sel2;

T"e &isco5erers mus$ no$ be blame& 2or $"eir i!norance o2 $"e Perennial

P"iloso"y@$"a$ is) o2 $"e real) au$"en$ic meanin! o2 $"eir o:n $ra&i$ion;

C"ris$ian eso$erism "a& been 2or!o$$en) an& $"e Inuisi$ion :as 5ery

ac$i5e a$ $"is $ime; As :e "a5e sai&) $"e -es$ i$sel2 is i!noran$ no:a&ays

o2 $"e me$a"ysical an& symbolical sense o2 i$s $ra&i$ion;

Reac$ions $o $"e &isco5ery :ere 5ery &i22eren$) in Sain as on $"e res$ o2

$"e con$inen$) &een&in! on $"e coun$ries an& on ersons 5ie:oin$s)

in$eres$s) an& &e!ree o2 cul$ure;/









From T"eo&or &e 7ryB Amerika %.$" c;

On $"e one "an&) 2rom $"e s$an&oin$ o2 $"e &isco5erers) some

in$ellec$ual us$i2ica$ion "a& $o be 2oun& concernin! $"ese ne: lan&s) an&

esecially) $"ese ne: eoles; On $"e o$"er) $"ese barbarous an& sa5a!e

eoles "a& $o be assimila$e& $o :"a$ :as ci5ili<a$ion a$ $"a$ $ime 2or $"eEuroeans; T"ere :as no $ime $o $ry $o un&ers$an& $"e 5anuis"e& an&

$"eir lace in "is$ory an& on $"e con$inen$) on :"ic" $"e o$"er !rea$

o:ers "a& alrea&y be!un $o se$ $"eir si!"$s; Anyone :"o :as no$

Sanis" :as re5en$e& 2rom $ra5elin! $o $"e Ne: -orl&; America $"us

remaine& subec$ $o Sain) an& accor&in!ly) a s"arer in i$s i&eolo!ical

5a!aries as :ell as in i$s ri2$s an& con$ra&ic$ions; T"e la$$er resen$e&

$"emsel5es on $"e ne: con$inen$ a$ $"e "an&s o2 $:o ro$o$yal

ersona!esB $"e sol&ier an& $"e ries$; T"e 2ormer :as in$eres$e& only in

o:er an& ma$erial 5alue) an& :as $"e enemy o2 $"e In&ians) :"om "e

&emeane& an& abuse&) $rea$in! $"em as ser5an$s; T"e la$$er :as $"e

na$i5es ro$ec$or) !enuinely in$eres$e& in $"em an& e5en in $"eir

$ra&i$ion) al$"ou!" :i$" all &ue recau$ions; Many reli!ious :ere

c"roniclers) $o :"om :e s"oul& be ar$icularly !ra$e2ul 2or $"eir labors;

Ne5er$"eless) 2rom $"e 5ie:oin$ o2 $"e Perennial P"iloso"y) $"ere is

no sa!e amon! $"em o2 $"e s$a$ure o2 $"ose $o be 2oun& in suc" !rea$



numbers in $"e 5arious Euroean ci$ies an& cour$s o2 $"e $ime;

T"ese c"roniclers reor$ $"a$ one o2 $"e $"in!s mos$ reu!nan$ $o $"e

&isco5erers) as $o $"emsel5es) :ere "uman sacri2ices; T"ese rac$ices)

$o&ay so &i22icul$ $o un&ers$an&) "a5e ne5er$"eless been common $o all

arc"aic eoles) an& "a5e been 2oun& in all socie$ies; In no :ay) s"ae)

or 2orm is $"is an a$$em$ $o 9us$i2y9 $"ose eoles) :"o nee& no ones

9us$i2ica$ion;9 Ra$"er i$ reresen$s an a$$em$ $o aroac" $"e subec$

obec$i5ely) rescin&in! 2rom curren$ u&!men$ an& our ine5i$able

sen$imen$alism; T"is is a roer$y o2 all serious researc"; T"ese

sacri2ices "a5e been rac$ice& by E!y$ians) Gree/s) an& Romans) as

:ell; Amon! $"e las$#name&) $"ey :ere o22icially ro"ibi$e& by $"e

Sena$e only in A;D; 40; No$ only :ere $"ese sacri2ices /no:n $o $"e

Cel$s) Germanics) an& Precolumbians) bu$ $"ey are s$ill rac$ice& $o&ay

amon! cer$ain A2rican $ribes; Nearly al:ays) $"ese ri$es are 2ollo:e& by

$"e in!es$ion o2 $"e 2les" >$"e ener!y) $"e o:er? o2 $"e 5ic$im;

Relacemen$ o2 $"e "uman bein! by an animal or o$"er secies li/e:ise

occurs in r"y$"mical) "is$orical 2as"ion; -e $"in/ i$ 5ain $o a$$em$ $o

u&!e an arc"aic socie$y by curren$ 5alues) !i5en $"e &i22eren$ men$ali$y

o2 suc" a socie$y) :"ic" ma/es i$ o$"er) an& clea5es an abyss be$:een

:"a$ $o&ays ersons ima!ine $"emsel5es an& $"e :orl& $o be) an& $"e

manner o2 li5in! o2 a $ra&i$ional "uman bein!;

One o2 $"e basic reasons 2or $"e &i22icul$y o2 $"e s$u&y o2 na$i5e $"ou!"$

is &oub$less $"e !ra&ual loss o2 $"e cyclical sense o2 $ime; T"e -es$) on$"e basis o2 a soli&i2ica$ion o2 i$s cul$ure) $"e aearance o2 lar!e ci$ies

>:"ic" in5ol5es an aliena$ion 2rom $"e na$ural erio&s?) an& an

increasin! in&i5i&uali<a$ion) "as $rans2orme& cyclical $ime in$o a linear)

c"ronolo!ical one; Arc"aic eoles 2oun&e& $"eir cosmo!onies) an&

accor&in!ly) $"eir manner o2 bein!) un&ers$an&in!) an& li5in!) on a

recurren$ $ime) :"ic") as a re!enera$i5e ener!y) is ali5e an& e5er ac$i5e)

alon! :i$" a sace in ere$ual 2orma$ion;

In&ee&) $"e suns &aily an& yearly cycle "as been) 2or $ra&i$ional eoles)

a roo2 o2 $"e "armony an& comle+i$y o2 $"e mac"inery o2 $"e :orl&)an& o2 i$s cons$an$ in&us$ry; T"e :orl& i$sel2 >$"e mac"ine?) &rae& in $"e

$rain!s o2 na$ure) al$erin! :i$" $"e seasons) is bu$ a symbol o2 $"e

uni5ersal r"y$"m $"a$ rece&es) cons$i$u$es) an& 2ollo:s any

mani2es$a$ion; T"e mys$ery o2 r"y$"m) e+resse& in cycles an& erio&s)

is $"e ma!ic un&erlyin! e5ery !es$ure) an& $"e li2e o2 $"e cosmos is i$s

na$ural symbol; T"e sun) $"en) is one o2 $"e mos$ ob5ious e+ressions o2



$"a$ ma!ic; In i$s erio&s i$ unmis$a/ably mar/s o22 $"e re!ulari$y o2

$ime) :"ic" rocee&s accor&in! $o i$s &ecree; In $"e year) i$ or&ers $"e

seasons an& re!ula$es clima$es an& "ar5es$s) an& on i$s !o5ernance

&een&s $"e li2e o2 "uman bein!s; T"us $"e sun is 92a$"er)9 a :or& $"a$

&eno$es i$s almi!"$y aren$"oo& :i$" resec$ $o crea$ion) as :ell as

limi$in! i$s 2unc$ions by "umani<in! $"em; 7eyon& $"is s$ar is ano$"er

ener!y) :"ic" "as mol&e& i$) an& "as !i5en i$ re!ula$ory 2unc$ions $"a$

c"annel $"e li2e o2 ersons; T"e same $"in! occurs :i$" $"e o$"er s$ars)

!rea$ an& small) as :ell as :i$" na$ural mani2es$a$ions) e5en $"e 5ery

smalles$ o2 $"em) $"ereby cons$i$u$in! a concer$ o2 la:s an& a &ance o2

symbols an& analo!ies) in a er2ec$ly co"esi5e :"ole) a$ :"ose cen$er is

2oun& $"e "uman bein!; no:le&!e o2 $"ese rela$ions"is !i5es rise $o

$"e science o2 cycles an& r"y$"ms@ano$"er o2 $"e names $"a$ coul& be

assi!ne& $o $"e Perennial P"iloso"y@as crys$alli<e& amon! $"e

Mesoamericans in $"eir comle+ calen&ar) $"a$ ma!ical ins$rumen$ o2

numerical rela$ions an& correson&ences an& ar$i2ac$ o2 :is&om $"a$

!o5erns social an& in&i5i&ual &es$inies;

For $"e American eoles) $"is solar erio&ici$y :as ua&ri2orm

>noon&ay sun) noc$urnal sun an& $:o se$$in!s summer sols$ice) :in$er

sols$ice an& $:o euino+es?; T"a$ ua$ernary s$ruc$ure :as 2oun& $o be

resen$ in e5ery mani2es$a$ion >$"e 2our s$a!es o2 $"e li2e o2 a bein! are)

in $"e "uman bein!) c"il&"oo&) you$") ma$uri$y) a!e?; Four :ere $"e limi$

oin$s o2 $"e "ori<on)

9

an& 2our $"e 9colors9 or basic &i22eren$ia$ionsamon! all $"in!s >recall $"e 2our s$a$es o2 ma$$erB 2ire) air) :a$er) an&

ear$" in Greco#Roman ci5ili<a$ion?; E5ery cycle) $"en) is &i5i&e& in$o

2our ar$s) an& $"is reali$y s"aes $"e simles$ mo&el o2 $"e uni5erse) a

ro&uc$ o2 $"e ar$i$ion o2 $"e binary i$sel2) $"a$ isB i$s o:n o$en$iali$y

>*W'2?;

To $"ese 2our sa$io#$emoral oin$s :e mus$ no: a&& a 2i2$") :"ic" is

2oun& a$ $"eir cen$er) an& :"ic" cons$i$u$es $"eir ori!in an& raison &$re)

assimila$e& $o man an& "is 5er$icali$y as $"e in$erme&iary o2

communica$ion be$:een ear$" an& "ea5en) $"a$ is) be$:een $:o &is$inc$le5els o2 reali$y;

T"is is $"e basic sc"ema o2 $"e Precolumbian cosmo5ision; Al2re&o

LKe< Aus$in &eclaresB

T"e sur2ace o2 $"e ear$" :as &i5i&e& in$o a cross) in 2our







se!men$s; T"e cen$er) $"e umbilicus) :as reresen$e& as a

recious !reen s$one) bore& $"rou!") a$ :"ic" $"e 2our

e$als o2 a !ian$ 2lo:er me$) ano$"er symbol o2 $"e lane o2

$"e :orl&; A$ eac" o2 $"e 2our en&s o2 $"e "ori<on$al lane

arose a suor$ 2or "ea5en; Alon! $"e cen$ral a+is o2 $"e

cosmos) :"ic" ierce& $"e uni5ersal umbilicus) :ere $"e

a$"s by :"ic" $"e !o&s an& $"eir o:ers &escen&e& in

or&er $o arri5e a$ $"e sur2ace o2 $"e ear$";

From $"e 2our $rees) $"e in2luences o2 $"e !o&s o2 $"e

:orl&s abo5e an& belo:) $"e 2ire o2 2a$e) an& $ime) s"one

uon $"e cen$ral oin$) $rans2ormin! all e+is$in! $"in!s in

con2ormi$y :i$" $"e :ill o2 $"e re5ailin! numina o2 a

!i5en momen$; In $"e cen$er) con$aine& in $"e er2ora$e&

recious !reen s$one) &:el$ $"e ancien$ !o&) mo$"er an&

2a$"er o2 $"e !o&s) lor& o2 2ire an& o2 $"e al$era$ions o2

na$ure in $"in!s;:

T"is ua$ernary &i5ision) resen$ in e5ery$"in!) :as also 5ali& 2or $"e

!rea$ cycles) concernin! :"ic" comle+ an& elabora$e $"eories :ere

"el&; Hus$ so) $"is manner o2 seein! an& &i5i&in! in $erms o2 $"e

ua$ernary can be alie& $o $"e li2e or &e5elomen$ o2 any eoleB

!a$"erers) noma&s :i$" an inciien$ a!ricul$ure) se&en$ary 2armers) an&

$"e aearance o2 $"e ci$ies@$"e bir$") !ro:$") &eca&ence) an& collaseo2 any social or!anism; E5en $"eir cul$ures "a5e been $"e subec$ o2 $"is

cycle) an& o2 course 2aile& $o escae $"ese uni5ersal la:s &isco5ere& by

$"emsel5es) or be$$er) re5eale& $o $"eir sa!es an& ro"e$s; Hos

Imbelloni $ells usB

In America) $"e succession o2 $"e Suns is $"e ima!e o2 $"e

2our li2e cycles $"a$ "a5e occurre& on $"e ear$" u un$il $"e

resen$ erio&; A$ $"e $ermina$ion o2 a li2e cycle) $"e Sun)

:"ic" "a& o22ere& i$ "ea$ an& li!"$) &isaears 2rom $"e s/y

>as &o $"e o$"er s$ars?) an& ano$"er Sun aears) a$ $"e

commencemen$ o2 $"e succee&in! A!e; T"e in$er5al isc"arac$eri<e& by a erio& o2 cosmic &ar/ness) a $rue

in$erlu&e :i$"ou$ li2e) or "ea$) or li!"$) in :"ic" $"e ersons

sur5i5in! $"e 2inal calami$y imlore :i$" an!uis" $"e

comin! o2 $"e mornin!;-

T"e cycles o2 :"ic" :e sea/) common $o $"e Precolumbians an& $o so

many o$"er arc"aic eoles) cons$i$u$e a unanimous $ra&i$ion) an& mus$







be se$ in rela$ions"i :i$" :"eels $"a$ $urn in&een&en$ly an& $"a$

e+ecu$e $"eir o:n cycles@or be$$er) $"eir erio&s :i$"in a cycle@:"eels

$"a$ mes" :i$" o$"ers >as occurre& :i$" $"e Precolumbian an& C"ris$ian

Tra&i$ions? an& nee& no$ necessarily s"are $"a$ same cyclical erio&) as

is easy $o es$ablis"; In&ee&) $"e na$i5e cul$ures $"a$ coe+is$e& :i$" $"e

!rea$ American ci5ili<a$ions &i& no$ al:ays 2ollo: $"e same r"y$"mic

erio& as $"e la$$er) an& $"ere2ore :ere in a &issimilar s$a!e o2

&e5elomen$; 7u$ $"is &oes no$ mean $"a$ $"ey :ere more or less

9&e5eloe&)9 in $"e cus$omary) mo&ern sense o2 $"e $erm) $"a$ is) as a

synonym 2or in&e2ini$e ro!ress; Eac" cul$ure li5e& a s$a!e o2 i$s "is$ory

as a erson li5es in2ancy) you$") ma$uri$y) an& ol& a!e be2ore "is or "er

ine+orable &emise;

Le$ us reea$B A maor cycle con$ains an in&e2ini$e number o2 minor

ones) an& $"e la$$er are sub&i5i&e& in $urn; A socie$y can 2in& i$sel2

be2ore a barrier o2 "is$ory) an& mee$ i$s en&) i$s &issolu$ion) in any erio&o2 i$s &e5elomen$) us$ as a c"il&) a youn! erson) a ma$ure erson) or

an el&erly erson can encoun$er &ea$" a$ any momen$; T"is is :"a$

occurre& :i$" $"e Precolumbian Tra&i$ion) :"ic" rac$ically &ie& ou$

:i$" $"e &isco5ery; 8o:e5er) i$ can be recons$ruc$e& by means o2 $"e

&ocumen$s an& o$"er crea$ions $"a$ bear :i$ness $o i$s as$@by :ay o2 i$s

symbols) :"ic") bein! arc"e$yal) are li5in! s$ill) an& con5ey $o us i$s

:ay o2 seein! $"e nanimous Tra&i$ion) :"ic" is $"e cosmo!onic mo&el

in ac$ion) in $"e li!"$ o2 $"e Perennial an& ni5ersal "iloso"y;

3O456 In !eneral $erms) $"e na$i5es o2 $o&ay rac$ice $"eir &e5o$ions as an in#&e$"

aroac" $o $"e &ei$y >c2; bhakti )oga?) an aroac" &irec$ly in2luence& by

C"ris$iani$y) :i$" numerous arc"aic 5es$i!es;

2 In $"e same sense) Gon<alo Fern=n&e< &e O5ie&o) C"ronicler Maor o2 $"eIn&ies) :ri$es) in "is %istoria 'eneral B 9An& $"us in&ee& i$ aears $o me

$"a$) :"en i$ comes $o a !rea$ &eal o2 :"a$ as$oun&s us in obser5in! $"e

usa!es o2 $"ese 2ol/) an& sa5a!e In&ians) our eyes be"ol& in $"em $"e same$"in!) or nearly) $"a$ :e "a5e seen or rea& o2 o$"er na$ions o2 our Euroe) or

o2 o$"er :ell#ins$ruc$e& ar$s o2 $"e :orl&;97 En!lis" 5ersionB A!tec Thought and Culture: a stud) o0 the ancient +ahuatl

ind ni5; o2 O/la"oma Press) Norman %4.(;

8 See An$onello GerbiB +ature in the +e3 6orld: 9rom ChristopherColumbus to 'on!alo 9ernande! de *,iedo >ni5ersi$y o2 Pi$$sbur!" Press)

Pa; %43,?) an& The dispute o0 the +e3 6orld >i&em) %40(?;

/ 7u$ :i$"ou$ a &oub$ i$ :as a re5olu$ion in $"e !eo!ra"ical ersec$i5e@$"a$













is) in $"e sa$ial &imension@$"a$ >:i$"ou$ i$ bein! e5i&en$ $o e5eryone $"a$

$"is :as "aenin!? mo&i2ie& $"e re5ailin! men$al conce$ions) :i$" :"ic"

$"e Euroeans s$ill i&en$i2ie&; T"e mo&i2ica$ion o2 $"e Euroean) -es$ernmen$ali$y by :ay o2 !eo!ra"y) an& esecially car$o!ra"y) al$ere& i$s

sa$ial conce$ion >on a ma) $"e laces are 2i+e&) laces $"a$ un$il $"en "a&

been bu$ er2ec$ &isco5eries or re&isco5eries) in $"e &ynamics o2 $"e ourney?) an& limi$e& i$) 2i+in! i$; As :e /no:) $"e !eo!ra"ical sciences

aeare& in $"is same era@muc" in2luence&) recisely) by $"e &isco5ery o2

America;

Many in&i!enous eoles "a5e e+erience& $error as a mani2es$a$ion o2 $"esacre&@as a 2eelin!) or ener!y) o2 $"e &ei$y@an& many asec$s o2 $"eir

cul$ures can be e+laine& on $"is cri$erion; In $"is sense) $"e s$ars

aearance :as no$ al:ays coun$e& on; An& $"e 2ear associa$e& :i$"5enera$ion) $"e suns maes$y) an& $"e ma!ic o2 ri$ual r"y$"m) ro&uce& >or

2a5ore&? s$a$es $"a$ :ere o2$en collec$i5e) o2 ca$"arsis) or o2 communica$ion

:i$" $"e in5isible emana$ions; T"e la$$er :ere ar$icularly in e5i&ence :"en

$"e &aily cycle o2 $"e sun coinci&e& :i$" $"e annual) esecially a$ $"e :in$ersols$ice) an& e5en more :"en $"is con5er!ence occurre& in combina$ion

:i$" $"e culmina$ion o2 a maor cycle) suc" as $"e 2i2$y#$:o#year erio&

>cen$ury? o2 Mesoamerica;

9 -"a$ may aear curious $o one un2amiliar :i$" our $oic is $"a$ sace an&$ime coinci&e in $"is cosmic conce$ion) us$ as $"ey &o in mo&ern science

since Eins$ein; S$ill) $"is conce$ion is no$ eculiar $o na$i5e AmericaB i$ is

$"e roer$y $o all $ra&i$ional eoles; An& 2ar 2rom bein! $e&ious 2or $"isreason) $"e s$u&y o2 $"eir &i22eren$ cosmo!onies is e+$raor&inarily enric"e&

by $"e &i22eren$ia$ion o2 2orm in5es$in! eac" ar$icular $ra&i$ion;

: Al2re&o LKe< Aus$in) Cuerpo humano e ideología >Me+ico Ci$yB NAM)%43*?; T"ere is an En!lis" 5ersionB The human bod) and ideolog): conceptso0 the ancient +ahuas) ni5; o2 $a" Press) Sal$ La/e Ci$y %433;

- Hos Imbelloni) &eligiosidad 7ndígena Americana >7uenos AiresB Cas$aXe&a)

%404?) ; 30;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

I

T8E REDISCO1ERY OF AMERICA

T"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ions may be $"e cul$ures $"a$ "a5e been $"e











mos$ s$u&ie&) an& abou$ :"ic" $"e mos$ "as been :ri$$en) in $"e las$

cen$ury) ar$icularly in $"e area o2 $"e secial$ies >An$"roolo!y)

Arc"aeolo!y) an& so on? bu$ $"ey are $"e leas$ un&ers$oo& in $"eir

in$e!ri$y) sa5in! cer$ain "onorable e+ce$ions; Ne5er$"eless) a$ $"e

resen$ $ime :e "a5e incomarably more elemen$s an& ieces o2

in2orma$ion a5ailable abou$ $"em) $"an/s $o $"e 9uni5ersali<a$ion9 o2 $"e

:orl&) a "enomenon ro&uce& by $"e e+losion o2 $"e communica$ion

sciences; T"ese sciences are &ual@eually caable o2 o22erin! correc$ an&

use2ul in2orma$ion) or o2 comu$eri<in! 5alues :i$"ou$ r"yme or reason;

Re&isco5erin! America 2i5e "un&re& years a2$er A&miral Columbuss

5oya!e) $"en) means) in $"e li!"$ o2 $o&ays means an& 5alues)

un&ers$an&in! $"e !rea$ messa!e $"a$ $"e eoles :"o li5e& $"ere

beuea$"e& $o os$eri$y) or $o $"e "uman race; -e re2er $o :"a$ $"ey

em"asi<e& $ime an& a!ain in $"eir cul$ures >re!ar&in! $"e /no:le&!e

$"ey ossesse& concernin! e5ery$"in!) :"ic" /no:le&!e $"ey &eri5e&

2rom $"eir e+eriences :i$" uni$y) $"e cosmo!onic s$ruc$ures) an& $"eir

$"eo!ony?) symbols) an& my$"s $"a$ $"ey "an&e& &o:n $o $"e 2u$ure by

:ay o2 $"eir o:n li5in! o2 $"is no:le&!e on a &aily ri$ual basis; T"ese

mani2es$a$ions) e+resse& by $"e 5arious socie$ies $"rou!"ou$ $"e len!$"

an& brea&$" o2 $"e American con$inen$) $"e usa!es an& cus$oms o2 $"ese

socie$ies) $"eir ri$es) $"e 5arious socioeconomic con2orma$ions an& $"e

&i22eren$ asec$s) inclu&in! e$"nic) o2 $"e 5arious in&i!enous eoles)

eoles &i22eren$ in sace an& $ime) is asser$e& e5en in $"eir lan!ua!es)

$"eir 9"iloso"ies)9 $"eir conce$ion o2 $"e :orl& an& o2 man; T"esemani2es$a$ions are resen$ as :ell in $"e numberless samles :e "a5e

ran!in! 2rom $"e :ri$in! o2 $"eir co&ices) $"eir ic$o!ra"y) i&eo!rams)

an& o$"er means o2 communica$ion) $o $"e crea$ion o2 $"eir calen&ars an&

$"eir ar$icular a&a$a$ions o2 $"e noma&ic) 9rimi$i5e9 li2e) mani2es$e&

in $"eir oe$ry) scul$ure) !ol& an& sil5er :or/) :ea5in!) bas/e$ :or/)

an& so on an& on) all o2 $"ese $"in!s bein! symbolical;

I$ is mos$ in$eres$in! $o obser5e $"a$ many o2 $"ese seemin!ly &ea&

cul$ures are ali5e in our o:n &ay; T"ey con$inue $o e+ress $"emsel5es

by means o2 ri$es an& ceremonies $"a$ re5eal $"eir ori!in) a$ $imes in aC"ris$iani<e& syncre$ism) or un&er $"e a!reeable &is!uise o2 2ol/lore) or

in $"e case o2 some) e+ressin! $"emsel5es) as $"ey "a5e al:ays &one)

$ra&i$ionally; T"e la$$er is cer$i2ie& by $"e :or/ o2 an$"roolo!is$s $o&ay)

$o!e$"er :i$" $"e c"ronicles o2 $"e a!e o2 coloni<a$ion) an& $"e reor$s o2

coun$less 2orei!n $ra5elers@as :ell as) :e mus$ a&&) by $"e e+$raor&inary



labors o2 $"e sc"olars o2 $"in!s na$i5e in Euroe an& America;

All o2 $"ese $es$imonials are a5ailable $o all :is"in! $o 2amiliari<e

$"emsel5es :i$" $"em; T"e only $"in! necessary 2or con&uc$in! an

in5es$i!a$ion o2 $"is na$ure is !oo& :ill) in$eres$) an& a$ience@:eaons:i$" :"ic" one can :in an un&ers$an&in! o2 $"e Precolumbian cul$ures;

T"ese can be un&ers$oo& in $"eir 2ormal or subs$an$ial c"arac$er as

mani2es$a$ion) :"ic" is in5ariably ric") a&mirable) an& su!!es$i5e) as

:ell as in $"eir reali$yB $"a$ is) in $"eir au$"en$ic roo$) in $"eir essence)

:"ic" is $o un&ers$an& $"em in $ru$") an& :"ic" comes $o assimila$in!

$"e 5alues) $"e /no:le&!e) $"a$) as :e "a5e sai&) $"ey "a5e beuea$"e&

$o us; I$ also means un&ers$an&in! a $ra&i$ional socie$y) an& li/e:ise $"e

arc"aic men$ali$y) :"ic" is $"e ori!in o2 all o2 $"e !rea$ ci5ili<a$ions)

amon! :"ic" $"e Precolumbian s$an&s ou$) on a ar :i$" $"e !rea$es$

ci5ili<a$ions /no:n in $"e -es$ or $"e Eas$;

On $"e o$"er "an&) $"e &isco5ery o2 $"eir cosmo5ision) :"ic" is

some$imes analo!ous $o an& some$imes i&en$ical :i$" $"a$ o2 o$"er

eoles) besi&es bein! a surrise@an& li/e any uali$a$i5e 5eri2ica$ion) a

leasure@is $"e roo2 $"a$ $"ere is suc" a $"in! as an arc"e$yal

cosmo!ony) a mo&el o2 $"e uni5erse) :"ose s$ruc$ure mani2es$s :"a$ is

a5ailable in :"a$ :e call $"e Philosophia Perennis; T"e la$$er aears

uni5ersally) &esi$e $"e innumerable $rain!s i$ &ons in &i22eren$

!eo!ra"ies an& eras; Fray Huan &e Toruema&a) in "is onar#uía

7ndiana) boo/ 0) rolo!ue) sa!aciously obser5esB

An& may i$ no$ seem besi&e $"e oin$) in &ealin! :i$" $"e

-es$ern In&ians an& $"eir manner o2 reli!ion) $o recall

o$"er na$ions o2 $"e :orl&) remar/in! $"eir usa!es since

$"eir be!innin!s) since one o2 my in$en$ions in :ri$in! $"is

len!$"y) :or&y "is$ory "as been $o e5ince $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"e

usa!es o2 $"ese In&ians) bo$" in $"e rac$ice o2 $"eir

reli!ion as in $"e cus$oms $"a$ $"ey "a5e obser5e&) "a5e no$

been $"eir o:n in5en$ions) srun! 2rom $"eir 2ancy alone) bu$ "a5e also belon!e& $o many o$"er "uman bein!s o2 $"e

:orl&;2

I$ may be $"a$ $"e $erm) 9Perennial P"iloso"y)9 2alls s"or$ o2 an

a&eua$e &enomina$ion o2 $"is science; T"us i$ "as also been calle&)

9Perennial an& ni5ersal Reli!ion;9 T"e la$$er e+ression may be e5en

less clear $"an $"e 2ormer) an& mi!"$ occasion mis$a/esU 7u$ i$ can also







be calle&) 9ni5ersal) Perennial Gnosis)9 or 9ni5ersal 1ision o2 $"e

Cosmos)9 or 9nanimous Tra&i$ion;9 I$ is no$ i$s &enomina$ion) bu$ i$s

con$en$) $"a$ is $ruly imor$an$) $"a$ is $ranscen&en$; 8o:e5er) $"is

conce$ion o2 $"e :orl&) common $o all 5eri2iable $ra&i$ions) an&

uni5ersally mani2es$e& >&esi$e) as :e "a5e sai&) i$s 2ormal &i22erences)

:"ic" "a5e $"e e22ec$ o2 &i22eren$ia$in! eac" $ra&i$ion 2rom $"e o$"ers)

eac" "a5in! i$s roer 5alues) :"ic" a$ once &is$in!uis" $"em an&

i&en$i2y $"em?) is /no:n $o bu$ a 2e: ersons in $"e mo&ern :orl& $o&ay;

I$ is no$ $au!"$ broa&ly an& 2ormally; In&ee&) i$ "as been &enie& by $"e

conce$ions o2 $"is mo&ern :orl&) 2rom $"e !es$a$ion o2 $"e la$$er

recisely in $"e Renaissance) u un$il our o:n &ay) :"ic" is :"y $"e

con$emorary erson) by con$ras$ :i$" $"e $ra&i$ional erson@$"a$ is) $"e

erson o2 all $imes@"as &iscar&e& $"e siri$ual) sub$le ener!ies $"a$

ac$i5ely comose $"e cosmic mani2es$a$ion an& $"a$ are al:ays resen$

in i$) an& $a/es an in$eres$ only in $"e ma$erial an& limi$e&) on :"ic" i$ ro&uces e+$ensi5e s$a$is$ics;

-e "as$en $o e+lain $"a$ $"e real analo!ies ossesse& by $"e &i22eren$

$ra&i$ions amon! $"emsel5es) &eri5e& 2rom $"eir me$a"ysical)

on$olo!ical) an& cosmo!onic conce$ions) are no$ mere coinci&ences o2

2orm) coinci&en$al similari$ies; On $"e con$rary) $"ey are eui5alencies o2

a sin!le) uni5ersal reali$y) in$ui$e& >re5eale&? by all "uman bein!s o2 all

laces an& $imes; I$ is 2oun&e& in $"e $rue na$ure o2 $"e "uman bein! an&

$"e cosmos; 8ence $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"ese "iloso"ies are au$"en$ically

erennial) an& re5eal an i&en$ical $"ou!"$ in 5arious :ays) a&us$in! i$ $ocircums$ances o2 men$ali$y) $ime) an& sace; I$ is eually :ell /no:n

$"a$ !ui&elines e+is$ ermi$$in! $"e i&en$i2ica$ion o2 $ra&i$ional $"ou!"$@

i$s cosmo5ision) i$s symbolism) i$s 7mago undi) al$"ou!" $"ese are no$

e+clusi5ely e+resse& in a lo!ical or &iscursi5e manner; Man) as a

comle$e bein!) inclu&es 5arious &e!rees o2 bein!#:i$"in) :"ic" escae

ra$ionalism) an& in $"is sense one mus$ /ee accoun$ o2 $"e :arran$y

ro5i&e& by $"e symbols in $"is resec$) as :e s"all se$ 2or$" belo:;

Mi!uel LeKn Por$illa) in "is La 9iloso0ía +áhuatl ) $ells usB

In $"e cosmolo!ical $"ou!"$ o2 $"e Na"ua$l) e5en more $"anin $"eir i&eas concernin! $"e "uman bein!) :e s"all

encoun$er coun$less my$"s; 7u$ :e s"all also 2in&) in $"a$

$"ou!"$) ro2oun& $o/ens o2 uni5ersal 5ali&i$y; Hus$ as

8eracli$us :i$" "is my$"s o2 unuenc"able 2ire) an& o2 :ar

as $"e 92a$"er o2 all $"in!s)9 or Aris$o$le :i$" "is &eclara$ion

on $"e a$$rac$i5e unmo5e& mo5er $"a$ arouses lo5e 2or all



$"a$ e+is$s) so also $"e Na"ua$l na$i5e sa!es) $"e

tlamatinime or ries$s) see/in! $o comre"en& $"e $emoral

ori!in o2 $"e :orl& an& i$s car&inal osi$ion in sace)

2or!e& an en$ire series o2 ric"ly symbolic conce$ions;7

Le$ us also obser5e $"a$ no$ only &i& $"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ion su22er an

incomre"ension o2 i$s cul$ure) :"ic" mus$ &ie a$ $"e "an&s o2 a $ra&i$ion

"is$orically more o:er2ul) $"e C"ris$ian Euroean bu$ $"e 5ery na$ure

o2 $"e con$inen$ an& i$s in"abi$an$s "as been sys$ema$ically &iminis"e&)

2rom $"e Conuis$a $o our o:n &ay) a reression ran!in! 2rom a &enial

$"a$ $"e na$i5es "a& souls $o $"e in5en$ion o2 reasons 2or re!ar&in!

American 5e!e$able an& animal secies as :ea/ an& in2erior >scien$is$

7u22on an& o$"ers?;8

E5er since $"e era o2 $"e &isco5ery) Euroe "as 2os$ere& a "u!e uan$i$y

o2 $aboos re!ar&in! $"e ne: con$inen$; All o2 $"ese elemen$s "a5e o2

course !enera$e&) in $"e Euroean min&) ar$icular ima!es o2 a$$rac$ion

an& a5ersion 2or $"e un/no:n; Incer$i$u&e) susicions) 2ear) an& a

o:er2ul imulse $o &eny or reec$ any$"in! $"a$ "as no$ suare& :i$" i$s

men$al sc"ema$a) "a5e been $"e or&er o2 $"e &ay; I$ "as been on $"ese

sc"ema$a $"a$ $"e Euroean min& "as bes$o:e& $"e 5alue o2 $ru$") simly

because $"ey "a5e been i$s o:n) an& "a5e been $"ose o2 $"e cul$ural

en5ironmen$ i$ "as /no:n; I$ :oul& "a5e been imossible) !i5en $"e

:"ole s$rin! o2 men$al reu&ices an& reli!ious $aboos en$er$aine& by $"e

&isco5erers) $o re!ar& $"e abori!ines an& $"eir cul$ure as some$"in! in

"armony :i$" a Euroean conce$ion o2 man an& $"e :orl&;

T"en $oo) $"e role o2 $"e Euroeans as conuis$a&ors an& missionaries

>$"a$ is) $"eir 2unc$ion as e5an!eli<ers an& ci5ili<ers@in a :or&) as

ro5i&en$ial ersons? ren&ere& a riori imossible any in$en$ o2 a

osi$i5e araisal o2 $"e &e2ea$e& cul$ures; T"ey :ere con&i$ione& by

$"eir $ime) $"en) an& by $"e !eo!ra"ical loca$ion o2 $"eir bir$"; I$ mus$

also be /e$ in accoun$) 2or an imar$ial s$u&y o2 $"e Precolumbian

Tra&i$ion) $"a$ $"e !eneral cyclical erio& in :"ic" American eoles

2oun& $"emsel5es be2ore $"e &isco5ery :as one o2 &eca&ence) us$ as :as

$"e case :i$" Euroean cul$ure i$sel2;

T"e &isco5erers mus$ no$ be blame& 2or $"eir i!norance o2 $"e Perennial

P"iloso"y@$"a$ is) o2 $"e real) au$"en$ic meanin! o2 $"eir o:n $ra&i$ion;

C"ris$ian eso$erism "a& been 2or!o$$en) an& $"e Inuisi$ion :as 5ery

ac$i5e a$ $"is $ime; As :e "a5e sai&) $"e -es$ i$sel2 is i!noran$ no:a&ays








o2 $"e me$a"ysical an& symbolical sense o2 i$s $ra&i$ion;

Reac$ions $o $"e &isco5ery :ere 5ery &i22eren$) in Sain as on $"e res$ o2

$"e con$inen$) &een&in! on $"e coun$ries an& on ersons 5ie:oin$s)

in$eres$s) an& &e!ree o2 cul$ure;/

From T"eo&or &e 7ryB Amerika %.$" c;

On $"e one "an&) 2rom $"e s$an&oin$ o2 $"e &isco5erers) some

in$ellec$ual us$i2ica$ion "a& $o be 2oun& concernin! $"ese ne: lan&s) an&esecially) $"ese ne: eoles; On $"e o$"er) $"ese barbarous an& sa5a!e

eoles "a& $o be assimila$e& $o :"a$ :as ci5ili<a$ion a$ $"a$ $ime 2or $"e

Euroeans; T"ere :as no $ime $o $ry $o un&ers$an& $"e 5anuis"e& an&

$"eir lace in "is$ory an& on $"e con$inen$) on :"ic" $"e o$"er !rea$

o:ers "a& alrea&y be!un $o se$ $"eir si!"$s; Anyone :"o :as no$

Sanis" :as re5en$e& 2rom $ra5elin! $o $"e Ne: -orl&; America $"us

remaine& subec$ $o Sain) an& accor&in!ly) a s"arer in i$s i&eolo!ical

5a!aries as :ell as in i$s ri2$s an& con$ra&ic$ions; T"e la$$er resen$e&

$"emsel5es on $"e ne: con$inen$ a$ $"e "an&s o2 $:o ro$o$yal

ersona!esB $"e sol&ier an& $"e ries$; T"e 2ormer :as in$eres$e& only in

o:er an& ma$erial 5alue) an& :as $"e enemy o2 $"e In&ians) :"om "e

&emeane& an& abuse&) $rea$in! $"em as ser5an$s; T"e la$$er :as $"e

na$i5es ro$ec$or) !enuinely in$eres$e& in $"em an& e5en in $"eir

$ra&i$ion) al$"ou!" :i$" all &ue recau$ions; Many reli!ious :ere

c"roniclers) $o :"om :e s"oul& be ar$icularly !ra$e2ul 2or $"eir labors;

Ne5er$"eless) 2rom $"e 5ie:oin$ o2 $"e Perennial P"iloso"y) $"ere is






no sa!e amon! $"em o2 $"e s$a$ure o2 $"ose $o be 2oun& in suc" !rea$

numbers in $"e 5arious Euroean ci$ies an& cour$s o2 $"e $ime;

T"ese c"roniclers reor$ $"a$ one o2 $"e $"in!s mos$ reu!nan$ $o $"e

&isco5erers) as $o $"emsel5es) :ere "uman sacri2ices; T"ese rac$ices)

$o&ay so &i22icul$ $o un&ers$an&) "a5e ne5er$"eless been common $o all

arc"aic eoles) an& "a5e been 2oun& in all socie$ies; In no :ay) s"ae)

or 2orm is $"is an a$$em$ $o 9us$i2y9 $"ose eoles) :"o nee& no ones

9us$i2ica$ion;9 Ra$"er i$ reresen$s an a$$em$ $o aroac" $"e subec$

obec$i5ely) rescin&in! 2rom curren$ u&!men$ an& our ine5i$able

sen$imen$alism; T"is is a roer$y o2 all serious researc"; T"ese

sacri2ices "a5e been rac$ice& by E!y$ians) Gree/s) an& Romans) as

:ell; Amon! $"e las$#name&) $"ey :ere o22icially ro"ibi$e& by $"e

Sena$e only in A;D; 40; No$ only :ere $"ese sacri2ices /no:n $o $"e

Cel$s) Germanics) an& Precolumbians) bu$ $"ey are s$ill rac$ice& $o&ay

amon! cer$ain A2rican $ribes; Nearly al:ays) $"ese ri$es are 2ollo:e& by

$"e in!es$ion o2 $"e 2les" >$"e ener!y) $"e o:er? o2 $"e 5ic$im;

Relacemen$ o2 $"e "uman bein! by an animal or o$"er secies li/e:ise

occurs in r"y$"mical) "is$orical 2as"ion; -e $"in/ i$ 5ain $o a$$em$ $o

u&!e an arc"aic socie$y by curren$ 5alues) !i5en $"e &i22eren$ men$ali$y

o2 suc" a socie$y) :"ic" ma/es i$ o$"er) an& clea5es an abyss be$:een

:"a$ $o&ays ersons ima!ine $"emsel5es an& $"e :orl& $o be) an& $"e

manner o2 li5in! o2 a $ra&i$ional "uman bein!;

One o2 $"e basic reasons 2or $"e &i22icul$y o2 $"e s$u&y o2 na$i5e $"ou!"$is &oub$less $"e !ra&ual loss o2 $"e cyclical sense o2 $ime; T"e -es$) on

$"e basis o2 a soli&i2ica$ion o2 i$s cul$ure) $"e aearance o2 lar!e ci$ies

>:"ic" in5ol5es an aliena$ion 2rom $"e na$ural erio&s?) an& an

increasin! in&i5i&uali<a$ion) "as $rans2orme& cyclical $ime in$o a linear)

c"ronolo!ical one; Arc"aic eoles 2oun&e& $"eir cosmo!onies) an&

accor&in!ly) $"eir manner o2 bein!) un&ers$an&in!) an& li5in!) on a

recurren$ $ime) :"ic") as a re!enera$i5e ener!y) is ali5e an& e5er ac$i5e)

alon! :i$" a sace in ere$ual 2orma$ion;

In&ee&) $"e suns &aily an& yearly cycle "as been) 2or $ra&i$ional eoles)a roo2 o2 $"e "armony an& comle+i$y o2 $"e mac"inery o2 $"e :orl&)

an& o2 i$s cons$an$ in&us$ry; T"e :orl& i$sel2 >$"e mac"ine?) &rae& in $"e

$rain!s o2 na$ure) al$erin! :i$" $"e seasons) is bu$ a symbol o2 $"e

uni5ersal r"y$"m $"a$ rece&es) cons$i$u$es) an& 2ollo:s any

mani2es$a$ion; T"e mys$ery o2 r"y$"m) e+resse& in cycles an& erio&s)

is $"e ma!ic un&erlyin! e5ery !es$ure) an& $"e li2e o2 $"e cosmos is i$s



na$ural symbol; T"e sun) $"en) is one o2 $"e mos$ ob5ious e+ressions o2

$"a$ ma!ic; In i$s erio&s i$ unmis$a/ably mar/s o22 $"e re!ulari$y o2

$ime) :"ic" rocee&s accor&in! $o i$s &ecree; In $"e year) i$ or&ers $"e

seasons an& re!ula$es clima$es an& "ar5es$s) an& on i$s !o5ernance

&een&s $"e li2e o2 "uman bein!s; T"us $"e sun is 92a$"er)9 a :or& $"a$

&eno$es i$s almi!"$y aren$"oo& :i$" resec$ $o crea$ion) as :ell as

limi$in! i$s 2unc$ions by "umani<in! $"em; 7eyon& $"is s$ar is ano$"er

ener!y) :"ic" "as mol&e& i$) an& "as !i5en i$ re!ula$ory 2unc$ions $"a$

c"annel $"e li2e o2 ersons; T"e same $"in! occurs :i$" $"e o$"er s$ars)

!rea$ an& small) as :ell as :i$" na$ural mani2es$a$ions) e5en $"e 5ery

smalles$ o2 $"em) $"ereby cons$i$u$in! a concer$ o2 la:s an& a &ance o2

symbols an& analo!ies) in a er2ec$ly co"esi5e :"ole) a$ :"ose cen$er is

2oun& $"e "uman bein!; no:le&!e o2 $"ese rela$ions"is !i5es rise $o

$"e science o2 cycles an& r"y$"ms@ano$"er o2 $"e names $"a$ coul& be

assi!ne& $o $"e Perennial P"iloso"y@as crys$alli<e& amon! $"e

Mesoamericans in $"eir comle+ calen&ar) $"a$ ma!ical ins$rumen$ o2

numerical rela$ions an& correson&ences an& ar$i2ac$ o2 :is&om $"a$

!o5erns social an& in&i5i&ual &es$inies;

For $"e American eoles) $"is solar erio&ici$y :as ua&ri2orm

>noon&ay sun) noc$urnal sun an& $:o se$$in!s summer sols$ice) :in$er

sols$ice an& $:o euino+es?; T"a$ ua$ernary s$ruc$ure :as 2oun& $o be

resen$ in e5ery mani2es$a$ion >$"e 2our s$a!es o2 $"e li2e o2 a bein! are)

in $"e "uman bein!) c"il&"oo&) you$") ma$uri$y) a!e?; Four :ere $"e limi$ oin$s o2 $"e "ori<on)9 an& 2our $"e 9colors9 or basic &i22eren$ia$ions

amon! all $"in!s >recall $"e 2our s$a$es o2 ma$$erB 2ire) air) :a$er) an&

ear$" in Greco#Roman ci5ili<a$ion?; E5ery cycle) $"en) is &i5i&e& in$o

2our ar$s) an& $"is reali$y s"aes $"e simles$ mo&el o2 $"e uni5erse) a

ro&uc$ o2 $"e ar$i$ion o2 $"e binary i$sel2) $"a$ isB i$s o:n o$en$iali$y

>*W'2?;

To $"ese 2our sa$io#$emoral oin$s :e mus$ no: a&& a 2i2$") :"ic" is

2oun& a$ $"eir cen$er) an& :"ic" cons$i$u$es $"eir ori!in an& raison &$re)

assimila$e& $o man an& "is 5er$icali$y as $"e in$erme&iary o2communica$ion be$:een ear$" an& "ea5en) $"a$ is) be$:een $:o &is$inc$

le5els o2 reali$y;

T"is is $"e basic sc"ema o2 $"e Precolumbian cosmo5ision; Al2re&o

LKe< Aus$in &eclaresB







T"e sur2ace o2 $"e ear$" :as &i5i&e& in$o a cross) in 2our

se!men$s; T"e cen$er) $"e umbilicus) :as reresen$e& as a

recious !reen s$one) bore& $"rou!") a$ :"ic" $"e 2our

e$als o2 a !ian$ 2lo:er me$) ano$"er symbol o2 $"e lane o2

$"e :orl&; A$ eac" o2 $"e 2our en&s o2 $"e "ori<on$al lane

arose a suor$ 2or "ea5en; Alon! $"e cen$ral a+is o2 $"e

cosmos) :"ic" ierce& $"e uni5ersal umbilicus) :ere $"e

a$"s by :"ic" $"e !o&s an& $"eir o:ers &escen&e& in

or&er $o arri5e a$ $"e sur2ace o2 $"e ear$";

From $"e 2our $rees) $"e in2luences o2 $"e !o&s o2 $"e

:orl&s abo5e an& belo:) $"e 2ire o2 2a$e) an& $ime) s"one

uon $"e cen$ral oin$) $rans2ormin! all e+is$in! $"in!s in

con2ormi$y :i$" $"e :ill o2 $"e re5ailin! numina o2 a

!i5en momen$; In $"e cen$er) con$aine& in $"e er2ora$e&

recious !reen s$one) &:el$ $"e ancien$ !o&) mo$"er an&

2a$"er o2 $"e !o&s) lor& o2 2ire an& o2 $"e al$era$ions o2

na$ure in $"in!s;:

T"is ua$ernary &i5ision) resen$ in e5ery$"in!) :as also 5ali& 2or $"e

!rea$ cycles) concernin! :"ic" comle+ an& elabora$e $"eories :ere

"el&; Hus$ so) $"is manner o2 seein! an& &i5i&in! in $erms o2 $"e

ua$ernary can be alie& $o $"e li2e or &e5elomen$ o2 any eoleB

!a$"erers) noma&s :i$" an inciien$ a!ricul$ure) se&en$ary 2armers) an&$"e aearance o2 $"e ci$ies@$"e bir$") !ro:$") &eca&ence) an& collase

o2 any social or!anism; E5en $"eir cul$ures "a5e been $"e subec$ o2 $"is

cycle) an& o2 course 2aile& $o escae $"ese uni5ersal la:s &isco5ere& by

$"emsel5es) or be$$er) re5eale& $o $"eir sa!es an& ro"e$s; Hos

Imbelloni $ells usB

In America) $"e succession o2 $"e Suns is $"e ima!e o2 $"e

2our li2e cycles $"a$ "a5e occurre& on $"e ear$" u un$il $"e

resen$ erio&; A$ $"e $ermina$ion o2 a li2e cycle) $"e Sun)

:"ic" "a& o22ere& i$ "ea$ an& li!"$) &isaears 2rom $"e s/y

>as &o $"e o$"er s$ars?) an& ano$"er Sun aears) a$ $"ecommencemen$ o2 $"e succee&in! A!e; T"e in$er5al is

c"arac$eri<e& by a erio& o2 cosmic &ar/ness) a $rue

in$erlu&e :i$"ou$ li2e) or "ea$) or li!"$) in :"ic" $"e ersons

sur5i5in! $"e 2inal calami$y imlore :i$" an!uis" $"e

comin! o2 $"e mornin!;-

T"e cycles o2 :"ic" :e sea/) common $o $"e Precolumbians an& $o so







many o$"er arc"aic eoles) cons$i$u$e a unanimous $ra&i$ion) an& mus$

be se$ in rela$ions"i :i$" :"eels $"a$ $urn in&een&en$ly an& $"a$

e+ecu$e $"eir o:n cycles@or be$$er) $"eir erio&s :i$"in a cycle@:"eels

$"a$ mes" :i$" o$"ers >as occurre& :i$" $"e Precolumbian an& C"ris$ian

Tra&i$ions? an& nee& no$ necessarily s"are $"a$ same cyclical erio&) as

is easy $o es$ablis"; In&ee&) $"e na$i5e cul$ures $"a$ coe+is$e& :i$" $"e

!rea$ American ci5ili<a$ions &i& no$ al:ays 2ollo: $"e same r"y$"mic

erio& as $"e la$$er) an& $"ere2ore :ere in a &issimilar s$a!e o2

&e5elomen$; 7u$ $"is &oes no$ mean $"a$ $"ey :ere more or less

9&e5eloe&)9 in $"e cus$omary) mo&ern sense o2 $"e $erm) $"a$ is) as a

synonym 2or in&e2ini$e ro!ress; Eac" cul$ure li5e& a s$a!e o2 i$s "is$ory

as a erson li5es in2ancy) you$") ma$uri$y) an& ol& a!e be2ore "is or "er

ine+orable &emise;

Le$ us reea$B A maor cycle con$ains an in&e2ini$e number o2 minor

ones) an& $"e la$$er are sub&i5i&e& in $urn; A socie$y can 2in& i$sel2 be2ore a barrier o2 "is$ory) an& mee$ i$s en&) i$s &issolu$ion) in any erio&

o2 i$s &e5elomen$) us$ as a c"il&) a youn! erson) a ma$ure erson) or

an el&erly erson can encoun$er &ea$" a$ any momen$; T"is is :"a$

occurre& :i$" $"e Precolumbian Tra&i$ion) :"ic" rac$ically &ie& ou$

:i$" $"e &isco5ery; 8o:e5er) i$ can be recons$ruc$e& by means o2 $"e

&ocumen$s an& o$"er crea$ions $"a$ bear :i$ness $o i$s as$@by :ay o2 i$s

symbols) :"ic") bein! arc"e$yal) are li5in! s$ill) an& con5ey $o us i$s

:ay o2 seein! $"e nanimous Tra&i$ion) :"ic" is $"e cosmo!onic mo&el

in ac$ion) in $"e li!"$ o2 $"e Perennial an& ni5ersal "iloso"y;

3O456 In !eneral $erms) $"e na$i5es o2 $o&ay rac$ice $"eir &e5o$ions as an in#&e$"

aroac" $o $"e &ei$y >c2; bhakti )oga?) an aroac" &irec$ly in2luence& by

C"ris$iani$y) :i$" numerous arc"aic 5es$i!es;

2 In $"e same sense) Gon<alo Fern=n&e< &e O5ie&o) C"ronicler Maor o2 $"eIn&ies) :ri$es) in "is %istoria 'eneral B 9An& $"us in&ee& i$ aears $o me

$"a$) :"en i$ comes $o a !rea$ &eal o2 :"a$ as$oun&s us in obser5in! $"e

usa!es o2 $"ese 2ol/) an& sa5a!e In&ians) our eyes be"ol& in $"em $"e same

$"in!) or nearly) $"a$ :e "a5e seen or rea& o2 o$"er na$ions o2 our Euroe) oro2 o$"er :ell#ins$ruc$e& ar$s o2 $"e :orl&;9

7 En!lis" 5ersionB A!tec Thought and Culture: a stud) o0 the ancient +ahuatl

ind ni5; o2 O/la"oma Press) Norman %4.(;

8 See An$onello GerbiB +ature in the +e3 6orld: 9rom ChristopherColumbus to 'on!alo 9ernande! de *,iedo >ni5ersi$y o2 Pi$$sbur!" Press)

Pa; %43,?) an& The dispute o0 the +e3 6orld >i&em) %40(?;











/ 7u$ :i$"ou$ a &oub$ i$ :as a re5olu$ion in $"e !eo!ra"ical ersec$i5e@$"a$

is) in $"e sa$ial &imension@$"a$ >:i$"ou$ i$ bein! e5i&en$ $o e5eryone $"a$

$"is :as "aenin!? mo&i2ie& $"e re5ailin! men$al conce$ions) :i$" :"ic"$"e Euroeans s$ill i&en$i2ie&; T"e mo&i2ica$ion o2 $"e Euroean) -es$ern

men$ali$y by :ay o2 !eo!ra"y) an& esecially car$o!ra"y) al$ere& i$s

sa$ial conce$ion >on a ma) $"e laces are 2i+e&) laces $"a$ un$il $"en "a& been bu$ er2ec$ &isco5eries or re&isco5eries) in $"e &ynamics o2 $"e

ourney?) an& limi$e& i$) 2i+in! i$; As :e /no:) $"e !eo!ra"ical sciences

aeare& in $"is same era@muc" in2luence&) recisely) by $"e &isco5ery o2America;

Many in&i!enous eoles "a5e e+erience& $error as a mani2es$a$ion o2 $"e

sacre&@as a 2eelin!) or ener!y) o2 $"e &ei$y@an& many asec$s o2 $"eir

cul$ures can be e+laine& on $"is cri$erion; In $"is sense) $"e s$arsaearance :as no$ al:ays coun$e& on; An& $"e 2ear associa$e& :i$"

5enera$ion) $"e suns maes$y) an& $"e ma!ic o2 ri$ual r"y$"m) ro&uce& >or

2a5ore&? s$a$es $"a$ :ere o2$en collec$i5e) o2 ca$"arsis) or o2 communica$ion

:i$" $"e in5isible emana$ions; T"e la$$er :ere ar$icularly in e5i&ence :"en$"e &aily cycle o2 $"e sun coinci&e& :i$" $"e annual) esecially a$ $"e :in$er

sols$ice) an& e5en more :"en $"is con5er!ence occurre& in combina$ion

:i$" $"e culmina$ion o2 a maor cycle) suc" as $"e 2i2$y#$:o#year erio&>cen$ury? o2 Mesoamerica;

9 -"a$ may aear curious $o one un2amiliar :i$" our $oic is $"a$ sace an&

$ime coinci&e in $"is cosmic conce$ion) us$ as $"ey &o in mo&ern science

since Eins$ein; S$ill) $"is conce$ion is no$ eculiar $o na$i5e AmericaB i$ is$"e roer$y $o all $ra&i$ional eoles; An& 2ar 2rom bein! $e&ious 2or $"is

reason) $"e s$u&y o2 $"eir &i22eren$ cosmo!onies is e+$raor&inarily enric"e&

by $"e &i22eren$ia$ion o2 2orm in5es$in! eac" ar$icular $ra&i$ion;: Al2re&o LKe< Aus$in) Cuerpo humano e ideología >Me+ico Ci$yB NAM)

%43*?; T"ere is an En!lis" 5ersionB The human bod) and ideolog): concepts

o0 the ancient +ahuas) ni5; o2 $a" Press) Sal$ La/e Ci$y %433;

- Hos Imbelloni) &eligiosidad 7ndígena Americana >7uenos AiresB Cas$aXe&a)

%404?) ; 30;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY













FEDERICO GONZALEZ

COSMOGONY AND T8EOGONY

Ne<a"ualcoyo$l) in! o2 Te<coco) is re!ar&e& as one o2 $"e "eirs o2 $"e

ancien$ Tol$ec $ra&i$ion :"ic") beyon& a &oub$) :as in one :ay or

ano$"er $"e ma$ri+ o2 $"e maori$y o2 $"e !rea$ Mesoamerican

ci5ili<a$ions /no:n $o&ay; -e "a5e alrea&y re2erre& $o $"e yrami&)

:"ic" "e or&ere& buil$) o2 9nine $iers)9 uon :"ic" s$oo& Tloue

Na"uaue) $"e un/no:n !o&) $"e li2e!i5er) $"e eerless one; T"is

yrami& :as no$ only 2or :ors"i) &oub$less) accor&in! $o $"e no$ion :e

"a5e o2 $"is $erm $o&ay) bu$ :as also a scale mo&el o2 $"e uni5erse@li/e

all $ra&i$ional $emles@$"e symbolical mani2es$a$ion o2 $"e cosmo!ony

beuea$"e& by $"e Tol$ec cul$ure;

-e s"all re$urn $o $"is $"eme in $"e course o2 $"is boo/; For $"e momen$)

"o:e5er) :e :is" $o $urn our a$$en$ion $o ano$"er subec$@$"a$ o2

Ne<a"ualcoyo$ls oe$ry) :"ic" is also an e+ression o2 $"e oe$#/in!s

ima!e o2 $"e cosmos; Re2errin! $o $"e &ei$y) "e $ells usB

No:"ere can $"ere s$an& $"e "ouse o2 $"e in5en$or o2

onesel2;

Go&) our Lor&) is e5ery:"ere in5o/e&)

an& :ors"ie& e5ery:"ere as :ell; 8is !lory) 8is 2ame) are searc"e& on $"e ear$";

8e i$ is :"o in5en$e$" all $"in!s;

8e i$ is :"o in5en$e$" 8imsel2B Go&;

8e is :ors"ie& e5ery:"ere as :ell; 8is !lory) 8is 2ame) are searc"e& on $"e ear$";

T"is sel2#in5en$or is surely a crea$i5e ar$is$B O") :i$" 2lo:ers

&os$ T"ou ain$ all $"in!s; Li2e!i5er) :i$" son!s

&os$ T"ou lace $"em in "ue)

&os$ &ye $"em :i$" colorsB

e5ery $"in! $"a$ mus$ li5e on $"e ear$"U

T"en is sun&ere&

$"e Or&er o2 Ea!les an& Ti!ersB

only in T"y ain$in!

"a5e :e li5e& "ere on $"e ear$"U



T"is conce$ion o2 li2e as $"e ac$i5i$y o2 $"e &i5ine brus" is re2lec$e& in

$"e erson :"oB

; ; ; In $"e "ouse o2 ain$in!s

be!inne$" $o sin!) brea/e$" in$o son!)

sca$$ere$" blossoms) $o $"e son! !i5e$" !la&ness;

T"e son! resoun&e$")

$"e li$$le bells are "ear&)

$o be ans:ere&

by our 2lo:ere& $ambourines;

8e sca$$ere$" blossoms)

$o $"e son! !i5e$" !la&ness;

Abo5e $"e blossoms sin!e$"

$"e lo5ely "easan$@ un2urle$" "is son!

:i$"in $"e :a$ers;

An ans:er come$"

2rom re& bir&s in a 2loc/;

T"e beau$i2ul re& bir&

sin!s a lo5ely son!;

A boo/ o2 ain$in!s is $"y "ear$)

$"ou "as$ come $o sin!)

ma/e$" $"y &rums $o resoun&)

$"ou ar$ $"e sin!er; -i$"in $"e "ouse o2 srin!$ime

$"ou &eli!"$es$ $"e 2ol/;

T"is conce$uali<a$ion o2 $"e uni5erse as a 9"ouse o2 ain$in!s9@li/e $"e

one in :"ic" $"e co&ices :ere reser5e&@$"e &i5ine library an&

inaco$"eca) an& $"is re!ar& o2 man as caable o2 re#crea$in! $"e

uni5ersal son! >o2 bein! i$s bar& or minis$er?) is ui$e a &a<<lin!

e+losion o2 s"aes an& colors; I$ means concei5in! $"e :orl&@an& our

assa!e $"rou!" li2e@as an on!oin! :or/ o2 ar$) :"ere c"an!in! ima!es)

in $"eir en&less roec$ion) are li/e:ise lo5ely an& 2an$as$ic) as i2 $"ey

:ore $"e "ues o2 oy or sorro:) o2 $"e blossomin! o2 eace or o2 $"e&rama$ic cosmic ba$$le; Hos Luis Mar$Qne< :ri$esB

Li2e $o Ne<a"ualcoyo$l seems a series o2 illumina$e&

manuscri$s) an& $"e Li2e!i5er ac$s :i$" men as &oes $"e

tlacuilo :i$" 2i!ures) ain$in! an& colorin! $"em $o !i5e

$"em li2e; 7u$ us$ as in $"e case o2 $"e boo/s) men) as :ell)

are !ra&ually consume& by $imeB





Li/e a ain$in!

:e s"all be rubbe& ou$)

li/e a 2lo:er

:e mus$ &ry u

uon $"e ear$";

As $rain!s o2 2ea$"ers

o2 $"e #uet!al ) o2 $"e !acuan)

o2 $"e a!ule;o) :e s"all e5en$ually eris";

T"ere is no$"in! 2or i$; -e s"all all eris" al$o!e$"er) 2our

by 2our) an& $"is 2alse li2e o2 $"e boo/ cariciously ain$e&

an& rubbe& ou$ by $"e &i5ini$y is our sole oor$uni$y 2or

e+is$ence;2

I$ is in $"e "ouse or $emle o2 $"e son!s an& ain$in!s :"ere one li5es

$"e sacre&) $"e ener!y o2 $"e !o&s) by means o2 &ances) 2lo:ers) an&

colors) :"ic" is $an$amoun$ $o sayin!B $"e sacre& &:ells "ere $"rou!"

oe$ry) $"e beau$y an& $"e sciences o2 r"y$"m as symbols o2 $"e numina

:"o ac$i5ely s"ae $"e uni5erse o2 :"ic" $"is "ouse or $emle is a

re2lec$ion; A!ain) $"e reci$a$ions) $"e son!s) an& $"e ain$in!s ac$

conoin$ly in $"e ri$uals $"a$ &rama$i<e $"e my$"s an& u$s in$o e22ec$)

ac$uali<e) $"e cosmo!onic belie2s an& ener!ies :"en symboli<e&; Eric

T"omson an& Mi!uel LeKn Por$illa "ol& $"e same :i$" re!ar& $o $"ese

ceremonies in :"ic" $"e rea&in! o2 co&ices :as oine& :i$" reci$a$ions)

in $"e Mayan ci5ili<a$ion as in $"e Na"ua$l) al$"ou!") lo!ically enou!") i$

:as no$ $"e only manner o2 in5oca$ion;

8o:e5er) $"is 9"ouse9 or $emle@$"is $"ea$er :i$" i$s ersona!es an&

scenes) $"is se$$in! or s$a!e@$"is sacre& sace $"a$ is $"e cosmos) "as a

s"ae) a s$ruc$ure) :"ic" "uman cons$ruc$ions imi$a$e; I$s base is

ua&ran!ular) an& i$ is 5isuali<e& ei$"er as a $iere& yrami& o2 $rian!ular

si&es) :"en $"e oin$ $o be ma&e is $"e resence o2 5arious &e!rees or

le5els o2 reali$y in $"is uni5erse@nine or $"ir$een "ea5ens@or else as a

simle cone) as :i$" $"e na$i5e noma& $en$s) or simly as cubes) li/e $"e

"ouses o2 :ors"i o2 numerous $ribes) s$ruc$ures $"a$) in $"e Mayan

my$"s an& co&ices) are 2oun& surroun&e& by !ian$ i!uanas;7

Le$ us s$ress$"a$ sace) 2or Precolumbians) is no$ us$ a s$a$ic $"in!) &i5i&e& in$o 2our

2i+e& an& absen$ car&inal oin$s) bu$ is as ali5e as $ime) cons$an$ly re#

crea$in! i$sel2 an& cons$i$u$in! an ac$i5e) ermanen$ elemen$ o2

mani2es$a$ion; T"e siri$s $"a$ s"ae i$ ac$ in ere$ui$y as ener!ies

bearin! on $"e !enera$i5e rocess) in :"ic" $"ey oin :i$" $"e &ei$ies o2

$ime an& $"eir numerical 2i!ures) as :ell as :i$" $"e numina o2 mo$ion)







$"ose e5er#resen$ $ransi$ory &i5ini$ies;

Hus$ so) $"e sun is no$ a 2i+e& $"in!) bu$ e+resses &i22eren$ /in&s o2

ener!y) :"en i$ is born >in $"e eas$?) :"en i$ is a$ i$s ao!ee >a$ sou$"#

noon?) or :"en i$ se$s >in $"e :es$?;8 Perennially) $"is &ynamics o2re2lec$ion or ener!y buil&s an& &es$roys $"e cosmos) as :ell as balancin!

i$ $o reser5e i$) an& $"ereby cons$i$u$es $"e &ialec$ic) $"e la: o2 uni5ersal

r"y$"m) $"a$) in $"e coor&ina$es o2 $ime) sace) an& mo5emen$) resembles

a "ouse o2 mirrors or &reams; Ome$eo$l) $"e !o& one an& $:o2ol& li/e $"e

Pla$onic rimor&ial an&ro!yne) $"e alc"emical "erma"ro&i$e) $"e

Py$"a!orean i&eal s"ere) or $"e $:o "al5es o2 $"e E!y$ian an& 8in&u

e!! o2 $"e :orl&) remains imassi5e as lon! as $"ese $:o ener!ies are in

al$erna$ion) al$"ou!" $"ey emana$e 2rom "is uncrea$e&) immu$able bo&y

no$ subec$ $o $rans2orma$ionB

; ; ; Mo$"er o2 $"e !o&s) Fa$"er o2 $"e !o&sB

$"e one :"o reclines a$ $"e na5el o2 $"e ear$")

$"e one :"o is insi&e an enclosure o2 $uruoises)

$"e one :"o is close& u in :a$ers $"e color o2 blue bir&s)

$"e !o& :"o is ol&) $"e one :"o &:ells in $"e s"a&o:s

o2 $"e lace o2 $"e &ea&;/

T"e mani2es$a$ion o2 $"is sureme &ei$y@one an& $:o2ol&) an&

accor&in!ly) $riune@is $"e lane o2 $"e :orl&) $"e ua$ernary) uon :"ic"

$"e Dei$y li/e:ise ac$s) syn$"esi<in! i$sel2 in$o $"e uin$essence) or

cen$ral oin$ >as is also clear in $"e si!n o2 $"e cross? symboli<e& by $"e

numeral 2i5e) :"ic" is $"us con5er$e& in$o a mo&ule) a roor$ion

resen$ in all bein!s an& $"in!s) an arc"e$yal measure o2 $"e uni5ersal

"armony; T"ese i&eas are $"e basis o2 $"e Na"ua$l $"eo!ony an&

cosmo!ony) an& are also 5ali& 2or $"e en$ire American $ra&i$ion@:i$"

secon&ary 5arian$s) as :e s"all resen$ly see@:i$" $"e reser5a$ion $"a$ a

$"eo!ony is no$ a &o!ma$ic $"eolo!y) us$ as a cosmo!ony is no$ a

cosmolo!y in $"e sense o2 a 9scien$i2ic9 $"esis 2oun&e& on s$a$is$ics;

Ins$ea&) eac" is a symbolism) in $"e $rue acce$a$ion o2 $"e :or&;

On $"e o$"er "an&) a comarison amon! $"e 5arious Precolumbian

socie$ies an& $"eir symbolico#cul$ural e+ressions is as 5ali& as a

comarison o2 $"ese cul$ures :i$" o$"ers $"a$ are no$ au$oc"$"onous an&

con$inen$al; E5en $"e Gree/s an& Romans) :"o e+erience& an&

2er$ili<e& $ra&i$ional $"ou!"$) an& coe+is$e& :i$" eoles an& cul$ures o2

5ery &i22eren$ na$ures 2rom $"eir o:n@:e nee& only $"in/ o2 $"e







mul$i$u&e o2 reli!ious an& "iloso"ical 2orms an& in2luences $"a$

c"arac$eri<e& $"e Me&i$erranean) be2ore an& a2$er C"ris$@re!ar&e& i$ as

er2ec$ly normal $o ma/e $ransosi$ions 2rom $"e an$"eon or $"e

symbols o2 one ci5ili<a$ion $o $"ose o2 ano$"er) an& 2rom $"e la$$er $o a

$"ir&; A2$er all) $"e &e5o$ees o2 $"ese &ei$ies or i&eas "a& rocee&e& in

$"is same manner; In o$"er :or&s) $"ese assimila$ions "a& been ro&uce&

in son$aneous 2as"ion) acuirin! na$urally $"e i&en$i$ies an&

eui5alencies@a&a$e& $o a ne: con$e+$) $o a risin! cul$ure@$"a$ :ere

$a/en as ar$ o2 $"e normal &e5elomen$ o2 a socie$y an& o2 $"e rela$ions

ro&uce& in $"a$ socie$y;

T"us $"e Gree/s an& $"e Romans comare& &i22eren$ an$"eons) an&

$"eir symbols) an& re!is$ere& $"e &i5erse 2orms an& names $"a$ $"e

ener!ies o2 $"e sacre&) $"e &ei$y) assume& in con2ormi$y :i$" $"e

&i5ersi$y o2 laces) $imes) an& ersons; A$ $"e same $ime) $"e same

mec"anisms o2 $"ou!"$ are associa$i5e) an& a comarison emer!es

ins$an$aneously; I$ 2orms ar$ o2 $"e &iscourse o2 $"e min&; In or&er $o

es$ablis" any roosi$ion :"ose $ru$" is no$ imme&ia$ely e5i&en$) $"e

min& selec$s by subs$i$u$ion a roblem an& rela$es i$ $o ano$"er; T"en i$

rela$es $"is la$$er :i$" a $"ir&) un$il i$ arri5es a$ one i$ /no:s@$"rou!" $"is

ro$o$yal c"ain rocess@:"ose $ru$" "as alrea&y been es$ablis"e&) or

no: becomes e5i&en$; T"e roosi$ion $"us 2inally arri5e& a$) no: s"e&s

li!"$ no$ only on $"e 5ali&i$y o2 $"e ori!inal roosi$ion in i$sel2) bu$ on

$"e surroun&in! :"ole >"ere) $"e con$e+$ o2 a $ra&i$ional socie$y? in:"ic" i$ is enuncia$e&;



Codex /orgia

I$ is imor$an$ $o !ras $"a$ $"e cul$ural an& lin!uis$ic uni$y o2 $"e In&o#

Euroean eoles in $"eir 5arious "ases an& $rans2orma$ions "as been

clearly es$ablis"e&) &esi$e $"e a$omi<a$ion o2 $"e 2orms ul$ima$ely

a&o$e&; T"is simle enuncia$ion sa5es $ime) an& remo5es &i22icul$ies

rela$i5e $o $"e roblems o2 cul$ural an& $ra&i$ional in$errela$ions; I$&isels &oub$s) an& clari2ies conce$s :"ic" "a& been 2or!o$$en) an& o2

:"ic" mo&ern science as :e /no: i$ "as al:ays been i!noran$;

8o:e5er) ne: &i22icul$ies arise) as :ell; Al$"ou!" i$ is $rue $"a$ $"e

$ra&i$ional uni$y o2 arc"e$yal $"ou!"$) $"e i&en$i$y o2 $"e I&eas@an&

$"ere2ore o2 $"e cosmo!ony an& $"eo!ony o2 ci5ili<a$ions $"a$ seem so

&issimilar $o $"e lay erson) as $"e He:is") $"e E!y$ian) $"e Iranian) $"e

Gree/) an& $"e 8in&u@is e5i&en$) $"e li/e &oes no$ occur :i$" $"e

numerous 2orms $"a$ $"ey a&o$ in $"eir "is$orical &e5elomen$) :"ic" is

no$ $"e same in all $ra&i$ions; T"ese are $"e 2orms $"e i&eas an&

arc"e$yes assume $o e+ress $"emsel5es;

I2) by :ay o2 a comara$i5e me$"o&olo!y) :e es$ablis" $"e same

ro$o$yal) symbolical i&en$i$ies@e5en in $"eir secon&ary

mani2es$a$ions@amon! $"e In&o#Euroean ci5ili<a$ions an& cul$ures

>inclu&in! $"e Iberian an& Cel$ic? an& $"e Precolumbian) no$ only &o :e

come $o &isco5er imressi5e 2ormal rela$ions"is) bu$ :e en& by al$erin!



our conce$ion o2 $"e :orl&) an& &enyin! $"e 5ali&i$y o2 $"e seu&o#

o22icial an& seu&o#scien$i2ic "yo$"eses in 5o!ue) i$s u&!men$s; T"ese

u&!men$s be!in :i$" a &escri$ion o2 reali$y $"a$ $"eir subec$s "a5e

in"eri$e& una:ares) an& $"a$ $"ey re!ar& as $"eir o:n) an& e5en ersonal)

:"ile $"ey are no more $"an a ac/a!e o2 2an$as$ic $"eses an& oinions

!enera$e& 2rom $"e "umanis$ Renaissance on:ar&;

T"ese $"eses an& oinions are acce$e& as i2 $"ey :ere $"e ac$ual :orl&

>$"a$ is) $"ey mis$a/e :"a$ is $"ou!"$ o2 $"e cosmos $o&ay :i$" :"a$ $"e

cosmos is in i$sel2?; No: $"ey mul$ily) :i$"ou$ r"yme or reason) :"ile

$"ose :"o "ol& $"em i!nore $"e ossible 5ali&i$y o2 a 5ie:oin$ &is$inc$

2rom $"eir o:n) :"ic" $"ey con&emn as some$"in! susicious an&

9ille!al)9 $"an/s $o $"eir reu&ices an& con&i$ionin!s@e5en $"ou!" $"e

5ie:oin$ in ues$ion be er2ec$ly &ocumen$e& an& accessible $o anyone

oen $o an& in$eres$e& in $"e subec$; Suc" a one) as subec$ o2 $"ese

concerns) :ill e+erience "is or "er 2in&in!s as re5ela$ions) since $"ey

&issia$e ones i!norance) an& !leam :i$" $"e li!"$ o2 no:le&!e)

:"ic") 2or $"a$ ma$$er) is al:ays sel2#su22icien$;

3O456

Curiously) Ma<&aism !i5es ara&ise $"e name) 9Abo&e o2 Son!s;9

2 Hos Luis Mar$Qne<) +e!ahualc-)otl: Vida ) *bra >Me+ico Ci$yB Fon&o &e

Cul$ura EconKmica) %436?;

7 H; Eric S; T"omson) a)a %istor) and &eligion >ni5; o2 O/la"oma Press) Norman %406?;

8 For $"e Precolumbians) $ime is no$ linear) bu$ cyclical) circular; 8ere $"ese

cul$ures are in 2ull con2ormi$y :i$" all $ra&i$ional socie$ies) in :"ic" $"e

symbol o2 $"e -"eel@ima!e o2 $"e cycle $"a$ re$urns $o i$s s$ar$in! oin$@ lays suc" an ou$s$an&in! role) us$ as i$ &oes in $"e my$"s associa$e& :i$"

$"e 9e$ernal re$urn;9 -e "a5e con5incin! roo2 o2 $"is in $"e Mesoamerican

calen&ars) :"ic" reea$ $"emsel5es in a manner $"a$ is basically in5ariable@ li/e $"e cycle o2 $"e lane$s an& $"e course o2 cer$ain s$ars@al$"ou!" ne5er

comle$ely i&en$ically) since $"e i&en$i$y in ues$ion is analo!ical) an& base&on $"e abun&ance o2 5ariables) ossibili$ies) an& ne: coor&ina$escon$inuously a5ailable in $"e "u!e 5arie$y o2 elemen$s) correla$ions) an&

al:ays &i22eren$ 2ac$ors comin! in$o lay in $"e cosmic &rama) an& "a5in!

$"e e22ec$ o2 al:ays re5en$in! any si$ua$ion or bein! 2rom e+ac$&ulica$ion) $"a$ is) in i$s same 2orm or in&i5i&uali<e& mani2es$a$ion; T"e

i&en$i$y o2 $"ese si$ua$ions an& bein!s is ob$aine& in 5ir$ue o2 $"eir s$a$us as

roec$ions o2 an e$ernal arc"e$ye or ro$o$ye) $o :"ic" $"ey correson&)













an& :i$" :"ic" $"ey i&en$i2y;

/ 9lorentine Codex) $ransla$e& in$o Sanis" by An!el MarQa Garibay ; See

also $"e $ransla$ion by C"; E; Dibble an& Ar$"ur H; O; An&erson;

T"a$ is) a &escri$ion o2 reali$y is re!ar&e& as reali$y i$sel2; T"ere is a

&ocumen$ $"a$ clearly &emons$ra$es $"e le5el o2 /no:le&!e $"a$ "a& beena$$aine& by $"e maori$y o2 $"e Precolumbian eoles by $"e $ime o2 $"e

arri5al o2 $"e Euroeans; In $"is case i$ is no$ ries$s reson&in! $o $"eirin5a&ers) as in $"e eiso&e o2 $"e Tlamatinime) recoun$e& in $"e 2irs$ c"a$er

o2 $"is boo/) bu$ o2 a :arrior) Nicarao) :"o reson&s $o $"e a&moni$ions an&

u&!men$s o2 Gon<=le< D=5ila) 2irs$ conuis$a&or o2 $o&ays Nicara!ua)

:"ic" coun$ry) in&ee&) is name& 2or $"is caciue; T"e e5en$ is recoun$e& in$"e 2irs$ o2 $"e $en D4cadas o2 Pe&ro M=r$ir &e An!lerQa) $"e :ell#/no:n

si+$een$"#cen$ury "umanis$; T"ere :e "a5e a reor$ o2 a &ialo!ue be$:een

$"e $:o ersona!es; T"e conuis$a&or) a2$er "a5in! &e2ea$e& $"e caciue) be!an $o a&monis" "im) $ellin! "im $"a$ i$ :oul& :ell $"a$ $"e In&ians :oul&

no: lea5e o22 ma/in! :ar on one ano$"er) $"a$ $"ey :oul& cease $o &ancean& become in$o+ica$e&) an& $"a$ $"ey :oul& all imme&ia$ely u$ $"emsel5esun&er $"e obe&ience o2 $"e in! o2 Sain) :"o :as all#o:er2ul) an& $"e

So5erei!n Pon$i22) :"o :as in2allible; To :"ic" Nicarao reson&e& $"a$

$"ey "a& no in$en$ion o2 lea5in! :ar $o :omen) an& $"a$ $"eir &ancin! an&

inebria$ion "arme& no one; T"en "e be!an $o as/ some ues$ions; 8o: camei$) "e inuire&) $"a$ $"e Saniar&s reli!ion 2orba&e $"em $o /ill) an& ye$ $"ey

/ille& $"e In&ians An& $"en some more sybiline ues$ions) an& $"is is :"a$

is in$eres$in!B 8a& $"e Saniar&s) a2$er all) "ear& o2 $"e Floo& -oul& $"ere be ano$"er -"a$ :oul& "aen a$ $"e en& o2 $ime -oul& $"e :orl& be

&es$roye& -oul& $"e s$ars 2all on i$ -"en :oul& $"e sun cease i$s course)

an& be e+$in!uis"e&) alon! :i$" $"e moon an& s$ars 8o: lar!e :ere $"es$ars) an& :"o suor$e& $"em an& mo5e& $"em -"ere :ill $"e soul !o

a2$er i$s seara$ion 2rom $"e bo&y -ill $"e in! an& $"e Pon$i22 er"as no$

&ie) $"e one bein! all#o:er2ul) an& $"e o$"er in2allible An& $"en $oo@$osea/ o2 o$"er ma$$ers@:"y :oul& so 2e: men :an$ so muc" !ol&

Ob5iously) "a5in! los$ "is ba$$le :i$" $"e Saniar& no$ 2or :an$ o2 coura!e)

bu$ o:in! $o a $ec"nolo!ical &i22erence in :eaonry) $"e caciue /ne:

er2ec$ly :ell $"e i!norance o2 $"e ambi$ious conuis$a&ors) an& "a& "a&con$em$uously $o surren&er $o $"e mi!"$ o2 ersons :"o /ne: no$"in! o2

$"e uni5ersal cosmo!ony an& $"eo!ony; T"eir i!norance &emons$ra$e& an

in$ellec$ual an& siri$ual sueriori$y on $"e ar$ o2 $"e 5anuis"e& o5er $"e5ic$or@$"e la$$er) i$ is ob5ious) bein! unable $o ans:er $"e ues$ions o2 $"e

2ormer; -e ci$e $"is $e+$ "ere as an e+amle o2 $"e $"ou!"$ o2 $"e

Precolumbians) as :ell as o2 $"e /no:le&!e $"ey "a& o2 $"e roblems o2cosmo!ony an& $"eo!ony) esecially in a small na$ion :"ere no !rea$

ci5ili<a$ion coul& "a5e arisen;

;







SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

I

COSMOS AND DEITY

-e "a5e alrea&y i&en$i2ie& $"e 9cen$er9 as $"e 2i2$" &irec$ion) $"e

&:ellin! lace o2 Ome$eo$l) $"e &ual !o&; In&ee&) concen$ra$e& a$ $"is

oin$ is $"e 5er$ical ener!y $"a$ &escen&s an& ascen&s be$:een $"e $:o

oles o2 an a+is; T"is same ascen&in!&escen&in! olari$y o2 ener!ies

:ill be reea$e& in $"e "ori<on$al lane) s"ain! $"e ua&ran!les ac$ual

limi$s) balancin! i$@or alon! $"e arms o2 $"e cross) !i5in! rise $o $"a$2i!ures "armonious $ensions; In $"e cross) $"e ascen&in!&escen&in!

ener!y &i5i&es in$o oosi$e airs) main$ainin! $"e cen$er as locus o2

reose) as oin$ o2 conunc$ion o2 $"e con$ra&ic$ions) an& lace o2 a+ial

communica$ion :i$" o$"er lanes or :orl&sB $"e "ea5ens or suerior

le5els) an& $"e lo:er s$a!es) $"e in0ernus) $"e un&er!roun& coun$ry;

Resi&in! a$ $"is immo5able a+is as :ell is iu"$ecu"$li) as !o& o2 2ire in

$"e sense $"a$ "e reresen$s $"e cen$ral ener!y an& cons$i$u$es $"e

ori!inal symbolical rincile $"a$ !enera$es@$"rou!" i$s &i5ision in$o

airs an& i$s in$ernal oosi$ions@$"e re!ular circula$ion o2 $"e elemen$s)

$"e cons$an$ s$ri2e o2 $"e cosmic 5ibra$ions an& 2orma$ions;

T"is same !o& is a$ron o2 $"e year or $"e cen$ury) :"ic" is reresen$e&

by $"e ne: 2ire) or by $"e bir$" o2 $ime) :"ic" cons$an$ly re!enera$es

i$sel2) e5er c"an!in! bu$ inal$erable in i$s essence; 8ere is $"e ol& !o&) as

ol& as $"e $emoral crea$ion) :"ic" "e "imsel2 si!ns an& ori!ina$es by

"is ac$i5i$y) s"ain! $"e "ori<on$al lane on :"ic" li2e is mani2es$e&; For

$"e Na"ua$ls) $o be born on ear$" is $o &escen& 2rom ones ori!inal

celes$ial &:ellin! $o li5e an illusory e+is$ence :"ose $rue meanin! :ill

be ac$ually e22ec$e&) :ill be $rue) :"en i$ culmina$es as an ascen$ $o $"e

"ea5ens@bo$" oera$ions >$"a$ o2 $"e &escen$ an& $"a$ o2 $"e ascen$? bein! reali<e& alon! $"e same cen$ral a+is) :"ic" is reresen$e& by $"e

!o& o2 rimor&ial 2ire an& o2 $ime; 8ere is $"e incarna$ion o2 an ori!inal

&ual ener!y resen$ in all $"in!s >e5ery$"in! $"a$ crees an& e5ery$"in!

$"a$ 2lies) "ea5en an& ear$"?) :"ose e5er#rene:e& syn$"esis succee&s in

!enera$in! $"e lane o2 crea$ion by $"e oosi$ion an& conunc$ion o2 i$s

ac$i5i$y an& i$s reose; In o$"er :or&s) $"an/s $o $"e al$erna$in!) &ual



r"y$"m o2 $"e uni5ersal in"ala$ion an& e+"ala$ion) :"ic" e+an&s $o $"e

2our &irec$ions o2 $"e :orl& >li/e arro:s s"o$ by :arriors?) $"e e5er

rene:e& syn$"esis o2 $"e rimor&ial &uali$y s"aes an& limi$s $"e :orl&;

T"is ori!inal) cen$ral rincile) $"en) is also e+resse&) in &ual 2as"ion)in $"e 2our &irec$ions o2 sace as :ell as in $"e 2our "ases o2 $ime) an&

in $"e 2our mo&ali$ies o2 ma$$er) $"e 2our colors) an& $"e li/e; T"is

ua$ernary si!n mar/s e5ery mani2es$a$ion) o2 :"a$e5er /in&; I$ is $"e

in"eren$ c"arac$eris$ic o2 $"e cosmic e+ression@$"a$ :"ic" &e2ines i$)

an& $"a$ in :"ic") in5ariably) $"e ra&ian$ ener!y o2 $"e rincile an&

be!innin! >$"e ori!inal 2ire?) $"e mos$ ancien$ &ei$y) mani2es$in! i$sel2 by

airs) in &ual 2orm) is 2oun& e5er#resen$; 8ence i$ 2ollo:s $"a$ $"e

&ei$ies &eri5e& 2rom $"e Omeyocan are $ransla$e& in$o airs@in$o

masculine2eminine unions or 2unc$ions symboli<in! an& s"ain! $"e

&ialec$ical in$erlay o2 $"e cosmos) $"e cen$rie$al an& cen$ri2u!al 2orces

an& $"eir unaba$in! e22ec$ua$ion o2 s$abili$y an& or&er) $"rou!" $"e

in$erme&iary o2 $"e binary an& $"e comlemen$ari$y o2 oosi$es $"a$ $"e

binary e+emli2ies;

T"us) $"e &i5ine &uali$ies embrace $"e $o$ali$y) an& un2ol& in $"e e5i&en$

sacre&ness o2 $"e mani2es$a$ion $"ey seal :i$" $"e names o2 "ea5ens)

lane$s an& s$ars) s$orms) rains an& a$mos"eric "enomena) ener!ies o2

$"e ear$" an& o2 na$ure) an& resen$ in $"e 2auna an& 2lora; E5ery:"ere

$"is ener!ies rule $"e mys$eries o2 li2e an& $"e sanc$i2ica$ion o2 man as

!rea$ ro$a!onis$ o2 $"e cosmic &rama; T"e scale &escen&s 2rom $"e mos$

sub$le $o $"e mos$ &ense) 2rom uni5ersal rinciles $o ar$icular

alica$ions) 2rom $"e aerial $o $"e soli&) in an unin$erru$e& sec$rum o2

$rans2orma$ions $"a$ ne5er$"eless ossess i&en$ical s$ruc$ures;

Accor&in!ly) $"e &ei$ies o2 $"e ear$" >an& o2 $"e un&er:orl&?) by

analo!y) al:ays "a5e $"e same ro$o$yal c"arac$eris$ics as $"e

"ea5enly) 2or :"ic" reason $"ey may be re!ar&e& as &ulica$es o2 $"e

la$$er) or e5en $"ose la$$er $"emsel5es on ano$"er le5el o2 consi&era$ion

or rea&in!;

8ere) in nearly all o2 $"e $ra&i$ions) $"e rela$ions"i is e+emli2ie& by

$"a$ o2 2ilial /ins"iB 2a$"ermo$"ero22srin!)

!ran&2a$"er!ran&mo$"er!ran&c"il&) or ol& !o&youn! !o&; T"is is $"e

case :i$" $"e Precolumbian numina !enerally) in :"ic") as in $"ose o2

9"ea$"en&om)9 $"e assi5e an& ac$i5e asec$s o2 &e$ermina$e &i5ine

a$$ribu$es $"ereby s$oo& ou$@a$ $imes oine& in a sin!le ersona!e; In





almos$ all $ra&i$ional 2orms) $"ese a$$ribu$es e+$en& $o $"e "ea5enly

bo&ies an& $o numbers) as $o $"eir eui5alen$ !eome$rical roec$ions@

!enuinely ro$o$yal) uni5ersal co&es $"a$ enable us $o &eri5e $"eir i&ea

o2 $"e cosmo!ony an& $o un&ers$an& $"eir $"ou!"$;

T"is conce$ion is also unanimously e+lici$ in $"e ancien$ American

cul$ures) $"rou!" $"e uni5ersal) my$"ical) an& symbolical resence o2

$:ins;2 T:ins) al$"ou!" $"ey are $:o) "a5e "a& $"eir ori!in in one an&

$"e same e!!) an& $"us symboli<e $"e &ual mani2es$a$ion o2 a sin!le

rincile; T"e $:ins are a$ $imes resen$e& as bro$"er enemies) $yically

a$ :ar in $"eir reresen$a$ion o2 oose& ener!ies@one ac$i5e) $"e o$"er

assi5e) one !leamin! an& brillian$) $"e o$"er oaue an& &ar/@or else

s"arin! amicable a&5en$ures; 8ere :e "a5e $"e mu$ual reec$ion an&

syma$"y) $"e a$$rac$ion an& reulsion) o2 $"a$ :"ic") :"ile bein! o2 a

common na$ure) mus$ li5e &i5i&e& in$o $:o /in&s@as in $"e case o2 $"e

"uman coule@&rama$ically oose& an& assimila$e&;

T"is reali$y is &escribe&) :i$" ro2oun& in$ui$ion) by Al2re&o LKe<

Aus$in)7 :"o $ells us) :i$" re2erence $o $"e conce$ o2 $"e a+is o2 $"e

:orl& amon! $"e ancien$ Na"ua$lsB

T"is a+is may "a5e been concei5e& as $"e oosi$ion o2

$:o "elicoi&s or ban&s) in ere$ual) re5ol5in! mo$ion)

a2$er $"e 2as"ion o2 a !rea$ malinalli) oinin! "ea5en an&

un&er:orl& by :ay o2 $"e umbilicus o2 $"e ear$"; One ban&

:oul& be $"e one srun! 2rom a lo:er :orl&) an& :oul& be

col&) &am) an& noc$urnal) :"ile $"e o$"er :oul& be o2 a

:arm) luminous na$ure) comin! 2rom $"e uer :orl&;

T"eir mo5emen$ :oul& be $"e ori!in o2 $"e con$inuous

succession o2 &ays an& ni!"$s on ear$"; T"ese ima!es o2 $"e

in$er$:inin!s o2 $"e $:o oose& ban&s are abun&an$ in $"e

icono!ra"y) rincially in $"eir abbre5ia$e& 2orm o2 ollin;

Le$ us only reea$ $"a$ $"e symbol o2 $"e &ouble siral) a$ $imes

&issimula$e& as a 9&ecora$i5e9 mo$i2 >in i$s circular or ua&ran!ular2orm?) an& 2oun& 2rom one en& o2 $"e American con$inen$ $o $"e o$"er

>an& in all /no:n $ra&i$ions?) cons$i$u$es an obsessi5e allusion $o $"is

cosmo!onical conce$ion) :"ic" is e+resse& no$ only !ra"ically an&

5isually >as in ollin an& malinalli?) bu$ in my$"@in&ee& in $"e 5ery

s$ruc$ure o2 $"e Precolumbian cul$ures) inclu&in! $"eir social

or!ani<a$ion; -e "a5e an analo!y in $"e 5ery 2amiliar symbol o2 $"e Far







Eas$ern )in<)ang ) :"ic" oins $"ese ener!ies $o!e$"er) an& comlemen$s

$"em in $"e un&i22eren$ia$e& in$erior o2 $"e Tao) 2rom :"ic" $"ey

ori!ina$e an& $o :"ic" $"ey re$urn; T"is is also $"e case) accor&in! $o $"e

Pool 1u") :i$" T<acol an& 7i$ol@names :"ic" al:ays aear in

$an&em >crea$or an& ma/er?@an& :i$" Gu/uma$< an& Teeu; Amon! $"e

Na"ua$ls) $"e $:o bear $"e names o2 Ome$ecu$li an& Omeci"ua$l) $"e

&i5ine crea$in! air arisen 2rom $"e omniresen$ emana$ion o2 Ome$eo$l

>aren$s o2 Jue$<alcoa$l) accor&in! $o some?) :"o in $urn "as a $:inB

olo$l; In&ee&) $"e :or& c-atl means 9$:in;9

=*llin= symbol

Codex Vindobonensis

T"ere are similar belie2s amon! $"e T<o$<il Mayas) $"e Lacan&ones) $"e

Yuca$ecs) $"e Ca/c"iueles) an& so on) as :ell as) in $"e ni$e& S$a$es)

amon! $"e Pueblo an& Irouois In&ians; In $"e Mayan &ic$ionaries o2

Mo$ul an& 1iena $"ere is men$ion o2 a bo&iless &ei$y) no$ a&mi$$in! o2

reresen$a$ion) calle& 8unab u@li/e $"e 8ebre:s Ya":e") :"ose

name) 2reuen$ly as i$ occurs) :as unronounceable; 8unab u

!enera$e& I$<am Na) crea$or o2 $"e :orl&) $"e alli!a$or !o&) $"e arc"i$ec$)

buil&er an& occuan$ o2 $"e $"ree#&imensional "ouse o2 $"e cosmos orabo&e o2 $"e alli!a$ors or i!uanas; 8e is 2reuen$ly reresen$e& in &ual)

bice"alous 2orm) in cons$an$ ac$i5i$y in $"e 2our corners o2 $"e :orl&)

on $"e si+ 2aces o2 $"e cube o2 $"e uni5erse; 8e "imsel2 symboli<es $"is

uni5erse) al$erin! "is a$$ribu$es an& "is colors in $"e coun$eroin$ o2 $"e

ceaseless) uni5ersal &ance) :"ere all is symbolic an& meanin!2ul

because i$ is a mani2es$a$ion o2 $"e sacre&; For $"e same reason) "e is

also in$ima$ely rela$e& $o $"e animals) lan$s) "enomena) an& ener!ies

o2 na$ure;8

H; Eric S; T"omson >:"o) inci&en$ally) belie5es "e 2in&s $"is numen)accomanie& by "is souse an& osi$ione& a$ $"e cen$er o2 $"e :orl&) in

$"e adrid Codex)? :ri$es) in "is aer on $"e crea$in! airB

8o:e5er) $"e I$<am Na conce$ &oes no$ merely embrace

2our I$<am 2ormin! $"e roo2 an& :alls o2 $"e :orl&) 2or $"e

I$<am) :"en $"ey $ouc" $"e "ori<on) $urn $o 2orm $"e 2loor





o2 $"e "ouse in :"ic" our :orl& is se$) $"us comle$in! $"e

rec$an!le o2 I!uana 8ouse; Mos$ imor$an$) $"e I$<am $a/e

on 2res" 2unc$ions :"en $"ey e+c"an!e $"eir celes$ial

loca$ions 2or $"e 2loor o2 $"e :orl& "ouse; -"ereas $"e

I$<am in $"eir celes$ial asec$ are sen&ers o2 rain $o ear$") in

$"eir $erres$rial asec$ $"ey are $"e soil in :"ic" all

5e!e$a$ion "as i$s bein!) an& no: $"ey recei5e $"a$ rain

:"ic" 2ormerly $"ey &isense& 2rom on "i!";

T"e 5arious names o2 I$<am Na rela$e $o $"is &uali$y; T"us

I$<am Na) I$<am T<ab) an& robably Ya+coca"mu$ re2er $o

$"e celes$ial asec$ o2 I$<am Na I$<am Cab or I$<am Cab

Ain) 9I!uana Ear$"9 or 9 I!uana Ear$" Caiman)9 are names

o2 I$<am Na as an ear$" &ei$y) $"e 2loor o2 I$<am Na;/

T"ere are) $"en) si+ I$<am Nas) one 2or eac" o2 $"e car&inal oin$s o2 $"e

lane reresen$a$ion) an& $:o 2or $"e 5olume$ric) one "ea5enly an& $"e

o$"er ear$"ly) :"ic" in$erac$; To $"ese mus$ be a&&e& a se5en$") in5isible

I$<am Na) :"ose lace is a$ $"e cen$ral oin$ o2 $"is case or cube; I$ is

$"is mul$ile &ei$y) $"en) $"a$) o2 i$sel2 or in collabora$ion :i$" o$"ers >i$s

o:n &i22eren$ names) i$s masculine2eminine a$$ribu$es) i$s o22srin!) an&

so on?) crea$es) reser5es) an& $rans2orms $"e :orl&) 2inally $o !enera$e i$

once more; 8e is re!ar&e& as lor& o2 $ime) as :ell as o2 2ire@$"a$

ori!inal) e5er rene:able rincile@us$ as is $"e A<$ec iu"$ecu"$li) an&

$"ere2ore) &esi$e "is ubiui$y >or recisely on accoun$ o2 i$?) "e resi&esin $"e lace o2 $"e immu$able a+is) $"e A+is o2 $"e :orl&) or Cen$er o2

$"e "ouse o2 $"e i!uanas) or uni5ersal mani2es$a$ion) o2 :"ic" "e is $"e

essence or "ear$;

Codex /orb-nico

Ac$ually) :"a$ :e are see/in! $o in&ica$e is $"a$ a sin!le ener!y un2ol&s

in$o $:o) :"ic") $o!e$"er) rocee& in&e2ini$ely $o !enera$e $"e numerical

series) an e+ression o2 e5ery$"in! enumerable; -e 2in& $"is

circums$ance in coun$less sourcesB in Precolumbian &ocumen$s) $e+$s)

symbols) my$"s) an& ri$es;







O2 secial in$eres$ is $"e son o2 $"e crea$in! air) crea$or in "is o:n $urn@

or be$$er) re#crea$or $"rou!" "is ac$i5i$y o2 re!enera$in! $ime; E&uca$or)

sal5i2ic "ero :i$" "uman an& &i5ine c"arac$eris$ics) "e "as been ma&e $o

$"e ima!e an& li/eness o2 "is aren$s an& !ran&aren$s) an& is $"ere2ore

en&o:e& :i$" $"eir a$$ribu$es) no: $o be e+resse& seci2ically on $"e

le5el o2 crea$ion; No: $"ese a$$ribu$es can be un&ers$oo& an& emula$e&

by suc" men as !ain access $o "is re5ela$ory $eac"in!s; T"is ersona!e is

$"e "ear$ o2 $"e ear$") $"e ima!e o2 $"e "ear$ o2 "ea5en) an& is /no:n

:i$"in man) an& "is sacri2ice an& re!enera$ion by 2ire@a symbol :i$"

:"ic" $"e "ear$) $oo) is i&en$i2ie&@is $"e cen$ral oin$ o2 all Precolumbian

cul$ures;9

7u$ besi&es $"ese i&en$i$ies an& eui5alencies) i$ :ill also be o2 in$eres$

a$ $"is oin$ $o remar/ cer$ain conce$s "a5in! $o &o :i$" $"e &ei$ies)

an$"eons) an& $"eo!onies :i$" :"ic" :e are accus$ome& $o aroac")

in a ro2ane manner) :"a$ :e suose $o be $"e ancien$ reli!ions; T"ese

2alse i&eas "a5e $"e same ori!in as o$"er errors) o2 course; 7u$ as $"ey

bear &irec$ly on an$"eons an& numina) $"ey are in$ima$ely boun& u

:i$" a loss o2 $"e conce$ o2 $"e sacre&) an& a loss o2 $"e symbolical

men$ali$y; T"ey are con&i$ione& by ra$ionalism) $"e mec"anici$y o2

2ormal lo!ic) $"e li$eral acce$a$ion o2 scien$i2ic lucubra$ions) an& $"e

re5ailin! "iloso"ical sys$ems) all o2 :"ic" resuoses a er2ec$ly

ima!inary cri$erion o2 reali$y :i$" :"ic" :e s"oul& li/e $o classi2y all

$"in!s) &ei$ies inclu&e&; An 9e+ac$)9 mec"anical classi2ica$ion o2 $"enumina@$"a$ is) o2 $"e a$$ribu$es o2 $"e &ei$y@is imossible; Eually

5acuous is $"e 9o22icial9 &e2ini$ion o2 $"e sacre&) :"ic") li/e $"e symbol)

is in&e2inable o2 i$s 5ery na$ure; T"ese scien$is$ic re$ensions :oul&

re&uce $"e reli!ious "enomenon $o an a&minis$ra$i5e sc"ema) on $"e

basis o2 an ini$ial in5en$ory a balance s"ee$ coul& be &ra:n u@a

business) in :"ic") li/e any o$"er) boo/s coul& be /e$; -i$" $"ese

reliminaries) $"e in2orma$ion coul& no: be en$ere& on 2ile car&s) in

or&er $"a$) by :ay o2 a ro!ram es$ablis"e& by $"e carice o2 "uman

bein!s) $"e &ei$ies mi!"$ sea/ $o us by $"e in$erme&iary o2 $"e mac"ine

o2 $"e min&;

T"is roce&ure &oes no$ really seem $o us $o be a&eua$e; I$ is simlis$ic;

7u$ $"is is :"a$ :e con$emorary ersons &o) :i$" our cri$erion o2

insanely s$ubborn classi2ica$ion) claimin! $"a$ e+ac$i$u&e is all $"a$

2oolis"ness; -e !a$"er minu$iae) an& in5es$ $"em :i$" a name) a label)

an& :e are a$ eace) -e rac$ice sel2#&ece$ion) an& :e suose $"a$) in





$"is 2as"ion) :e no: /no:; -e maniula$e a "u!e arc"i5e o2

suer2lui$ies) an&) :ors$ o2 all) belie5e in i$B :e consi&er i$ $o be $"e :ay

$"e $"in! ac$ually is; T"is is absur&) bu$ :e cre&i$ $"is con2usion more

$"an oursel5esB as arc"i5is$s :e can be :ron!) bu$ :e re!ar& $"e arc"i5e

as sacre&; -e are &ealin! :i$" an 9en$i$y)9 $o :"ic" c"arac$eris$ics o2

$ru$" an& in2allibili$y are a$$ribu$e&) as occurs in cer$ain 2orms o2 i&ola$ry

an& suers$i$ion; T"is 9&ei$y)9 o2 "uman con$ri5ance) :e call science)

an& ro!ress) :"ic" cons$i$u$es an in$rinsic !uaran$ee o2 absolu$e

cer$ain$y; -"a$ is more) $"e s"eer enuncia$ion o2 $"ese :or&s us$i2ies

any "yo$"esis; 7u$ :"a$ is $ruly re!re$$able is :"a$ occurs &ee :i$"in

us; T"is "an$asma!oric an& 2an$asi<e& 9en$i$y9 "as en&e& by

&omina$in! :"a$ "a& been le2$ o2 our $"ou!"$; I$ "as imose& uon us i$s

arbi$rary c"arac$er) an& i$s 9"iloso"ies)9 :i$" :"ic") accor&in! $o i$s

cri$erion) :e mus$ u&!e any$"in! a$ all) inclu&in! $"e an$"eons o2 $"e

9rimi$i5e9 socie$ies; -e $"en a&u&!e $"ese an$"eons $o be con2use&)

animis$ic i&eas) an& a$$ribu$e $o $"e eoles in ues$ion only cer$ain

9ma!ical9 co!ni$ions o2 $"e &ei$y) a &ei$y :"ic" $"ey "a& no$ so muc" as

concei5e& in reli!ious 2as"ion) o:in! recisely $o $"e bac/:ar&ness in

:"ic" $"ey lan!uis"e&;: T"us) $"eir numina seem con$ra&ic$ory)

uns$able) uerile) ine22ec$i5e) imure) an& :or$"y only o2 sa5a!es; To

boo$) $"ey are incaable o2 bein! a&a$e& $o our scien$is$ic asesis@any

more $"an $"e my$"olo!ies o2 any eole) 2rom $"e Gree/s an& $"e

Romans on:ar&) or e5en $"e li5in! $ra&i$ions o2 $o&ay) suc" as 8in&uism

an& 7u&&"ism; An& ye$ our scien$is$ic asesis is only a ra$ionalis$icin5en$ion) an& con$emorary suers$i$ion) :i$" :"ic") in our i!norance)

:e see/ $o lo$ ou$ an& ca$alo!ue all $"in!s) in or&er) in $"is simle#

min&e& manner) $o es$ablis" $"eir $ru$"; In o$"er :or&s) $"e me$"o& by

:"ic" :e a$$em$ $o 2i+ an& classi2y $"e &ei$y an& i$s a$$ribu$es is)

lo!ically sea/in!) as 2la:e& as $"e /no:le&!e :e "a5e o2 $"e obec$ o2

our 9s$u&y9B Go&) $"e numina) $"e sacre&) an& $"e symbols in :"ic" $"e

&ei$y mani2es$s i$sel2; T"ese become au$oma$ically 92alse9 2or mo&ern

man :"en "e canno$ bo+ $"em in$o "is ri!i& sc"ema$a) an& $"is crea$es in

"im an au$"en$ic imossibili$y $o un&ers$an& $"em;

I$ is imossible $o brin! $"e numen in$o 2ocus :"en one aroac"es i$

:i$" $"e in$en$ion o2 &ra:in! u a lis$ o2 i$s names an& i$s a$$ribu$es)

:"ic" un2ailin!ly escae suc" an a$$em$; T"is cul$ural &e2iciency) :i$"

:"ic" :e ersons o2 $o&ay "a5e been born) can be correc$e& recisely by

$"e s$u&y o2 an& me&i$a$ion on $"e symbols) cul$ure) an& $"ou!"$ o2 man

o2 an$iui$y; T"is un&ers$an&in! :ill ser5e as suor$ 2or a /no:le&!e o2





$"e reali$y $o :"ic" all eoles o2 all $imes "a5e re2erre&) an& :"ic" $"ey

re!ar&e& as $"eir mos$ :on&er2ul in"eri$ance an& recious le!acy) $"eir

o:n raison &$re an& $"a$ o2 $"e mani2es$a$ion) $"eir no:le&!e o2

ano$"er :orl& an& ano$"er li2e) in :"ic" $"is e+is$ence 2in&s i$sel2

inclu&e&@li/e a cell in $"e $orren$ o2 bloo& coursin! $"rou!" $"e 5eins@

an& o2 :"ic" $"is e+is$ence cons$i$u$es bu$ a s$a!e an& a symbol o2

assa!e; 7u$ re5iously) in or&er $o reali<e $"is in$en$) :e mus$ $a/e

accoun$ o2 $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"e :ay in :"ic" our min& an& oursel5es are

reare& 2or un&ers$an&in!@our 5ision o2 $"e :orl&@is no$ a&eua$e) an&

$"a$ i$ ac$ually becomes $"e :ors$ enemy o2 no:le&!e >us$ as &o our

a22ec$s $"a$ are roo$e& in $"is &escri$ion an& in :"a$ is rela$e& $o i$?)

2rom $"e momen$ :e re!ar& i$ as our i&en$i$y; In o$"er :or&s) $"e 2irs$

ar$ o2 our en&ea5or :oul& be an un#sc"oolin!@a breac" :i$" ol&

s$ruc$ures an& 9belie2s)9 :"ic" :oul& be &es$roye&) li$$le by li$$le) :i$"

$"e are"ension o2 o$"er) ne: ones; No: our s$ruc$ures an& belie2s

:oul& be boun& u :i$" $"e aearance o2 a ne: man in $"e

me$a"ysical sense o2 $"e e+ression) an& no$ simly in $"e sense o2 ne:

norms o2 con&uc$ or suer2icial c"an!es;

n2or$una$ely) $"is is a $as/ no$ $au!"$ in $o&ays uni5ersi$ies) al$"ou!" i$

ou!"$ $o be $"e obec$ o2 $"eir e+is$ence >us$ as i$ is $"eir &e 2ac$o raison

&$re an& ori!in?; Ne5er$"eless) an& by con$ras$ :i$" $"e !enerali<e&

i!norance main$aine& in o22icial ins$i$u$ions $"rou!"ou$ $"e :orl& $o&ay)

:e :is" $o in&ica$e $"e e+ce$ion cons$i$u$e& by 5arious American an&Euroean "ouses o2 s$u&y :"en i$ comes $o Precolumbian man an& "is

cul$ures; In&ee& $"is ma$$er is :or$"y o2 secial in$eres$ 2rom $"e

5ie:oin$ o2 $"e Tra&i$ional an& $"e Symbolical) seein! $"a$ uni5ersi$y

researc" o2 e5ery $ye connec$e& :i$" $"e Precolumbian) li/e $"e $as/s

&isc"ar!e& by cer$ain ins$i$u$ions an& museums) is o2 $"e "i!"es$ 5alue)

an& is rac$ically in&isensable 2or $"e recons$ruc$ion o2 $"ese socie$ies;

8ere :e are &ealin! :i$" au$"en$ic scien$i2ic :or/) :i$"ou$ ri!i&i$y or

i&eolo!ical reu&ices) :i$" brea&$" o2 5ision an& an oen) an&

esecially) rac$ical) concre$e men$ali$y; -e s"all men$ion no names)

o:in! $o $"e na$ure an& bre5i$y o2 our a!es) bu$ i$ is in $"ese au$"orsan& "ouses o2 s$u&y $"a$ one mus$ see/ $"e !rea$ :eal$" o2 in2orma$ion

$"a$ :e are so 2or$una$e $o ossess; An& le$ us ma/e i$ clear $"a$ :e re2er

$o $"ose ins$i$u$ions $"a$ 2ul2ill $"e $as/ 2or :"ic" $"ey "a5e been

crea$e&@$o $"e e+clusion) $"ere2ore) o2 any &ema!o!ic an& rosely$i<in!

osi$ion) or oli$ical aims) o2 :"a$e5er "ue;



-e :is" li/e:ise $o :arn our rea&ers o2 $"e case o2 cer$ain ersona!es

:"ic" :e :ill call 9occul$is$s9) o2 a $"eoso"ical or siri$is$ic

ersuasion) :"o re$en& $o be in ossession o2 cer$ain 9occul$9

co!ni$ions reresen$in! only mys$i2ica$ion an& $"e &enses$ i!norance

conceale& in $"e banali$y o2 secre$ 2or secre$s sa/e) an& $"e mos$

s"ameless e!ola$ry; T"ese obscure ersona!es are caable o2 2orcin! any

si$ua$ion in or&er $o ma/e i$ 2i$ in$o $"eir sc"ema$a; T"ey lac/ all

$ra&i$ional &a$a) an& "a5e no$ $"e 5a!ues$ i&ea o2 :"a$ Cosmo!ony is)

al$"ou!" $"ey see/ $o :in $"e a&mira$ion o2 $"ose aroun& $"em by $"eir

re$en&e& secre$s; A$ $imes $"ey u$ili<e cer$ain arallels an& cer$ain

le!i$ima$e comarisons in or&er $o e22ec$ !enuine con2usion an& crea$e

in5en$ions as imrobable as $"ose o2 $"e 9scien$is$s9@uon :"om $"ey

2reuen$ly base $"emsel5es@:i$"ou$) "o:e5er) "a5in! so muc" as $"e

in&isensable minimum in $erms o2 an in$ellec$ual 2orma$ion; T"e la$$er)

e5en i2 i$ is &is$or$e&) con$ains :i$"in i$sel2 $"e !erms) $"e o$en$ial) o2 are#or!ani<a$ion) o2 a con#5ersion >in $"e ori!inal sense o2 $"e :or&?) $"a$

mi!"$ ren&er e22ec$i5e) an& succee& in re5i$ali<in!) $"e $"ou!"$ an&

symbols o2 an$iui$y) an& inau!ura$e $"e :ays o2 no:le&!e :i$"in us;

3O456 iu"$ecu"$li) also /no:n as 8ue"ue$eo$l) Lor& o2 $"e Four Eras) :as $"e

only !o& no$ $o "a5e &ie& in $"e 2our re5ious res$ruc$urin!s o2 $"e :orl&) as"e :as unc"an!eable; For $"is reason "is 2es$i5al :as celebra$e& :i$" !rea$

om e5ery 2our years) $o s"o: "is reu5ena$ion) an& in mos$ solemn 2orme5ery 2i2$y#$:o years@$"e ne: 2ire) or 2as$enin! o2 $"e years) $"e Na"ua$lcen$ury@:"en $"e Pleia&es s$oe& as $"ey reac"e& $"e <eni$" o2 $"e

2irmamen$ a$ mi&ni!"$;

2 9T:ins9 2reuen$ly aear in $"e $ra&i$ions o2 $"e Ol& -orl&; T"e Dioscuri

:ere $:ins) as :ere $"e As5in o2 $"e Ri! 1e&a) Sen$a Mainyu an& An!raMainyu) >Momoros an& A&eomaros) e$c;?;

7 Al2re&o LKe< Aus$in) Algunas ideas acerca del tiempo mítico entre los

antiguos nahuas >Me+ico Ci$yB II Mesa Re&on&a &e la Socie&a& Me+icana

&e An$roolo!Qa) %40,?;

8 Le$ us recall $"a$) 2or $"e Na"ua$l) $"e ear$") as a syn$"e$ic reresen$a$ion o2$"e cosmos) :as $"e bac/ o2 a li<ar&) $"e cipactli) or i!uana) or caiman; I$ is

occasionally men$ione& $"a$) a$ $"e cen$er o2 $"is mu&#co5ere& lane) a

mila) or s$al/ o2 mai<e) !re:; T"e Irouois 9eace $ree9 !ro:s a$ $"e cen$ero2 $"e :orl&) symboli<e& by a $or$oise s"ell) :"ic" is assimila$e& $o $"e

9!rea$ islan&)9 $"e ear$";

/ H; Eric S; T"omson) a)a %istor) and &eligion >ni5; o2 O/la"oma Press)













Norman %40'?;

As 2or $"e na$i5es o2 7aa Cali2ornia@no lon!er e+is$in! $o&ay@$"e

c"roniclers $ell us $"a$ $"ey "a& a crea$ion my$" in :"ic" $"ere aeare& a air o2 $:in bro$"ers :"o e5en$ually became !oo& an& e5il;

9

Accor&in! $o Rmi SimeKns &ic$ionary) $"e :or& )ollotl means) in Na"ua$l)9"ear$)9 9in$erior)9 $"e 9i$"9 o2 &rie& 2rui$) or $"e mea$ o2 a see&; 8e a&&s a

5ery enli!"$enin! series o2 rela$e& or &eri5e& :or&sB )ollo) s/ill2ul)in!enious) in$elli!en$) "a5in! a !oo& memory )ollocalli) in$erior) insi&e)

innar&s uei )olloca)otl ) coura!e) &arin!) ma!nanimi$y; 2ollotl ) $"en)

in&ica$es ones essence an& cen$er 2rom $"e s$an&oin$ o2 /no:le&!e)

ru&ence) in$elli!ence) 5alor) cer$ain$y) an& :is&om) :"ic" are roer$ies o2$"e "ear$) ne5er o2 $"e brain >:"ic" recei5es $"e bloo& :i$" :"ic" i$

2unc$ions $"an/s $o $"e "ear$? as ra$ionalism an& scien$ism belie5e; In

$ra&i$ional socie$ies) :"en $"e min& is so/en o2) i$ is ac$ually $"e "ear$ $"a$is mean$; T"e 2ormer is subor&ina$e& $o $"e la$$er) an& i$ is by an& in $"e

"ear$ $"a$ in$elli!ence an& li2e are ro&uce&; For $"e Mayas o2 Yuca$an) ri!"$in$en$ion is calle& ol ) a :or& $"a$) accor&in! $o $"e Diccionario de otul )also means 9"ear$;9 I$ is $"e same 2or $"e eoles o2 $"e moun$ains an&

la$eaus) esecially $"e Ca/c"iueles) 2or :"om $"e $erm reresen$s $"e

brea$" o2 all $"a$ li5es) $"e rincile o2 un&ers$an&in!; Le$ us a&& $"a$ $"e

Na"ua$l :or& )ollotl con$ains $"e same roo$ as ollin) 9mo$ion)9 a basicconce$ in re#Cor$esian $"ou!"$;

: As :e alrea&y /no:) $"ese 9i&eas9 &o no$ :a2$ abo5e reali$y) bu$ mo&i2y

socie$y an& man :"o li5es $"erein) $"us s"ain! $"e la$$er $"rou!" cus$oms)

usa!es) 2as"ions) 9belie2s)9 e$c;) :i$" :"ic" "e i&en$i2ies an& :"ic" ac$ually becomes all $"a$ "is is) an& "e 2eels 5ery con2i&en$) suremely rou&) o2 $"is;

As a resul$) "e :oul& be caable o2 elimina$in!) by one means or ano$"er)anyone $"a$ :oul& con$ra&ic$ "is con5ic$ions) "o:e5er rela$i5e or 2alse $"esemi!"$ be;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

II

INTRODCTION TO PRECOLM7IAN SYM7OLOGYFALLING

AND RAISING ENERGIES









Le$ us no: re$urn $o our &i5ision be$:een &escen&in! an& ascen&in!

ener!ies) :"ic" are $o be 2oun& in cons$an$ mo5emen$ on $"e

in$erme&iary lane) $"e ear$") be$:een "ea5en an& $"e un&er!roun&

:orl&; I$ is $"ose ener!ies $"a$ uni$e an& bin& $"ese olari$ies) an& $"eir

c"arac$eris$ics are incarna$e in $"e numina) $"e s$ars) an& 5e!e$a$ion) in$"e ere$ual cosmic ba$$le; T"e &ei$ies are $"ese ener!ies or a$$ribu$es o2

$"e in&issoluble uni$y) o2 $"e un/no:n an& in5isible !o& &:ellin! in $"e

remo$es$ "ei!"$s o2 "ea5en) ere$ually in5en$in! "imsel2) in all

immobili$y) an& mani2es$in! "imsel2 $"rou!" &escen&in! emana$ions;

8a5in! circula$e& amon! all $"in!s) an& s"ae& $"em) $"ese emana$ions

rise once more $o "im) in $"e al$erna$in! an& cyclical r"y$"m o2 $"e

uni5ersal ener!y e+ressin! $"emsel5es on $"ree le5elsB "ea5en) ear$")

an& $"e sub$erranean :orl&; I$ is $"e !o&s) $"en) :"o are $"e

in$erme&iaries ar e+cellence o2 $"e cosmic lan) an& $"eir on!oin!

in$erac$ion bears $"e names o2 e5ery$"in! crea$e&;

Codex Vaticano /

T"is marria!e o2 "ea5en an& ear$"@or "ea5en an& $"e sub$erranean

:orl&) in $"e cul$ures :"ose $ria& is no$ "ea5en) $"e a$mos"ere >or

man?) an& ear$") bu$ "ea5en) ear$") an& $"e sub$erranean :orl&@is

ermanen$) an& $"e !o&s are born) &ie) an& rise a!ain) as &o "uman bein!s) $"e s$ars in $"e &ay an& in $"e ni!"$) an& 5e!e$a$ion in $"e annual

cyclical erio&B in !eneral in any conce$ o2 recyclin!) or o2 r"y$"m

resen$ in any mani2es$a$ion;

T"e Mesoamerican Jue$<alcoa$l) an& $"e Incan 1iracoc"a >$o!e$"er :i$"

many o$"er) analo!ous) Precolumbian &ei$ies) suc" as $"e Mayan



Gu/uma$<#u/ul/an an& $"e Colombian 7oc"ica?) clearly illus$ra$e $"is

in$errela$ions"i o2 $"e risin! an& 2allin! $"a$ occurs in $"e 5ery bo&y o2

$"e &ei$y; In&ee&) $"ese !o&s incarna$e@as men; T"ey &ie) rise) an&

ascen& once more $o $"eir &:ellin! lace; In $"e ar$icular case o2

Jue$<alcoa$l) "is 5ery name >9Plume& Seren$9? symboli<es $"e

conunc$ion o2 oosi$es) $"e union o2 $"e creein! :i$" $"e 2lyin!) $"e

ener!ies reresen$e& by ear$" an& air) :"ic" are oose& $o) an& &o

ba$$le :i$") eac" o$"er) in $"e 2as"ion o2) an& in correson&ence :i$") $"e

o$"er elemen$s o2 $"e cosmosB :a$er an& 2ire;

In 2ac$) $"e &escen&in!#an&#ascen&in! ener!y incarna$e& an& syn$"esi<e&

by Jue$<alcoa$l un2ol&s on $"e le5el o2 ear$") :"ere i$ mani2es$s i$sel2 in

$:o airs o2 symme$rical oosi$es) as :e "a5e sai& abo5e; Jue$<alcoa$l

is a symbol o2 $"e biolar) abo5e#an&#belo:) a+ial ener!y) :"ic") uon

2in&in! a sui$able me&ium) e+resses i$sel2) !enera$in! $"e "ori<on$al

lane; -"ere $"is lane is concerne&) $"e 2allin!#an&#risin! a+ial ener!y

is cen$ralB in &i5i&in! in$o $:o airs o2 con$raries) $o :"ic" $"e

&escen&in!#ascen&in! oosi$ion is $rans2erre& in a cruci2orm 2i!ure) i$

abi&es a$ $"e 2i2$" oin$@a$ $"e immu$able in$ersec$ion; A2$er all) i$ is i$s

2orce $"a$ "as crea$e& $"e 2i!ure) us$ as i$ is $o $"is a+is $"a$ i$ al:ays

re$urns) "a5in! cons$an$ly $o ensure i$s euilibrium by :ay o2 $"e

in$erlay o2 $"e $ensions o2 i$s o:n s$ruc$ure@$"a$ is) $"e $ensions o2 all

$"a$ i$ is;

=*llin= symbolCodex /orb-nico

T"is 2i2$" oin$ belon!s $o Jue$<alcoa$l) as $"e in$erme&iary o2 $"ese $:o

ener!ies) $"a$ o2 $"e creein! an& $"a$ o2 $"e 2lyin!) o2 $"e "uman an& o2

$"e &i5ine) :"ic") as :e "a5e sai&) conoin in "im) so $"a$ $o "im is

a$$ribu$e& crea$ion) s$abili<a$ion) an& sal5a$ion) an& "e is si!ne& :i$" $"e

number 2i5e@$"e number $"a$ &eno$es man an& $"e mys$ery o2 "is &ouble

na$ure) :"ic" na$ure can be uni2ie& in "is o:n "ear$ as !o&#man an&





man#!o&;

A$ $"is s$a!e) "a5in! once more se$ 2or$" $"e role o2 $"e a+is) an& o2 $"e

number 2i5e an& i$s a$$ribu$ion $o Jue$<alcoa$l) le$ us no: $urn our

a$$en$ion $o $"e o$"er 2our oin$s o2 $"e "ori<on$al lane@$"a$ is) $"e

2allin!#an&#risin! ener!y roec$e& in$o $"e cosmos an& e+$en&e& in$o all

$"in!sB in$o $"e 2our corners o2 $"e :orl&) in$o $"e 2our colors) in$o $"e

2our seasons o2 $ime) an& esecially) in $"is case) in$o $"e 2our aaren$

s$a$es or elemen$s in :"ic" 9ma$$er9 is mani2es$e&; 9Ma$$er9 is suc" in

5ir$ue o2 $"e cruci2orm in$erac$ion o2 $"ese elemen$s) an& $"eir

mo5emen$ in $"e 2orm o2 an al$erna$in! roun& in :"ic" >in sace an&

$ime?) in recise 2as"ion) $"ey succee& one ano$"er) :i$" one o2 $"em

al:ays re&omina$in! o5er $"e o$"ers; T"is re&ominance can be clearly

arecia$e& in $"e &i5ision o2 $"e cycle in$o 2i5e !rea$ eras correson&in!

$o $"ese elemen$s) a &i5ision roer $o $"e ancien$ American

ci5ili<a$ions;2

Re$urnin! $o Jue$<alcoa$l) le$ us oin$ ou$ $"a$ $"ere are a number o2

5ersions o2 $"e s$ory o2 $"is my$"ical ersona!e) :"ic" li/e:ise

correson& $o $"e 5er$icali$y o2 "is 2unc$ions as a !o&) $"a$ is) as

emissary o2 $"e &i5ine ener!ies; All o2 $"ese 5ersions) "o:e5er)

con5er!e in $"is sc"ema o2 $"e &escen&in!#an&#ascen&in!) :i$" cer$ain

ar$icular or secon&ary c"arac$eris$ics :"ic" i$ is in$eres$in! $o obser5e;

Jue$<alcoa$l is !o& o2 2ire) an& in $"is sense "is sacri2ice reea$s $"a$ o2

Nana"ua$<in) $"e crea$or >a reulsi5e !o& co5ere& :i$" sores? inTeo$i"uacan) also i&en$i2ie& :i$" 8ue"ue$eo$l; 8e is a c"il& o2 $"e air

:"o "a5e emana$e& 2rom Ome$eo$l@Ome$ecu$li an& Omeci"ua$l@an&) as

suc") a &escen&in! !o&; 8e is also !o& o2 $"e air) an&) accor&in!ly)

&i5ine brea$" an& messen!er; As &ei$y o2 $"e :in&) "e is a$ $"e

9be!innin! o2 :a$er)9 a$ $"e 9"ear$ o2 :a$er)9 since "e clears $"e a$" 2or

$"e rains) :"ic" "e re!ularly roclaime& a$ $"e close o2 $"e &ry season)

emissary $"a$ "e is o2 $"e re!enera$ion o2 na$ure;

In $"e same sense) as "eral& o2 $"e mornin!) "e lea&s $"e sun in i$s

course) an& roclaims $"e ne: &ay) ac$in! as bon& be$:een $"e &ar/nesso2 ni!"$ an& $"e mornin! li!"$; T"is &ual role is li/e:ise $o be remar/e&

in "is 2unc$ion as !o& o2 $:ins) an& esecially in $"e bon& "e main$ains

:i$" "is o:n $:in) olo$l@1enus as mornin! s$ar an& e5enin! s$ar@:"o

reresen$s $"e &ar/) mois$) sub$erranean ar$ o2 $"e &ual reali$y o2 :"ic"

Jue$<alcoa$l si!ni2ies $"e luminous or$ion;






In Teo$i"uacan) an& in o$"er Mesoamerican mani2es$a$ions) $"is &ei$y is

associa$e& :i$" Tlaloc an& $"ere2ore :i$" rain an& :a$ers@also :i$" $"e

moon@ an& 2or $"a$ reason :i$" 2ecun&a$ion) !enera$ion) an& 5e!e$a$ion;

T"is lin/s "im :i$" $"e &ei$ies o2 ear$" an& na$ure) as :ell; 8e oins in

"imsel2 $"e 2our elemen$s $"a$ are comlemen$e& in "im) an& as

&escen&in!#an&#ascen&in! &ei$y "e cons$an$ly recycles $"e uni5erse;7 8e

is $"e &i5ine o$ency in ac$ion) $"e :or& an& brea$" o2 $"a$ bein!) no:

ol&) calle& $"e :orl&; T"is in$erme&iary role "as al:ays been a$$ribu$e&

$o Jue$<alcoa$l@an& "ence "is close connec$ion :i$" $"e sun@since "e is

$"e buil&er o2 $"e :orl&) $"e &emiur!e) us$ as "e is $"e column

suor$in! $"e cosmos) as :ell as $"e crea$or o2 man 2rom $"e bones o2

$"e &ecease&) :"ic" are irri!a$e& :i$" $"e bloo& o2 "is &ismembermen$)

as :i$" o$"er !o&s o2 5arious $ra&i$ions;

8e is also $"e main$ainer) an& as suc" $"e 9&isco5erer)9 o2 mai<e) $"a$

nu$rimen$ o2 man; 8e is e&uca$or) ps)chopomposB "e "as bes$o:e&

science) an& "e &isenses /no:le&!e o2 $"e cosmo!onic an& $"eur!ic

mys$eries; 8e is li/e:ise sa5ior an& &eli5erer) inasmuc" as $"e

re5ela$ion an& incarna$ion o2 $"is bein! romo$es in us ini$ia$ion in$o $"e

True Man) $"e Arc"e$yal Man ar e+cellence) $"e mo&el) symbol) an&

e+amle $o be 2ollo:e& ri$ually by $"e sa!es) :arriors) ar$is$s) an&

2armers :"o "a5e s"ae& $"e communi$y o2 $"e Precolumbian eoles;

Jue$<alcoa$l is in $"e be!innin! >as crea$or?) in $"e mi&&le >as sus$ainer?)

an& in $"e en& >as "oe o2 re$urn) or $"e oor$uni$y $o be recei5e& by resen$ man in "is in$eriori$y?) since) $ra&i$ionally) an& unanimously) "is

messianic re$urn is e+ec$e& on $"e na$i5e con$inen$;

As symbol o2 $"e lane$ 1enus) Jue$<alcoa$l $ra5erses $"e un&er!roun&

:orl&) an& emer!es reslen&en$ 2rom $"e mur/y $rials $o :"ic" "e is

subec$e&;8 Jue$<alcoa$l Toil$<in) in! o2 Tula) $"e !o&s "is$orical

ima!e) &oes $"e same $"in!) an& reea$s a $ruly un&er!roun& >or

in2ramun&ane? ourney) $"a$ inclu&es in$o+ica$ion an& inces$@as symbols

o2 :"a$ is ou$si&e or beyon& $"e la:@be2ore "is culmina$ion as bri!"$

s$ar o2 $"e &a:n; T"is cen$ral &ei$y o2 $"e American eoles@:"o /no:"im un&er &i22eren$ names@!a$"ers $"e &i5ine ac$i5i$y :i$"in "imsel2)

an& $"ere2ore is $"e mos$ celebra$e& ima!e o2 $"e o$en$iali$y o2 $"e

sacre&;

T"e &ei$ies symboli<e& by $"e sun an& $"e moon also "a5e one ascen&in!

asec$ or mo5emen$) an& ano$"er &escen&in!; T"e sun e+ecu$es $"e








2ormer 2rom mi&ni!"$ $o noon) an& $"e secon& 2rom noon $o mi&ni!"$)

assin! $"rou!" sunrise an& sunse$@$"a$ is) in 2our s$es) :"ic" i$

&ulica$es) yearly) 2rom $"e :in$er sols$ice $o $"e summer sols$ice an&

$"en 5ice 5ersa) assin! $"rou!" $"e euino+es; T"e moon reali<es i$s

risin! >or :a+in!? erio& 2rom ne: moon $o 2ull moon) an& i$s 2allin! >or

:anin!? erio& 2rom $"e la$$er $o $"e 2ormer; I$ li/e:ise er2orms $"em

in 2our s$a!es) :"ic" are $"e se5en#&ay :ee/s o2 a $:en$y#ei!"$#&ay

mon$"; T"e year) mean:"ile) consis$s o2 $"ir$een moons) 2or a $o$al o2

2i2$y#$:o :ee/s o2 se5en &ays >0 + ,' W (.*?;

7u$ no$ only mus$ :e consi&er $"is mo5emen$ o2 risin!2allin! ener!ies

in eac" s$ar in ar$icularB i$ mus$ also be $a/en in$o accoun$ $"a$) in $"e

sunmoon binomial) $"e sun is re!ar&e& as ascen&in! >ac$i5e? an& $"e

moon as &escen&in! >assi5e?) :"ic") !enerally sea/in!) $"e

Precolumbian $ra&i$ions "a5e conseuen$ly $rans2orme& in$o "usban&

an& :i2e) or bro$"er an& sis$er) or "ea5en an& ear$"; An& as "ea5en is

2a$"er an& ear$" is mo$"er) $"ese same 5alues are $rans2erre& $o $"e

2irmamen$) $o be reresen$e& by $"e sun an& $"e moon as in$erme&iary

&ei$ies;

A$ $"e same $ime) $"e sun is i&en$i2ie& :i$" 2ire an& $"e moon :i$" :a$er)

air bein! associa$e& :i$" $"e solar e+ansion) an& ear$" :i$" i$s recei$

o2 $"e moon an& i$s subseuen$ 2ecun&a$ion; Li/e:ise) :e obser5e $"a$

$"e &escen&in! &ei$ies mus$ be celes$ial >o$"er:ise $"ey coul& no$

&escen&?) an& in5ersely) $"e ascen&in! &ei$ies mus$ be lin/e& :i$" ear$";

7y :ay o2 imme&ia$e conclusion) $"e moon@an& in some cases $"e sun)

as :ell) esecially $"e noon&ay sun@is ascen&in! inso2ar as i$ is re!ar&e&

in i$s rela$ions"i :i$" $"e ear$") !ro:$") an& 5e!e$a$ion) an& &escen&in!

in i$s rela$ions"i :i$" $"e s/y) basically in 5ir$ue o2 i$s ar$icia$ion in

$"e rains;





un&er:orl&?) an& $"eir subseuen$ re$urn $o $"e "ea5ens) 2orm a cycle) a

ermanen$ roun& o2 &escen$#an&#ascen$ >$"e noc$urnal an& $"e &iurnal?;

T"e &ei$ies cons$i$u$e $"e ener!ies o2 $"is cons$an$ course $ra5erse&

be$:een "ea5en an& ear$" >an& un&er:orl&?) an& eac" o2 $"em reea$s

$"is 2allin!#risin! oosi$ion :i$"in i$sel2@as &o all $"in!s@as $"ey

ere$ually &ance) sin!) ain$) or :ea5e $"e :"ole cosmos) o2 :"ic"

$"ey are $"e ro$a!onis$s;

In $an&em) all o2 $"is is simul$aneously rero&uce& :i$"in man) :"ere

$"e "ierarc"ies or scale& lanes are &ulica$e&) e+$en&in! 2rom $"e mos$

&ia"anous lane o2 $"e nin$" "ea5en) $"a$ is) 2rom $"e e$ernal

imassi5i$y o2 $"e be!innin!) $o $"e las$ sub$erranean :orl&) $"e &ar/)

boilin! ac$i5i$y o2 $"e ear$" an& i$s in2ernal &ei$ies;

Codex /orgia

Le$ us li/e:ise in&ica$e $"a$) a$ $"e same $ime as $"e &ei$y &escen&s)incarna$es) is "umani<e&) man) $"rou!" $"e me&ia$ion o2 in5oca$ion an&

ri$e) is raise&) ascen&s) is &i5ini<e&; In $"eo!onic $erms) !race is

&escen&in!) rayer an& sacri2ice ascen&in!; YKlo$l Gon<=le< Torres

&eclaresB 9T"e T!ontemo#ue) as :ell) :"o &escen& "ea&lon!) :ere

re!ar&e& as "an$asms an& s$ars)9 an& s"e a&&sB

-i$" re!ar& $o $"e T!ontemo#ue) i$ :ill be in or&er $o oin$

ou$ $"a$) in 5arious co&ices) $"ese are reresen$e& as bein!s

$"a$ &escen& 2rom "ea5en "ea&2irs$) unli/e cer$ain !o&s@

Jue$<alcoa$l amon! $"em@:"o li/e:ise &escen&) bu$ 2ee$

2irs$) alon! a cor& or a a$":ay; T"e bo&ies o2 $"ese

&escen&in! bein!s are ain$e& a2$er $"e 2as"ion o2 $"ose o2

$"e ,a,antin) or sacri2ice& &ea&;

-e s"oul& li/e $o call a$$en$ion $o $"e i&en$i2ica$ion) in $"e 2ore!oin!

ci$a$ion) o2 $"e &escen&in! &ei$ies :i$" $"eir oosi$esB $"ose :"o "a5e

&ie& in sacri2ice) amon! :"om :e 2in& slain :arriors) an& /in!#ries$

Jue$<alcoa$l "imsel2) :"o is i&en$i2ie& :i$" 1enus; On $"e o$"er "an&)



le$ us obser5e $"a$ $"e Tlachinolli) $"e 9sacre& :ar9@$"e in$ernal s$ru!!le)

ul$ima$ely) $"e in$erior ren&in!) since all $"in!s are ercei5e&) an& li5e)

in $"e 2iel& o2 consciousness@is reresen$e& i&eo!ramma$ically in $"e

Me+ican co&ices by $"e !ly"s o2 :a$er an& 2ire) resec$i5ely 2allin! an&

risin! elemen$s;

Le$ us be clear $"a$ $"e "i!"es$ !o&s o2 "ea5en communica$e :i$" ear$"

$"rou!" $"e me&ia$ion o2 $"e &ei$ies o2 $"e in$erme&ia$e lane) $"a$ is)

$"rou!" $"e lane$s an& s$ars@esecially $"e Sun) $"e Moon) 1enus) an&

$"e Pleia&es@in close rela$ions"i :i$" $"e "armonious measure o2 $ime)

$"e a$mos"eric "enomena an& $"e numina o2 $"un&er) $"un&erbol$ >an&

li!"$nin!?) $"e :in&) an& $"e rain) &ei$ies $"a$ are crea$i5e in $"eir

caaci$y as 2ecun&a$in! or re!enera$i5e;/ In !eneral $erms) :e may say

$"a$ $"e Mesoamericans concei5e& $"e cosmos as a !i!an$ic bein! :"ose

eyes :ere $"e sun an& $"e moon or $"e s$ars) i$s brea$" >i$s brea$" o2 li2e?

$"e :in&) i$s 5oice $"un&er) i$s :eaon >!lanceWarro:? $"un&erbol$) an&

i$s :eein! $"e rain;

-"a$ :e "a5e "ere is $"e i&ea o2 a &i5ine $"ou!"$ $"a$ is e+resse& by

$"e !o&s :or& as si!ni2ie& by "is a$$ribu$es) or@$o u$ i$ in a &i22eren$

:ay@as si!ni2ie& by $"e lane$ary or a$mos"eric numina >"ierarc"i<e&

in le5els or "ea5ens?) $"ose c"il&ren o2 $"e One Go& an& o2 "is

Primor&ial Duali$y; T"ese numina) in $"eir &ialec$ical s$ru!!le) succee&

in ro&ucin! $"e necessary >2er$ili<in! an& re!enera$i5e? reac$ion on $"e

ar$ o2 $"e &ei$ies o2 ear$"; T"ese la$$er) $"rou!" $"eir cooera$ion) areable $o comle$e $"e or&aine& cycle) :"ic" !i5es rise $o uni5ersal li2e)

an& $"us es$ablis" $"e euilibrium o2 $"e cosmos $"rou!" $"e ossibili$y

o2 $"eir re#ascen$ $o $"eir ori!in; T"ey e+ecu$e $"is 2inal mo5emen$ in $"e

cycle as a sacri2icial o22erin! $o $"e ul$ima$e &ei$y) :"ose sus$enance is)

symbolically) li2e) bur!eonin! 5e!e$a$ion) mai<e) an& animals) as :ell as

man;

Lo!ically enou!") $"e mos$ oular !o&s are $"ose o2 $"e ear$" an& $"e

a$mos"ere) since $"eir 5ery con&i$ion ma/es $"em more accessible $o

$"e maori$y o2 eole) :"ile $"e as$ral or celes$ial &ei$ies) bein! moree+al$e& an& abs$rac$) are) recisely in 5ir$ue o2 $"eir in$an!ible na$ure)

more remo$e; T"is same "ierarc"i<a$ion e+is$s :i$"in eac" in&i5i&ual

a:areness :i$" resec$ $o $"e rocess o2 no:le&!e; In $"e sc"ema o2

$"e A<$ec ci5ili<a$ion) $"e mos$ abs$rac$ correson&s $o $"e "i!"es$

"ea5en an& $o $"e ries$ly cas$e; T"e ma$erial correson&s $o $"e lo:es$)

an& $o $"e cas$e o2 $"e macehualli; T"e cen$ral oin$ is occuie& by $"e





sun@$"e :arrior cas$e@as c"il& an& !ran&c"il& o2 $"e &i5ine Fa$"er an&

Gran&2a$"er) an& by $"e moon as "is consor$; I$ is $o $"e sun) "o:e5er)

$"a$ $"e a$$ribu$es o2 $"e "i!"es$ !o&s are $rans2erre&) an& $"is coinci&es

:i$" $"e assa!e 2rom $"e ries$ly cas$e $o $"e :arrior cas$e >2rom

Jue$<alcoa$l $o 8ui$<ilooc"$li?) an& $o $"e es$ran!emen$ o2 $"e "i!"es$

&ei$y in 5ir$ue o2 $"ese cyclical la:s $"a$ cons$i$u$e $"e uni5erse; A

2amiliar ins$ance o2 $"e in5ersion o2 $"e 2allin!#an&#risin! a$$ern is $"e

case o2 2ire; As a "ea5enly rincile) i$ is a &escen&in! one; T"e A<$ecs

sa: i$ in $"ree s$ars >mamalhua!tli?) in :"ose ima!e :as ro&uce&) by

2ric$ion be$:een $:o o2 $"em) "ysical 2ire; 7u$ as a $erres$rial

reali<a$ion) ob5iously) i$ is an ascen&in! one; Ne5er$"eless $"ese $:o

2ires are analo!ous@reresen$a$ions o2 a sin!le) olari<e& rincile; T"ey

are conoine& in man) :"o is able $o un&ers$an& $"is rimor&ial

in5ersion) an& $o u$ili<e $"is ear$"ly 2ire as an ima!e &eri5e& 2rom a

common ori!in) :"ic") 2rom $"is ersec$i5e) $"en resen$s i$sel2 as

risin!) $"a$ is) as a re$urn $o $"e i&en$i$y o2 i$s essence;

-e "a5e $"e ara&o+ o2 2allin! &ei$ies bein! $"e "i!"es$) an& risin!

&ei$ies $"e lo:es$; T"is comes clear in rela$ion $o $"e &ouble a$" $o be

$ra5erse&) an& $"e in5ersion@an& analo!y@ob$ainin! 2rom ei$"er

5ie:oin$) :"ic" in man is $ransla$e& as a con$ra&ic$ion be$:een "is $:o

na$ures) an& $"e ersec$i5e a&o$e& :i$" resec$ $o $"ese; Le$ us

obser5e as :ell $"a$ Ome$ecu$li@$"e &ual lor&@sen$ "is :arm$" an& "is

emana$ions $o $"ose :i$" c"il&) $o $"ose :"o :ere $o !enera$e) $"ose :"o:ere $o !i5e li2e on $"e ear$"; Le$ us recall) besi&es) $"a$ $"ose :"o "a&

&ie& in c"il&bir$" :ere re!ar&e& as :arriors) an& as suc") as

accomanyin! $"e sun in ar$ o2 i$s $rium"al course; On $"e o$"er "an&)

$"e &ei$ies o2 $"e rain are also ar$icularly ma!ical) seein! $"a$ i$ is $"eir

cons$an$ ac$i5i$y $"a$ ro&uces $"e 2ruc$i2ica$ion o2 $"e ear$") $"a$

ro&uces li2e) an& $"eir ere$ual !oin! 2or$" an& re$urnin! is consi&ere&

sacre&B $"eir &escen$ as :a$er) an& $"eir re$urn $o $"e s/ies@uon con$ac$

:i$" ear$") :"ere $"ey are $rans2orme& in$o mis$ an& clou&@$"ence $o

&escen& ane:) :oun&e& by $"un&erbol$) once more $o 2er$ili<e $"e

:orl&;

T"ere is no eole :"o "a5e no$ /no:n $"is rocess) "o:e5er li$$le $"ey

may e+lain i$ in scien$i2ic or "iloso"ical $erms; Le$ us li/e:ise no$e

$"a$ $"e bloo& o2 $"e sacri2ice&) $"a$ sacre& liuor) :as &enomina$e&

9recious :a$er9 >chalchiuitlatl ?; Li/e ulue) $"is liui& combine&

:i$"in i$sel2 $"e symbolical con$ra&ic$ion o2 :a$er an& 2ire) an&





"armoniously combine&) in $"e bo&y o2 $"e sacre&) :i$"ou$ any

reu&ice) 9e5il9 an& 9!oo&)9 i$s 5ice an& i$s 5ir$ue;9

T"ere are &o<ens o2 Precolumbian e+amles o2 :"a$ :e are asser$in!)

an& $"ey may er"as be no$e& :i$" !rea$er 2acili$y in $"e &i5ini$ies o2$"e In&ians o2 Nor$" an& Sou$" America) $"e Caribbean) an& $"e Mayan

re!ion) $"an in $"e more comle+) many#2ace$e& an$"eon o2 $"e A<$ecs@

see$"in! as $"e la$$er is :i$" numina loc/e& in cons$an$ &ynamic comba$)

an& ossessin! in$erc"an!eable a$$ribu$es; Fur$"ermore) :e no: /no:

$"a$ lis$in! $"e !o&s is no$ $"e same as sea/in! o2 $"e &ei$y or o2 $"e

conce$ o2 $"e sacre&; Ne5er$"eless) $"e &i5ine a$$ribu$es@$"a$ is) $"e

i&en$i2ica$ion o2 $"e &ei$ies an& $"eir 2unc$ions@"as i$s imor$ance 2or a

rea&in! o2 $"e Mesoamerican co&ices) :"ere $"ese &ei$ies aear in

combina$ion :i$" numbers) mon$"s) &ays) an& o$"er numina an&

e+ressions o2 $"e sacre&) in a &ance o2 s:irlin! colors) in a

/alei&oscoe o2 meanin!s;:

O$"er $"emes $"a$ in5ariably aear@2or e+amle) $"a$ o2 &uali$y

>coules) $:ins?) $"a$ o2 $"e "ierarc"y be$:een $"e :orl&s or "ea5ens

>2a$"er) sons) !o&s) in$erme&iaries) an& so 2or$"?) $"a$ o2 ma$ernal

5ir!ini$y) $"e &elu!e >:i$" re!ar& $o $"e !rea$ eras?) crea$ion by :or&)

an& $"a$ o2 $"e re$urn o2 $"e &ei$y a$ $"e close o2 $"e cycle@are $"e $"emes

$"a$ rela$e $o $"e course o2 $"e sun) $"e moon) an& 1enus; T"ese bo&ies

are $"e "ea5enly 5oya!ers ar e+cellence) an& $"eir un5aryin! career

mar/s $"e !ui&elines o2 $"e mo&el o2 $"e cosmos; T"ey all sail $"rou!"

$"e s/y@eac" on i$s o:n course@across $"e s$arry ocean) 2rom $"e line o2

$"e eas$ern "ori<on $o $"eir se$$in! in $"e :es$) :"ere $"ey &isaear) $o

&ie in $"e un&er:orl&@$"a$ coun$ry o2 $"e &ecease&) o2 &issolu$ion) o2

ni!"$) o2 lar5al 2orms@:"ic" $"ey $ra5erse) $o $rium" o5er &ea$" an& $o

be born ane:) an& !ro:) an& e+ecu$e $"e cycle once more;

T"e sun &escen&s by one !a$e >$"e :es$ern "oo in $"e !ame o2 ball? an&

ascen&s by $"e o$"er >$"e eas$ern "oo?) a2$er "a5in! en&ure& e+ile)

imrisonmen$) an& &ea$" in $"e un&er!roun& :orl&) $o resurrec$ as a"ea5enly bo&y $"a$ u$s 2ur$"er a:ay $"e &ar/ness an& e5il $"a$ oose

i$; For $"e E!y$ians) $"is $raec$ory :as e22ec$e& :i$"in $"e bo&y o2 $"e

!o&&ess Nu$) :"o &ouble& u@2ormin! 2our columns :i$" "er arms an&

le!s@an& !a5e bir$" $o "er c"il& $"e sun) :"o :as reabsorbe& by "er a$

$"e close o2 &ay;







T"e symbol o2 $"e seren$ :i$" $:o "ea&s) one a$ eac" en& o2 i$s bo&y) is

2oun& across $"e len!$" an& brea&$" o2 ancien$ America; In&ee& i$ is

rac$ically uni5ersal >as in $"e Gree/ an& Roman am"isbaena?; In

Mesoamerican symbolo!y) $"is s$ran!e animal is cus$omarily assimila$e&

$o "ea5en@an&@:"y no$@$o $"e ear$") in5er$e& coun$erar$ o2 "ea5en) as

i2 bo$" :ere $"e $:o "al5es o2 a s"ere or a suare in $"e 2orm o2 a

losange) $"a$ is) $"e symbolical 2i!ure o2 a &ouble yrami& >or cone?

oine& a$ i$s base; T"e seren$ &e5ours $"e sun) :"ic" emer!es once

more 2rom i$s !ulle$ a$ $"e o$"er en&; Some au$"ors oin$ ou$ i$s

icono!ra"ic resemblance $o $"e Far Eas$ern &ra!on; In all $ra&i$ions)

$"ese $:o &oors >or symbols o2 assa!e? "a5e been se$ in rela$ions"i

:i$" $"e year an& i$s $:o sols$ices an& $:o euino+es >or :i$" $"e &ry

an& rainy seasons?) $"ose 2unc$ions o2 $"e e5erlas$in!ly reea$e& cosmic

cycle; T"is circums$ance ren&ers $"ese 95oya!ers9 !enuine

in$erme&iaries an& lor&sB $"rou!" $"eir be"a5ior) $"ey re5eal $"e cosmic

lan) an& accor&in!ly) $"e $"ou!"$ o2 $"eir crea$or) :"ic" $rans2orms

$"em in$o "iero"an$s or ps)chopompoi @$"a$ is) in$o &i5ine messen!ers)

ini$ia$ors in$o $"e mys$eries an& $"e sacre&ness o2 li2e; -e 2in& $"e

eui5alen$ in $"e Precolumbian man) :"o) $"rou!" $"e ri$es o2 ini$ia$ion)

rei$era$es $"e crea$i5e &ee&) assis$in! a$ $"e !enera$ion o2 a luminous)

or&ere& :orl&) e5er ne: an& in$ac$ :i$"in "imsel2) an& bes$o:in!

5ali&i$y an& reason uon "is e+is$ence;

A2$er all) bein! $"e c"il& o2 mo$"er ear$" >li/e mai<e?) :"ic" "as been2ecun&a$e& by "ea5en) man arises as an in$erme&iary $"a$ assembles bo$"

rinciles) an& $"is bes$o:s uon "im $"e caaci$y $o ascen&) $o re$urn

once more $o "ea5en) $"ence $o &escen& once more) i2 necessary)

e+ecu$in! $"e 2ul2illmen$ o2 $"e cyclical la:;- T"is may be $"e basic

c"arac$eris$ic o2 $"e Arc"e$yal) Ori!inal Oneness o2 $"e 5arious

$ra&i$ions; In any case i$ is 2oun& in one 2orm or ano$"er $"rou!"ou$ all

socie$ies an& $"eir symbols) :"e$"er or no$ $"ese cul$ures "a5e ro&uce&

"i!" ci5ili<a$ions;

3O456 -a$er is col&) 2ire is "o$; Similarly) air is &ry >an& :arm?) ear$" is "umi&

>an& cool?; T"ere is a belie2 $"a$ $"e balance amon! $"ese ins$able elemen$s@

:"ic" con$ain one ano$"er@s"aes "uman :ell#bein!) an& i$s eui5alen$)$"a$ o2 $"e social or!anism; -e ou!"$ $o recall "ere $"e circle o2 $"e

elemen$s in classical Greco#Roman $ra&i$ion@an& in o$"er ci5ili<a$ions@







eui5alen$ $o $"e succession o2 $"e s$a$es o2 9ma$$er9 an& i$s ere$ual

$rans2orma$ion an& recyclin!; T"is conce$ion is resen$ in $"e

Precolumbian $ra&i$ions) esecially in connec$ion :i$" $"e Grea$ Eras orcosmic cycles;

2 A$ $imes) 2or $"e urose o2 cer$ain calcula$ions) $"e cycle is &i5i&e& only by

2our) since in $"ese cases $"e cen$ral oin$ is le2$ ou$ o2 accoun$; Le$ us a&&$"a$ $"e -as"o In&ians o2 Cali2ornia "a5e a crea$ion my$" in :"ic" a "u!e2ire roars across $"e ear$"; T"e 2lames moun$ $o $"e s/y an& reac" $"e s$ars)

:"ic" 2all) ro5o/in! an inun&a$ion) :"ic" "uman bein!s a$$em$ $o escae

by buil&in! a $o:er;

7 -e a$$ribu$e imor$ance $o $"e 9elemen$s)9 or aaren$ s$a$es o2 ma$$er an&$"eir 2lui&i$y@:"e$"er $"ey be $a/en as rinciles o2 ma$$er) or sensible

uali$ies o2 $"e same@in or&er $o un&ers$an& $"e cosmo!ony an& $"eo!ony o2

$"e ancien$ Americans; Our reason 2or &oin! so is no$ only $"a$ $"eyconcei5e& $"in!s in $"is :ay) bu$ also $"a$ $"ese $ra&i$ions@er"as by

reason o2 $"eir cons$an$ &islacemen$s@2oun& $"emsel5es closely boun& u:i$" na$ure as an e5i&en$ mani2es$a$ion o2 sacrali$y@as $"e reali<a$ion o2 a rincile o2 :"ic" na$ure is $"e sensible uali$y; Le$ us ma/e i$ clear $"a$

$"is na$ure "as no$"in! 9na$ural9 abou$ i$ in $o&ays meanin! o2 $"e :or&) nor

:i$" :"a$ $"e 9&isco5erers9 an& 9coloni<ers9 un&ers$oo& by 9na$ure9 in $"e

si+$een$" an& se5en$een$" cen$uries >e;!;) in $"e 9Na$ural 8is$ories9 o2 $"eIn&ies?;

8 T"e lane$ 1enus &escribes in $"e s/y an 9eccen$ric9 course) :"ic" also

inclu&es a re$ro!ra&e mo5emen$; 1enus erio& las$s ,3* &ays) an& is

&i5i&e& in$o 2our ar$s; For ',6 &ays i$ is $"e e5enin! s$ar $"en i$ becomesin5isible 2or ei!"$ &ays i$ aears ane:) as $"e mornin! s$ar) 2or '(. &ays

2inally i$ &isaears 2or 46 &ays) $"ence $o become $"e e5enin! s$ar oncemore an& resume i$s cycle; I2 :e $a/e) as our s$ar$in! oin$) $"e lane$ 1enuson a &ay on :"ic" i$ aears a$ si+ ocloc/ ;m;) near $"e :es$ern "ori<on)

a2$er sunse$) :e s"all obser5e $"a$) 2rom $"a$ momen$ on:ar&) on $"e

subseuen$ &ays a$ $"e same "our) 1enus rece&es 2rom $"e "ori<on an&aears a$ a !rea$er ele5a$ion) un$il i$ reac"es i$s ma+imum elon!a$ion o2

2or$y#si+ &e!rees) :"ere i$ $"en remains) s$a$ionary as i$ :ere) 2or a number

o2 &ays; T"en i$ !ra&ually aroac"es $"e :es$ern "ori<on un$il i$ en$ers in$oconunc$ion :i$" $"e sun an& &isaears; I$ "as e+ecu$e& a re$ro!ra&e

mo5emen$; La$er) i$ aears once more) a$ $"e eas$ern "ori<on) as mornin!

s$ar) un$il i$ once more reac"es an elon!a$ion o2 2or$y#si+ &e!rees) :"ere i$

a!ain remains s$a$ionary) $"ence !ra&ually $o re$urn $o $"e eas$ern "ori<on)an& &isaear a!ain in i$s o$"er solar conunc$ion) :"ic" is &is$in!uis"e&

2rom $"e 2ormer by $"e names 9in2erior9 an& 9suerior;9 T"a$ is) $"e 9&irec$9

mo5emen$ is $"e one $"a$ occurs cloc/:ise) 2rom le2$ $o ri!"$) :"ile $"ere$ro!ra&e is $"e oosi$e; In o$"er :or&s $"e lane$ accomlis"es $"e 2irs$

by circui$in! $"e a+is on i$s ri!"$) an& $"e secon& :i$" $"e a+is on $"e le2$;

Le$ us e+lain $"a$ $"e Precolumbian cul$ures $oo/ in$o consi&era$ion 1enusori!in in $"e eas$) :"ere i$ be!an i$s course; For $"e A<$ecs) $"e cycle be!an









a$ ce>acátl ) si!n o2 $"e eas$ an& o2 Jue$<alcoa$l >1enus?;

/ -i$" an aus$eri$y s$rie& almos$ $o bare bones) so c"arac$eris$ic o2 Inca

ci5ili<a$ion) in Cu<co :e 2in& $"a$ $"e Temle o2 $"e Sun) or o2 Coricanc"a)also con$aine& areas 2or &e5o$ion $o $"e moon) $"e s$ars) an& $"e !o&s o2

$"un&er an& li!"$nin!) as :ell as $o $"e rainbo:) $"a$ uni5ersal symbol o2

assa!e an& communica$ion;

Amon! $"e Muiscas) $"e mos$ serious $rans!ressions :ere unis"e& :i$" $"ee+$inc$ion o2 $"e >cen$ral? 2ire o2 $"e "ome) :"ic" :as $an$amoun$ $o ci5il

an& "ysical &ea$";

9 One o2 $"e 9resa!es9 o2 $"e en& o2 $"e A<$ec cul$ure :as $"e burnin! o2 $"e

$emle o2 8ui$<ilooc"$li) a$ Tenoc"$i$lan) :"ere $"e 2lames moun$e& all $"e"i!"er as more an& more :a$er :as cas$ on $"em $o e+$in!uis" $"em; 8ere

re5aile& a 2ran/ re&omina$ion o2 one elemen$ $o $"e comle$e e+clusion o2

i$s oosi$e;

: I$ s"oul& be em"asi<e& $"a$ many o2 $"e elemen$s or si!ns o2 $"ePrecolumbian calen&ars are animals) us$ as :i$" $"e Ol& -orl& <o&iacs an&

cons$ella$ions; T"e i&ea $"a$ $"e :"ole uni5erse) or cer$ain ar$s o2 i$) are

assimila$e& $o $"e animal elemen$) is uni5ersal in $"e 5arious $ra&i$ions o2

:"ic" :e "a5e /no:le&!e; T"is is 2oun& $o be in er2ec$ accor& :i$" $"eno$ion o2 a cosmos $"a$ is anima$e in i$s $o$ali$y) an& $"ere2ore in eac" o2 i$s

mani2es$a$ions) an& $"is is $"e basis o2 $"e ossibili$y o2 ma!ical ac$i5i$y

uon i$;

- Hus$ as $"ere is a ar$ o2 $"e "i!"es$ reac"es o2 "ea5en $"a$ &oes no$ e+ressi$sel2) :"ic" :e call $"e unmani2es$e&@$"a$ is) a mo&ali$y o2 $"e ni5ersal

7ein!) or o2 $"e &i5ini$y $"a$ ne5er &escen&s@$"ere are) analo!ically) a$ $"e

an$io&es) cer$ain un&er!roun& or ear$"ly &ei$ies $"a$ canno$ ascen&) as $"eyare cons$an$ly en!a!e& in con2i!urin! $"e assi5e or ne!a$i5e ma$$er o2

crea$ion; I$ is on $"e in$erme&ia$e lane@$"e &escen&in!ascen&in! lane@

$"a$ $"e conunc$ion o2 $"ese ener!ies an& $"eir in$e!ra$ion in$o $"e sel2 become ossible;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

III













SOME FNDAMENTAL SYM7OLS

I n !eneral $erms) "iloso"y is $"e e+ression o2 a $"ou!"$ $"a$ is

in$erloc/e& :i$" o$"ers) $"e en$ire ensemble cons$i$u$in! conce$ual

sc"ema$a $"a$ issue in an i&ea o2 li2e) $"e :orl&) an& man@sc"ema$a!enera$in! a 5ision o2 $"e cosmos) a cosmo!ony; T"is syn$"esis o2 ima!es

&oes no$ necessarily "a5e $o "a5e a linear) lo!ical &e5elomen$ in $"e

ra$ionalis$ic sense o2 $"e :or&s; T"e &iscourse o2 "uman $"ou!"$

mani2es$s i$sel2 in 5arious :ays; Amon! arc"aic eoles) :"o &oub$less

are closer $o $"eir ori!ins) i$ is e+resse& by :ay o2 associa$i5e uni$s

rela$e& $"rou!" analo!ies) :i$" a basis in $"e 5ery na$ure o2 $"in!s) an& i$

crys$alli<es in symbols) my$"s) an& ri$es; T"rou!" $"ese) reali$y is learne&

in &irec$) in$ui$i5e 2as"ion) by con$ras$ :i$" $"e 9lo!ical9 ar$i2ice $"a$

resen$s $"em in an in&irec$) successi5e :ay;

Curren$ "iloso"y "as 2or!o$$en i$s ac$ual roo$s) an& re2ers only $o

&e"umani<e& secula$ions) an& abs$rac$) classi2ica$ory) 9sys$ems9 $"a$ are

comle$ely &i5orce& 2rom reali$y; I$ re!ar&s reali$y as an obec$ $o be &eal$

:i$" in an in$ellec$ual :ay@some$"in! $"a$ mus$ ass $"rou!" $"e analysis

o2 $"e min& be2ore a$$ainin! $o e+is$en$ial s$a$us;

On $"e con$rary) $"e "iloso"y o2 rimi$i5e eoles is main$aine& in a 2ar

more &e5eloe& s$a$e o2 uri$y) an& o2 communica$ion be$:een $"e

uni5erse an& man >macromicrocosm?; I$ $"ere2ore occasions a 2uller

un&ers$an&in! o2 $"in!s) an& conseuen$ly a broa&er /no:le&!e o2 $"e5arious lanes $"a$ cons$i$u$e reali$y; T"is sor$ o2 P"iloso"y is erennial

an& uni5ersal) an& correson&s $o a $ra&i$ional) unanimous cosmo5ision

$"a$ "as re5aile& in all laces an& $imes) since na$ure 2ollo:s cons$an$

la:s o2 causali$y) number) sace$ime) an& so on;

T"e ra$ionalis$ a$$i$u&e) "o:e5er >:"ic" issues in $"e ma$erial 5ie:?) is

$"e 9o22icial9 one $o&ay) an& i$ &enomina$es i$s coun$erar$) &isara!in!ly)

as 9relo!ical;9 T"ere is e5en a cer$ain con2usion :i$" re!ar& $o $"e $erm)

9rimi$i5e;9 All o2 $"e !rea$ ci5ili<a$ions) in $"eir ori!in) "a5e been

rimi$i5e) an& $"eir ma$ura$ion is only $"e &e5elomen$ o2 $"eir o$en$ial; No:) i2 one :is"e& $o use $"is :or& $o &eno$e an unci5ili<e&)

uncul$i5a$e&) i!noran$) narro:#min&e& erson) i$ :oul& be be$$er alie&

$o an in"abi$an$ o2 $o&ays lar!e ci$ies $"an $o a member o2 an arc"aic

communi$y;

T"e arc"aic) $ra&i$ional eoles "a5e basically use& symbol as a :ay o2



communica$ion; T"is es$ablis"es an on!oin! rela$ions"i be$:een $"e

si!n an& $"e $"in! symboli<e&; All co!ni$ions are e+resse& symbolically)

since $"ese eoles sacre& symbols mani2es$ $"e ener!ies $"ey reresen$)

an& :"ose me&ia$ors $"ey are) in a real an& $rue 2as"ion; Symbol is

ma!ical by 5ir$ue o2 $"e analo!y bin&in! i$ in&es$ruc$ibly >an& i&en$i2yin!

i$? :i$" $"a$ :"ic" i$ is symboli<in!; Amon! $"ese symbols) o2

e+$raor&inary ma!ical an& sacre& imor$ance are $"e numbers an& $"e

!eome$rical 2i!ures; E5ery rimi$i5e or arc"aic socie$y "as /no:n $"ese)

an& "as use& $"em $o symboli<e $"e cosmos an& i$s ener!ies) by 5ir$ue o2

:"ic" $"ese numbers an& !eome$rical 2i!ures "a5e ossesse& $"e in5isible

ener!ies $o :"ic" $"ey $"emsel5es bore :i$ness) in er2ec$

correson&ence :i$" $"eir 5isible c"arac$eris$ics;

T:o o2 $"ese !eome$rical symbols are 5ery muc" $o $"e 2ore in $"e

in&i!enous socie$ies; -e mean $"e circle an& $"e suare >an& $"eir

&eri5a$i5es?) $"e la$$er s$an&in! in close rela$ions"i :i$" $"e number 2our)

$"e cosmo!onic number resen$ in e5ery mani2es$a$ion >as :ell as :i$"

$"e number 2i5e) $"e ossibili$y o2 $"e suracosmic an& nonmani2es$?; As

2or $"e circle) le$ us "ear 7lac/ El/) $"e celebra$e& na$i5e sa!e) &irec$ "eir

o2 $"e $ra&i$ion o2 $"e Nor$" American lainsB

I no$ice& $"a$ my eoles sacre& "oo :as one o2 $"e many

"oos in $"e 2orm o2 a circle) :i&e as $"e li!"$ o2 &ay an& $"e

s"inin! o2 $"e s$ars; An& in $"e cen$er :as a mi!"$y

Flo:erin! Tree) :"ic" co5ere& all o2 $"e c"il&ren o2 2a$"er

an& mo$"er; An& I obser5e& $"a$ i$ :as "oly; ; ; ;

T"e o:er o2 $"e uni5erse ac$s e5er by :ay o2 circles) an&

all $"in!s $en& e5er $o be roun&; In ancien$ &ays) :"en :e

:ere a "ay) s$ron! eole) :e recei5e& our o:er 2rom

$"e "oo o2 $"e na$ion) :"ic" :as "oly) an& :"ile $"e circle

remaine& comle$e) $"e eole 2louris"e&; ; ; ;

T"e Flo:erin! Tree :as $"e li5in! cen$er o2 $"e circle) an& i$

:as nouris"e& by $"e li2e o2 $"e cycle o2 $"e 2our &irec$ions;

; ; ;

-"a$e5er is &one by $"e o:er o2 $"e uni5erse) i$ is &one in

$"e 2orm o2 a circle;

T"is i&ea o2 circulari$y@associa$e& $o $"e :"irlin! :in& an& $o all na$ural)



syc"ic) an& ma$erial "enomena) as :ell as bein! lin/e& $o $"e i&ea o2

cycle) ree$i$ion) $o$ali$y) an& esecially $o $"a$ o2 cen$er) a+is) !enera$ion)

an& li2e@can be 2oun& in $"e 5arious /no:n $ra&i$ions; Amon! $"e

C"inese) $"e circular 2i!ure is associa$e& :i$" "ea5en) an& is assi!ne& $"e

numerical 5alue o2 nine; T"e ua&ran!ular 2orm is lin/e& :i$" ear$";

T"ere is an in$ima$e rela$ions"i) "o:e5er) be$:een $"e $:oB bo$" are

cons$i$u$e& by 2our 46 an!les) or (.6; As 2or $"e s"ere an& $"e cube)

:"ic" are $"e 5olume$ric reresen$a$ions o2 $"e circle an& $"e suare)

$"ese are also a/in) al$"ou!" $"e 2ormer is more er2ec$ $"an $"e la$$er

>since all o2 i$s limi$ oin$s are eui&is$an$ 2rom i$s cen$er?) an& $"e cube

seems ri!i& an& 2orce& by comarison :i$" $"e s"ere;

Codex Vindobonensis

T"e siral >an& $"e &ouble siral? is associa$e& :i$" $"e circular 2orm)

al$"ou!") by analo!y :i$" $"e rela$ions"i us$ men$ione&) :e 2in&

ua&ran!ular sirals in na$i5e $e+$ile) bas/e$#:ea5in!) o$$ery) an&

monumen$s; Jua$erni$y mani2es$s i$sel2 no$ only in $"e ua&ran!le) bu$

also in $"e cross >$"e in$ernal mo5er o2 $"e circum2erence an& $"e suare?

an& i$s cen$er; Secon&arily i$ comes $o e+ression in 9Grecian 2re$s9 or

9Grecian s$es9) 2or e+amle) an& e5en in s3astikas ; 7o$" symbolical

reresen$a$ions o2 $"e cosmic s"ae) $"e circle) $"e suare) an& $"eir

resec$i5e &eri5a$i5es) are s$ill curren$ in 5arious ri$es) ceremonies) an&

conce$ions) an& :e 2in& $"em $o be in er2ec$ correson&ence :i$" o$"er

cosmo!onies) ali5e an& &ea&) $"a$ u$ili<e& $"ese symbols $o syn$"esi<e

$"eir "iloso"y an& 5ision o2 $"e :orl&;

T"is symbolical i&en$i$y amon! 5arious $ra&i$ions con$ains no$"in!

surrisin! or acci&en$al; T"ese uni5ersal) unanimous symbols are ac$ually

an& !enuinely rela$e& $o $"e :e2$ o2 $"e cosmos) cons$i$u$in! i$s s$ruc$ure)

an& are ali5e in $"e inmos$ bein! o2 $"e "uman erson) as :ell as in $"e

9collec$i5e unconscious)9 or 9!enius o2 $"e secies;9 T"e me$a"ysical

conce$ o2 ua$erni$y is 2oun& in &ynamic) oen 2as"ion in $"e 2orm o2 a

cross inscribe& in a circum2erence) an& in a s$a$ic) close& :ay in $"e

ua&ran!le; T"is ua$erni$y) :"ic" re2ers $o $"e &irec$ions o2 sace) $o $"e

erio&s o2 $ime) $o $"e 9colors9 o2 any mani2es$a$ion) an& $o $"e rocessual



s$a!es o2 $"e la$$er) is) as :e "a5e sai&) $"e common conce$ual elemen$

$"a$ ermi$$e& $"e 2usion o2 $"e in&i!enous cul$ures :i$" $"ose o2 $"e

Euroeans a2$er $"e &isco5ery;

To $"ese &irec$ional conce$s :e s"oul& "a5e $o a&& $"a$ o2 abo5e#an&# belo: >:"ic" :oul& $rans2orm $"e circle in$o a s"ere) an& $"e suare

in$o a cube) by in5es$in! $"em :i$" a ne: &imension?) li/e:ise resen$ in

bo$" cul$ures@:"ic") le$ us reea$) ma&e analo!ous use o2 $"e number

2our in classi2yin! no$ions; A !i!an$ic cube sub&i5i&e& in$o innumerable

small cubes >or a ne$:or/) or a a$$ern o2 suares? 2orms a :orl& lane

resemblin! $"a$ o2 a s"ere &i5isible in$o coun$less s"eres@bo$"

ersec$i5es reser5in! in$ac$ $"e i&ea o2 an arc"e$yal cen$er >or a+is) in

$"e case o2 $"e 5olume$ric?) 2rom :"ic" all ro!ression is ossible; T"e

sace#$ime coor&ina$es o2 a cubic conunc$ion "a5e $"e urose o2 2i+in!

$"a$ conunc$ion ami&s$ $"e ins$abili$y o2 becomin!) as &oes $"e li5in!

or!anism o2 $"e ci$y) $"e $emle) or $"e simle &:ellin!;

T"e &e5elomen$ o2 a ua$ernary en$i$y be!ins a$ a cen$er o2 ra&ia$ion)

a$$ains i$s roer limi$s) an& re$urns by $"e same a$":ays $o i$s ori!in)

ere$ually irri!a$in! an& re5i$ali<in! i$s s$ruc$ure; T"e ua$erni$y) $"en) is

a sum o2 in&isensable) ma!ic an& sacre&) in$er5als@an in$erlacin! o2

"ori<on$al an& 5er$ical ener!ies $"a$ e+ress $"emsel5es analo!ously

$"rou!" $"e 2orms o2 $"e circle an& $"e ua&ran!le; T"e ua$erni$y

li/e:ise "as $"e caaci$y $o or!ani<e an& main$ain social an& in&i5i&ual

li2e@$"a$ is) e+is$ence@recisely by 5ir$ue o2 i$s ca$e!ory o2 symbol) :"ic"

$"ere2ore sui$s i$ 2or emula$in! an& re#crea$in! $"e ener!y o2 $"e cosmos

$"a$ i$ i$sel2 reresen$s;

Four is li/e:ise $"e ua&ran!ular 2oun&a$ion lane o2 $"e Precolumbian

yrami&) one o2 $"e mos$ $yical monumen$s o2 $"e ancien$ American

$ra&i$ion; 8ere) scale& 9lan&in!s)9 2rom lar!er $o smaller) are

suerimose& on one ano$"er; T"is 2i!ure in&ica$es a !ra&ual ascen$) o2

course) or a "ierarc"i<e& 5er$ical &i5ision; T"is becomes e5i&en$ i2 :e

no$ice $"a$ $"ese cons$ruc$ions :ere $emles) an& $"a$ $"e mos$ e+al$e&social "ierarc"s) $"e sa!es an& ries$s) li5e& in $"em) an& o22icia$e& $"ere;

T"e lane o2 $"e Precolumbian yrami& is cons$i$u$e& o2 ua&ran!les

:i$"in ua&ran!les) or by a cen$ral ua&ran!le con$aine& by o$"ers;

T"is ima!e is cus$omarily 2oun&) amon! 5arious eoles) in a circular

2orm) as :ell) 2rom $"e cen$er $o $"e eri"ery) an& s"aes bo$" $"e mo&el



o2 social or!ani<a$ion) an& $"a$ o2 $"e ci$y#s$a$e) in :"ic" $"e ries$#

emeror) &:ellin! a$ $"e cen$er@or be$$er) a$ $"e a+is $"a$ connec$s ear$"

an& "ea5en@s$ruc$ures an& "ierarc"i<es "is realm; Four rou$es

communica$e $"e in$erior :i$" $"e e+$erior; T"ese rou$es are reresen$e&

by $"e 2our s$air:ays $"a$ oin summi$ an& base in Precolumbian

yrami&s;

As $o $"e siral an& $"e &ouble siral) 2oun& e5ery:"ere in $"e Americas)

as :ell as in $"e e+$racon$inen$al cul$ures) le$ us obser5e $"a$ $"is

5aria$ion o2 $"e 2i!ure o2 $"e circle &eno$es) in $"e lane) an emer!ence

2rom ree$i$ion) 2rom relase) an&) accor&in!ly) mani2es$s an e5olu$ion $o

o$"er) more e+al$e& lanes) as &oes $"e 7abylonian !iggurat ) or) as :e

"a5e us$ seen) $"e Precolumbian yrami&; T"e la$$er) "o:e5er) is

ua&ran!ular) :"ile i$s 7abylonian moun$s are circular; 7o$")

ne5er$"eless) are reresen$a$ions o2 $"e 9A+is9 an& $"e summi$;

T"ere is also an in:ar&#$urnin! siral) besi&es $"e ou$:ar&#$urnin! one;

An& bo$" are oine& in $"e si!n o2 $"e &ouble siral) :"ose coils :in&

en&lessly; Correson&in! $o $"e uer) aerial siral is ano$"er) lo:er)

un&er!roun& one; 7o$" are uni$e& by $"e ua&ran!ular lane o2 $"e base)

an& $"e uer is re2lec$e& in $"e lo:er as on $"e sur2ace o2 $"e :a$ers; T"e

$:o are mu$ually analo!ous) bu$ are mu$ually in5er$e&) as :ell) as &ay

5is##5is ni!"$; T"is in&i!enous conce$ion) in :"ic" $"e "ea5ens or s$es

are nine in number) is in er2ec$ a!reemen$ :i$" -es$ern an& me&ie5al

$ra&i$ion) $"e Gree/ !nos$ics) $"e 8ebre: cabala) $"e Arabic cosmo!ony)

P$olomys $"ou!"$) an& Dan$es Di5ine Come&y;

I$ is curious) o2 course) an& surrisin!) $"a$ $"e Euroeans coul& "a5e "a&

a cosmo!ony $"a$ :as i&en$ical :i$" $"a$ o2 $"e In&ians) an& ye$ "a5e

2aile& $o no$ice $"a$ same cosmo!ony :"en i$ :as so ob5ious in cer$ain

monumen$al symbols $"a$ coul& scarcely be o5erloo/e&@monumen$s $"a$)

$o boo$) :ere $emles@us$ as i$ s"oul& "a5e been ob5ious in $"e orally

$ransmi$$e& Precolumbian cosmolo!y) in :"ic" nine) or $"ir$een) "ea5ens

are ci$e& e+ressly;

I$ is e5en more curious $"a$ $"is "as no$ been brou!"$ou$ un$il $"e resen$) :i$" comle$e in2orma$ion a5ailable on $"e subec$)

bo$" in s$u&ies &one on $"e Precolumbian Tra&i$ion) an& in $"ose carrie&

ou$ on $"e P"iloso"y an& Cul$ure o2 $"e -es$;

8o:e5er) $"e 2ac$ o2 $"e correson&ence o2 cer$ain i&eas) esecially in

ri$es an& reli!ious ceremonies) &i& become clear 2or cer$ain ries$s an&





2riars) :"o oin$e& $o analo!ies) an& suose& $"a$ $"e na$i5es "a&

alrea&y been e5an!eli<e& >esecially by $"e aos$le T"omas?) or "a&

cul$ural ori!ins i&en$ical :i$" $"eir o:n >bo$" bein! branc"es o2 $"e

He:is" s$oc/?; Fur$"er) :e "a5e $"e classic an& o$"er re2erences resen$ in

$"e :or/ o2 cer$ain c"roniclers;

Accor&in!ly) $"e siral is a symbol o2 &escen$#an&#ascen$) an& a means o2

communica$ion be$:een $"e un&er!roun& le5el) $"e ear$"ly) an& $"e

"ea5enly) a rou$e $ra5erse& in e5ery ini$ia$ion) an& in e5ery !enesis >$"a$

o2 $"e &ay) $"e mon$") $"e year) an& so 2or$"?) in eac" o2 :"ic" one mus$

&ie $o one s$a!e in or&er $o be born $o ano$"er) once more re!enera$in! $"e

cosmic rocess 2rom :"ic" &eri5e $"e 5arious rocesses in :"ic" e5en

$"e s$ars) !o&s o2 $"e ear$") an& $"e un&er:orl& ar$icia$e;

Americanis$ Fernan&o Or$i< "as :ri$$en a "e2$y $ome on $"e siral) in

:"ic" "e "as i&en$i2ie& i$ in 5arious cul$ures@by :ay o2 comara$i5e

reli!ions) in na$ure) an& so on; For a number o2 reasons) $"is :or/ o2

researc" an& eru&i$ion is 5aluable; 8o:e5er) i$ lin/s $"e symbol o2 $"e

siral e+clusi5ely :i$" $"e "urricane >esecially $"e $roical cyclones?)

an& :i$" $"e :in&s in !eneral; 7u$) ui$e $"e oosi$e o2 :"a$ Or$i< "ol&s)

i$ is no$ $"e siral $"a$ symboli<es $"e "urricane) i$ is $"e "urricane $"a$

symboli<es $"e siral; A2$er all) $"e siral symbolically mani2es$s) besi&es

$"e $"in!s $"a$ :e "a5e alrea&y in&ica$e&) an arc"e$yal conce$ resen$ in

all crea$ionB $"a$ o2 a cen$rie$al ener!y an& a cen$ri2u!al 2orce coe+is$in!

in e5ery or!anism) an& e+emli2ie& as :ell by :"irl:in&s) cyclones)

$orna&os >or bene2icen$mali!nan$ &ei$ies o2 $"e :in&?) amon! a mul$i$u&e

o2 o$"er obec$s an& "enomena; 2

T"e 9Grecian s$es)9 :"ic" all bu$ i&en$i2y Precolumbian cul$ures) are

clearly a/in $o $"e Gree/ mean&ers) an& are 5aria$ions o2 $"e sirals)

"eli+es) an& circular :a5es $"a$ reresen$ a con$inuous :"ole) :i$"ou$

be!innin! or en&) an& usually aearin! in$erlace& an& 2ormin! c"ains) or

2ramin! lane ima!es :i$" an i&en$ical si!ni2ica$ion; 7

T"e same occurs :i$" $"e s3astika ) :"ic" is rimarily a symbol o2 $"e

ole) an& o2 $"e al$erna$in! mo5emen$s ro&uce& aroun& i$; 8o:e5er)

$"ese symbols also ossess o$"er) comlemen$ary si!ni2ica$ions) rela$e& $o

$"e s"ae o2 $"e cosmos) o2 :"ic" :e canno$ "ere $rea$ e+$ensi5ely; As

2or $"e symbolism o2 $"e cross) :e s"all say only $"a$ i$ is $"e in$ernal

s$ruc$ure o2 $"e Precolumbian cosmolo!y) al$"ou!" $"is 2ac$ "a& 2or$":i$"








$o be conceale&) &enie&) an& i!nore& by Euroean C"ris$iani$y;

Ano$"er in$eres$in! $"in!) :"ic" meri$s em"asis) is $"e 9coinci&ence9 in

$"e i&ea o2 ni5ersal Crea$ion by $"e in$erme&iary o2 $"e :or&) or

1erbum) :"ic" is a$$es$e& by C"ris$ian an& American $e+$sB Genesis) $"eGosel o2 Ho"n) C"ilam 7alam o2 C"umayel) Pool 1u") Co&e+

1a$icanus) an& so on; T"is las$ oin$ may :ell seem $o us $o be more

ro2oun& $"an $"e obser5a$ion o2 analo!ous sacramen$s) suc" as ba$ism)

con2ession) communion >an& ob5iously "oly or&er?) oin$e& ou$ by

5arious c"roniclers as bein! $"e roer$y o2 $"e abori!ines) an& alrea&y

in&ica$e& in $"ese a!es;

Also recei5in! a !rea$ &eal o2 a$$en$ion) as :e "a5e sai&) is $"e /no:le&!e

&emons$ra$e& by $"e na$i5es concernin! $"e 2loo&) an& esecially $"e

e+is$ence o2 5ir!ins :"o "a5e !i5en bir$" $o sa5in!) ci5ili<in! "eroes) as

:ell as concernin! $"e resence o2 a Fa$"er an& a Son@o2 a sureme Go&

an& a man !o&;

I$ :oul& aear) "o:e5er) $"a$) los$ in minu$e &i22erences@suc" as

:"e$"er $"e In&ians :ore s"oes or no$) :en$ "al2#na/e&) le$ $"eir "air

!ro:) ain$e& $"eir 2aces or bo&ies) or :ere 2ri!"$ene& o2 "orses an&

surrise& a$ nearly e5ery$"in! >in&ee& $"ey :ere in!enuous) an& "ence

:ere mis$a/enly $a/en $o be unin$elli!en$?@$"e &isco5erers :ere un:illin!

or unable $o no$ice $"e e+$reme similari$y o2 cer$ain /ey conce$s o2 $"eirs

:i$" $"ose o2 $"e conuere&; T"e In&ians) lo!ically enou!") in $"eir

con&i$ion as 5anuis"e&) mus$ imme&ia$ely a&a$ $o $"e circums$ances

imose& by $"e in5a&er) rac$ically :i$"ou$ any Saniar& $a/in! $"e

sli!"$es$ in$eres$ in $"e na$i5e :orl& e+ce$ $o &ra: ro2i$ 2rom i$B $"e

sol&iers) !ol& an& :eal$" $"e ries$s) con5er$s an& 2ai$"2ul; Mean$ime $"e

re& race mol&e& i$sel2 $o $"e Euroean cul$ure o2 $"e a!e) in or&er $o

sur5i5e) an& ro2esse& $"e Ca$"olic 2ai$" 2or $"e urose o2 reser5in!

$"eir o:n ri$es; A$ once $"ey ma&e $"e cross a banner) $"e 1ir!in Mary $"e

5ir!in ear$" an& assi5e ener!ies) an& $"e sain$s $"eir !o&s) con$inuin! $o

rac$ice $"eir sacramen$s in C"ris$iani<e& 2orm) an& no: er2ormin!many o2 $"eir ceremonies as members o2 $"e c"urc"; T"e :"i$es)

mean:"ile) only a&o$e& cer$ain in&i!enous 2oo&s) an& enou!" na$i5e

:or&s as $o be able $o claim i&en$i$y as Americans;

7u$ le$ us no$ be !uil$y o2 an error in u&!men$B $"e maori$y o2 $"e

C"ris$ians o2 our &ay belie5e in a "is$orical) ersonal) suremely





3O456 In $"is las$ case) $"e 2our o2 $"e base are a&&e& $o $"e nine o2 $"e air) :i$" $"e

nine o2 $"e un&er!roun& al:ays in$ac$; T"e sum is al:ays 4 * 4 W '';

2 See Fernan&o Or$Q<) "l %uracán >Me+ico Ci$yB F;C;E;) %4*0? see also Hill

Purce) The )stical Spiral >Lon&onB T"ames an& 8u&son) %40*?;7 See 8ermann 7eyer) ito ) Simbolismo en el 4xico Antiguo ) 5ol; %6

Socie&a& Alemana Me+icanis$a) M+ico %4.,;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

I1

NMERICAL AND GEOMETRICAL SYM7OLS

For a $ra&i$ional socie$y) $"e conce$ o2 number is &iame$rically oose&

$o $"e one $"a$ mi!"$ be "el& by a ro2ane socie$y suc" as ours; T"is calls

2or em"asis) since i$ :as $ra&i$ional socie$ies $"a$ crea$e& numbers as

conce$s o2 rela$ion $"a$ $"eir sa!es an& insire& men ob$aine& by

re5ela$ion; Mo&ern socie$y) mean:"ile "as resse& $"em in$o ser5ice

e+clusi5ely 2or i$s ma$erial en&s) i!norin! $"eir meanin!@:i$"ou$ any

a$$en$ion $o $"eir au$"en$ic sense) $"eir $rue essence; In o$"er :or&s)mo&ern socie$y "as &emeane& numbers by $a/in! accoun$ only o2 $"eir

uan$i$a$i5e 5alues) reec$in! $"e uali$ies o2 numbers) $"e i&eas an&

conce$s $"a$ $"ey e+ress;

A$ $"e same $ime) :e o2 $"e con$emorary era $a/e our numerical co&e

simly as a !i5en) :i$"ou$ s$oin! $o as/ oursel5es o2 :"a$ $"is sys$em

is a mani2es$a$ion; Numbers e+resse& >an& s$ill e+ress? i&easB

me$a"ysical conce$s concernin! e5ery$"in! numbere&) or ar$icia$in!

in $"e ca$e!ories o2 $"e numerable@$"a$ is) concernin! :"a$ is

9coun$able)9 2ini$e) an& successi5e; On $"e o$"er "an&) $"ese9numera$ions9 are $"e "armonious measure o2 all $"in!s) an& $"e 2orm in

:"ic" $"ese $"in!s rela$e& be$:een eac" o$"er; T"ey are r"y$"mic

s$an&ar&s) mo&ules) an& cycles $"a$ !enera$e@in $"eir uali$y as

conce$s@9roor$ion)9 an& re5eal $"e secre$ 9ci"ers9 o2 $"e cosmos) o2

:"ic" $"ey are ac$i5e comonen$s; Ob5iously oneness &oes no$

correson& $o $"e same i&ea as $:oness or $"reeness) an& &oes no$











mani2es$ $"e same $"in!; To&ay) "o:e5er) $"is is le2$ ou$ o2 consi&era$ion

by $"e &iminis"e&) "um&rum) "ori<on$al 5ie: $"a$ :e "a5e o2 $"ese

conce$s :"en :e re!ar& $"em as simle 2ac$ors o2 uan$i$a$i5e

mul$ilica$ion;

Le$ us 2ur$"er in&ica$e $"a$ $"ese numera$ions re2er $o &i22eren$ ener!ies)

an& $o $"e or&ere& in$er5en$ion o2 $"ese ener!ies in $"e uni5erse; A2$er

all) as :e "a5e sai&) $"ey a$$es$ $"e in$errela$ions o2 $"e crea$i5e

elemen$s@$"eir :a5es) $"eir 5ibra$ions@$"a$ oin $o!e$"er in $"e

numerical corus; To !i5e a 5ery simle e+amleB e5en ersons o2 5ery

li$$le men$al acumen /no: $"a$ i$ is no$ $"e same 2or a erson $o be alone

>one? as $o be a member o2 a air >$:o? or $o belon! $o a $rian!le >$"ree?;

Number ob5iously al$ers our rela$ions :i$" o$"ers an& our bein! in $"e

:orl&) since i$ ac$i5ely in$er5enes in si$ua$ions as a comonen$ o2 $"e

same) as i$ si!ns or mar/s $"em :i$" i$s conce$ual an& 5i$al seal; An&

ye$) !enerally sea/in!) e5en $"e simles$ sense o2 $"e i&ea o2 number

escaes men an& :omen o2 $"is cen$ury; In&ee&) mos$ o2 $"em "a5e

ne5er re2lec$e& on numbers) nor are $"ey in$eres$e& in $"e subec$; 7u$

:"a$ is really arres$in! is $"e 2ac$ $"a$ no$ only "a5e $"e common masses

los$ all no$ion o2 $"e 2ac$ $"a$ number is $"e si!n o2 a uali$y $"a$ i$

reresen$s an& 2i+es@o2 a conce$ $"a$ i$ e+resses in uneui5ocal

2as"ion) a conce$ caable o2 ar$icula$in! i$sel2) an& en$erin! in$o

in$erlay :i$") o$"er conce$s@bu$ e5en $o&ays ma$"ema$icians >:"o

one suoses $o be secialis$s? are i!noran$) u $o our 5ery &ay) o2 $"ereal conce$ual >an& emo$ional? c"ar!e carrie& by numbers; T"ese

ersons rocee& on uan$i$a$i5e cri$eria) $"ose o2 $"e mar/e$lace@

2un&amen$ally sui$e& 2or $"e commercial an& $"e ma$erial) bu$ no$ 2or

no:le&!e;

Tra&i$ional ari$"me$ic correson&s $o !eome$ry) an& numbers $o

!eome$rical 2i!ures) 2ormin! comlemen$ary symbolic co&es $"a$

mani2es$ i&en$ical conce$s) correson&ences) an& analo!ies; A$ $"e

same $ime) in $"e 2irs$ $"ree numbers) all o2 $"e o$"ers are syn$"esi<e&;

From $"e union o2 oneness an& &uali$y >:"ic" is i$s re2lec$ion?) $"a$ is)2rom $ria&) rocee& all o2 $"e o$"er numbers) an& 2rom $"is rimor&ial

$rian!le all 2i!ures &eri5e;

T"ere is also) 2or $ra&i$ional ci5ili<a$ions) a &irec$ rela$ions"i be$:een

numbers an& le$$ers o2 $"e al"abe$) $o $"e oin$ :"ere) :i$" many

al"abe$s) numbers :ere reresen$e& by le$$ers) an& "a& no secial si!ns



o2 $"eir o:n; T"is is no$ $"e case :i$" $"e early American cul$ures)

:"ic" /ne: no al"abe$) bu$ :e :is" $o call a$$en$ion $o $"is

correson&ence because no$ only $"e al"abe$ical co&e) bu$ $"e

numerical one) as :ell) &escribe all reali$yB $"a$ is) e5ery$"in! $"a$ is

numerable or namable@in $"e sense o2 9ci"ers)9 "armonious measures)

9roor$ions9@in sum) $"e $o$ali$y o2 $"e cosmos) o2 $"e /no:able;

T"is $"reeness or $ria&) $o :"ic" :e "a5e re2erre& earlier in our a!es)

"as al:ays been consi&ere& sacre&@li/e oneness) &uali$y) an& all

numbers@by 5ir$ue o2 i$s 5ery roer$ies an& ar$icular a$$ribu$es; T"ese

roer$ies an& a$$ribu$es are mani2es$e& in i$s $"ree2ol& na$ure) :"ic" o2

i$sel2 is $"e ine5i$able e+ression o2 a rincile) an arc"e$yal 2ac$) $"a$

soli&i2ies in a series) as a reresen$a$ion o2 i&eas an& ener!ies $"a$

ma$eriali<e in ma!ical) mys$erious 2as"ion :"ile obeyin! recise)

uni5ersal la:s) :"ic" $"e numerical co&es an& $"eir !eome$rical

correson&ences symboli<e;

8o:e5er li$$le $"ese mo&ules in $"eir e+$erior e+ressi5e 2orm be $"e

same as :e "a5e $o&ay in our recen$ Arabic no$a$ion) $"e arc"e$yes $o

:"ic" bo$" re2er are i&en$ical) $"e la:s o2 $"e cosmos $"e same@2or

e5ery $ime an& lace@an& $"e mo&el o2 $"e uni5erse one only; -e s"all

see) $"en) $"a$ -es$ern numerolo!y correson&s er2ec$ly :i$" $"e

In&ian) al$"ou!" $"e la$$er :as commonly 5i!esimal >an&) accor&in!ly)

&ecimal as :ell) bo$" "a5in! $"e number 2i5e as a common base?; -e

s"all say some$"in! abou$ $"ese 2irs$ 2i5e basic numbers) common $o

5arious eoles) bu$ esecially $o $"e in&i!enous eoles an& C"ris$ians)

since $"is is $"e subec$ :i$" :"ic" :e are concerne&;

-e "a5e some:"a$ an$icia$e& our &iscussion o2 $"e $ria&) as basic 2orm

or arc"e$ye) a conce$ resen$ in all mani2es$e& $"in!s) :"ic" are

!enera$e& by i$s mul$ilica$ion; -e "a5e also asser$e& $"a$ i$ is ro&uce&

by $"e amal!am o2 $"e rimor&ial oneness :i$" i$s o:n re2lec$ion; No:

:e s"all a&& $"a$ $"is 2ac$) :"ose &esi!n is successi5e >%) ') (?) is

ac$ually simul$aneous an& e$ernal) an& $"a$ 2rom i$ rocee& all numbers)or all mani2es$e& bein!s; No: le$ us see some$"in! abou$ oneness an&

&uali$y@conce$s $o be 2oun& a$ $"e 2oun&a$ion an& ori!in o2 e5ery

$ra&i$ional ci5ili<a$ion or cul$ure) amon! $"em $"ose o2 America;

-e "a5e calle& a$$en$ion $o &uali$y) $:oness) on 5arious occasions) as

$"e 2un&amen$al mo5er o2 $"e belie2s an& cul$ures o2 $"e Precolumbians;





T"is is esecially clear amon! $"e Incas an& $"e A<$ecs) $o $a/e $"em as

$:o e+amles o2 ci5ili<a$ions $"a$ :ere alrea&y &e5eloe& by $"e $ime

$"e Euroeans arri5e&; In $"e 2ormer) Manco Caac an& Mama Ocllo)

eui5ala$e& $o $"e sun an& $"e moon) !ol& an& sil5er) $o!e$"er es$ablis"

Cu<co) :"ic" is &i5i&e& a$ i$s cen$er in$o $:o ar$s) one masculine an&

ac$i5e) $"e o$"er 2eminine an& assi5e) :"ic" :ere &enomina$e& as $"e

"i!" ar$ an& $"e lo: ar$) an& :"ic" :e eui5ala$e $o $"e 5er$ical an&

$"e "ori<on$al;

In&ee&) i2 :e re!ar& $:o ener!ies symboli<e& by $"e abo5e#an&#belo:)

one risin! an& $"e o$"er 2allin!) :e 2in& $"a$ $"ere is a neu$ral oin$)

common $o bo$") a$ :"ic" $"eir oosi$ions &o no$ e+is$; T"a$ cen$er or

mi&&le) in :"ic" $"e con$raries comlemen$ eac" o$"er) crea$es a lane

>or :orl&? :"ere $"a$ conunc$ion occurs@a re2lec$ion o2 $"e ori!inal

me$a"ysical oneness) :"ic" !a5e rise $o $"e mani2es$a$ion o2

ari$"me$ical sin!ulari$y) reresen$e& by $"e number one or $"e

!eome$rical oin$; I$ is $"is oin$ or cen$er $"a$ !enera$es $"e lane >or

:orl&? in ues$ion@in $"is case $"e Incan ci5ili<a$ion@ac$in! on i$ as a

re2lec$ion o2 $"e in5isible a+is; To u$ i$ ano$"er :ayB $"e cen$er ac$s

uon $"e :orl& as a re2le+ o2 $"e ac$i5e) 5er$ical ener!y $"a$ con&i$ions

"ori<on$al rece$ion by coulin! :i$" i$) an& $"us crea$in! $"e sai& lane

>or :orl&?; T"e limi$s o2 $"is :orl& are cons$an$ly !i5en by i$s o:n

ro!ression@:"ic") al$"ou!" i$ can be consi&ere& in&e2ini$e) is mar/e&

by i$s o:n numerical la:s $"a$ succee& one ano$"er ad in0initum;

T"us $"e number 2our si!ns $"e 2irs$ mani2es$a$ion@$"e 2irs$ ac$ion o2 $"e

$"ree on$olo!ical or rimor&ial rinciles in $"e :orl& >( % W *?@$"e

crea$ional lan an& i$s limi$a$ions) $"an/s $o :"ic" la$$er any bein! or

obec$ can be cons$i$u$e&) an& $"en assimila$e& $o $"e :orl&) esecially $o

$"e ear$";2

-e mus$ e+lain $"a$ all o2 $"is &ialec$ical ro&uc$ion is successi5e) an&

$"a$) in re!ar& $o i$) $"e ener!y o2 oneness) cons$an$ly a&&in! i$sel2 $o $"e

ener!y o2 $"e rece&in! number) $rans2orms $"e la$$er in$o i$s o:nuali$y) :"ile remainin! e5er#resen$ an& inal$erable $"rou!"ou$ $"e

numerical series;

Le$ us a&& $"a$) in numerolo!y) <ero is a conce$ no$ only in&ica$in! lac/

o2 uan$i$y or absence o2 numerical &e$ermina$ion) bu$ also ser5in! as a

mec"anism o2 osi$ion an& or&er in $"e $ens) "un&re&s) $"ousan&s) an& so





on) :"ic" ma/es 2or !rea$ mana!eabili$y :"en i$ comes $o no$a$ion) an&

!rea$ 2acili$y in $"e calcula$ion o2 lar!e uni$s; T"e Mayas /ne: $"e <ero)

an& ma&e use o2 $"e osi$ional no$a$ion in $"eir numerals) $"e only

&i22erence bein! $"a$ $"eir sys$em :as 5i!esimal ins$ea& o2 &ecimal;

Ac$ually) $"ey use& $"e <ero lon! be2ore Euroe &i& soB un$il $"e ei!"$"

cen$ury o2 our era) $"e sys$em o2 osi$ion $"a$ :e s"are $o&ay :as no$

use&; O2 8in&u ori!in) our resen$ sys$em :as roa!a$e& in $"e Mi&&le

Eas$ an& Euroe by $"e Arabs) al$"ou!" i$s &issemina$ion occurre& only

be$:een $"e $en$" an& $:el2$" cen$uries; T"a$ sys$em "as ob5ious

a&5an$a!es o5er Roman numerals;

I$ is in$eres$in! $o recall $"a$ $"e sys$em o2 coun$in! an& calcula$in! :i$"

ebbles >or !rains o2 mai<e? o2 &i22eren$ colors or lace& in &i22eren$

!rous) common $o $"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ions an& a$$es$e& by 5arious

c"roniclers) is basically $"e same as $"a$ :i$" :"ic" $"e Py$"a!oreans

e22ec$e& $"eir 9measures)9 an& $"eir abs$rac$ 9secula$ions;9

An& so) le$ us re$urn $o our &i5ision o2 ener!ies in$o abo5ebelo:)

ascen&in!&escen&in!) or o2 $:o 2orces mu$ually oose& bu$

comlemen$in! eac" o$"er a$ some oin$ >an& ra&ia$in! ou$:ar& in a

"ori<on$al lane in :"ic" $"ese ener!ies also roec$ $"emsel5es in $"e

same 2as"ion) no: s$an&in! in a $:o#$o#$:o oosi$ion an& mee$in! a$

$"e oin$ o2 in$ersec$ion) $"e 2i2$") $"e uin$essence) $"e cen$er) $"e a+is

or "ear$ o2 $"e 2i!ure?; -e see $"e 5ali&i$y o2 $ransosin! $"e en$ire

rocess an& syn$"esi<in! i$ in $"e oosi$ion o2 5er$ical"ori<on$al)

"i!"lo:) "ea5enear$") ac$i5eassi5e) male2emale) since 2rom $"is

rimor&ial oosi$ion an& o2 i$s comlemen$ari$y srin! all o2 $"e $"in!s

o2 $"e uni5erse;

T"e binary is li/e:ise re5eale& in $"e my$" o2 $"e 2oun&a$ion o2 $"e

A<$ec ci$y) an& in $"e mani2es$a$ions o2 $"a$ socie$y; As :e /no:) a$ $"e

arri5al o2 $"e Saniar&s) $"e rincial $emle o2 Tenoc"$i$lan :as

cro:ne& :i$" a &ouble sanc$uary; One o2 $"ese >ain$e& re&? :as

&e&ica$e& $o 8ui$<ilooc"$li) ima!e o2 $"e ascen&in! >2rom $"e ear$" $o"ea5en? sun)@$"e sun o2 $"e <eni$") $"e sou$") an& noon; T"e o$"er

>ain$e& blue? :as consecra$e& $o Tlaloc) !o& o2 rain) associa$e& :i$"

$"un&er) li!"$nin!) $"un&erbol$ an& :a$er) $"e &ei$y :"o &escen&s >2rom

"ea5en $o ear$"?) an& :"o is a/in $o $"e !o&s o2 2er$ili$y an& $"e moon)

$"e numina o2 5e!e$a$ion an& !enera$ion :"ic" are ossible only :"en

$"e ener!ies o2 sun an& rain@ascen&in! an& &escen&in!@o2 "ea5en an&



ear$") o2 $"e ea!le an& $"e seren$) oin $o!e$"er as one) $o $"e e+clusion

o2 nei$"er ole;7

I$ :oul& be suer2luous $o ci$e 2ur$"er e+amles o2 &uali$y) as $"ey are

innumerable in $"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ion) an& rea&ers can &isco5er$"em 2or $"emsel5es; 7u$ :e &o :is" $o in&ica$e $"e conce$ion o2 $"e

binary $"a$ is en$er$aine& by mo&ern socie$y@$"a$ is) $"e conce$ion o2

&uali$y :i$" :"ic" i$ "as ou$2i$$e& us) $"is ar$icular ba!!a!e o2 our

con5ic$ions an& $"e &i22erence be$:een i$ an& $"e one "el& by a

$ra&i$ional socie$y; In $"is resec$) le$ us obser5e $"a$ $"e $ra&i$ional

conce$ion &oes no$ reec$ e5il >or $"e &escen&in!) assi5e) sub$erranean)

or "ori<on$al ener!y) in 5aryin! $erminolo!ies?; Ra$"er i$ acce$s i$) in

con2ormi$y :i$" $"e /no:le&!e i$ ossesses o2 cosmo!ony an&

$"eo!ony) :"ic" $es$i2ies $o $"e con$inuous recyclin! o2 $:o uni5ersal

ener!ies) con$rary 2orces $"a$ are no$ mu$ually e+clusi5e bu$ $"a$ $"is

cosmo!ony an& $"eo!ony incorora$e as in$e!ral ar$s o2 reali$y an& li2e;

-i$" eac" o$"er >an& in $"e mu$ual rela$ions $o :"ic" $"ey !i5e rise?)

$"ese 2orces or rinciles cons$i$u$e a comle+ o2 mo&ules) measures)

arc"e$yal emana$ions) :"ic") in $"eir 9coa!ula$ion)9 are e5en

mani2es$e& as "enomena; T"e !o&s ersoni2y $"ese oose& 2orces in

many#2ace$e& :ise) :"ic" is $"e case) amon! many o$"ers) :i$" $"e

s$ru!!le o2 Te<ca$lioca as $"e noc$urnal) &ar/ &ei$y an& Jue$<alcoa$l as

$"e &iurnal) luminous !o&) us$ as be$:een $"e la$$er an& "is $:in) olo$l)

some$imes reresen$e& by a s/ull; T"e $:o 2orces are cons$an$ly a$ :ar:i$" eac" o$"er) an& $"ereby balance eac" o$"er) as :e see so :ell in $"e

erennial cosmic &rama e+emli2ie& by $"e in$erlay o2 $ensions

re5ailin! in any ua&ran!le or any ua$ernary) :"ere $"e 2orces are in

oosi$ion by airs) $:o $o $:o;8

Hus$ oosi$ely) :e mo&erns "a5e been e&uca$e& in a milieu $"a$ al:ays

obli!es us $o c"oose be$:een !oo& an& e5il) an& $"is is $"e rincial

cause) $"e roo$) o2 our con&i$ionin!; -orse) $"e only escae 2rom $"e

&isunc$ion is $"e c"oice o2 an alle!e& !oo&ness ascribe& $o one o2 $"e

oles@monism@$o $"e e+clusion o2 $"e o$"er) :"ic" is le2$ en$irely ou$ o2consi&era$ion) as i$ is ascribe& a ne!a$i5e 5alue) :"ic" nee& no$ be $a/en

in$o accoun$) bu$ ra$"er $orn u by $"e roo$s; -e 2ail $o no$ice $"a$ $"e

rimacy :e a$$ribu$e $o one o2 $"e 2ac$ors o2 $"e &uali$y !oo&e5il is

bes$o:e& by e5alua$ions $"a$ are al$o!e$"er rela$i5e) circums$an$ial) or o2

urely ersonal or !rou in$eres$) suc" as curren$ socie$ys 9i&eolo!ies)9

usa!es) cus$oms) "obias) an& manias) c"annele& by means o2 na$ion)








s$a$e) class) an& e5en e$"nic !rou) $o all o2 :"ic" :e necessarily belon!;

T"e same occurs :i$" $"e a$$rac$i5e an& $"e u!ly) li/in! or &is!us$) $"e

use2ul an& $"e useless; All o2 $"ese 5alues are o2 a na$ure as 5ariable as

$"eir con$raries) :i$" :"ic" $"ey coul& be e+c"an!e&) an& $o :"ic" are

a$$ribu$e& a suose& &e2ini$i5e) obec$i5e $ru$";

T"e ua$ernary as a conce$ o2 crea$ional mani2es$a$ion@as $"e i&ea o2

!enera$ion an& limi$) or as $"e 2orm o2 $"e ear$" >2i!ure& by $"e suare or

by $"e cross?@is basic in $"e early American cul$ures) an& :e s"oul& li/e

$o em"asi<e $"a$ $"is las$ !eome$rical 2orm is eui5alen$ $o $"e circle >a

ro$a$in! cross !enera$es a circum2erence?; T"e reason is $"a$ $"ey eac"

symboli<e $"e same crea$ional lane) al$erna$ely in i$s s$a$ic an& in i$s

&ynamic asec$) in i$s con$rac$ion an& i$s &ila$ion) in i$s crys$alli<a$ion

an& i$s e+ansion) an& are assimila$e& resec$i5ely $o $"e soli& an& $"e

aerial) ear$" an& s/y; T"a$ is) $"ey cons$i$u$e comlemen$ary 2i!ures) us$

as &o $"e :orl& >"ori<on$al lane? an& man >5er$ical lane?;

In $"is sense) 2i5e bein! $"e number o2 $"e "uman bein!) as 5ir$ual cen$er

o2 $"e cosmic irra&ia$ion) $"is number) mul$ilie& by $"a$ o2 $"e ear$") or

crea$ional lane) s"aes $"e ensemble o2 mani2es$e& ossibili$ies; For :e

no: "a5e $"e number $:en$y) $"e 9ma!ic9 measure or mo&ule common

$o 5arious Precolumbian cul$ures an& ci5ili<a$ions;/

Le$ us recall :"a$ :e &eclare& in $"e 2ore!oin! c"a$er $o $"e e22ec$ $"a$

$"e circle as :ell as $"e suare are analo!ous an& comlemen$ary

symbols; T"ese "a5e been u$ili<e& by &i22eren$ socie$ies :i$" $"e same

obec$) or in one an& $"e same socie$y by al$erna$ion or by conunc$ion)

as connec$e& $o "ea5en an& ear$" as a reresen$a$ion o2 $"e $:o "al5es o2

$"e cosmic mo&el;

A$ $"e same $ime) $"e symbols associa$e& $o $"e circle an& $"e suare) or

&eri5e& 2rom $"em) s"are $"eir lo$) an& $"emsel5es en$er$ain a mu$ual

correson&ence; T"is is $"e case :i$" $"e circular siral) as a

reresen$a$ion o2 $"e e5olu$ion an& emer!ence o2 $"e cosmos; I$ is also

$"e case :i$" $"e suare; T"ese $:o 2i!ures) in $"e 5olume$ric) an& in

cons$ruc$i5e symbolism) are $"e e&i2ices) resec$i5ely) o2 $"e !iggurat

> sig>gurat ) li$erally) 9moun$ain9? an& $"e yrami& as oor$uni$ies 2or a

5er$ical ascen$@5ia a succession o2 s$es an& re5eale& by $"e

immu$abili$y o2 an a+is) :"ic" is $"e cen$er an& ori!in o2 bo$"

monumen$s >$emles?;





-e only :is" $o em"asi<e@an& on $"is no$e :e s"all brin! $"is c"a$er

$o a close@$"a$) 2or a $ra&i$ional socie$y) no$ only $"e s$ars) bu$ also roc/s)

lan$s) animals) an& "uman bein!s main$ain an in$erlay o2 mu$ual

rela$ions) a &ance o2 sub$le ossibili$ies; T"ese ossibili$ies comlemen$

one ano$"er) in $"e r"y$"mic ca&ence in :"ic" $"ey all 5ariously &e5elo

in recirocal correson&ence) es$ablis"in! $"e !ui&elines) $"e measures

o2 $"eir in$errela$ion) an& conoine& in number as $"e syn$"esis o2 $"e

arc"e$yal meanin! $"a$ $"ese 9mo&ules)9 9measures)9 9ci"ers)9 an&

9roor$ions9 comor$; An& i$ is uon $"is conce$ual base $"a$ one mus$

s$u&y $"e Precolumbian ari$"me$ical an& !eome$rical symbolisms) us$ as

any :or/ on $"e subec$ :ill "a5e $o be orien$a$e& in $"is &irec$ion;

3O456

See Ren Gunon) The 'reat Triad >%44%) $rans; P; in!sley?;2 T"e number 2our is eual $o ' + ') or '2) $"a$ is) $"e $o$al number o2

ossibili$ies o2 $"e &uali$y mul$ilie& by i$sel2; Le$ us obser5e $"a$) inMesoamerican ci5ili<a$ions) $"is ro!ression is symboli<e& by $"e number

*66) :"ic" is eual $o '6 + '6) or $"e eui5alen$ o2 an in&e2ini$e numerical

series;

7 Amon! $"e Mayas o2 $o&ay) s$u&ies "a5e been carrie& ou$) :i$" resec$ $o$"e "eal$" o2 $"e bo&y) on $"e rela$ions"i be$:een "o$ an& col&) as $"e

oosi$ion o2 $:o con$raries $"a$ are resen$ $"rou!"ou$ $"e cosmos; T"ese

con$raries are also in&ica$e& as $"e &ry an& $"e "umi&@:"ic" mus$

comlemen$ eac" o$"er in or&er $o rees$ablis" $"e 5i$al euilibrium; T"is:ay o2 measurin! ener!y e+$en&s $o 5arious /in&s o2 &iseases) 2oo&s) "erbs)

e$c;) an& is $rans2erre& $o ersona!es) e5en$s) an& si$ua$ions; I$ is

au$oc"$"onous) an& &oes no$ &eri5e 2rom 8iocra$ic or Arab me&icine;Simly) as :i$" so many o$"er $"in!s) i$ coinci&es :i$" o$"er $ra&i$ions in i$s

arc"e$yal conce$s;

8 9T"e Canelas) o2 $"e la$eau $"a$ rises $o $"e sou$" o2 $"e mou$" o2 $"e

Ama<on) are comose& o2 $:o e+o!amous ma$rilineal !rous) onecomrisin! $"e in"abi$an$s o2 $"e eas$ern ar$ o2 $"e circle o2 $"eir "abi$a$)

$"e o$"er $"ose o2 $"e -es$; Durin! $"e rainy season) a race is sc"e&ule&

be$:een $"e boys o2 $"ese $:o !rous) :"o are $"en ain$e& re& an& blac/

resec$i5ely; One o2 $"e !rous reresen$s $"e eas$) $"e sun) &ay) ear$") re&)an& $"e season o2 &rou!"$ $"e o$"er reresen$s $"e :es$) $"e moon) ni!"$)

:a$er) blac/) an& $"e rainy season; T"ese $:o !rous) :"o &i5i&e u all $"a$e+is$s :i$" $"e same ri!orous consis$ency as &o $"e Iranian an& C"inese

reli!ions) romo$e) :i$" $"eir ri$ual ac$i5i$y) $"e bene2icen$ r"y$"m o2 $"e

uni5erse an& na$ure9 >A/e 8ul$/ran$<) %istoire des &eligions>?)

Encyclo&ie &e la Plia&e) Gallimar&) Paris %40.;











/ As 2or $"e number nine) :e :is" $o em"asi<e $"a$) by 5ir$ue o2 i$s in$rinsic

c"arac$eris$ics) an& as an in$e!ral elemen$ o2 e5ery series or !rou) i$

in$ro&uces in$o $"e la$$er $"e conce$ o2 circulari$y) or $"e cyclical; T"e same"ol&s $rue 2or i$s mul$iles an& e+ac$ submul$iles;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

1

CONSTRCTI1E SYM7OLISM

Tra&i$ional socie$ies buil$ $"eir ci$y@$"e symbol o2 $"eir cul$ure@as an

ima!e o2 $"e cosmic or&er; T"e ci$y o2 ear$" is an imi$a$ion o2 $"e ci$y o2"ea5en) an& i$s s$ruc$ure is $a/en 2rom $"e e$ernal arc"e$ye; T"e lane

o2 $"e ci$y o2 "uman bein!s mus$ be a $racin! o2 $"e numbers an&

measures $"a$ rule $"e uni5erse) an& a ri$ual mani2es$a$ion o2 $"e &i5ine

lan e+ecu$e& by $"e !o&s; T"e ci$y an& $"e en$ire cul$ure bear :i$ness $o

$"is a$$i$u&e an& $"is no:le&!e e+resse& $"rou!" $"e la:s o2 analo!y

or o2 in5erse correson&ence; In $"is 2as"ion $"ey es$ablis" a

communica$ion :i$" $"e "ea5enly) a bon& be$:een ear$" an& "ea5en)

be$:een a /no:n lane an& ano$"er) un/no:n lane) be$:een 5isible

bein!s an& $"e ener!ies o2 $"e in5isible numina;

T"e ci$y) $"ere2ore@$"e communi$y@s"ares in $"is rela$ions"i) $o a

!rea$er or lesser &e!ree) since i$ 2in&s i$sel2 ar$icula$e& 2rom a oin$ o2

&ear$ure in a cen$er :"ose 2unc$ion is ac$ually $o es$ablis" $"is

ere$ual 2lo:in! o2 $"e sacre& emana$ions $"a$ !uaran$ee or&er an&

cul$ure) an& :"a$ is more) li2e; T"is a+is or cen$er is reresen$e& by $"e

$emle) or "ouse o2 :ors"i) cen$er o2 $"e ci$y or 5illa!e@or by $"e ries$)





c"ie2) or s"aman in $"e communi$y@as $"e s$ar$in! oin$ 2rom :"ic" all

ca$e!ories are s$ruc$ure&;

As :e /no:) in Precolumbian America) esecially in Mesoamerica) $"e

yrami& :i$" $"e $runca$e& 5er$e+ "as been $"e $emle ar e+cellence)an& i$ is i$s !ra&e& 5er$icali$y) 2rom !rea$er $o lesser) $"a$ ermi$s

es$ablis"men$ o2 con$ac$ :i$" $"e in5isible :orl&s an& e5er#resen$

9"ea5ens;9 T"e symbol o2 $"e yrami& is e+ac$ly eui5alen$ $o $"a$ o2 $"e

moun$ain) an& in&ee& many o2 $"e Precolumbian yrami&s :ere

mo&ele& on na$ural moun$ains; T"e moun$ain) $"en@li/e man@is $"e

symbol o2 5er$icali$y) o2 a+ial communica$ion) an& i$ es$ablis"es $"e

"ea5enear$" rela$ions"i by comlemen$in! $"is 5er$icali$y an& $"is

communica$ion; T"e union is e22ec$e& a$ $"e "ear$ o2 $"e moun$ain) in $"e

ca5ern) or in $"e &ar/es$ an& $"ic/es$ ar$ o2 $"e 2ores$) us$ as in $"e

"ear$ o2 man;2

In $"e symbolism o2 $"e C"ris$ian $emle) $"is lace o2 encoun$er an&

reali<a$ion is reresen$e& by $"e sanc$uary@$"e 8ebre: sancta

sanctorum @an& $"e moun$ain an& $"e sacre& ca5e are !enerally

assimila$e& $o $"e $emle an& $"e $abernacle >or $"e cry$? resec$i5ely;

T"e E!y$ians) :"o also buil$ sacre& yrami&s) si$ua$e& :i$"in $"em a

series o2 saces or "abi$a$ions@au$"en$ically 2unereal@in :"ic" $"e ri$es

o2 ini$ia$ion :ere er2orme&; T"us) $"e "ouse o2 :ors"i is

2un&amen$ally $"e sace or lace :"ere ini$ia$ion $o /no:le&!e is

ro&uce&; I$ is in 2unc$ion o2 a cen$ral a+is :"ic" es$ablis"es $"e

"ea5enear$" >an& un&er!roun& :orl&) as :ell? lin/a!e) $"a$ $"e li2e o2 a

cul$ure is reali<e&;7 An& $"e same is alicable $o man) :"o) a2$er all) as

$"e microcosm) is a $emle ma&e $o $"e ima!e an& li/eness o2 $"e

macrocosm >$"e &i5ine $emle an& "ouse o2 Go&?) an& $"e lan an& la:s

$"a$ "a5e 2oun&e& eac" "a5e been analo!ous;

In $"e case o2 $"e rincial $emle o2 Tenoc"$i$lan) "ear$ o2 $"e A<$ec

eole) $"e ma!ical#$"eur!ical symbolism is e5i&en$; T"e $emles an&

buil&in!s $"a$ c"arac$eri<e& $"is sacre& ci$a&el :ere erec$e& in $"e e+ac$ lace :"ere $"e ancien$ Me+icans "a& once recei5e& $"e si!ns) $"e &i5ine

$o/ens) $"a$ or&ere& $"em $o se$$le $"ere a2$er so many years o2 ar&uous

il!rima!e; T"is is a clear ins$ance@li/e $"a$ o2 $"e Incas in Cu<co) an&

o$"ers) "is$orically &emons$ra$e& in $"e Precolumbian area@o2 "o: a

cul$ure is es$ablis"e& an& ra&ia$es ou$:ar& in $"e cons$an$ mi!ra$ions o2

$"e "uman secies) as :ell as o2 $"e manner in :"ic" $"eir symbolical











s$ruc$ures can be $rans2erre& $o in&i5i&ual man; O2 course) $"e la$$er mus$

be able) a$ a !i5en momen$ o2 "is li2e) $"rou!" $"e use o2 "is o:n si!ns

an& $o/ens) $o es$ablis" a &irec$ lin/a!e :i$" o$"er :orl&s@:i$" &i22eren$

lanes $"a$ in$e!ra$e a sin!le uniue reali$y) reali<e& by means o2 $"e

!ra&ually more sub$le an& imalable mani2es$a$ions o2 $"ese lanes;

T"is is eui5alen$ $o $"e e+erience o2 secre$ s$a!es o2 ni5ersal 7ein!)

an& $o $"e /no:le&!e o2 a cosmo!ony) symboli<e&) in $"is case) by $"e

yrami&) :i$" i$s rec$an!ular base an& $"e 5arious le5els $o be scale&) by

s$a!es) $o:ar&s $"e summi$;

I2 :e roec$ $"e 5olume$ric 2i!ure o2 $"e yrami& on$o a lane) :e s"all

ob$ain a small cen$ral suare) an& ano$"er series o2 suares surroun&in!

i$@in a series numerically eual $o $"e yrami&al s$es@2rom $"e in$erior

$o $"e e+$erior) 2rom $"e cen$er $o $"e eri"ery) 2rom $"e merely 5ir$ual

$o $"e limi$ o2 i$s o:n mani2es$a$ion; 8ere :e "a5e $"e symbol o2 $"e

ossibili$y o2 a re$urn $o $"a$ mys$erious) imassible 5ir$uali$y) $"rou!"

$"e in$erme&iary o2 $"e yrami&al $emle :i$" i$s s$es) 2rom $"e base $o

$"e cen$ral or a+ial culmina$ion; T"is mas an in5erse rou$e) i2 :e

consi&er i$ in $erms o2 $"e ersec$i5e o2 man) :"o "as buil$ $"e ear$"ly

$emle) 5is##5is $"a$ o2 $"e ni5ersal Arc"i$ec$) :"o "as crea$e& $"e

celes$ial lane 2rom ou$ o2 "is ni$y in$o $"e mul$ilici$y o2 "is

e+ressions; -"ile man@one o2 $"ose e+ressions@mus$ !o 2rom

mani2es$a$ion $o immani2es$a$ion) 2rom $"e crea$e& $o $"e uncrea$e&)

2rom $"e "uman $o $"e suer"uman or &i5ine; T"is is a re$urn $o $"eori!ins) $o $"e source) $o $"e in5isible $"a$ is e5er re5eale& in :or/s;

-e "a5e re2erre& $o $"ese ma$$ers in ano$"er :or/;8 8ere :e s"all only

in&ica$e $"a$ $"e $emle or cen$er o2 :ors"i/ oins $"e 5er$ical ener!ies

:i$" $"e "ori<on$al) sei<in! successi5e) 2lee$in! $ime in sacre& sace) $"a$

rece$acle o2 $"e &i5ine ener!ies or 5ibra$ions) o2 $"e e$ernal; T"ereuon

i$ &i22uses $"em on $"e lane o2 ear$") in $"e "ori<on$ali$y o2 $"e social

communi$y) :"ic" is or!ani<e& in con2ormi$y :i$" i$s ro+imi$y or

&is$ance $o $"e $emle) symbol o2 rece$i5i$y) re5ela$ion) an& sacre&

:is&om; T"e $emle is $"e li5in! ima!e o2 $"e cosmos) $"e conunc$ionan& comlemen$ari$y o2 ear$" an& "ea5en) suc" as :e "a5e in $"e case o2

$"e yrami&) by :ay o2 $"e suare o2 $"e base >ear$"? an& $"e $rian!le o2

$"e si&es >"ea5ens?; In some $ra&i$ional socie$ies) $"is "ea5en is

reresen$e& by a circle or semicircle) :"ic") in $ri&imensionali$y) is $"e

&ome or cuola cro:nin! $"e suare o2 $"e base o2 $"e e&i2ice; In o$"er

$ra&i$ions) suc" as $"e Gree/ >as li/e:ise in cer$ain Roman an& C"ris$ian







s$ruc$ures?) i$ is also $"e $rian!ular 2orm in al$erna$ion :i$" $"e circular

$"a$ :e 2in& o5er &oors) monumen$s) an& al$ars; 8ere $"e $rian!le an& $"e

circle or semicircle are eui5alen$) an& are use& in&is$inc$ly as 2i!ures o2

"ea5en) in con$ras$ :i$" $"e ua&ran!le o2 ear$") e5en $"ou!" bo$" 2orm

a "armonious :"ole@a sin!le cons$ruc$ion comarable $o $"e en$ire

cosmos;

Huan &e Toruema&a) ci$in! $"e "timologías o2 Sain$ Isi&ore o2 Se5ille)

$ells usB

In by!one $imes) $"e "ea$"en buil$ $"eir $emles an& "ouses

2or $"eir i&ols in many :ays; ; ; ; In one resec$ alone $"ese

:ere e5er s$able an& ermanen$B $"ey all :ere !i5en 2our

ar$s) so $"a$ $"ey :ere en&o:e& :i$" "ea&) 2ee$) an& arms)

ri!"$ an& le2$; ; ; ; In $"is 2as"ion) $"ose o2 $"e ancien$s :"o

ossesse& be$$er &iscourse erec$e& $"eir $emles an& $"is is

$"e 2orm $"a$ :e 2in& $o "a5e been cus$omary amon! $"ese

In&ian 2ol/; ; ; ; In $"is same 2as"ion) :e C"ris$ians are

commonly accus$ome& $o raise $"e "ouses an& $emles o2

Go&;9

In Te+coco) a$ $"e arri5al o2 $"e Euroeans) $"ere :as a ma!ni2icen$

yrami&al $emle) consis$in! o2 nine s$a!es symboli<in! $"e nine

"ea5ens@in mos$ &ocumen$s $"ese "ea5ens are $"ir$een) or else nine an&

$"ir$een are use& as eui5alen$s@or successi5e &e!rees o2 /no:le&!e o2

$"e $rue reali$y o2 man an& o2 li2e >:"ic") in con2ormi$y :i$" $ra&i$ional

$"ou!"$) is more in5isible $"an 5isible?; T"ese &e!rees s"ae& $"e

cosmo!ony o2 $"e Na"ua$l eoles; T"e buil&in! o2 $"is yrami& "a&

been comman&e& by Ne<a"ualcKyo$l) a ersona!e#symbol o2

Precolumbian :is&om a yrami& cons$i$u$in! "is ri&e an& le!acy;:

T"ese nine "ea5ens "a& $"eir coun$erar$ in nine un&er!roun& "ells) a

/in& o2 in5er$e& relica o2 $"e "ea5ens;- For $ra&i$ional American

$"ou!"$) as :e "a5e alrea&y in&ica$e&) ear$" is a ua&ran!ular lane)

e+$en&in! in$o $"e :a$ers o2 $"e sea) an& oine& $o $"e "ea5ens@$"e uer:a$ers@a$ $"e "ori<on;; T"e s$ars) celes$ial reresen$a$ions o2 $"e &ei$y)

$ra5erse $"e 2irmamen$ 2rom one e+$reme o2 $"e "ori<on $o $"e o$"er)

&yin! in $"e :es$ $o rise once more 2rom $"e eas$) :"ic" is re!ar&e& as a

resurrec$ion; T"a$ erio& in :"ic" a s$ar is no$ 5isible is $a/en as a 5isi$

or assa!e in $"e un&er:orl&) $"e lan& o2 $"e &ea&;















T"is is ar$icularly e5i&en$ in $"e case o2 $"e sun) $"e moon) an&

esecially 1enus) alon! :i$" $"e &ei$ies associa$e& :i$" $"ese s$ars;

Amon! $"e la$$er) $"e rincial e+onen$ is Jue$<alcoa$l) er"as $"e

mos$ imor$an$ !o& o2 $"e American an$"eon) /no:n by 5arious names

in $"e 5arious lan!ua!es an& cus$oms o2 $"e eoles :"o /ne: an&

5enera$e& "im) as :e "a5e sai&; T"e same occurs :i$" $"e ear$") :"ic"

&ies in :in$er an& is born :i$" $"e srin! an& $"e rains; A!ain) :e "a5e

$"e li2e an& "abi$s o2 cer$ain animals) :"ic" 2or $"is reason@$"a$ $"ey are

s"arers in $"e &ialec$ic o2 $"e &ei$y@are sacre&; Suc" is $"e case :i$" $"e

"ummin! bir&) :"o "iberna$es 2or mon$"s) an& in&ee& seems &ea&) bu$

a$ las$ is reborn in all o2 i$s beau$y) !la&ness) an& slen&or; T"en $"ere is

$"e salmon) amon! $"e Nor$" American an& Cana&ian $ribes o2 $"e

Nor$":es$) :"ic") :i$" $"e arri5al o2 a cer$ain $ime o2 $"e year) mi!ra$es

$o $"e sea) $o ly $"e ri5ers once more) a!ains$ $"e curren$) an& sa:n in

i$s ori!inal lace) comle$in! an en$ire cycle o2 li2e&ea$"li2e

symboli<in! $"is 9e$ernal re$urn;9 Li/e:ise :e "a5e $"e bu$$er2ly) :"ic"

un&er!oes $"e $rans2orma$ion 2rom $"e ear$"ly $o $"e 5ola$ile) an& is born

in srin!) $"e season o2 $"e rains an& !enera$ion) alon! :i$" $"e 2lo:ers;

All o2 $"is is imme&ia$ely a/in $o $"e la:s o2 $"e cons$ruc$ion o2 $"e

cosmos@$emle an& ci$y ar e+cellence@an& $"e ermanen$ e+ecu$ion o2

$"e &i5ine lan;

Atlas Durán %.$" c;

T"a$ lan inclu&es a cons$an$ 5i$al re!enera$ion) in$ima$ely associa$e&

:i$" ini$ia$ion) :"ic") $"rou!" an analo!ous mec"anism o2

li2e&ea$"li2e) es$ablis"es $"e au$"en$ic bein!) ones $rue name) an& $"e

incre&ible o$en$ial o2 $"e "uman) ma/in! use o2 $"e ear$" as a suor$



2or $"e un2ol&in! an& &e5elomen$ o2 $"a$ o$en$iali$y;

3O456

Fray Die!o &e Lan&a $ells usB 9In $"e cen$er o2 $"e oula$ion :ere $"eir$emles) :i$" $"eir beau$i2ul suares) an& all aroun& $"e $emles rose $"e

"omes o2 $"e lor&s) $"e ries$s) an& $"e mos$ imor$an$ ersons; T"en came$"e "omes o2 $"ose :"o :ere "el& in $"e "i!"es$ es$eem) an& on $"e ou$s/ir$s

o2 $"e ci$y :ere 2oun& $"e "ouses o2 $"e lo:es$ classes;9

2 T"e $ree) $oo) s"ares in $"is symbolism o2 a+ial assa!e) an& $"ere2ore is

calle& $"e $ree o2 li2e; In $"e Mayan cul$ures) cer$ain my$"ical ersona!esclimb i$s $run/ an&) $rans2orme& in$o o$"er bein!s) are los$ in $"e "ea5en o2

i$s 2olia!e;

7 Cer$ain $ra&i$ions &i5i&e 5er$ical sace in$o $"ree le5els) :"ic" $"ey

&enomina$e "ea5en) ear$") an& a$mos"ere or in$erme&ia$e :orl&; O$"erscall $"ese $"ree lanes "ea5en) ear$") an& un&er:orl&; T"ese $:o &i5isions

in$o $"ree :orl&s are eui5alen$ an& "omolo!ous) an&) in $"e 5e!e$al

symbolism o2 $"e $ree) re2er $o $"e lea5es an& branc"es) $run/) an& roo$s;

8 Fe&erico Gon<=le<) La &ueda: 8na 7magen Simb-lica del Cosmos >7arcelonaB Symbolos) %43.?;

/ In cer$ain !rous) $"e "ome i$sel2 2ul2ills $"is 2unc$ion; T"e al$ar is $"e

"ear$"; T"e 2ire) $rans2orme& in$o smo/e >incense?) escaes by :ay o2 an

oenin! cons$ruc$e& a$ $"e ea/ o2 $"e roo2; T"e pater0amilias is $"e ries$)or "is :i2e is $"e ries$ess;

T"ere are numerical reasons) as :ell) 2or $"isB nine is $"e suare o2 $"ree;9 Huan &e Toruema&a) onar#uía 7ndiana) boo/ 3) c"a; (;

: Fernan&o &e Al5a I+$li+oc"i$l) *bras %ist-ricas >Me+ico Ci$yB ;N;A;M;)

%400?) ; %'.;

- Le$ us obser5e $"e correson&ence "ere :i$" :"a$ Dan$e &escribes in The Di,ine Comed); T"e similari$y is all $"e more meanin!2ul in $"a$ $"e

Dan$esue cosmolo!y is $"e P$olemaic) C"ris$ian) an& me&ie5al) an&

correson&s) ra$"er $"an $o a !eocen$ric 5ie:) $o an an$"roocen$ric osi$ion;M; AsQn Palacios) a Ca$"olic ries$) "as brou!"$ ou$ $"e in$ima$e similari$y

be$:een The Di,ine Comed) an& $"e Islamic cosmolo!y as e+resse& by

sa!e Ibn al#Arabi; O$"er cri$ics "a5e broa&ene& $"ese commen$aries) rela$in!$"e cosmolo!ies us$ men$ione& :i$" $"e 8ebre: cabala) an& :i$" $"e

Iranian an& 7u&&"is$ conce$ions; None o2 $"ese commen$aries are :i$"ou$

$ru$") al$"ou!" $"ey come 2rom $"e 5ie:oin$ o2 $"e "is$orical in2luences

an& ori!inal sources $o :"ic") o2 course) Dan$e "a& no &irec$ access; I$ is $"esame :i$" $"e Precolumbian symbolism) seein! $"a$ The Di,ine Comed)

:as :ri$$en nearly $:o cen$uries be2ore $"e &isco5ery o2 America; Ac$ually)

:"a$ $"ese concurrin! conce$ions mani2es$ is $"e uni$y o2 $ra&i$ional





















&oc$rine) $"e symbolic e+ression o2 $"e e5er#resen$ cosmo!ony;

; For $"e cosmo!ony) $"e lor&s o2 $"e &ay :ere $"ir$een) an& $"e lor&s o2 $"e

ni!"$ >or un&er:orl&? nine; To $"e nine !o&s o2 &ay an& "ea5en :ere a&&e&$"e 2our $"a$ correson& $o $"e car&inal oin$s@$"ose mar/e& by $"e limi$s o2

sace on $"e line o2 $"e "ori<on) or ua&ran!ular lane o2 $"e sur2ace o2 $"e

:a$ers $"a$ ser5e& as ermanen$ con$ac$ be$:een $"e :orl& o2 li!"$ an& $"a$o2 &ar/ness; In $"ese $erms) $"e $"ir$een lor&s o2 li!"$ are &i5i&e& in$o nine o2$"e "ea5ens an& 2our o2 $"e ear$"; Correson&in!ly) an& in5ersely) $"e nine

"ea5enly !o&s are ma$c"e& by $"e nine o2 $"e un&er:orl&) :"o :ere

seara$e& by $"e ua&ran!ular lane o2 $"e ear$"; For $"e Na"ua$ls) $"e rimi$i5e crea$i5e air "a& en!en&ere& 2our sons) :"o &:el$ a$ $"e 2our

car&inal oin$s o2 Tlactípac) $"e sur2ace o2 $"e ear$") an& "a& 2orme& bo$"

$"e "ea5ens) an& $"e !o&s $"a$ rule $"e un&er!roun& le5els;

T"e ki,a) $emle an& lace o2 ini$ia$ion o2 a !rea$ roor$ion o2 $"e Nor$"American cul$ures) "as i$s en$rance in $"e roo2) a$ !roun& le5el; T"e roo2

lea&s belo: $"e le5el o2 $"e ear$") $o $"e &e$"s o2 $"e enclosure) :"ic" aresymbolic o2 $"e un&er:orl&) an& "a5e $"eir e+i$ $"e same as $"eir en$rance) bu$ $"a$ e+i$ is no: reac"e& in an u:ar&) or <eni$"#boun& course;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

1I

SACRED PLANTS AND ANIMALS

-i$" re!ar& $o sacre& lan$s an& animals) our only in$en$ "ere :ill be $o

a$$em$ $o s/e$c" a see&y &escri$ion o2 cer$ain sacre& lan$s an&

animals $"a$ are in5es$e& :i$" a symbolic c"arac$er) an& $"a$ $"ere2ore

are "i!"ly meanin!2ul; To be!in) le$ us obser5e $"a$ e5ery$"in! in a

$ra&i$ional or arc"aic socie$y is sacre& or ma!ical) bu$ $"a$ cer$ain

5e!e$able an& animal symbols "a5e) in $"ese socie$ies) a bur&en o2

meanin! $"a$ &is$in!uis"es $"em as seci2ic ener!ies) &i22eren$ia$e& 2romo$"ers; I$ is no$ in 5ain $"a$ $"ese lan$s an& beas$s are in5ariably an&

unanimously associa$e& :i$" &e$ermina$e &ei$ies) :"ic" $"ey reresen$;

I$ :ill be o2 in$eres$ $o us) $"en) $o i&en$i2y $"e 5alue $"a$ $"ese symbols

o2 na$ure "el& 2or $"e Precolumbian men$ali$y) an& $"eir e+$remely close

rela$ions"i :i$" cosmo!ony;







Hus$ so) :e s"all be in$eres$e& in resen$in! a s/e$c"y illus$ra$ion

concernin! cer$ain American lan$s an& animals) :"ic" ermi$$e& >no$

only $"rou!" $"eir ma$erial u$ili$y) bu$ also $"rou!" $"eir in$rinsic my$"ic

an& symbolical 5alues? $"e crea$ion an& conser5a$ion o2 $"e In&o#

American cul$ures) many o2 :"ic" are s$ill ali5e) e5en "ysically) o:in!

$o $"e le!acy o2 :ors"i o2 $"ese &ei$ies;

Codex /orgia

As :e /no:) $"e In&ians reresen$e& $"eir numina un&er 2orms an& $rai$s

o2 lan$s an& beas$s; T"is in&ica$es $"e &e!ree o2 sacrali<a$ion assi!ne&

$o $"ose elemen$s in a !i5en socie$y) an& $"e role $"ey laye& in $"e

communi$y; E5en in a li$eral :ay) $"ese 5e!e$ables an& animals :ere

sacre&) an& re5eale& $"e resence o2 $"e &i5ini$y in $"e :orl&;

T"eo"anies) or mani2es$a$ions o2 $"e &ei$y) coul& occur $"rou!" any

bein! or $"in!B in $"is case) $"rou!" a 5e!e$able or animal secies

incarna$in! seci2ic &i5ine a$$ribu$es@ma!ical an& mys$erious ener!ies

$"a$ eac" e+emlar o2 na$ure bo$" ossesses in i$sel2 an& communica$es)

&i22usin! $"em in sace;

T"is conce$ion is cer$ainly 5ali& 2or $"e :"ole o2 Precolumbian

America) an& $"e only 5aria$ion lies in :"ic" ar$icular animals or lan$s

ser5e as a 5e"icle 2or $"ose cosmic ener!ies >celes$ial) $erres$rial) or o2

$"e un&er:orl&?; A !i5en animal can be relace& by some o$"er) us$ as

suc" an& suc" a ri$ual &rin/ can be $"e ro&uc$ o2 $"is lan$ or $"a$; A2$er



all) &is$inc$ bo$anical an& <oolo!ical secies correson& $o &i22eren$

!eo!ra"y an& &i22eren$ clima$es an& al$i$u&es) al$"ou!" i$ mus$ be

oin$e& ou$ $"a$ $"e essen$ial meanin! o2 $"e symbols) ri$es) an& my$"s

al:ays remains i&en$ical) &esi$e $"eir occasional resen$a$ion in

mul$ile) e5en seemin!ly &issimilar) 2as"ion;

T"rou!"ou$ all o2 Precolumbian America) "o:e5er) cer$ain cons$an$

elemen$s &o a$$ac" $o ar$icular bo$anical an& <oolo!ical secies; For

one $"in!) :e "a5e $"e symbols) ri$es) an& my$"s $"a$ rela$e $o $"e

cul$i5a$ion o2 mai<e) :"ic" :as a !o&) as :e /no:) 2or $"e in&i!enous

men$ali$y; >Le$ us recall as :ell $"a$) 2or $"e Mayas) $"e "uman bein! o2

$"e resen$) $"e man o2 $o&ay) "as been ma&e o2 mai<e;? T"en a!ain) :e

"a5e $"ree animals@symbols aearin! in $"e Ol& -orl&) as :ell) an&

usually combine& in a sin!le comle+@$"e ea!le) $"e seren$) an& $"e

a!uar or $i!er; -e s"all re2er $o $"ese cons$an$s belo:; Tobacco is

ano$"er sacre&) ri$ual lan$) use& in all o2 $"e American cul$ures;

Many o$"er e+amles o2 $"e sacrali$y o2 2lora an& 2auna aear

$"rou!"ou$ $"e biblio!ra"y o2 Precolumbian s$u&ies; Nor is $"is

re5erence on $"e ar$ o2 $"e abori!ines in any :ay o:in! $o an animis$ic

in$erre$a$ion) or e+clusi5ely $o a suers$i$ious 2ear) an& s$ill less $o a

ser5ile &e5o$ion $o $"a$ :"ic" "as !i5en $"em ma$erial sus$enance;

Ra$"er i$ :as arouse& by a resec$ $o $"e sacrali$y o2 na$ure as a &irec$

e+ression o2 $"e ac$ o2 crea$ion) an ac$ in :"ic" $"ey $"emsel5es :ere

s"arers;

Tra&i$ional ci5ili<a$ions an& rimi$i5e eoles "a& ui$e a &i22eren$

ima!e o2 :"a$ :e un&ers$an& $o&ay by $"e :or&) 9na$ure;9 I$ is no$ a

ma$$er o2 $"e &ei2ica$ion) in mo&ern $erms) o2 na$ure@a 9na$uralism)9 or

an 9animism9 $"a$ :oul& be i$s lo!ical conseuence; T"e Precolumbian

eoles) li/e all $ra&i$ional ones) see in $"e :orl& an& in na$ure an ima!e

o2 Go&) a erennial irru$ion o2 $"e in2ini$e in$o $"e 2ini$e; In $"e :or/ o2

crea$ion) $"ey be"ol& a cons$an$ $"eo"any;

Arc"aic man &oes no$ 2eel alone or isola$e& in na$ure; Nor &oes "e

re$en& $o be i$s rorie$or; Animals) lan$s) an& e5en s$ones) li/e ri5ers)

la/es) an& rain) cons$i$u$e ar$ o2 "is bein!; I$ is $"e same :i$" $"e s/y)

:i$" i$s 5arie& 2orms) an& $"e na$ural $imes an& cycles o2 li2e) &ea$" an&

resurrec$ion e+emli2ie& by $"e seasons o2 $"e years an& $"e mo5emen$s

o2 $"e s$arsB li2e i$sel2 as a erennial ri$ual an& an in$errela$ion or



in$ersec$ion o2 cons$an$ ener!ies) "ori<on$al an& 5er$ical) sa$ial an&

$emoral; T"us) $"e :"ole :orl& is a co&e $"a$ can be un&ers$oo& an&

rea&) in $"e con2i!ura$ions o2 $"e s/y as :ell as in $"e symbols $"a$ are

$"e lan$s an& animals;

Doub$less $"e mos$ a$en$ 5e!e$able symbol is $"a$ o2 $"e $ree >or o2 $"e

lan$ in !eneral?) as reresen$a$ion o2 $"e cosmic ener!ies; I$s lea5es an&

branc"es) $run/) an& roo$s cons$i$u$e) resec$i5ely) i$s aerial) $erres$rial)

an& sub$erranean le5els) s$ri/in!ly comarable $o "ea5en) ear$") an&

un&er:orl&) as :e "a5e alrea&y in&ica$e&; A$ $"e same $ime) $"e lan$) or

$"e $ree) is an a+ial) 5er$ical symbol) caable o2 connec$in! $"ese

&i22eren$ le5els or :orl&s amon! $"emsel5es) an& accor&in!ly) a means

o2 communica$ion) a 5e"icle) be$:een "ea5en an& ear$";

7u$ i$ is no$ $"e lan$ alone $"a$ is a clear) con$en$#la&en si!n;

A!ricul$ure is suc" a si!n) as :ellB $"e cul$i5a$ion o2 lan$s) an& $"e

rocessual s$a!es in $"eir so:in!) ma$ura$ion) an& 2ruc$i2ica$ion) :"ic"

also 2orm a comle+ o2 symbols) or seuences lin/e& $o $"e i&ea o2

li2e&ea$"resurrec$ion $"a$ is resen$ in all a!rarian my$"s an& ri$es;

In $"is sense) $"e mai<e lan$ occuies a cen$ral osi$ion; Sun/en in $"e

marro: o2 $"e American cul$ures) i$ er2orms an essen$ial 2unc$ion in $"e

comle+ Precolumbian :orl&; T"a$ is) i$ bears e5i&en$ :i$ness $o $"e

cons$an$ly reea$e& cyclic ac$ion an& in$erac$ion o2 $"e cosmo!onic

2orces@$"e 2allin! an& risin! ener!ies concen$ra$e& in $"e !rain o2 mai<e

an& &e5eloin! in $"e lan$ an& i$s 2rui$) $"e ear o2 mai<e;

In o$"er :or&s) :e mi!"$ sea/ o2 a conunc$ion o2 rinciles or

elemen$s; >ater is ob5iously e+resse& by $"e rains) as is air by $"e

:in&; Fire o22ers i$s "ea$) $"a$ $"e see& may !ermina$e in $"e :omb o2

$"e earth; T"is cons$an$ ro$a$ion an& conunc$ion o2 oosi$es is al:ays

resen$ in a $ra&i$ional or arc"aic conce$ion; T"us) $"e :orl& as a

:"ole) as :ell as e5ery corner o2 i$) is 2oun& $o be anima$e& by in5isible

siri$s) :"ic" e+ress $"emsel5es by :ay o2 5isible symbols an&

"enomena; T"is bein! $"e case) $"e nouris"men$ ob$aine& 2rom $"e

lan$ is also sacre&) an& $"us a sublime nouris"in! 2oo&) $o $"e oin$ o2

bein! a 2on$ o2 li2e 2or man; A lan$) or Tree o2 Li2e) :"ic" !i5es

e5ery$"in! con$inuously an& as/s no$"in! in re$urn) is $ruly a !i2$ o2 $"e

!o&s $o "uman bein!s) :"o &ra: $"eir e+is$ence 2rom $"is &i5ine

sus$enance; One communes :i$" $"e &i5ini$y :"en one ea$s mai<e) an&



$"e reara$ion o2 $"e 5arious 2oo&s $"a$ :ere reare& 2rom i$ :as

e22ec$e&) in ancien$ &ays@an& in some laces) s$ill $o&ay@in ri$ual

2as"ion) arallel $o $"e s$a!es o2 i$s so:in! an& "ar5es$in!;

All o2 li2e) 2or $"e in&i!enous men$ali$y) is a con$inuous ri$e) a 9 sho3)9:"ose ro$a!onis$s inclu&e $"e sun) $"e moon) an& $"eir re$inue o2

lane$s) :"ic") in $"eir cons$an$ mo5emen$) ro&uce &ay an& ni!"$ an&

$"e seasons o2 $"e year) an& "a5e a &irec$ in2luence on 5e!e$a$ion >an& on

i$s "ar5es$in!) :"en $"e cul$ure in ues$ion is a!rarian?; T"ey are

symbols o2 $"e con$emla$ion o2 $"e ener!ies o2 male2emale)

ac$i5eassi5e) an& "ea5enear$") :"ic" lea&s $o 2er$ili<a$ion) $a/en on by

$"e in$erme&ia$e an& a$mos"eric !o&sB $"un&er) li!"$nin!) an&

$"un&erbol$; Ri$es) my$"s) an& symbols) $"en) are emula$ions o2 $"is

&ance er2orme& by $"e &escen&in! an& ascen&in! !o&s) :"ose

e+ression on $"e lane o2 ear$" is $"e sa$ial un2urlin! o2 $"a$ :"ic" is

bein! mani2es$e&; Na$ures ere$ual &emons$ra$ions o2 2er$ili$y an&

!enera$ion are a source o2 cons$an$ as$onis"men$ 2or $ra&i$ional In&ians)

:"o re5erence in $"em $"e resence o2 $"a$ sacrali$y in :"ose

2amiliari$y) in one :ay or ano$"er) $"ey li5e submer!e&; 8o:e5er) eac"

o2 $"ese lan$s si!ni2ies a ma!ical) seci2ic ener!y) an& 2rom $"a$

s$an&oin$ er2orms a 2unc$ion &i22eren$ 2rom $"ose o2 $"e o$"ers@is use&

2or &i22eren$ uroses) carries i$s o:n messa!e@an& is an in$e!ral ar$ o2

$"e li2e o2 man;

In $"e in&i!enous men$ali$y) $"ere is no recise boun&ary be$:een $"e

in&i5i&ual an& na$ure >or be$:een $"e na$ural an& $"e suerna$ural?; T"e

reason 2or $"is is $"e abo5e#ci$e& in$errela$ions"i an& in$er&een&ence

o2 all $"in!s >inclu&in! !o&s an& man?) $"e ac/no:le&!men$ o2 :"ose

e5i&en$ reali$y is a common $rai$ o2 all $ra&i$ional eoles an&

in&i5i&uals; Tra&i$ional men lace no em"asis on $"e in&i5i&uali$y o2

$"eir conce$ions or ersons; Ra$"er $"ey 2ocus on $"e uni5ersali$y o2 $"e

comle+ o2 :"ic" $"ey are a cons$i$u$i5e ar$) an& li5e in ere$ual

as$onis"men$ a$ $"e becomin! o2 $"in!s) as :ell as in $"eir cer$i$u&e o2

$"e $ranscen&ence o2 a Grea$ Siri$ mani2es$e& by $"e $o$ali$y o2 a na$ure$"a$ is $"e ima!e an& e+ression o2 $"e suerna$ural;

As 2or $"e animal symbol) le$ us obser5e $"a$ i$ is use& in all /no:n

$ra&i$ional cul$ures an& ci5ili<a$ions) &ea& or ali5e; In $"e -es$ i$sel2) $"e

Zo&iac is comose& o2 5arious animal si!ns) us$ as are $"e

Mesoamerican calen&ars;2 In C"ris$iani$y) Hesus assimila$ion $o $"e 2is")







$"e lamb) $"e elican) an& so on) is commonlace; >A$ $"e o$"er e+$reme)

cer$ain animals are $aboo) in $"e s$ric$es$ sense o2 $"e :or&) an&

conseuen$ly $"e in!es$ion o2 $"eir 2les" is ro"ibi$e&; An e+amle o2

$"is :oul& be $"e "o!) 2or $"e He:is" an& Islamic $ra&i$ions;?

Nor is $"e i&ea 2orei!n $o $"e na$i5e $ra&i$ions $"a$ :e are ar$ o2 a

!i!an$ic animal $"a$ embraces $"e $o$ali$y o2 $"in!s) suc" as I$<am#Na)

!o& o2 Mayan cosmo!onical my$"olo!y) as :e "a5e alrea&y in&ica$e&;

T"is ima!e occurs in o$"er American cul$ures) as :ell; Fur$"ermore)

animals reresen$ an ener!y calle& mas$er or lor& o2 $"e animals;

T"e animals as symbols re2er $o &e$ermina$e cosmic ener!ies; For

Precolumbian symbolism) $"is is $"e case :i$" $"e ea!le#seren$#a!uar

comle+) an& i$s in$e!ra$ion in$o ar$icular conce$ions suc" as $"e

lume& seren$; >Dra!ons :i$" :in!s) an& :in!e& $i!ers or lions) are

2reuen$ in 5arious $ra&i$ions;? -e mi!"$ say $"a$) in a cosmo5ision suc"

as $"e in&i!enous) $"ese ener!ies :ere in$errela$e& by $"e romo$ion o2

$"e "armonious balance o2 $"e :orl& recisely by :ay o2 $"e imbalance

an& &issonance o2 i$s ar$s or 2orces;7 T"e balance o2 ener!ies mus$ be

es$ablis"e& a$ all cos$s) by :"a$e5er means) e5en by :ar; T"is e+lains

$"e Me+ican an& Peru5ian or&ers) $"e ni!"$s o2 $"e Ea!le an& $"e

ni!"$s o2 $"e Ha!uar >or 8a:/ an& Pan$"er?) an& $"e ri$ual ba$$les in

:"ic" $"ey en!a!e >as :ell as $"e Mesoamerican tlachinolli?; T"ese

9con2lic$s9 are symbols o2 $"e con$inuous in$erac$ion o2 $"e cosmic

2orces) :"ic" $"ere2ore are in cons$an$ oosi$ion an& 2ric$ion;

Tlachinolli Codex +uttal

In !eneral $erms) $"e ea!le reresen$s $"e o$en$ial o2 $"e aerial an& $"e

"ea5enly $"e seren$) $"e in$erme&ia$e elemen$) or ear$" an& $"e a!uar)





in5ariably) $"e bes$ial ener!ies) $o $"e oin$ $"a$ i$ becomes a Go& o2 $"e

un&er:orl&; T"ere is) "o:e5er) a celes$ial seren$ as :ell an& $"e

a!uars el$ is also $"e 2irmamen$) an& i$s so$s $"e s$ars) :"ic" are also

$"e eyes o2 $"e in5isible animals o2 $"e ni!"$; Hus$ so) on $"e s/in o2 $"e

Mesoamerican seren$ are inscribe& all o2 $"e cosmo!onic secre$s >as on

$"e s"ell o2 $"e $or$oise) 2or $"e C"inese?) so $"a$ $"e seren$ becomes an

ob5ious sacre& symbol;

T"is in$errela$ions"i amon! ear$"ly animals) $"ose o2 $"e un&er:orl&)

an& $"e celes$ial beas$s is clear in $"e American $ra&i$ions) an& s$an&s

2or$" as normal an& es$ablis"e&; T"is is &ue $o $"e 2ac$ $"a$) 2or $"e

Precolumbian $ra&i$ions) $"e !o&s o2 "ea5en an& $"ose o2 $"e un&er:orl&

are $"e same) only in5er$e&) an& &escen& an& ascen& by an i&en$ical

5er$ical a+is; T"e 8in&us $"ou!"$ $"e sameB $"e asura are bu$ 92allen9

de,as; T"e Hu&aic) C"ris$ian) an& Islamic an!elolo!ies e+ress

$"emsel5es in $"e same $erms;

For $"e A<$ecs) $"e !o&&ess oc"iue$<al) incarna$ion o2 lo5e)

5e!e$a$ion) 2lo:ers) an& 2er$ili$y) &:el$ in $"e nin$" "ea5en) $"e

Tamoanchan or my$"ic ara&ise; S"e :as $"e souse or 2eminine

coun$erar$ o2 Tlaloc) !o& o2 $"e :a$ers; S"e &escen&e& as rain $o $"e

&e$"s o2 $"e ear$") $o $"e &ecomosi$ion an& $rans2orma$ion

c"arac$eri<in! $"e lan& o2 $"e &ea&) $"e sub$erranean :orl& rule& by

Te<ca$lioca) :"o ra5is"es "er) $"ereuon $o release "er an& res$ore "er

$o "er "ea5enly &:ellin!;

S"e is an ascen&in!#an&#&escen&in! !o&&ess) $"en) uon :"om i$ also

&e5ol5es $o 2unc$ion as mana!er o2 $"e 2er$ili<a$ion o2 $"e ear$" by $"e

:a$ers) an& as ruler o2 $"e cons$an$ly recurrin! li2e cycles as symboli<e&

by $"e re!enera$ion o2 na$ure) resen$) as :ell) in all o2 $"e a!rarian

ri$es;8

T"is rela$ions"i be$:een s/y an& ear$") ear$" an& s/y) is es$ablis"e&

$"rou!" $"e in$erme&iary o2 $"e air) $"e rain) an& o$"er a$mos"eric

&ei$ies) an& o2 $"e s$orms >$"un&er) $"un&erbol$) li!"$nin!? &irec$ly lin/e&$o $"em; I$ s"oul& be oin$e& ou$ $"a$ $"e :in& is $"e $rans2ormer an&

emissary o2 5e!e$a$i5e resurrec$ion; 7u$ $"is in no :ay e+"aus$s $"e

meanin! o2 $"e &ei$ies $"a$ correson& $o $"e :in&; T"e air also

$ransor$s soun&) as :ell as $"e ollen an& see&s o2 lan$s; 7u$ abo5e all

else) $"e :in& is $"e symbol o2 siri$) $"e brea$" o2 li2e) an& e5en o2 $"e

:or&; In $"is las$ sense) :e s"oul& recall $"e ,erbum as $"e crea$i5e)





!enera$i5e 5e"icle aearin! in so many uni5ersal $ra&i$ions as :ell as in

5arious Ancien$ American ones) esecially in 5ie: o2 $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"is

,erbum is no$"in! o$"er $"an $"e Gree/ logos; A$ all e5en$s) erennially

$"e :in& as mana!er o2 $"e ear$"s 2er$ili$y in$er5enes in $"e ac$ o2

crea$ion) rece&in! $"e rains $"a$ are i$s conseuence;/

Amon! $"e sacre& In&oamerican animals) bir&s mus$ come in 2or

ar$icular em"asis) !i5en $"eir my$"ic an& ri$ual con$en$; In&ee&)

reresen$a$ions o2 symbolical bir&s) an& esecially $"e use o2 $"eir

2ea$"ers) no$ only in "ea&&ress) bu$ also in o$"er mani2es$a$ions o2

cul$ural li2e) are $o be 2oun& across $"e en$ire sur2ace o2 $"e con$inen$;

-e /no: $"e imor$ance o2 ea!le 2ea$"ers amon! $"e na$i5es o2 Nor$"

America an& Me+ico) an& o2 $"e 2ea$"ers o2 $"e e+o$ic) beau$i2ul $roical

bir&s o2 Cen$ral America) $"e Caribbean) an& $"e Ama<on re!ion; T"e

resence an& imor$ance o2 $"e 2ea$"er is :ell#/no:n in $"e Sou$" o2 $"e

Con$inen$) an& is cus$omarily associa$e& :i$" beau$y) alon! :i$"

2earlessness in ba$$le) an& i&eas o2 2li!"$@or ima!ina$i5e or sublime

$"ou!"$s@as is clear in $"e e+amle o2 $"e arro:; 8ere :e mus$ obser5e

$"a$ $"is :eaon is no$ seen solely as an ar$i2ac$ ro&uce& 2or $"e "un$ or

2or ba$$le@ac$i5i$ies $"a$ are sacre& 2or a $ra&i$ional) arc"aic eole@bu$ is

also re!ar&e& as an in$erme&iary symbol) or messen!er) be$:een ear$"

an& "ea5en) a 2unc$ion e+ressly a$$ribu$e& $o bir&s in !eneral) an& by

e+$ension $o all 2ea$"ers) suc" as $"ose $"a$ s$abili<e $"e 2li!"$ o2 arro:s;

For $"e Precolumbian men$ali$y) $"e la$$er "a5e $"e caaci$y $o 2er$ili<e$"e ear$") :"ence $"e rain&ros 2os$ere& by $"e :in& are assimila$e&)

"ysically an& me$a"ysically) as amon! o$"er eoles) $o $"e celes$ial

semen;





Codex adrid

A$ $"e same $ime) $"e <oomor"ic symbolo!y is 2un&amen$al 2or $"e

in&i!enous men$ali$y) :"ic" sees $"e animals as 5e"icles or

in$erme&iaries be$:een man an& siri$) an& $"us bon&s be$:een $"e

"uman bein! an& $"e &ei$y; To $"ese animals) recisely by reason o2 $"eir

c"arac$er as bon&s) sulica$ion can be a&&resse&; In5ersely) $"e numina

e+ress $"emsel5es $"rou!" $"e me&ia$ion o2 animals) :"ic" are $"ereby

$"e bearers o2 $"eir messa!es) communica$ions recei5e& in a 5ision or a

simle 5i!il; Dee :i$"in $"em) animals reser5e some$"in! o2 $"e uri$y

o2 $"e One :"o crea$e& $"em) an& in $"a$ sense are close $o 8im; Man

can $a/e a&5an$a!e o2 $"eir ener!y in or&er $o es$ablis" rela$ions $"rou!"$"em :i$" $"a$ Crea$or :"ic" $"ey mani2es$; In5ersely) 8e $ransmi$s

messa!es $o us by means o2 $"em; T"is !i5es rise $o a "umananimal!o&

/ins"i) $o $"e oin$ $"a$ $"ese animals are i&en$i2ie&) on $"e one "an&)

:i$" cer$ain asec$s o2 $"e &i5ine) an& on $"e o$"er) :i$" "uman

c"arac$eris$ics) $o $"e oin$ $"a$ $"e In&ians $"emsel5es $a/e accoun$ in

$"eir $ra&i$ions o2 $"e e+is$ence o2 an animal 9&ouble)9 or alter egoB $"e

nahual ;

&ai+e

97e2ore $"ere :as s/y or ear$" :"en $"e :orl& :as "i&&en :"en $"ere

:as no s/y or ear$" $"e recious $"ree#oin$e& a&e) mai<e) sran! u

2rom !race; ; ; ; T"en occurre& $"e bir$" o2 $"e 2irs$ recious s$one) $"e

a&e o2 !race) mai<e; ; ; ; T"ere :as i$s "airB "is &i5ini$y arri5e& :"en "e

:as born;;;9 >Chilam /alam o0 Chuma)el ?;



Mai<e is a conunc$ion o2 rain an& 2ire) or ascen&in! an& &escen&in!

ener!ies $"a$) in a$$ainin! $"eir euilibrium) ro&uce $"e lan$ an& i$s

2rui$B li2e an& nouris"men$; T"us@li/e $"e cac$us) or $"e $ree in !eneral)

as :e "a5e seen@mai<e is a symbol o2 $"e 5er$icali$y o2 $"e a+is $"a$

oins ear$" an& "ea5en; T"us i$ is i&en$i2ie& :i$" man) as :ell) inasmuc"

as $"e la$$er is a si!n o2 $"is me&ia$ionB man arises as a resul$ o2 $"e

con;unctio oppositorum o2 $:o cosmic ener!ies "e bears :i$"in "imsel2;

T"is 5ision) an& $"e In&ians conseuen$ &omes$ica$ion o2 $"e lan$)

:"ic" "e cul$i5a$es by &e5eloin! in i$ a series o2 o$en$iali$ies $"a$ "a5e

alrea&y been imlici$ in i$s bein!) is a si!n o2 $"e mu$ual ar$icia$ion

ob$ainin! be$:een man an& na$ure; T"is comlemen$a$ion is acuire& by

means o2 conscious in$elli!ence an& e22or$) roer$ies o2 $"e "uman

bein!) :"o is $"us &i22eren$ia$e& 2rom $"e o$"er secies) an& :"o lays

$"e role o2 in$erme&iary in crea$ion;

True) in $"e case concernin! us@$"e assa!e 2rom a communi$y o2

"un$er#!a$"erers $o $"a$ o2 re#a!ricul$ure) an& 2rom $"is $o a!ricul$ure

>$"e cul$i5a$ion o2 $"e ager ) $"e 2iel&?@$"is 2unc$ion can be success2ully

es$ablis"e& in $"e 5as$ areas er$ainin! $o a 5arie$y o2 eoles only o5er

a erio& o2 many years) en$ailin! a series o2 &i22icul$ $rials an& labors;

T"e uan$i$y o2 /no:le&!e) rela$ions) an& "ar&s"is $"a$ mus$ conoin in

or&er $o ren&er $"is ossible is enormous; An& ye$) :"en $"e !oal is

a$$aine&) i$ is so unbelie5able an& mar5elous $"a$ i$ acuires a sacre& or

&i5ine ca$e!ory) bo$" in i$sel2 an&) secon&arily) by 5ir$ue o2 i$s use an&

alica$ions; l$ima$ely) all o2 $"is is base& on $"e 2ac$ $"a$) in all o2 $"e

American my$"s $"a$ cen$er on i$) mai<e aears as "a5in! been

bes$o:e& on "uman bein!s by $"e !o&s) :"ic" is $an$amoun$ $o sayin!

$"a$ i$ :as re5eale& $o $"em in some ni!"$ o2 $"eir my$"ical $ime $"is

main$aine& $"e li2e o2 $"ese men) recei5ers an& !enera$ors o2 mai<e >i$

:as $"ey :"o "ysically lan$e& i$ an& cul$i5a$e& i$) al$"ou!" $"eir

insira$ion :as &i5ine?;

-e rescin&) in all o2 $"is) 2rom :"a$ is 2ur$"ere& by $"e cul$ure o2 $"e2iel& i$sel2 >an or&erin! o2 $"e c"aos o2 $"e ear$"?; T"a$ is) :e ass o5er

$"e !enera$i5e roec$ions o2 $"a$ cul$i5a$ion) or :"a$ i$ crea$es $"a$ is

ne: in "uman li2e an& i$s cul$ural an& social mani2es$a$ions) :"ic"

necessarily $ransla$es in$o "is$orical $erms;

In a ma!ico#reli!ious conce$ion suc" as $"e in&i!enous) :"ere li2e is



cons$an$ly curren$) an& :"ere $"e bein!s :"o s"are i$ are al:ays

in5ol5e& in $"e resen$) $"ere are elemen$s an& !o&s $"a$ c"an!e $"eir

meanin! o5er $"e course o2 &aily) or annual) $ime; All o2 $"is o2 course

"as $o &o :i$" $"e cycles o2 5e!e$a$ion >:"ic" re2lec$ $"ese rocesses?)

an& :i$" $"e a!rarian ri$es an& my$"s >:"ic" reresen$ $"a$ c"an!e in

symbolic manner?; T"us) $"e risin! sun is &is$in!uis"e& 2rom $"e

noon&ay an& $"e se$$in! sun; T"e same occurs :i$" $"e 5arious uar$ers

o2 $"e moon in i$s cycle) an& :i$" $"e rain :a$ers) :"ic" :ere consi&ere&

!oo& or e5il) "arm2ul or "el2ul) accor&in! $o $"e mon$" o2 $"e year) $"e

&ay o2 $"e mon$") an& $"e "our o2 $"e &ay a$ :"ic" $"e moons in2luences

:ere ro&uce&) &isc"ar!in! $"e rains; T"is is also $"e case :i$" $"e

ener!y o2 $"e :in&) :"ic" a$ $imes is e+resse& in s$orms or $orna&os)

an& a$ o$"er $imes as leasan$ bree<es;

For $"e na$i5es) $ime) li/e sace) is ali5e) an& $"e 5arious 2orms an&

mani2es$a$ions o2 na$ure) :"ic" $"ey &is$in!uis" an& /no: er2ec$ly

:ell) are mul$ile "enomena $"a$ recur in ere$ui$y; Precisely 2or

$"em) /no:in! is uni$e& $o $"is /in& o2 e+erience o2 $"e sacrali$y o2

na$ure >an& $o $"ose mani2es$e& $"rou!" $"ese?) :"ic" $"e in&i!enous

men$ali$y cons$an$ly in$errela$es; I$ is lo!ical $"a$ $"is broa& an& comle+

a sys$em) in :"ic" $"e 5arious comonen$s al$erna$e almos$ a& in2ini$um)

s"oul& cons$i$u$e a re2ine& ins$rumen$ o2 erce$ion; In any case) $"is

enormous "ea o2 &a$a) or ra$"er) o2 e+eriences >:"ic" may &i22er 2rom

one ano$"er by a mere &e!ree?) an& $"eir &aily ri$ual alica$ion) :oul&necessarily ro5i&e American In&ians :i$" an abun&ance o2 ima!es an&

sub$le$ies o2 e5ery /in& >as "a5e been unanimously arecia$e& in e5ery

na$i5e lan!ua!e?;

O2 course) $"is is no$ :"a$ "aens :i$"; or :"a$ in$eres$s) $"e

in"abi$an$s o2 our lar!e ci$ies) a&&ic$e& as $"ey are $o simli2ica$ion)

$ele5ision) an& $"e :or/ o2 massi5e a!ricul$ural ro&uc$ion; Na$i5e

$"ou!"$ is uali$a$i5e) an& no$ uan$i$a$i5e li/e $"a$ o2 $"e socie$y in

:"ic" :e li5e; From $"is 5ie:oin$) i$ is recisely mai<e $"a$ is $"e i&eal

symbol o2 $"e uali2ica$ion o2 na$ure by means o2 $"e "uman bein!sac$i5e) &irec$ ar$icia$ion; -e s"oul& li/e $o oin$ ou$) "o:e5er) $"a$

$"e cul$i5a$ion o2 $"is lan$ &i& no$ arise in $erms o2 uan$i$a$i5e

ro&uc$ion; T"is ossibili$y &oes no$ occur $o a men$ali$y o2 $"e arc"aic

$ye; Juali$y can en!en&er uan$i$y) bu$ uan$i$y) by &e2ini$ion) is

limi$in! an& rela$i5e;



As :e see) $"en) mai<e is a cen$ral reali$y in $"e li2e an& symbolism o2

$"e Precolumbian cul$ures; In $"e $"ree sur5i5in! Mayan co&ices) $"e

Go& o2 mai<e@$"e Go& o2 a!ricul$ure@aears nine$y#ei!"$ $imes)

accor&in! $o Morley) :"o asser$sB 98e is al:ays reresen$e& as a you$")

an& in some ins$ances :i$" an ear o2 mai<e as "is "ea&&ress;9 8ere :e

s"oul& li/e $o em"asi<e $"is reresen$a$ion o2 $"e e5erlas$in! you$" o2

mai<e) in $"e sense $"a$ i$ ne5er &ies; -"a$ is si!ni2ie& is $"e immor$ali$y

o2 !enera$ion; In $"e Na"ua$l crea$ion my$"s) i$ is Jue$<alcoa$l :"o

re5eals $o "uman bein!s $"e secre$) an& !i5es $"em mai<e) a2$er "a5in!

crea$e& $"em; T"e A<$ecs calle& $"is &ei$y o2 mai<e 9Centeotl )9 an& "el&

$"eir ri$ual 2es$i5als in "is "onor; In li/e 2as"ion) &i5ina$ion >in $"e

e$ymolo!ical sense o2 $"e :or&? :as rac$ice& in ancien$ America usin!

!rains o2 mai<e as in$erme&iaries) us$ as $"ey :ere use& as a means o2

coun$in! in $"e case o2 cer$ain ri$ual calcula$ions; Similarly) in Sou$"

America 2ermen$e& mai<e ro&uce& a sacre& &rin/B chicha; I$ is also

in$eres$in! $o obser5e "o: mai<e is lan$e&; Eac" !rain mus$ be inser$e&

in$o a "ole $"a$ "as been oene& 2or i$) $"en $"e "ole mus$ be close&;

Mai<e is no$ lan$e& by broa&cas$) as o$"er !rains are; T"e An$illeans

re!ar&e& $"eir coa) $"e ins$rumen$ :i$" :"ic" $"ey oene& $"e ear$" in

or&er $o inser$ a !rain o2 mai<e) as an eui5alen$ o2 $"e "uman "allus)

an& 2reuen$ly rela$e& i$ $o $"e symbol o2 $"e seren$; Li/e:ise $o be

obser5e& is $"e similari$y be$:een mai<e !rains an& "uman $ee$"@$o u$

i$ ano$"er :ay) be$:een $"e ea$en an& $"e ea$er@:"ic" &e2ini$i5ely

corrobora$es) 2or an analo!ical men$ali$y) $"e na$ure o2 mai<e as $"ealimen$ ar e+cellence) connec$e& $o man by an e5i&en$ /ins"i;

Go& o2 Mai<e

Codex Dresden

Plan$in! o2 corn

Codex adrid



T"e same sor$ o2 a22ini$y is seen $o be resen$ in $"e 9cornsil/9 o2 mai<e)

re!ar&e& as i$s aural "air; In $"e same :ay) :e $"in/ i$ use2ul $o recall

$"e 2ac$ o2 $"e &i22eren$ colors o2 $"e 5arious $yes o2 ears o2 corn an&

$"eir rela$ion $o $"e cosmo!onical colors o2 eac" in&i!enous cul$ure; For

$"e Mayas) $"e !rain o2 mai<e is inser$e& by man) an& $"en :or/e& on by

$"e nine lor&s o2 $"e un&er:orl&) lus $"e $"ir$een 2rom 9abo5e)9 :"o

imar$ 5i$ali$y $o $"e mai<e lan$ $"rou!" $"e in$erme&iary o2 $"e rains)

$"a$ $"e lan$ may ascen& $o $"e sur2ace o2 $"e ear$";

T"us) $"e my$"s) ri$es) an& symbols rela$e& $o a!ricul$ure in !eneral@in

$"is case) $o mai<e in ar$icular@2orm an ima!e o2 $"e s$es in $"e

ini$ia$ory rocess >reara$ion o2 $"e can&i&a$e &escen$ $o $"e lo:er

:orl& $rials) &ea$") an& subseuen$ resurrec$ion !ro:$" an&

2ruc$i2ica$ion?; T"e reason is $"a$ bo$" rocesses s"are in $"e same

cosmic crea$ion) $"e i&en$ical uni5ersal mo&el) 5ali& 2or all !enera$ion)

:"ic" $"ese rocesses li/e:ise symboli<e;

Le$ us recall once more $"a$) 2or $"e Precolumbian cul$ures) li2e is

ma!ical) an& is e+resse& by $"e sacrali$y o2 na$ure; Ma!ic is a$$en$ion $o

an& comre"ension o2 !enera$ion) $"e s$u&y o2 $"e !ro:$" o2 a lan$ or

o2 $"e animal mo5emen$s o2 $"e s/y; An& abo5e all) i$ is $"e

correson&ence o2 $"ese 5i$al cycles) an& $"eir comlemen$a$ion) $"a$

ro&uces $"e uni5ersal "armony; -e mo&erns are accus$ome& $o $"in/ o2

$"e crea$or as a mys$ery@an& er"as some o2 us $"in/ o2 $"e mys$ery o2

$"e uncrea$e&@bu$ :e some$imes 2or!e$ $"e er2ec$ mys$ery o2 crea$ion)o2 $"e crea$ure e5er ali5e; Mai<e may be one o2 $"e mos$ e5i&en$

incarna$ions o2 $"e ener!y ro&ucin! $"a$ mys$ery) an& :as $a/en as an

as$onis"in! ro$o$ye o2 !enera$ion; T"is 5ery 2ac$ e5inces $"e &e!ree o2

/no:le&!e in"eren$ in $"e :or/in!s o2 American a!ricul$ure;

7y :ay o2 conclusion) le$ us no$e $"a$ $"e noma&ic eoles an&

!a$"erers) alon! $"eir :ay) become assimila$e& $o $ime an& $o $"e sa$ial

roec$ion o2 $ime; T"eir symbolism is animal@:"ile $"a$ o2 $"e

se&en$ary is 5e!e$al) al$"ou!" $"e la$$er re$ain $"e animals si!ns as :ell;

T"is is o:in! $o $"e &i22eren$ $yes o2 e+is$ence main$aine& by $"e $:o!rous) an& $"ere2ore $o $"e :ay in :"ic" $"ey e+erience $"e :orl&)

:"ic" is resen$ in $"eir manner o2 e+ressin! $"e cosmo!ony; Li/e:ise)

$"e ar$s $"a$ re&omina$e amon! $"e se&en$ary are $"e 5isual ar$s) :"ose

se$$in! is sa$ial) as is so clear in $"e necessary rac$ice o2 arc"i$ec$ure

an& $"e cons$ruc$ion o2 $"e ci$y; T"e ar$s o2 $ime are more closely boun&

u :i$" mo5emen$) an& are e+resse& musically) as is s"o:n by



s"e"er&s an& $"eir ies; T"e 5e!e$al symbols re2er ra$"er $o

a!ricul$ural ac$i5i$y) an& $"ere2ore $o a sa$ial se$$in!; 7y con$ras$) $"e

animals mo5e 2reely abou$ in sace) an& $"eir cons$an$ ac$i5i$y is a

symbol o2 mo5emen$@:"ic" is simly $"e sa$ial roec$ion o2 $ime)

accor&in! $o Ren Gunon@"ence $"eir clear connec$ion :i$" $"e

calen&ars; T"is &i22eren$ia$ion "as i$s imor$ance in a rea&in! o2 $"e

animal an& 5e!e$al symbols) an& mus$ be /e$ in min& as :ell 2or an

un&ers$an&in! o2 $"e arc"aic) $ra&i$ional men$ali$y an& $"e 5alues

a$$ribu$e& $o beas$s an& lan$s in i$s cosmo!onies; 8ere) :e "a5e only

sou!"$ $o ci$e a 2e: e+amles o2 $"e e+$remely ric" Precolumbian

Tra&i$ion) some 2i5e cen$uries a2$er $"e &isco5ery o2 America;

Codex adrid

3O456

As 2or o$"er lan$s o2 a 2un&amen$ally sacre& na$ure@suc" as $obacco)men$ione& abo5e@$"e "allucino!enic secies > pe)-tl ) mus"rooms)

a)ahuasca) coca) &a$ura) e$c;?) an& cer$ain 2ermen$e& &rin/s &eri5e& 2rom

5e!e$able subs$ances an& in!es$e& in ri$ual) $ra&i$ional 2as"ion >ulue)c"ic"a) e$c;?) cons$i$u$e a !rou aar$) an& are $o be &i22eren$ia$e& 2rom o$"er

secies) :"e$"er alimen$ary or me&icinal) al$"ou!" $"e en$ire 5e!e$able

:orl& s"ares in $"e sacrali$y o2 na$ure;

2

8umbol&$ "as alrea&y comare& $"e Mesoamerican calen&ars) inclu&in! $"a$o2 $"e Muisca In&ians o2 Colombia) :i$" $"ose o2 5arious o$"er $ra&i$ions

>Tibe$an) Tar$arian) E!y$ian) C"al&ean) an& Gree/?) 2in&in! in $"em

i&en$ical conce$s in concernin! cosmo!onies an& $"eir sa$io#$emoral an&ma!ico#reli!ious 5ie:s; True) $"ese calen&ars $a/e on &i22eren$ <oolo!ical

2orms) an& e5en use &i22eren$ as$ronomical comu$a$ions as $"e basis o2 $"eir

calcula$ions) bu$ $"ey coinci&e an& correson& in !eneral conce$ion;

7 Hus$ so) any combina$ion o2 $"e beas$s us$ name&) as :ell as o$"ers) an& $"e












incorora$ion o2 $"e "uman bein! in$o $"ese <oolo!ical 2usions >so &ear $o

$"e Gree/s an& Romans) an& resen$ in $"e cul$ures o2 all eoles) 2rom $"e

so#calle& "i!" ci5ili<a$ions $o cer$ain 9rimi$i5e9 $ribes o2 $o&ay? aresamles o2 $"is a$$i$u&e;

8 An e+amle o2 $"is "ea5en#$o#ear$") ear$"#$o#"ea5en) ree$i$i5e cycle@$"a$ is)

$"e ere$ual rela$ions"i be$:een $"e 2allin! an& risin! !o&s@can beobser5e& in $"e bir& an& 2is" mo$i2s emloye& in $"e ceramics an& :ea5in!o2 $"e coas$al Peru5ian cul$ures) many o2 $"ese 2orms inclu&in! a

me$amor"osis o2 bir&s in$o 2is" or 5ice 5ersa; In $"is seci2ic case) $"e

in$er&een&ence o2 $"e li2e o2 bir&s an& 2is" is clear) since $"e la$$er li5e on$"e !uano o2 $"e 2ormer) :"ile $"e 2ormer main$ain $"emsel5es $"rou!" $"e

in!es$ion o2 $"e 2is";

/ -e :on&er :"y E"eca$l or 8ura/an :oul& be only &ei$ies o2 $"e :in&) in

$"e na$uralis$ic) an& merely "ysical or "enomenolo!ical sense o2 $"e :or&):"en a$ $"e same $ime :e /no: o2 a 5ery lar!e number o2 mani2es$a$ions

an& 2unc$ions o2 $"ese numina; For $"e 8ebre:s) $"e :or& ruach >$"e9siri$)9 $"e la$$er :or& bein! 2rom $"e La$in spiritus?) can be $ransla$e&li$erally as 9:in&9 an& $"is &i5ine ener!y or a$$ribu$e is 2oun& in all

crea$ion) as a rincile 2rom :"ic" &eri5e neshamah an& ne0eshB

resec$i5ely) brea$" an& $"e soul o2 li2e; T"e Mayan $erm ik can be $ransla$e&

as 9siri$)9 9li2e)9 9brea$")9 an& also 9:in&;9

E$ymolo!ically) 9<o&iac9 means 9:"eel o2 li2e;9 T"ere are o$"er 5ersions)

"o:e5er) $"a$ a$$ribu$e i$s &eri5a$ion $o !oon) 9animal;9 T"e $:o

e+lana$ions are no$ mu$ually e+clusi5e;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

1II

ART AND COSMOGONY

I n or&er $o un&ers$an& $ra&i$ional ar$) :e mus$ be able $o arecia$e $"e

con$e+$ in$o :"ic" i$ is inser$e&; In&ee&) :e mus$ c"an!e $"e 5ie:oin$

:e mo&erns are accus$ome& $o "a5e on ar$; For $"e c"il&ren o2 our

"is$orical $ime) be!un in $"e Renaissance) an e5alua$ion o2 ar$ is









&e$ermine& only by $"e in&i5i&uali<a$ion o2 a series o2 seara$e obec$s

or ar$i2ac$s) $o :"ic" aes$"e$ic c"arac$eris$ics are assi!ne& in con2ormi$y

:i$" arame$ers 2i+e& by a 9$as$e9 as 2ic/le as 2as"ion; T"e same occurs

:i$" $"e subec$i5e "iloso"ical an& scien$i2ic conce$s $"a$) li/e i$ems

2or consum$ion) are one $"in! $o&ay an& ano$"er $omorro:) :i$"ou$

anyones $a/in! any !enuine in$eres$ in $"em e+ce$ in 2unc$ion o2 $"e

s$a$us $"ey con2er on $"ose :"o re$en& $o cul$i5a$e $"em;

On $"e con$rary) no $ra&i$ional ar$is$ic mani2es$a$ion "as a coinci&en$al)

arbi$rary 5alue se$ by an ima!inary $ribunal; Nor is i$ assi!ne& a ersonal

5alue in $"e sense o2 bein! a crea$i5e ro&uc$ion issuin! 2rom $"e "an&s

o2 a ar$icular ar$is$ :"o see/s $o in&ica$e some$"in! o2 !rea$er or lesser

ersonal insira$ion; For $"a$ ma$$er) $ra&i$ional ar$is$s are anonymous;

T"eir main in$eres$ lies in bein! $"e e+ression o2 one conce$ in

rela$ions"i :i$" o$"er) comlemen$ary ones) all no: s"ain! a 5eri$able

sym"ony o2 in$errela$e& meanin!s; In consor$) $"ose meanin!s mol& $"e

cul$ure o2 :"ic" ar$icular bein!s are $"e c"il&ren) an& in :"ic" $"ey

reali<e $"emsel5es) in $"e broa&es$ e+$ension o2 $"e :or&; A2$er all) $"is

cul$ure reresen$s $"e $o$al sum o2 $"eir in&i5i&ual ossibili$ies;

For $"is reason) $rue :or/s o2 ar$ are symbolic) in $"e sense $"a$ $"ey are

$"e $es$imony o2 a series o2 i&eas) :"ic" soli&i2y in &is$inc$

mani2es$a$ions an& mus$ necessarily ro&uce obec$s manu2ac$ure& :i$"

ar$@ar$is$ic obec$s@$o $"e e+$en$ $"a$ $"ey are 2ai$"2ul $o an ori!inal

arc"e$ye; An& i$ is ob5ious $"a$) unless $"a$ i&eal arc"e$ye is /no:n) be i$ cosmo!onic) "iloso"ic) or cul$ural) li$$le can be arecia$e& o2

$ra&i$ional ar$ $"is is no$ $o &eny i$s beau$y o2 2orm) or $"e ric"ness an&

$ec"niue :i$" :"ic" i$ "as been &e5eloe&) an& $"ese :ill be $"e &oor

$o a 2ar !rea$er arecia$ion o2 $"is ar$) an arecia$ion &irec$ly $ie& $o a

&eeer /no:le&!e o2 :"a$ $"e :or/s in ues$ion really reresen$; For

$"e@!enuinely in$eres$e&@con$emorary 5ie:er) suc" :or/s ou!"$ $o

2oun& $"eir 5alue no$ on mere aes$"e$ic enoymen$) suc" as i$ is

un&ers$oo& $o&ay) bu$ on $"eir e5oca$i5e o$en$ial) suc" as mi!"$ oen $o

us $"e &oors o2 con$emla$ion) :"ic" is au$"en$ically cons$i$u$e& by $"e

&irec$ erce$ion o2 beau$y;

7u$ $"is canno$ al:ays be a$$aine& son$aneously or na$urally; Ra$"er $"e

con$raryB in mos$ cases i$ :ill be $"e ro&uc$ o2 a $rainin!) a a$ien$ an&

concen$ra$e& aren$ices"i; T"is :ill be seci2ically $"e case in a

socie$y li/e our o:n) a socie$y $o$ally aliena$e& 2rom symbolic /eys an&

cosmo!onical /no:le&!e) a socie$y $"a$ really ou!"$ $o &e$ac" i$sel2



2rom i$s aes$"e$ic reu&ices an& !ra&ually be!in $o reco5er $"e

caabili$y o2 seein! $"e $ru$") :"ic" is no: u$$erly be2o!!e& by all

manner o2 crea$e& in$eres$s;

Hor!e Luis 7or!es $ells usB 9Music) "ay s$a$es) my$"olo!y) 2acess"ae& by $ime) cer$ain $:ili!"$s) cer$ain laces) see/ $o $ell us

some$"in!) or "a5e $ol& us some$"in! $"a$ :e ou!"$ no$ $o "a5e los$) or

are abou$ $o $ell us some$"in!; T"is imminence o2 a re5ela$ion

unro&uce& is er"as $"e aes$"e$ic e5en$;9 T"ese :or&s coul& :ell be a

&escri$ion o2 :"a$ :e 2eel :"en con2ron$e& :i$" $"e Precolumbian

ar$s@arc"i$ec$ure) cra2$s) co&ices) an& so on) $a/en as e+ressions o2 $"eir

cul$ure@$"a$ is) :"en :e come 2ace $o 2ace :i$" $"e symbols o2 a

$ra&i$ional socie$y an& a$$em$ $o /no: $"e 9:orl&9 by $"eir

in$erme&iary;

Our 2irs$ e+erience in $"e resence o2 $"e Precolumbian is an

imression o2 mys$ery) o2 $"e seale& eni!ma) mani2es$e& in an aaren$ly

arran!e& an& co"esi5e manner) $"e 2rui$ o2 a $"ou!"$ un/no:n $o us) a

reali$y $"a$ escaes us an& a$ $"e same $ime is mani2es$e& be2ore our

eyes; As :e "a5e alrea&y no$e&) $"is is a c"arac$eris$ic roer $o all

symbols@$"a$ $"ey mus$ be $au!"$ an& learne& in or&er $o be /no:n@an&

i$ becomes ob5ious in $"e ancien$ symbolical) my$"olo!ic) an& ri$ual ar$

o2 $"e Ne: -orl& as $"e e+ression o2 an o5erall conce$ion o2 li2e)

:"ic" $"e ar$s ma!ically reea$e& an& reresen$e& in a cons$an$ :ay $"a$

is eni!ma$ic $o us $o&ay; In $"is or&er o2 i&eas) $o $"e en& $"a$ :e may

un&ers$an& $ra&i$ional cosmo!ony an& $"eo!ony) er"as :e

con$emoraries ou!"$ $o re!ar& $"e :orl& as a :or/ o2 ar$@consi&er $"e

uni5erse $o be $"e obec$ o2 $"e mos$ er2ec$ &esi!n an& $"e mos$

2inis"e&) comle$e ar$is$ic mani2es$a$ion; >A2$er all) i$ con$ains

e5ery$"in! ossible) a$ $"e same $ime as con$ainin! e5ery ossibili$y;?

T"us) $"e :orl& :ill be $"e ar$is$ic ac$ ar e+cellence) $"e $o$al

e+ression o2 $"e crea$or#ar$is$;

Subseuen$ly) $"e au$"en$ic cul$ure an& $rue ar$ $race& by $ra&i$ionalan&or rimi$i5e men 2rom $"e cosmic mo&el an& i$s arc"e$yal la:s an&

s$ruc$ures >$"e ear$"ly ci$y is a re2lec$ion o2 $"e "ea5enly ci$y see

c"a; %,? :oul& be $"e lo2$ies$ an& mos$ e+$raor&inary o2 "uman

crea$ions) an& man :oul& be an in$erme&iary) as :ell as an arc"i$ec$ in

$"e ima!e an& li/eness o2 $"e uni5ersal arc"i$ec$;




Cul$ure an& ar$) $"en) :oul& be symbols) or comle+es o2 symbols)

re5ealin!) $"rou!" $"e !rea$ ri$ual ac$ o2 a 5ibran$) 5i$ali<e& socie$y in

mo5emen$) $"e ossibili$y 2or me$a"ysical reali<a$ion@2or $"e

suer"uman an& $"e suracosmic; Cul$ure an& ar$ :ill be $"e me&ia$ors;

Cul$ure i$sel2 :oul& "a5e $"e 2orm o2 a :or/ o2 ar$) an& an a&eua$e

launc"in! a& 2or reac"in! $"e suerna$ural) :ere :e only able $o see

$"a$ cul$ure in i$s roo$s as $"e ori!inal resonse $o all ues$ions an&

nee&s) 2rom $"e !rea$es$ $o $"e "umbles$@$"e "uman resonse $o $"e

un2a$"omable mys$eries o2 li2e;

No:) cul$ural mani2es$a$ions :oul& "ol& a &i22eren$ meanin! 2or us :e

s"oul& re#e5alua$e $"em) in con2ormi$y :i$" $"ese ne: arame$ers) an&

:e s"oul& no lon!er re!ar& $"em merely as a ile o2 a$$ainmen$s in $"e

area o2 $"e use2ul an& $"e ma$erial or us$ as re$$y $"in!s) e+clusi5ely

ro2ane an& $"ere2ore comle$ely rela$i5e or as an$iues ins$ea& :e

s"oul& loo/ uon $"em as li5in! symbols reresen$in! o:er2ul i&eas)

an& ener!ies) caable o2 srin!in! $o li2e $"rou!" our un&ers$an&in!;

No: $"e ou$line o2 cul$ural 2orms :oul& be c"ar!e& :i$" meanin!) an&

social) economic) an& oli$ical or!ani<a$ion) i$s uses an& cus$oms) i$s

$ec"nolo!y) i$s as$ronomical conce$ions) :oul& be 2orms o2 i$s ar$)

or!ani<e& by $"eir au$"ori$ies) ries$s) an& c"ie2s) in c"ar!e o2 $"e

eoles li2e an& reser5a$ion) $"eir !o5ernance an& $"eir &es$iny@:"o

er2orme& a role in $"e :orl&) as &i& $"e na$ion i$sel2@in con2ormi$y :i$"

recise s$an&ar&s) o2 my$"ic ori!in) er2ec$ly re!ula$e& by $ra&i$ion)re5eale& in a non$emoral momen$ an& cons$an$ly re#alie& in $"e

resen$; T"a$ is) ar$ :oul& also be $"e comle+ o2 ac$ions) o2 ri$es

er2orme& by a $ra&i$ional socie$y $"a$ s"aes i$s cul$ure >as obec$ o2

ar$?) by means o2 man as ar$is$ an& re#crea$or >as subec$ o2 ar$?;

-e mus$ in&ica$e) 2ur$"ermore) $"a$ ar$ in a $ra&i$ional socie$y is a ri$e)

an& $"a$ $"e basic resuosi$ions o2 socie$ies o2 $"is $ye@suc" as $"e

Precolumbian@inclu&e in $"eir 5ision o2 $"e :orl& $"e in$errela$ions"i

o2 all $"in!s; A conseuence o2 $"is in$errela$ions"i is an anima$e

uni5erse) :"ose ar$s all 2unc$ion in mu$ual soli&ari$y) a uni5erse $"a$can be in2luence& by $"e ma!ic ri$e o2 ar$) bo$" on an in&i5i&ual le5el

an& in $"e e+ression o2 "u!e mass reresen$a$ions; >O2 course) a li/e

ma!ic ri$e may $a/e 2orms as s$ran!e 2or ersons o2 $o&ay as $"e

ceremonies o2 ri$ual e+ecu$ion or sacri2ice in$en&e& $o laca$e an& or&er

$"e cosmic ener!ies ersonali<e& by $"eir &ei$ies;?



8ence $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $ra&i$ional &ances an& son!s are in5oca$ions an&

sells) an& $"e $o$ali$y o2 social an& ersonal ac$ions an on!oin! ac$ o2

:ors"i; Man as ar$is$ re#crea$es) erennially) $"e &i5ine lan) $"e cosmic

mo&el) an&) in i&en$i2ica$ion :i$" $"e numina an& $"e siri$s) is $"e

mani2es$ on$olo!ical ro$a!onis$ o2 $"e crea$i5e ac$) as :e rea&ily

obser5e in $"e case o2 $"e ini$ia$es) ries$s) an& s"amans; Ri$e) ma!ic)

an& ar$ are synonymous) $"en) an& ar$icular reresen$a$i5e obec$s) suc"

as cer$ain s$a$ues >misname& i&ols?) ar$i2ac$s o2 :ors"i) $alismans) an&

so 2or$") are c"ar!e& :i$" ener!ies an& o:er;

A$ $"e same $ime) 2or a $ra&i$ional ci5ili<a$ion or a rimi$i5e socie$y

$"ere is no &is$inc$ion be$:een ar$ an& science) since bo$" &iscilines

re2er $o $"e same $"in!; A2$er all) $"ey are bo$" ins$rumen$al :ays o2

/no:in!) an& o2 mani2es$in! $"e /no:n) $"rou!" a se$ o2 symbols@

$"rou!" a symbolism@:"ic" re5eals on $"e "uman le5el $"e secre$s o2

$"e cosmos an& na$ure) an& $"us re5i5es $"ose secre$s) ac$i5a$in! $"em

$"rou!" $"e recise) necessary ac$s $"a$ "a5e $"e caaci$y $o $ransmi$) in

or&erly 2as"ion) $"ese same mys$eries an& $"e ener!ies $"a$ mol& $"em;

In&ee&) $"ere is no &i5orce :"a$e5er be$:een science an& ar$) an& all

au$"en$ic science is ac$ually rac$ice& :i$" ar$) an& $"us balance& an&

clear) as $"e imera$i5e o2 "armony reuires; T"e same occurs :i$" $"e

&is$inc$ion be$:een $"e 5arious ar$s) :"ic" is only 2ormal; A ain$er

oe$i<es) a :ri$er ain$s) a musician &oes arc"i$ec$ure) an arc"i$ec$

combines r"y$"ms) an& so on; Ac$ually) all o2 $"ese ar$is$s mani2es$some$"in! $"a$ $ranscen&s $"eir :or/B in5isible ima!es an& arc"e$yal

s$ruc$ures $"a$) :"ile e+ac$ in $"emsel5es) are e+resse& in &i22eren$

:ays@!enera$in! &is$inc$ co&es) bu$ reser5in! $"e one sole unsei<able

essence o2 $"e "i&&en mo5er $"a$ is &e5eloe& in $"ese seemin!ly

&issimilar &iscourses;

T"e la$$er "enomenon is also $"a$ o2 $"e 5arious $ra&i$ional &oc$rines

an& cul$ures) in :"ic" $"e &ei$ies are i&en$ical) an& oin$ $o $"e same

rinciles) &esi$e $"eir "a5in! &i22eren$ names an& a$ $imes seemin! $o

5ary in $"eir a$$ribu$es; T"is :as alrea&y /no:n $o $"e -es$ern ancien$s;Plu$arc") in "is moral $rea$ise) 7sis and *siris) $ells usB

Hus$ as sun) moon) 2irmamen$) ear$") an& sea are /no:n $o

all) al$"ou!" &i22eren$ly &enomina$e& amon! &i22eren$

eoles) $"is sin!le reason $"a$ re!ula$es or rules $"e

uni5erse) $"is ro5i&ence $"a$ !o5erns i$) is li/e:ise one;





T"ose o:ers :"ose 2unc$ion i$ is $o assis$ i$ in all $"in!s

are $"e obec$ o2 "oma!es an& &enomina$ions $"a$ 5ary :i$"

5aryin! cus$oms; T"e &i22erin! names an& ri$es ser5e as

symbols@some more obscure) o$"ers clearer@2or $"ose :"o

&e&ica$e $"emsel5es $o sacre& s$u&ies) an& lea& $"em

>al$"ou!" no$ :i$"ou$ eril? $o $"e un&ers$an&in! o2 $"in!s;

I$ is in $"is sense $"a$ numbers are mo&ules) co&es) /no:n eually by all

eoles) an& &esi!na$in! $ranscen&en$al an& me$a"ysical reali$ies)

$"ereby cons$i$u$in! $"e science o2 roor$ions an& $"ere2ore o2 "armony

an& beau$y) :"ic" are e+resse& by $"e ar$ o2 ari$"me$ic an&

ari$"me$olo!y >$"e science o2 r"y$"ms an& cycles?) issuin! in er2ec$ion)

a resul$ o2 $"e correson&ence be$:een $"e arc"e$yal i&ea an& $"e en&

resul$ o2 $"e ma$erial :or/; T"e la$$er is ac"ie5e& $"rou!" a siri$ual)

co!ni$i5e rocess $"a$ emloys man :"o is an ar$is$ as a!en$ o2

reconcilia$ion be$:een &is$inc$ le5els o2 reali$y an& $"eir analo!icalcorreson&ences;2 In $"is or&er o2 $"in!s) ar$ may also be consi&ere& in

&irec$ connec$ion :i$" no:le&!e) bo$" 2rom $"e 5ie:oin$ o2 $"e

ar$is$ic 9obec$9 $"a$ is able $o arouse $"e e5oca$i5e an& con$emla$i5e

ener!y calle& 7eau$y) e+erience& as a s$a!e o2 $"e 2ullness o2

consciousness) an& 2rom $"e s$an&oin$ o2 $"e ar$is$) as 9subec$9 caable

o2 e+eriencin! $"e sub$le 5ibra$ions o2 $"e crea$i5e ac$) :"ic" $ime an&

a!ain rero&uces a mys$erious !es$ure o2 ori!inal reco!ni$ion;

T"e $rue ar$is$) $"en) is a me&ia$or be$:een $"e /no:n an& $"e un/no:n@

be$:een an in5isible le5el o2 reali$y) an& a le5el mani2es$e& by i$sin$erme&iary; 8e is a ma!ician) or be$$er) a s"aman) :"o /no:s "imsel2

by :ay o2 "imsel2) an& :"o re5eals $o "is eole $"e mys$eries o2 $"e

"i&&en :orl& by :ay o2 a ourney) or immersion in $"e un&er:orl&)

:"ence "e e+$rac$s $"e $reasures o2 crea$ion@o2 Tru$" or 7eau$y@

emula$in!) $"rou!"ou$) $"e 2i!ure o2 $"e Demiur!e) :i$" :"om "e

i&en$i2ies;

Ar$) $"en) s"oul& li/e:ise be consi&ere& in rela$ion $o $"e eso$eric an&

ini$ia$ory) as $"e $ra&i$ional an& rimi$i5e socie$ies "a5e &oneB

unanimously) $"ey "a5e seen in $"e ar$s an& cra2$s ri$ual 2orms o2aren$ices"i an& /no:le&!e) as :e /no: $o be $"e case :i$" $"e

me&ie5al !uil&s an& con2ra$erni$ies) le!acy o2 $"e Romans colle!es) as

:ell as in coun$less ins$ances o2 /in!s an& sa!es; E+amles o2 $"ese

la$$er :oul& be) amon! $"e 8ebre:s) Da5i& o2 $"e "ar an& salms) $o

:"om $"e lan o2 $"e Temle :as re5eale&) an& "is &escen&an$) Hose"

$"e caren$er; Amon! $"e Mesoamerican na$i5es) :e coul& ci$e $"e






celebra$e& /in! o2 Te<coco) Ne<a"ualcKyo$l) as :ell as) almos$ surely)

$"e en$ire rulin! class o2 $"e náhuatl ) $"ose e+cellen$ oe$s an& sin!ers)

:"o reci$e& $"eir boo/s o2 9ain$in!s)9 $"e mar5elous co&ices $"a$ s$ill

as$oun& an& enc"an$ us $o&ay; A$ $"e same $ime) $"ey $au!"$ an& recalle&

$"e cosmo!onical) r"y$"mical) cyclical) an& calen&arical con$en$ o2 $"ese

co&ices) in sc"ools es$ablis"e& seci2ically 2or $"is urose;

In&ee&) $"e Mesoamerican calen&ars e+resse& $"e science o2 r"y$"ms

an& cycles) an& $"ereby cons$i$u$e& $"e core o2 all cul$ural an& ri5a$e

mani2es$a$ions@$"e a+is o2 $"e li2e o2 eoles an& ersons) :"o :o5e

$"eir e+is$ence aroun& $"em; As comre"ensi5e :or/s o2 ar$) $"ey

"ouse& :i$"in $"em all sciences an& co!ni$ions) an& 2or cen$uries

cons$i$u$e& $"e ma+imal e+ression o2 $"ese eoles) re!ula$in!

e5ery$"in!) 2rom $"e name >an& &es$iny? o2 ersons@$"a$ is) $"eir

i&en$i$y@$o $"ose same ersons ri$es an& social ac$i5i$ies; T"is re!ula$ion

occurre& no$ a2$er $"e 2as"ion o2 $"e merely ro2ane calen&ars $o :"ic"

:e are accus$ome&) bu$ as $"e in$errela$ion an& er2ec$ combina$ion o2

all ossibili$ies) connec$e& in a 2an$as$ic &ance; In $"is mar5elous)

$ranscen&en$ uni5erse) na$ure an& i$s realms) roc/s) lan$s) animals)

"uman bein!s) !o&s) $"e mo5emen$s o2 $"e lane$s an& s$ars) $"e "is$ory

o2 all $"ese) $"eir symbolic colors) $"e car&inal oin$s) $"e :ee/ly)

mon$"ly) an& annual cycles) an& $"e !rea$ eras@$"a$ is) sace an& $ime

"armoni<e& by $"e e+ac$ an& 2ully reliable ma!ic o2 numbers@laye& a

&ecisi5e role; In $"is uni5erse e5ery$"in! :as inclu&e&) no$ only in $"e resen$ bu$ in $"e as$ an& in $"e 2u$ure as :ell) in 5ir$ue o2 $"e la:s o2

analo!y an& o2 $"e in&e2ini$e re$urn;

In a con$e+$ o2 $"ese i&eas) no$"in! :ill be more e+$raor&inary as a

scien$i2ic &isco5ery an& :or/ o2 ar$ $"an a!ricul$ure i$sel2 >$"e cul$ure o2

$"e 2iel&?) :"ic" &eno$es a real /no:le&!e o2 $"e cycles an& r"y$"ms in

:"ic" i$ is recisely 2oun&e&;7 Le$ us recall) "o:e5er) $"a$) :"ile cul$ure

is ar$) ar$ s"aes cul$ure) $oo; An& :e mus$ arecia$e "ere no$ only $"e

ci5ili<a$ions o2 se&en$ary eoles) :"o "a5e crys$alli<e& $"eir

/no:le&!e an& abili$ies in $"e cul$i5a$ion o2 $"e 2iel&) as :ell as in $"es$able cons$ruc$ion o2 $"eir "omes or ci$ies o2 :oo& or s$one) or in $"eir

calen&ars bu$ :e mus$ also see $"e 5alue o2 $"e ar$ an& science o2 $"e

noma&ic or seminoma&ic eoles >o2 :"om some en!a!e& in a cer$ain

amoun$ o2 2armin!) an& :ere rule& by ar$icular cycles?) :"o mol&e&

an& crea$e& a cul$ure er2ec$ly a&a$e& $o $"eir c"arac$eris$ics an&

a&us$e& $o $"eir nee&s; T"e noma&ic socie$ies :ere also $ra&i$ional






eoles) :i$" a cosmo!ony an& a clear an& recise cul$ure) an& no$

sa5a!e "or&es sun/en in bes$iali$y) as some ima!ine; Suc" is $"e case

:i$" numerous $ribes o2 Nor$" America >ni$e& S$a$es an& Cana&a? as

:i$" $"e sou$"ern cone o2 Sou$" America >Ar!en$ina) ru!uay) an&

C"ile?;

Ac$ually@$o con$inue :i$" our &iscourse@:e ou!"$ $o see reli!ion as ar$)

:ays o2 li5in! as ar$) &i22eren$ ceremonies as ar$) social an& oli$ical

or!ani<a$ion as ar$) an& so 2or$"; T"a$ is) :e ou!"$ $o see all symbolic

mani2es$a$ions as ar$is$ic@"a5in! $"e caaci$y $o $ransmi$ an& re#crea$e

$"e on$olo!ical ener!ies o2 $"e cosmos an& so mo&i2y i$; Innumerable

Precolumbian ima!es) c"ar!e& :i$" o:er an& beau$y) :ill no:

su&&enly 2ill $"e min&B $"e ar$ o2 $"e $a$$oo) an& bo&y ain$in!) $"e

aus$ere $ec"niue o2 alyin! Es/imo ins$rumen$s in 2is"in! an&

"un$in!) Nor$" American bas/e$ma/in!) ceramic or$rai$s@Moc"icas an&

C"imus)@$"e ar$ o2 2ea$"er arran!emen$) me&icine e5ery:"ere) $"e

$e+$iles o2 Paracas an& Gua$emala) $"e Tol$ec) Na"ua$l) Mayan) an&

An&ean ci$ies) $emles) an& monumen$s) an& $"ron!in! ceremonies o2

&ancers :i$" $"eir incre&ible clo$"in! an& "ea&&resses) $"ose !i!an$ic

sec$acles o2 mo5emen$ an& color; T"en $"ere are $"e !ol& :or/ o2

Colombia) Panama) an& Cos$a Rica) obec$s o2 a&e) an& $"e "u!e Olmec

scul$ure& "ea&s) ar$i2ac$s o2 &aily use in !eneral) Mayan :ri$in!) ball

!ames an& o$"er ri$ual an& sacre& !ames) :ar as a 9sor$)9 $"e roa&s o2

Yuca$an an& o2 $"e Incas) Incan "y&raulic en!ineerin!) an& $"a$ o2Tenoc"$i$lan) ins$alle& in a la/e) oral $ra&i$ion >s$ories an& le!en&s?)

ic$ure :ri$in!) symbolic a&ornmen$ 2as"ione& o2 all ossible ma$erials)

co&ices an& "oly boo/s) oems) musicB $"e arc"i$ec$ure o2 resoun&in!

sace >an& ar$ o2 $"e 2lee$in! $ime) so $"a$ $o&ay :e "a5e only $"e

ins$rumen$s :i$" :"ic" i$ :as crea$e&?) o2 r"y$"mic base) in$er$:inin!

$"e melo&ies :i$" $"e soun&s o2 na$ureB $"e sin!in! o2 $"e :in& in $"e

lea5es) $"e murmur o2 $"e ri5ers an& $"e rumblin! o2 $"e sea) $"e c"irin!

o2 $"e bir&s) $"e su&&en $in/lin! o2 bells) $"e onslau!"$ o2 bello:in!

beas$s) $"e $"un&erin! o2 $"e s$orm; ; ; ;

All o2 $"is cons$i$u$es ar$ o2 $ra&i$ional) or sacre&) ar$) :"ic") as $"e

rea&er :ill rea&ily !ras) is comle$ely &i22eren$ 2rom :"a$ is

un&ers$oo& no:a&ays by 9reli!ious9 ar$; Ac$ually) $"e &i22erence

be$:een sacre& ar$ an& reli!ious ar$ is $"e same as $"a$ be$:een $"e

symbol as a $ra&i$ional an&or rimi$i5e socie$y concei5es i$ >as an ac$in!

ener!y#2orce?) an& alle!ory un&ers$oo& as $"e 9illus$ra$ion9 o2 a $ru$" $"a$



"as cease& $o be alable in i$sel2 an& "ence mus$ be reresen$e& in

some o$"er 2orm; T"ere is an ob5ious &is$inc$ion >a sace) le$ us say?

be$:een $"ese $:o :ays o2 seein! $"e symbolic@$"e secon& bein! a

&e!ra&a$ion o2 $"e 2irs$ an& closely boun& u :i$" a loss o2 95ision9 &ue

"is$orically $o $"e !ra&ual &ar/enin! $"a$ $yi2ies $"e 92all9 an& $"e en&

o2 $"e curren$ cycle) :"ere $"e au$"en$ically me$a"ysical) an& real

/no:le&!e) "a5e been sulan$e& in our cul$ure by reli!ious &e5o$ion

an& ie$y o2 a moral con$en$) as our ar$ un2ailin!ly a$$es$s;

Nor) &esi$e $"e 2ac$ $"a$ i$ cons$an$ly &eals :i$" $ranscen&en$al $"emes@

or recisely 2or $"a$ reason@&oes ar$ "a5e $o be en!oule&) solemn) an&

borin!) no$ $o say a22ec$e&) or obs$reerous) or eccen$ric) as :e so o2$en

see in $"e arc"i$ec$ure) sen$imen$al rin$s) an& curren$ reli!ious music

:i$" :"ic" one 2ancies $"e 2ai$"2ul $o be mo5e& $o sanc$imony) $o $"e

9sublime)9 or con5er$s $o be :on; On $"e con$rary) $ra&i$ional ar$ is

en$er$ainin!) &a<<lin!) e5en comical) as :e are !i5en $o /no: by

my$"olo!y) an& by $"e 2ables narra$e& orally an& collec$i5ely;

In&ee&) i$ can be li!"$ an& e5en !ro$esue) as e5ince& by $"e sacre&#

cour$ly ar$ o2 all eoles) in :"ic" bu22oons >$o ci$e only one e+amle?)

as a re5erse& ima!e o2 $"e a$$ribu$es o2 royal$y) "a5e laye& roles o2 $"is

$ye; Lau!"$er) $oo) li/e lay) is ca$"ar$ic) an& bo$" e22ec$ breac"es o2

le5el in $"e $e&ious or&inary 5ersions o2 $"e sa$io#$emoral) rea&in!s

ro&uce& by $"e senses $o :"ic" :e $en& by reason o2 our na$ure) as :e

bury oursel5es in 2or!e$2ulness o2 $"e sel2;

-e mus$ a&& $"a$) as $o $"e subec$i5e araisals $"a$ ren&er a ar$icular

:or/ u!ly or beau$i2ul) $"ey can be only secon&ary@as $"ey are rela$i5e@

in a $ye o2 5ie: suc" as $"e one $"a$ :e are "ere e+oun&in!; For $"e

$ra&i$ional conce$ion o2 ar$) any :or/ $"a$ $ransla$es) !i5es /no:le&!e

o2) or mani2es$s $"e mys$ery o2 $"e un/no:n a$ $"e sensible le5el is

necessarily beau$i2ul) because i$ is a ar$ o2 $"e :"ole) an& $"ere2ore $"e

:"ole i$sel2) :"ic" ren&ers au$"en$ic ar$ a $"eo"any;

T"rou!"ou$ $"ese a!es) :e "a5e seen $"e imor$ance a$$ribu$e& $o

symbol >an& $"us $o my$" an& ri$e? in a $ra&i$ional socie$y) :"ic"

re5ol5es aroun& $"e sacre& 2rom s$ar$ $o 2inis"@an& e+resses i$ $"rou!"

$"e ar$is$ic mani2es$a$ion@re!ar&in! i$ as $"e cen$ral elemen$ in i$s 5ision

o2 $"e :orl& an& $"ere2ore $"e marro: o2 i$s cul$ure; T"e only $"in! $"a$

:e "a5e &one is $o call a$$en$ion $o :"a$ all ancien$ socie$ies "a5e



a$$es$e&) an& :"a$ $"eir sa!es >or ersons o2 /no:le&!e? "a5e re5eale& in

$es$imony o2 $"eir insira$ionB $"e symbol an& $"e symbolic :ay as

eso$eric) ma!ical 5e"icles 2or an aroac" $o $"e mos$ secre$ arcana o2

$"e mys$ery o2 bein!@$"a$ is) o2 man an& $"e uni5erse;

To&ay) "o:e5er) symbols an& my$"s are un/no:n $o us; T"is is

e+$remely !ra5e) :"en :e consi&er $"e en&less ri$es o2 uri2ica$ion) $"e

ceremonies o2 e5ery /in&) $"e cons$an$ re5erence ai& $o $"e &ei$ies in

or&er $o con$inue $o ob$ain $"eir bene2i$s an& no$ al$er $"e cosmic

euilibrium) an& so on) rac$ice& by $ra&i$ional an&or rimi$i5e

socie$ies; Seein! $"a$ $"ese ri$es are re!ar&e& as in&isensable 2or $"e

in&i5i&ual an& social li2e) $"e ues$ion arises "o: "uman bein!s an&

socie$y "a5e been able $o subsis$ $"us 2ar; A2$er all) in our mo&ern era) as

2or many years no:) $"ey "a5e no$ been er2orme&; T"e ans:er is clear;

One nee& only !lance a$ a ne:saer) or loo/ aroun&) $o see $"e

mani2es$a$ion o2 a $o$al crisis $"a$ no: $"rea$ens our 5ery in$e!ri$y on a

uni5ersal scale; -e ou!"$ $o /no: $"a$ $"e 9en& o2 a :orl&9 "as al:ays

been ro&uce& by $"e c"aos !enera$e& by $"e &e!ra&a$ion o2 $"e symbol)

:i$" i$s conseuen$ absence o2 no:le&!e an& roli2era$ion o2

&ar/ness;

True) a number o2 cri$eria "a5e been in&ica$e& in $"is :or/ $o e+lain $"e

conce$s o2 symbol) my$") ri$e) cosmo!ony) an& ar$) as :ell as cer$ain

2un&amen$al symbols suc" as $"ose o2 $"e cen$er an& $"e a+is) $"e

ua$ernary) $"e &is$inc$ion be$:een $"e sacre& an& $"e ro2ane) an& so

2or$"; Ne5er$"eless) $"is boo/ is a&&resse& $o a -es$ern) con$emorary

rea&ers"i s$eee& :illy#nilly in $"e 5alues an& cri$eria o2 mo&ern

socie$y; For $"e ac$ors or ro$a!onis$s o2 a $ra&i$ional an&or rimi$i5e

cul$ure) $"e conce$s lis$e& abo5e) be!innin! :i$" $"ose o2 symbol) my$")

ri$e) an& ar$) "a5e no reason $o e+is$@2or $"e maori$y) $"ey &o no$ e5en

"a5e a name in $"eir 5ocabulary@since $"ey are e+erience& in a &irec$

2as"ion) an& "a5e no nee& o2 an in$ellec$ual e+lana$ion or o2 a

re2lec$ion) in or&er $o be) in $"e bes$ o2 cases) au$"en$ically un&ers$oo&;

T"ey simly cons$i$u$e $"e in&i5i&ual an& !rou li2e) an& as suc" areinclu&e& in $"e $o$ali$y o2 $"eir $"ou!"$s) belie2s) an& ac$ions) :"ic" are

no$ limi$e& $o in&ica$in! $"e sacre&) bu$ !enera$e i$) as :ell; -e) $"e

c"il&ren o2 $"is 9ci5ili<a$ion)9 are $"e ones :"o mus$ er2orm $"e lon!

labor o2 s:immin! us$ream a!ains$ $"e curren$ $o 2in& $"e ori!inal an&

$"e ermanen$) :"ic" a$ $"e same $ime can only be $"e simles$) mos$

rac$ical) an& mos$ in$elli!en$;



7u$ in no :ay :ill our ourney be in 5ain; Jui$e $o $"e con$rary) $"is

re$urn $o $"e sources is in&isensable) since in $"is 2as"ion $"e syc"e

e+ecu$es a comle$e $urn uon i$sel2 >uon $"e $o$al con$en$ o2 i$s

ima!es?) an& $"us :e re!enera$e our resen$) :"ic" is $an$amoun$ $o

2in&in! oursel5es) $o &isco5erin! a meanin! 2or li2e an& acce$in!

&es$iny; Ac$ually) i2 :e $"in/ abou$ i$) :"a$ :e "a5e "ere is an

e+$raor&inary oor$uni$yB $"e oor$uni$y $o a$$ain ul$ima$e no:le&!e

an& Sureme I&en$i$y) in all o2 $"eir concre$e reali$y) by $"e rou$es o2 $"e

comre"ension o2 cosmo!ony) on$olo!y) an& me$a"ysics@a

comre"ension mani2es$e& by $"e ar$ o2 all eoles) in $"is case by $"e

Precolumbians) in er2ec$ correson&ence :i$" $"ose o2 $"e Ol& -orl&@

$"rou!" $"e me&ia$ion o2 Tru$") also calle& 7eau$y) $"a$ s$a!e o2

consciousness $"a$ lies &orman$ in $"e soul o2 $"e sec$a$or an& a$ $imes

e5en o2 $"e erson :"o is $"e ar$is$;

Codex Vindobonensis

T"us) coul& :e bu$ clearly see $"a$ $"e symbols o2 $"e Ol& -orl&) as

:ell as $"ose o2 $"e Ne: >$"ose o2 $"e 9"ea$"en)9 o2 $"e He:s an&

Muslims) o2 C"ris$iani$y) an& o2 $"e Eas$ern $ra&i$ions) $o :"ic" :e

s"oul& "a5e $o a&& $"ose o2 $"e Precolumbian $ra&i$ions?) re2er $o one

an& $"e same reali$y) :"ic" $"ese symbols &escribe) as :e "a5e us$

seen@$"e /no:le&!e o2 a uni5ersal cosmo#$"eo!ony as cons$i$u$in! $"e

un&erinnin!s o2 $"e on$olo!ical an& me$a"ysical reali<a$ion@$:o

$"in!s :oul& be2all us; Firs$) :e s"oul& un&ers$an& $"e arc"e$yal uni$y

o2 $"e $ra&i$ions an& $"eir sin!le 5ision o2 $"e :orl&; Secon&) an& more

crucially) $"is e5en$ :oul& also be $rans2orme& in$o an ins$rumen$ 2or $"e

aboli$ion o2 our "is$orical con&i$ionin!) an& $"e men$al conce$ions i$



brin!s in i$s $rain) $"e en$ire rocess bein! con5er$e& in$o an au$"en$ic

libera$ion o2 imose& ersec$i5es an& 2rom reu&ices :"ic" :oul&

no: be e+erience& as rela$i5e) secon&ary) or erroneous;

In $"e case o2 $"e in&i!enous cul$ures) $"e sca22ol&in! o2 reconce$ions)

imressibili$y) an& 2an$asies is 5as$; To ull &o:n our 2alse in$erior

s$ruc$ures an& emer!e 2rom i!norance :ill be a $rue in$ellec$ual $oil@in

:"ic" s$u&y) me&i$a$ion an& concen$ra$ion on $"e symbol) $ra&i$ional

2orms) $"e "iloso"y an& an$"roolo!y) "ysics an& me$a"ysics)

$o!e$"er :i$" $"e ar$ o2 $"e early Americans) :ill ser5e us as ca$"ar$ic

5e"icles o2 /no:le&!e; In o$"er :or&s) $"ey :ill ermi$ us $o escae our

so li!"$ly acce$e& araisals) an& $"ose con&i$ionin!s o2 ours $o :"ic"

:e so 2oolis"ly an& 2a$ally clin!; An& $"is $oil o2 comre"ension an&

syn$"esis :ill reare $"e !roun& 2or a ne: men$al 2iel&) a sace $"a$

:ill be &i22eren$) in :"ic" $"in!s) an& $"e 5ision :e "a5e o2 $"em an& o2

oursel5es) :ill be &i22eren$) an& :ill be e+erience& as more au$"en$ic

an& real) in $"e sense o2 no lon!er concei5in! $"em >or no lon!er

concei5in! oursel5es? as bein!s isola$e& 2rom all con$e+$ an& simly

obec$s amon! o$"er obec$s; Ins$ea&) :e s"all c"oose $o e+erience

oursel5es as subec$s o2 uni5ersal no:le&!e) an& $"us as s"arers in

some$"in! li5in! an& mys$erious) e5er curren$@an& $"ereby a"is$orical)

or $rans"is$orical@oen $o reali<a$ion by eac" in&i5i&ual in $"e secrecy o2

"is in$imacy;

7o$" 2or $"ose born in Euroe an& 2or Americans) $"e &isco5ery) in $"esecurren$ $imes) $"a$ $"e symbols an& cul$ural mani2es$a$ions o2 $"e Ol&

an& Ne: -orl& re2er $o $"e same reali$ies) an& are essen$ially i&en$ical

>in si$e o2 $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"eir cul$ure an& e&uca$ion &eny $"ose symbols

an& $"eir meanin!s an& 2or $"a$ reason are i!noran$ o2 $"e i&en$i$ies? is

an emo$ional an& in$ellec$ual s"oc/; T"e au$"en$ic acce$ance o2 $"is

2ac$ is eui5alen$ $o an in#&e$" $as/ er2orme& uon onesel2) one $"a$

:ill issue in $"e aboli$ion o2 an en$ire :orl& o2 "ollo: ima!es an& $"e

conseuen$ bir$" o2 ne: ersec$i5es o2 e5ery /in&; I$ is li/e:ise $"e

reconcilin! o2 $"e oosi$es $"a$ c"arac$eri<e $:o seemin!ly

con$ra&ic$ory cul$ures) an& an assimila$ion o2 $"e le!acy o2 bo$" a$ $"a$ oin$ a$ :"ic" $"ey &o no$ e+clu&e) bu$ comlemen$ eac" o$"er; I$ may

e5en mean $"e 2in&in!) in a ersonal :ay) o2 $"e meanin! o2 $"e

&isco5ery o2 America) sun! by Sain$ Ho"n o2 $"e Cross as $"e si!"$in! o2

a 9s$ran!e islan&9 ima!e o2 a !enuinely ne: :orl&) symbolically loca$e&

in :"a$ :ere $"en $"e In&ies) la$er $o become $"e 9$erra 2irma o2 $"e

Ocean Sea)9 a my$"ical ara&ise "a5in! &irec$ connec$ions :i$" a ne:



ossibili$y o2 bein!) :"ic" is $"e same $"in! as 2in&in! in an in&i5i&ual a

"is$orical &es$iny in a meanin!2ul :orl&;

3O456 9I$ s"oul& no$ be surrisin! $"a$ ersons mos$ lac/in! in ins$ruc$ion s"oul&

$a/e s$a$ues as bloc/s o2 s$one or :oo&) us$ as $"ey see in s$eles) $able$s) or

boo/s only s$ones) :oo&) or boun& aer9 >Por"yry) *n the 7mages o0 the

'ods?;

2 Le$ us recall $"a$ numbers are conce$s o2 rela$ion;

7 -e s"oul& no$e $"a$ $"e Precolumbians al:ays a$$ribu$e $"is re5ela$ion o2

a!ricul$ure) li/e $"e 9!i2$9 o2 mai<e) $o a !o&;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

1III

MYT8OLOGY AND T8E P*P*L V8%

Al2onso Caso "as lai& ar$icular s$ress on $"e crea$ion o2 $"e "ea5enly

ci$y be2ore $"e ear$"ly one) as :e 2in& $"is conce$uali<a$ion in 5arious

cul$ures o2 Me+ico; T"us :e 2in& $"e "ea5enly ci$y in"abi$e& by $"e

my$"ic 2ore2a$"ers) $"e ances$ors :"o cons$i$u$e a !enealo!y o2 curren$

names@2or e+amle) in cer$ain Mesoamerican co&ices; T"ese

9!enealo!ies9 are no$ s$ric$ly "is$orical) bu$ my$"ic an& symbolic) an&

$"ere is no reason) "o:e5er) :"y $"ey s"oul& be seen as s$an&in! in

oosi$ion $o "is$ory;

T"ese 9!enealo!ical9 names are s$eee& in a numerical) lin!uis$ic)as$ronomical) r"y$"mical an& cyclic) ma!ical) an& so on) meanin!; T"e

Triuis !rous o2 $o&ay) a close&) $ra&i$ional communi$y o2 Oa+aca)

5enera$e $"eir 2orebears@$"eir 9linea!e)9 :"ic" $"ey $race &irec$ly $o $"e

"ea5enly ci$y) or o$"er :orl&) :"ere $"ese ances$ors &:ell@esecially on

$"e C"ris$ian All Souls Day;











T"e Tamoanchan Codex Vindobonensis

T"e celes$ial ci$y is a &i22eren$ sace) a coun$ry coe+is$in! :i$" our o:n)

a "omelan& o2 siri$ual bo&y) in"abi$e& by $"e !o&s an& $"e &ear$e&;

T"is imalable reali$y :as alrea&y /no:n $o $"e E!y$iansB 9no: youno$) Ascleius) $"a$ E!y$ is $"e ima!e o2 8ea5en) an& is $"e roec$ion

in$o $"is :orl& o2 all o2 $"e or&erin! o2 celes$ial $"in!s9 >8ermes

Trisme!is$us Corpus %ermeticum?; -"a$ $"e "ea5enly ci$y is $o sa$ial

symbolism) $"e !enealo!ies) or ances$ors) are $o $"e $emoral) an& $"e

$:o 2lo: $o!e$"er $o 2orm $"e 2oun&a$ion o2 reali$y an& $ribal li2e; T"ey

coe+is$ in $"e :orl& o2 $"e Pla$onic I&eas) an& mol& $"e arc"e$yes;

Cer$ain mys$ics) suc" as S:e&enbor!) !i5e us an accoun$ o2 $"eir

e+eriences in $"is in"abi$e& ci$y) :"ic" $"ey /no: er2ec$ly :ell) &o:n

$o i$s mos$ minu$e &e$ails; T"ey re2er $o $"e realm o2 $"e Immor$als) so

calle& o:in! $o $"e con&i$ion o2 i$s in"abi$an$s; Almos$ all $ra&i$ions

"a5e 2el$ $"a$ $"ey are $"e in"eri$ors on $"is ear$" o2 $"a$ ci$y o2 "ea5en)

an& &escen&an$s o2 i$s oula$ion; 8ence $"ey "a5e in5ariably $"ou!"$

$"a$ $"eir "omelan& cons$i$u$e& $"e cen$er o2 $"e :orl&@$"a$ is) a lace

secially c"ar!e& :i$" cosmic reali$y) :"ere $"e ener!ies o2 "ea5en an&

ear$") o2 $"e li5in! an& $"e &ea&) conoine&) enablin! li2e an& $"a$



communi$y $o &e5elo in $ime;

In&ia) 2or $"e 8in&us) an& $"e Celes$ial Emire) 2or $"e C"inese) are) or

"a5e been clear symbols o2 all o2 $"is) al$"ou!" $"is claim is 2oun&

amon! all eoles an& cul$ures) us$ as is :ors"i o22ere& $o $"eir

linea!e; Le$ us a&& $"a$ $"is ci$y an& i$s in"abi$an$s are also seen 2rom an

esc"a$olo!ical ersec$i5e; T"is is $"e Ne: Herusalem) $"e ci$y $"a$ 9is $o

come9 a$ $"e en& o2 $"e a!es) $"e 8ea5enly Herusalem a$$es$e& by Sain$

Ho"n in $"e 7oo/ o2 Re5ela$ion;

In&ee&) all symbolo!y is 2oun&e& on $"e belie2 $"a$ a /no:n le5el is $"e

e+ression o2 ano$"er) un/no:n one) an& on $"e correson&ences

re5ailin! be$:een $"em; T"is is $"e basis o2 $"e la:s o2 analo!y;

ni5ersally) $"e arc"aic $ra&i$ions "a5e /no:n $"is o$"er sace an& $ime

:"ere $"in!s are more real an& more ac$ual) $o $"e oin$ $"a$ our illusory)

c"ao$ic :orl& mus$ imi$a$e $"e arc"e$yal reali$y in or&er 2or i$s li2e $o

"a5e a meanin!; T"is 5ibra$ion on $"e same :a5e len!$"@$"a$ is) $"is

accor& :i$" $"e cosmic &iaason@is $"a$ $"rou!" :"ic" one /no:s o$"er

le5els o2 mani2es$a$ion) more er2ec$ as $"ey are more lo2$y) sub$le an&

$ransaren$) o$"er :orl&s so !enuine as ac$ually $o be $"e au$"en$ic ones;

7u$ $"is las$ is a mo&ern e+lana$ion) a manner o2 sea/in!; For $"e

$ra&i$ional men$ali$y) :"ic" &oes no$ /no: $"is $erminolo!y) $"ere is no

!rea$ &i22erence be$:een $"e "ea5enly ci$y an& $"e ear$"ly ci$y) since $"e

la$$er is $"e 2ormer in $"is :orl&; Hus$ so) $"e /in! >or $"e caciue o2

$o&ay? 9is9 $"a$ same arc"e$yal ances$or in&ee&) $"is is recisely $"ereason $"a$ us$i2ies "is osi$ion;

T"e !rea$ my$"s an& le!en&s al:ays re2er $o $"e cosmo!onic !eneses) by

:ay o2 :"ic" e+is$ence is e+laine& an& an or&er an& a sense &isco5ere&

in $"e ins$abili$y o2 becomin!; Cosmo!ony is e5er curren$) us$ as is

$ime) an& is con$inuously re!enera$e&B in $"e e$erni$y o2 $"e resen$) as$

an& 2u$ure are abolis"e&; T"e "ea5enly ci$y) an& $"e ances$ors) are "ere

an& no:) an& man is an abi&in! bon& be$:een $:o reali$ies or :orl&s;

7y :ay o2 $"e ri$ual rei$era$ion o2 $"e ances$ral my$") an& by means o2

$"e symbols $"a$ re5eal $"a$ my$") $"e assa!e 2rom $"e /no:n $o $"eun/no:n can be e22ec$e&;

T"is is $"e in$en$ o2 e5ery $eac"in!) an& $"e reason 2or $"e secre$s o2

o22ice; T"e Precolumbian caciue or /in! is a s"aman) inasmuc" as "e

uni$es "ea5en an& ear$") an& i$ is 2or $"is reason $"a$ "e is c"ie2@no$

because o2 "is :ill or $"a$ o2 $"e !rou; T"e en$ire socie$y is a s"arer in



$"ese symbols) my$"s) ri$es) an& cosmo!onical $eac"in!s) :"ic"

in&i5i&uals :ill absorb in $"eir resec$i5e :ays an& &e!rees; 8o:e5er)

$"e ro2ession o2 s"aman is oen $o all) an& many recei5e $"e siri$) an&

rac$ice i$s 9ries$"oo&)9 in &i22eren$ manners;2 To no one :oul& i$ occur

$o be &ecei$2ul in $"in!s o2 $"is na$ure; Suc" $"in!s are no$ &oub$e& in an

arc"aic socie$y; For $"a$ ma$$er) any suc" &ecei$ :oul& be no$ice& a$

once) by 5ir$ue o2 $"e 5ery &ynamics o2 $"e social milieu;

T"e my$"s occur in an 9o$"er9 $ime) in a 9non#$ime)9 in a 9reali$y aar$)9

:"ic" symbols reresen$) an& ri$es reac$uali<e ermanen$ly; Ori!ins

become con$emorary) an& $"e rimor&ial si$ua$ion is embo&ie&) so $"a$

li2e is re#!enera$e&; True) $"ere are le5els o2 comre"ension o2 an&

ar$icia$ion in >or "ierarc"i<e& rea&in!s o2 reali$y) or &e!rees o2

consciousness o2 $"e cosmos an& o2 bein!? :"a$ $"e my$"s e+ress; 7u$

$"ose le5els &o no$ e+clu&e eac" o$"er) ins$ea&) $"ey comlemen$ eac"

o$"er; T"us) a symbolical or my$"ical $"in! or occurrence can li/e:ise

be "is$orical) an& !eo!ra"ically si$ua$e&; In 2ac$) in li!"$ o2 :"a$ :e

"a5e sai&) a celes$ial occurrence necessarily correson&s $o ano$"er)

ear$"ly one) an& $"is reciroci$y is one o2 $"e roer c"arac$eris$ics o2 $"e

uni5erse an& o2 man; Accor&in!ly) $"e &i22eren$ rea&in!s o2 reali$y) or

$"e /no:le&!e o2 $"e &is$inc$ le5els on :"ic" $"is reali$y is mani2es$e&)

2ar 2rom bein! mu$ually e+clusi5e) ac$ually conoin in $"e cosmic

concer$) :"ic" is oen $o bein! e+erience& in mul$i&imensional :ise;

One o2 $"e mos$ beau$i2ul e+amles o2 $"e Precolumbian my$"s $"a$ "a5e

come &o:n $o us is 2oun& in $"e Popol Vuh) a sacre& boo/ o2 $"e Mayas#

Juic"es) :"ic" con$ains a se$ o2 cosmo!onical le!en&s; T"ese le!en&s

"a& been $ransmi$$e& by oral $ra&i$ion an& reresen$e&) reci$e&) an&

&ance& by $"e communi$y >in ceremonies s$ill er2orme& $o&ay?; T"ey

"a& also been resumably :ri$$en in co&ices no lon!er e+$an$; T"ey

aear $o be common $o all Mesoamerican eoles) an& s$u&ies s"o:

$"em $o be rela$e& $o Sou$" American ma$erial as :ell@surely no$ $o be

:on&ere& a$ >any more $"an $"eir similari$y $o o$"er) analo!ous sacre&

boo/s o2 o$"er con$inen$s?) :"en :e s$o $o $"in/ $"a$ $"ey &escribe anarc"e$yal !enesis an& cosmo!ony) an& $"a$ $"ey correson& er2ec$ly $o

$"e ri$es o2 $"e ini$ia$ory rocesses >:"ic" 2ur$"er $"e ne:) $rue man@$"e

crea$ion o2 a bein!?) :"ic" ac$uali<es ermanen$ly on my$"ic "is$ory)

$"us re!enera$in! $"e arc"e$yal bein!) be $"e la$$er in&i5i&ual or

uni5ersal;





T"e oral $ra&i$ions) $"e "iero!ly"ic inscri$ions) or $"e sacre& boo/ se$

2or$" an e+emlary mo&el) $o be e+erience&) an& con$inuously ren&ere&

curren$) by $"e communi$y) as i$ simul$aneously !o5erne& $"ou!"$s)

con&uc$) an& !rou an& in&i5i&ual ac$i5i$ies; I$ &e$ermine& absolu$ely

e5ery$"in!) bein! bu$ a re2lec$ion o2 $"e arc"e$yal cosmo!ony) in :"ic"

li2e an& man 2in& $"emsel5es 2rame&; In Cen$ral America) $"is role

seems $o "a5e 2allen $o $"e Popol Vuh) an& o$"er my$"icro"e$ical

collec$ions; T"e ancien$ co&ices) &esi$e $"eir !rea$ number) "a5e

&isaeare&) an& :e "a5e only $"ree :ri$in!s) in "iero!ra"ic c"arac$ers;

-e &o "a5e $"ese c"arac$ers) i$ is $rue) in 5ery !rea$ abun&ance) on

monumen$s) s$eles) an& ceramic obec$s; 8o:e5er) :e "a5e been able $o

&eci"er $"em only $o a 5ery limi$e& e+$en$) al$"ou!") 2or$una$ely) :e

"a5e been able $o rea& $"e numerical inscri$ions 2or some $ime;7

7u$ 2irs$ o2 all) le$ us call a$$en$ion $o $"e con2usion arisin! 2rom $"e

no$ion $"a$) :ere Mayan :ri$in! $o be &eci"ere&) secre$ /no:le&!e)

inclu&in! $ec"nical /no:le&!e) coul& be ob$aine&) an& $"a$ $"is

/no:le&!e :oul& be o2 e+$reme imor$ance $o "umani$y; T"is a$$i$u&e

res$s on $"e 2i!men$ o2 $"e ima!ina$ion) roer $o $"e con&i$ionin! o2 $"e

mo&ern :orl&) $"a$ some$"in! li$eral) ma$erial) an& lo!ical is conceale&

in $"ese "iero!ly"ics;8 Le$ us obser5e $"a$) in $"e bes$ o2 cases) :"a$ can

be rea& is $"e Popol Vuh >or some o2 $"e $e+$s o2 $"e Chilam /alam)

sacre& "is$orical !enealo!ies? or o$"er "ierolo!ical $e+$s suc" $"a$) in

or&er $o be!in $o un&ers$an& $"em) $"e rea&er :ill be reuire& $o submi$$o a $o$al syc"olo!ical re2orm; T"e same occurs :i$" all o2 $"e !rea$

sacre& $e+$s o2 all eoles) no$ e+ce$in! $"e 7ible; -"en) a2$er !rea$

e+ec$a$ions) $"e -es$ came $o /no: $"e los$ 9boo/9 o2 $"e !rea$ :i<ar&

Zoroas$er >Zara$"us$ra?) $"e celebra$e& A,esta) i$ 2oun& only a boo/ o2

9ri$ual c"an$s9 an& 9li$ur!ical rubrics;9 T"a$ is) i$ 2oun& an eso$eric

&iscourse $"a$ sai& no$"in! abou$ any$"in! ou$si&e i$s o:n symbolical

ne$:or/) i$s cosmo5ision; T"e A,esta :as no$"in! beyon& $"e

suosi$ions $"a$ 2rame& i$s o:n men$al boun&aries) :i$"in :"ic" $"ey

:ere e22ec$i5e;

Suc" is $"e case :i$" $"e Popol Vuh) as :ell) :ri$$en in Juic"e &urin!

$"e Sanis" coloni<a$ion; One o2 "umani$ys !rea$ boo/s) i$ narra$es a

sacre& "is$ory se$ in an eually sacre& !eo!ra"y) :"ic" mee$ as sace#

$ime coor&ina$es in a mul$i&imensional cosmos $"ey s$ruc$ure; A2$er all)

2or $"e arc"aic eoles@as 2or $"ose o2 classical an& os$#classical Greco#

Roman an$iui$y@laces) ersona!es) an& e5en$s :ere $"e symbolical







ro$a!onis$s o2 a sacre& !eo!ra"y an& "is$ory :"ose c"arac$er :as

$ranscen&en$al) an& :"ic" came $o mani2es$a$ion accor&in! $o $"e

r"y$"m an& ca&ence $o :"ic" $"ey :ere subec$;

T"e r"y$"mic 2orm i$sel2) in :"ic" $"e my$"s an& $"eir reresen$a$ion:ere narra$e&) :ere also sacre& o2 $"emsel5es; T"e $one o2 5oice)

reci$a$ion) c"an$) an& s$a!in!) alon! :i$" $"e !es$ures) cos$umes) mas/s)

a&ornmen$s) ain$in!s) an& all o2 $"e ceremonial &e$ails) cons$i$u$e& ri$es)

$"a$ is) my$"s >an& ma!ical#$"eur!ic symbols? in ac$ion; True) $"e my$"s

are oen $o &i22eren$ rea&in!sB >a? cosmo!onical#on$olo!ical#

me$a"ysical) >b? emo$ional#syc"olo!ical#moral) >c? na$uralis$ic#li$eral#

mo$i5a$ional; All o2 $"ese le5els o2 meanin! o2 my$" >or o2 any reali$y?

are suerimose& on one ano$"er) :i$"ou$ any roblem) an& eac" one

sea/s a &irec$ lan!ua!e) $o $"ose :"o are caable o2 communica$in!

:i$" i$; I$ !oes :i$"ou$ sayin! $"a$ one can be connec$e& :i$" all o2 $"e

"ierarc"ical le5els o2 my$") inasmuc" as) 2ar 2rom bein! mu$ually

e+clusi5e) $"ese le5els coe+is$ in "armony an& simul$anei$y) e+ressin!

$"emsel5es in mani2ol& si!ni2ica$es; 8ence $"e imor$ance o2 my$" as a

cemen$in!) in$erme&iary syn$"e$ic 2ac$or amon! $"e &is$inc$ le5els o2

reali$y) :"ic" i$ connec$s; My$") li/e symbol) is $"e analo!ical uni$y $"a$

bin&s one :orl& :i$" ano$"er) $ime :i$" e$erni$y) $"e 5isible :i$" $"e

in5isible) $"e 2ini$e :i$" $"e in2ini$e; T"is can be clearly seen in $"e

&rama$i<a$ion o2 my$"B in ri$ual;

T"e Popol Vuh :as sun! an& &ance&; A !oo&ly ar$ o2 $"e oula$ion

/ne: $"e en$ire $e+$ by "ear$) an& $"e ersona!es o2 $"e $e+$ an& $"eir

2or$unes :ere /no:n by e5eryone; Many un&er$oo/ $o reresen$ $"em) as

:ell) us$ as $"ey $oo/ ar$ in o$"er ri$ual 2es$i5als;/ E5en $o&ay)

2ra!men$s o2 $"ese ceremonies en&ure) er2orme& 2rom $ime

immemorial; T"e ri$ual laces in :"ic" $"e ac$ions occur are li/e:ise

symbolical) an& e5en correson& $o !eo!ra"ical laces o2 $o&ay; T"is

sacre& !eo!ra"y is con$rac$e&) an& occuies a small ar$ o2 mo&ern

Gua$emala; T"ere) a$ a $ime s$an&in! in soli&ari$y :i$" $"e ori!ins) li!"$

:as ma&e) an&) $"rou!" 2our successi5e crea$ions >in er2ec$ a!reemen$:i$" $"e 7ible) Greco#Roman an$iui$y) 8in&uism7u&&"ism) an& o$"er

$ra&i$ions !enerally?) man :as 2orme&; T"ese belie2s are common $o all

o2 $"e eoles o2 $"e :orl&) as :e "a5e sai&; 7u$ $"e in$eres$in! $"in! is

$"a$) 2or an arc"aic men$ali$y) $"is is al:ays occurrin!) $"a$ is) a$ $"is

5ery momen$; 8ence $"e arc"e$yal crea$ion recoun$e& by $"e my$" is

bu$ a li5in! reali$y) no:) an& o2 $"is reali$y $"e 5ery na$ure o2





"enomena) bein!s) an& $"in!s) sea/s $o us cons$an$ly;

3O456

I$ is $"e same :i$" $"e !enealo!y o2 $"e Incas) :"ic" "as been sosa!aciously in5es$i!a$e& by Imbelloni; Li/e:ise) $"e &a$es an& $"e e5en$s

in&ica$e& in Mayan "iero!ly"ics "a5e a symbolic c"arac$er) :i$"ou$$"ereby ceasin! $o be "is$orical; I$ is a ma$$er o2 my$"ical) ma!ical "is$ories@

a cyclical#r"y$"mic meanin!) e+resse& ri$ually an& mnemonically; Sacre&

"is$ory an& !eo!ra"y "a5e been $"e roer$y o2 all $ra&i$ional eoles;-i$"ou$ see/in! 2ur$"er) le$ us recall $"e biblical !enealo!ies) :i$" $"e a!es

an& e5en$s reor$e& $"ere) an& $"e !eo!ra"icalsymbolical laces $o be

2oun& in $"e Gree/ my$"s;

2 9In $"e lo: $roical lan&s o2 Cen$ral America) us$ as in cer$ain laces o2A2rica an& Asia) suc" ersons $"e s"aman#/in!s :ere re!ar&e& as o2

&i5ine ori!in as a belie2 re5aile& $"a$ $"ey :ere &irec$ly &escen&e& 2rom $"e!o&s :"o "a& 2oun&e& socie$y) $"e 2irs$ 2a$"ers or 2irs$ men $o be crea$e&;T"e s$ory o2 $"ese ances$ors :as recoun$e& in $"e my$"s) an& $"eir names

:ere ci$e& in $"e inscri$ions as bein! $"e source o2 $"e le!i$imacy o2 $"e

&ynas$y9 >Mi!uel Ri5era Dora&o) La &eligi-n a)a Ma&ri&B Alian<a

ni5ersi&a&) %43.?;

7 T"e :or& xok ) in Mayan) means numera$ion) coun$in!) e5en rea&in!@:"ic"

connec$s $"e Mayans :ri$$en $e+$s :i$" $"e calen&ar; As in all $ra&i$ions $"a$

"a5e &e5eloe& :ri$in!) le$$ers >or !ly"s? an& numbers are mu$ually rela$e&

an& correson&in!;

8 -"ic" by no means &eri5es ei!ra"ical en&ea5ors an& s$u&ies o2 $"eirle!i$imacy; Suc" in5es$i!a$ions re5eal $"e me$alo!ical) associa$i5e) an&

symbolic lan!ua!e roer $o $"e mos$ re2ine& $ra&i$ional ci5ili<a$ions;

/ T"e $e+$s o2 $"e co&ices) as :ell) an& $"e "iero!ly"ics) :ere reci$e& an& er2orme& in $"ese :ays;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ













I

SOME TOPICS 7EARING T8E CALENDARS

>riting

-e /no: $"a$ numbers an& $"eir combina$ions "a5e ma!ical o$encies)

an& $"a$ $"eir any$"in! bu$ arbi$rary rela$ions ac$i5a$e ener!ies in

accor&ance :i$" $"e ac$ual la:s o2 $"e uni5ersal cosmo!ony; T"e arc"aic

cul$ures "a5e al:ays reco!ni<e& $"e "armony o2 $"e numerical mo&ules)

as $"ese cul$ures are base& on $"e cycles an& r"y$"ms) an& on $"eir

cons$an$ ma!ical e+ression; Cer$ainly $"e 2ac$ o2 lan!ua!e) 2or $"e

rimi$i5es) "as been a miracle $"a$ mus$ be unanimously reco!ni<e&;

Pic$o!ra"y) i&eo!ra"y) an& :ri$in! >:"a$e5er means be emloye& $o

se$ i$ &o:n? "a5e also been sacre&) an& all ci5ili<a$ions "a5e e+resse&

conce$s in symbols) :"ose e+ecu$ion cons$i$u$e& au$"en$ic ri$uals $"a$)alon! :i$" bein! "iero"anic) romo$e& communica$ion an& !rou

co"esion; T"e Mayas a$$ribu$e& $"e in5en$ion o2 :ri$in! $o $"eir !o&

I$<amna) as &i& $"e E!y$ians $o T"o$";

T"e in$ima$e rela$ions"is be$:een $"ou!"$) :or& >lan!ua!e?) an& $"eir

2orms o2 !ra"ic mani2es$a$ion are almos$ $oo ob5ious $o call 2or e+lici$

e+amina$ion; -e mus$ obser5e) "o:e5er) $"a$ in no :ise are

con$emorary e+ressions o2 $"e abo5e#ci$e& rela$ions"is $"e mos$

er2ec$) le$ alone $"e only ones $"a$ man "as /no:n; In&ee&) as :e "a5e

alrea&y s$a$e& in $"is :or/) "one$ic al"abe$s are 2ar more limi$e& $"anare o$"er 2orms o2 :ri$in!) $"ose e+ressin! mul$ile associa$ions; T"e

2ormer 2ollo: a lo!ical linear seuence) more an& more soli&i2ie&) :"ile

$"e la$$er cons$an$ly re#crea$e a :orl& o2 analo!ies; T"e in5en$ion o2 $"e

"one$ic al"abe$) $"en) &esi$e $"e 5ali&i$y o2 i$s in$en&e& uroses) is

reresen$a$i5e o2 erio&s o2 increasin! in$ellec$ual imo5eris"men$) an&

o2 a reeminence o2 $"e rac$ical an& ma$erial) by con$ras$ :i$" $"e

ric"ness o2 $"e means o2 i&eo!ramma$ic e+ression@us$ as a simle

commercial &ocumen$) or a clus$er o2 non$ranscen&en$ e+eriences suc"

as $o&ay is &enomina$e& li$era$ure) are less $"an an au$"en$ic "ierolo!ical

lan!ua!e an& an in$e!ra$e& conce$ion o2 cosmic reali$y;

8ence) in in5es$i!a$ions concernin! $"e 5arious 2orms o2 e+ression) or

:ri$in!) o2 $"e arc"aic eoles) one mus$ rescin& as 2ar as ossible 2rom

e5ery$"in! rela$i5e $o i&eas li/e $"a$ $o $"e e22ec$ $"a$ ar$ is

en$er$ainmen$) an a$$i$u&e a$en$ly mo&ern an& ro2ane) alon! :i$" any

no$ions $"a$ see/@:"e$"er consciously or no$@$o &e!ra&e $ra&i$ional





$"ou!"$ $o $"e le5el o2 li$eral or merely u$ili$arian ma$$ers;

On $"e o$"er "an&) e5ery e+ression is symbolic) an& cons$i$u$es a

lan!ua!e) :"e$"er $"e la$$er be a ma$$er o2 smo/e si!nals or &i22eren$

soun&s 2or communica$in! a$ a &is$ance) or co&es o2 2i+e& !es$ures 2or$"e urose o2 an un&ers$an&in! amon! 5arious $ribes) as :e 2in& amon!

$"e Nor$" American na$i5es; T"ere li/e:ise e+is$ more comle+ me&ia)

suc" as ain$in!s an& ic$o!ra"ies :ri$in!@:"e$"er eris"able or no$)

:"ic") $a/en $o!e$"er) !ra&ually come $o cons$i$u$e some$"in! similar $o

$"e me&ia $"a$ no:a&ays are consi&ere& $o be :ri$in!; T"is !ro:in!

comle+i$y becomes e5i&en$ in Mesoamerica amon! $"e 5arious Na"ua$l

socie$ies) an& reac"es i$s "i!"es$ &e!ree o2 seciali<a$ion) so $o sea/)

amon! $"e eoles calle& Mayan; 7y no means) "o:e5er) s"oul& :e

loo/ &o:n uon o$"er me$"o&s o2 e+ressin! $"ou!"$ >nor) $"ere2ore) on

o$"er e+ressions o2 lan!ua!e?) suc" as $"e Incan #uipus @se$s o2 cor&s o2

&i22eren$ colors an& si<es) /no$$e& in 5arious :ays) !enuine ins$rumen$s

o2 no$ only uan$i$a$i5e) bu$ uali$a$i5e comu$a$ion >2or e+amle) in

sacre& calcula$ion?) no$ $o men$ion ri$ual $ools o2 a mnemo$ec"nical $ye)

alicable $o $"e :"ole o2 uni5ersal reali$y) an& no$ only $o ar$ial

2ra!men$s o2 $"a$ reali$y;

-i$" re!ar& $o $"e :ri$in! o2 $"e Mayans) :e s"all only in&ica$e $"a$ i$ is

2oun& as a comle$e sys$em on monumen$s an$e&a$in! $"e 2our$" cen$ury

7;C;) albei$ :i$" cer$ain la$er 5aria$ions; Some :ri$ers "ol& $"a$ $"is

:ri$in! "as "one$ic 5alues) or be$$er) "one$ic roo$s) as "as been

&emons$ra$e& in $"e case o2 cer$ain "iero!ly"s >esecially $oonomical?

o2 cen$ral Me+ico; T"is osi$ion by no means seems $o us $o be

un:or$"y o2 consi&era$ion) inasmuc" as) in $"e course o2 our researc")

:e "a5e more an& more 2reuen$ly 2oun& $"e in$errela$ions"is amon!

$"e eoles o2 Mesoamerica) be $"ey &enomina$e& Olmec) Tol$ec)

Zao$ec) or Mayan; A$ $"e same $ime) Mayan icono!ra"y i$sel2 is 5ery

comle+) an& $"e !ly"s clearly i&en$i2ie& in $"e area may surass ei!"$

"un&re& in number; T"is mi!"$ a22or& $"e rea&er a ic$ure o2 $"e $"orny

c"arac$er o2 $"e ues$ion; -e s"oul& li/e:ise :is" $o in&ica$e) as :e &i&in $"e 2ore!oin! c"a$er) $"a$ $"e numerals an& $"eir 2unc$ions "a5e been

es$ablis"e& 2or years) an& $"a$) 2or 5arious reasons) $"ey con$inue $o s"e&

li!"$ no$ only on $"e in5es$i!a$ion o2 Mesoamerican :ri$in! roerly so#

calle&) bu$ also on all !eneral $oics re2errin! $o $"ose cul$ures; Finally)

le$ us obser5e $"a$ a consi&erable !rou o2 au$"ors $o&ay belie5e $"a$

$"ey are &eci"erin! many $e+$s o2 Mayan :ri$in!) al$"ou!" $"ere also



e+is$ &i5ers $en&encies in $"is resec$; In any e5en$) :e are &ealin! :i$"

a seci2ic subec$) :i$"in $"e s$u&y o2 $"e Precolumbian cul$ures) :"ic"

oins) $o $"e e+ci$emen$ o2 i$s o:n c"allen!e) $"e broa&) in5i$in! 2iel& o2

$"e rela$ions"is re5ailin! be$:een $"ese e+ressions an& o$"er

elemen$s o2 $"e Precolumbian cosmo!ra"ies) an& ro5i&es an e+cellen$

aroac" $o $"e s$u&y o2 $"e ancien$ American $ra&i$ions) li/e $"e

i&en$i2ica$ion o2 many !ly"s o2 laces in $"e area) an& o$"er

&eci"erin!s;

4he ?reat 5ras

A /een in$eres$ in $"e !rea$ eras "as been common $o all $ra&i$ional

eoles; T"ese a!es o2 $"e :orl& an& o2 "umani$y :ere s$u&ie& an&

e+resse& by $"e C"al&ean as$ronomers) $"e Gree/ "iloso"ers) $"e

8in&u an& C"inese sa!es) $"e 8ebre: cabalis$s) an& so 2or$") all o2

:"om) us$ as &i& $"e Precolumbians) en$er$aine& comle+ lucubra$ions

on $"e subec$; Generally) $"ese 9a!es9 are 2our or 2i5e in number

>&een&in! on :"e$"er or no$ $"e cen$ral oin$ o2 $"e circle $"ey 2ollo:

is re!ar&e& sa$ially?) are base& on $"e erio& o2 $"e euinoc$ial

recession o2 ',)4'6 years >'.)666 or '*)666) in roun& numbers?) an&

coul& be obser5e& basically $"rou!" analo!ical rela$ions"is; Eac" is

usually /no:n ei$"er by i$s associa$ion :i$" an elemen$ >2ire) air) :a$er)

ear$"?) as in ancien$ America) or by a me$al >!ol&) sil5er) bron<e) iron?)

as in $"e $ra&i$ion o2 $"e -es$;

For $"e Precolumbians) $"ese 2our !rea$ a!es "a5e a sa$ial ima!e) as

:ell) an& &o5e$ail by :ay o2 al$erna$in! car&inal courses; Eac" is in $urn

sub&i5i&e& in$o 2our lesser or&ers $"ese !rea$ cycles $"ereby a&mi$ o2

subcycles) :"ic" are in $urn &i5i&e& un$il) in $"e year) eac" !rou o2 2i5e

&ays) "a5in! i$s sa$ial course) succee&s ano$"er) in &iscon$inui$y) bu$

re!ularly; -e s"all e+an& on $"is subec$ in our ne+$ c"a$er) in $"e

sec$ion &e5o$e& $o $"e tonalámatl ;

7u$ cer$ain obser5a$ions :ill 2irs$ be in or&er; One is $"a$ enormous

ca$as$ro"es mus$ surely "a5e occurre& in America $"a$ cause& en$ire

cul$ures $o &isaear :i$"ou$ a $race; As a resul$) no massi5e remains

"a5e been 2oun& $"a$ mi!"$ be assi!ne& a 5ery ancien$ &a$e; T"e 2loo&s

$o :"ic" $"e 5arious na$i5e eoles re2er seem $o "a5e been 5ery near

$"em in $ime) an& no$ as remo$e as $"e biblical Floo&@:"ic") as $ra&i$ion



&eclares) :as $"e one $"a$ &es$roye& A$lan$is; For $"a$ ma$$er) e5en $o&ay

one ercei5es $"e &e!ree o2 $elluric ebulli$ion roer $o $"is con$inen$) as

e+resse& $"rou!" cons$an$ ear$"ua/es) inun&a$ions) "urricanes) an&

5olcanic eru$ions;

Ano$"er obser5a$ion :ill concern $"e ues$ion o2 me$"o&; T"e science o2

$"e Precolumbians is no$ in&uc$i5e) as is science $o&ay; I$ is &e&uc$i5e)

li/e $"a$ o2 all $ra&i$ional eoles; From uni$y &eri5e all o$"er s$ruc$ures)

:"ic" 2ine#$une $"emsel5es by reson&in! $o an in5isible) unanimous

lan; T"is ar$icula$ion o2 $"e ar$s ermi$s $"e ac$ion o2 $"e Princiles in

$"e en$ire comle+) an& "ence $"eir alica$ion $o all ar$icular 2orms; I$

!oes :i$"ou$ sayin! $"a$ $"is ac$ion mani2es$s i$sel2) in&ee& $"a$ i$ can be

e+erience& an& 5eri2ie&; Accor&in!ly) 2ar 2rom conurin! u an ima!e

o2 some sa5a!e In&ians :"o &re: ru&imen$ary@an& surely 2alse@

conclusions re!ar&in! $"e mul$i$u&e o2 "enomena) :e ou!"$ $o $"in/

us$ $"e oosi$eB :e ou!"$ $o $"in/ o2 bein!s :"o &e&uce& $"ese

"enomena 2rom uni5ersal rinciles re5eale& $o $"em by $"eir my$"ic

2orebears;

A$ $"e same $ime) $"e roblem :i$" $"e mo&ern sciences is $"a$ $"ey

a$$em$ $o aly la:s $"a$ 2unc$ion a$ ar$icular le5els as i2 $"ey :ere

uni5ersal; T"ey claim $o :ei!" an& measure all $"in!s by $"ese

coor&ina$es) :i$" $"e assis$ance o2 s$a$is$ics) :"ic" "as become

in&isensable as $"e le!ali<er o2 scien$i2ic 5ali&i$y; In 2ac$) $"is occurs

:i$" mani2es$a$ions :"ic") recisely by 5ir$ue o2 $"eir mul$i#le5el) or

surauan$i$a$i5e) na$ure) ob5iously &o no$ len& $"emsel5es $o

comu$a$ion) or $o $"e ri!i&i$y o2 classi2ica$ion; P"enomena are al:ays

re!ar&e& as 2i+e&) &e2ini$e) cons$an$) an& in5ariable; An& i$ is on $"ese

"yo$"eses $"a$ $"e mo&ern sciences base $"eir calcula$ions) :i$"ou$

$a/in! in$o consi&era$ion $"e ossibili$y $"a$ $"ey are 2alse >!eome$rical

roec$ion o2 error?) an& $"a$ :"a$ is suose& cons$an$ an& uni2orm in

sace an& $ime may no$ be suc"; -e 2in& $"e same :i$" resec$ $o $"e

$ime#erio&s &eal$ :i$" in As$ronomy or Geolo!y) or

"ysicalc"emicalbiolo!ical conce$s) or $"e 5arious 9seciali<a$ions;9To ma/e $"is asser$ion means au$oma$ic blac/ballin! a$ $"e "an&s o2 $"e

scien$is$s an& $"eir 2ollo:ers) :"o &o no$ "esi$a$e) i2 nee& be) $o ac$ as

a!en$s o2 reression o2 $"e 5ery cul$ural sys$em in :"ic" $"ey "a5e been

be!o$$en;

To re$urn $o our $"emeB :i$"ou$ &ear$in! 2rom $"e 9classical9 -es$ern



$ra&i$ion) le$ us no$e $"a$ $"ese conce$s bearin! on $"e !rea$ eras are $o

be 2oun& in 8esio&) Pla$o) O5i&) 1ir!il) Plo$inus) an& so on; An& ye$) $"e

mo&ern :orl& an& i$s science re!ar& $"ese asser$ions@absolu$ely real 2or

$"ose :"o ma/e $"em@as no$"in! bu$ an$iues) or 2an$asies) o2 a

9my$"ic9 $ye) "a5in! no curren$ 5ali&i$yB on $"e con$rary) $"ey "a5e

&e5eloe& a series o2 "yo$"eses cer$i2ie& by $"e ie &ream o2 ro!ress)

by $o$ali$arian o22icialism) an& by e5er#resen$ 2as"ion;

Some o2 $o&ays &iscilines 2or e+amle) suc" as !eolo!y@:"ic"

aeare& only in $"e nine$een$" cen$ury) $"e en$errise o2 a sin!le

in5en$or) C"arles Lyell) an& &irec$ "eir o2 $"e ma$"ema$ical#mec"anical

$"ou!"$ o2 Descar$es) in correson&ence :i$" $"e in&us$rial 9re5olu$ion9@

is base& en$irely on $"e no$ion $"a$ $"e ear$" is li/e a iece o2 ca/e :"ose

successi5e layers "a5e been a&&e& since remo$es$ an$iui$y; Ama<in!ly)

i$ 2ails $o consi&er $"e cons$an$ mo5emen$s) "abi$ual or e+$raor&inary)

$"a$ are $"e ulsa$ions o2 $"is bein! calle& ear$") &esi$e $"e 2ac$ $"a$ i$

s$u&ies $"ose 5ery "enomena; 9S$ra$i!ra"y)9 $o :"ic" many o$"er

&iscilines) li/e arc"aeolo!y) suers$i$iously an& un"esi$an$ly submi$) is

no$"in! bu$ a lo!ico#mec"anical conce$ion o2 li2e an& $"e uni5erse;

Ob5iously i2 layers o2 $"e ear$" ile u on one ano$"er in $emoral

succession) $"e 2irs$ :ill be $"e ol&es$; 7u$ $o !o on 2rom $"ere $o $a/e

$"is s$a$emen$ as a &o!ma o2 2ai$") 5ali& 2or all cases) is $o re&uce $"e

uni5erse $o some$"in! 9i&eal)9 u$$erly &ea& an& 2orei!n $o us) :"en i$ is

ac$ually un&er!oin! &aily $rans2orma$ions;

-e "a5e nei$"er $"e $ime nor $"e sace "ere $o a&&ress $"is subec$ as :e

really ou!"$; 7u$ :e &o :is" $o re!is$er our &isa!reemen$ :i$" $"is

manner o2 ercei5in! an& are"en&in! reali$y) us$ as :e "a5e &one

:i$" re!ar& $o $"e 9$"eory o2 e5olu$ion9 >or i$s 9$rans2ormis$ic9

eui5alen$s?) a&o$e& in $"e same cen$ury an& li/e:ise a crea$or o2

mo&ern $"ou!"$; T"is &oc$rine is ac/no:le&!e& as absolu$e $ru$" by $"e

mos$ &i5erse branc"es o2 science) :"ic" ul$ima$ely con5er!e in i$ an&

:"ic" &eri5e $"eir os$ula$es 2rom i$; Nei$"er can :e aroac" $"is

$"eme in extenso) as i$ &eser5es) in $"is boo/; -e only :is" $oem"asi<e) 2or :"oe5er may :is" $o !ras i$) $"a$ $"ose :"o rely on

$"ese $:o suosi$ions) or $"eories) are res$in! $"eir conce$ion o2 $"e

:orl& on 5ery 2ra!ile 2oun&a$ions;

In&ee&) $"is las$ "yo$"esis $"a$ :e are consi&erin! suoses $"a$) o5er a

cer$ain len!$" o2 $ime) in&e2ini$e) because o2 i$s immense &ura$ion) an&



$"rou!" a series o2 $rans2orma$ions) :"ic" inclu&e& an ascen$ 2rom

secies $o secies) li2e !a5e rise $o man; Tra&i$ional cul$ures) "o:e5er)

main$ain $"a$) in a series o2 s$es) con&i$ions :ere crea$e& 2or man >as in

$"e ini$ia$ory rocesses?) $"a$ $"e la$$er mi!"$ arise o2 a su&&en) :"ole

an& en$ire) an& $"a$) :i$" $"is ne: bein!) $"e innumerable secies mi!"$

acuire meanin!; -i$"ou$ $"e "uman bein!) crea$ions cro:nin! :or/)

$"a$ crea$ion :oul& be meanin!less;

T"ese cul$ures li/e:ise &eclare $"e reali$y o2 man $o be no$"in! more

$"an one o2 $"e mo&ali$ies o2 a ni5ersal 7ein! $"a$) in "a5in! li/e:ise

bes$o:e& consciousness uon man) "as ma&e "im a s"arer in I$s o:n

in$e!ri$y; In $"e cosmos) e5ery$"in! is a ar$ o2 $"is !i!an$ic 7ein!)

:"ic" embraces i$ :"olly) nor are $"e :a$ers) s$ones) lan$s) an&

animals) :"ic" are as ali5e as :e are) lesser $"in!s $"an :e; 7u$ man

syn$"esi<es all) an& $"e comle+ o2 $"e :orl&s $"in!s an& bein!s is

or&ere& $o "is ser5ice;

For $"ese $ra&i$ions) $"ere "a5e been o$"er crea$ions@an& also coun$less

crea$ions) in 2ac$@5arious "umani$ies an& &i22eren$ crea$ures) mani2ol&

e+ressions o2 $"a$ same ni5ersal 7ein!; All o2 $"ese e+ressions "a5e

en!en&ere& one ano$"er) 2inally al:ays &e5eloin! on $"eir o:n; T"ey

"a5e enoye& $"e same srin! an& summer) an& "a5e su22ere& &ecline

an& &ea$") $o be reborn once more in ano$"er :ay; 8o:e5er) in or&er 2or

$"is las$ $o occur) a crea$ion mus$ li5e 2or a $ime in $"e blac/es$ &ar/ness;

T"ence $"e :orl& arises ane:@in an e+$en&e& momen$) i$ may beB 9As

$"e mis$) as $"e clou&) an& as $"e &us$ clou& :as $"e crea$ion9 > Popol

Vuh) boo/ %) c"a; %?;

Ins$ea&) relyin! on simle@an& e5en 5ery &ubious@emirical ar!umen$s)

our con$emoraries suose a "yo$"e$ical :orl&) 5ali&a$e& e+clusi5ely

by $"e &isco5ery o2 cer$ain 9"umanoi&9 2ossils an& a $"eory o2 $"e

uan$i$a$i5e ro!ression alie& $o secies :"ic" are concei5e& as

"a5in! been $rans2orme& in$o o$"ers; T"e ar$isans o2 $"is 5ie: "a5e

ne5er been able $o ro5e i$) so $"a$ :e "a5e $"e ara&o+ical) $o say $"eleas$) "enomenon o2 a science $"a$ lays claim $o $"e 9scien$i2ic me$"o&9

bu$ clin!s $oo$" an& nail $o a mere suosi$ion;2

To conclu&e) le$ us obser5e $"a$ $"e !rea$ $ra&i$ions "a5e 2reuen$ly

$a/en $"e !rea$ year o2 $"e ear$" as one#"al2 o2 $"e $ime o2 $"e euinoc$ial

recession) :"ic" is calcula$e& a$ '*)666 years; In o$"er :or&s) $"e !rea$





year :oul& be %')666 years in &ura$ion) as :i$" $"e C"al&eans; More

recisely) $"e Mesoamerican ci5ili<a$ions calcula$e& $"e !rea$ year in

%()666 years) one#"al2 o2 $"e recessional erio& >'.)666 years?) $"ereby

more closely aro+ima$in! $"e ac$ual &ura$ion o2 $"a$ cycle) :"ic" is

',)4'6 years; T"e %()666#year erio& a&mi$$e& no$ only o2 a ua$ernary

&i5ision) bu$ o2 a uinary one) as :ell@in$o suberio&s o2 ').66 years;

T"ese !rea$ cycles) in in$errela$ions"i :i$" $"e cycles o2 $"e s$ars an&

lane$s) s"ae& $"e calen&ars o2 $"ese cul$ures) o2 :"ic" :e s"all $rea$ in

$"e 2ollo:in! c"a$er;7

4he @uadrille <attern

I2 $"e ua$ernary) an& i$s symbolical !eome$rical e+ression) $"e suare)

are 2oun& $o be resen$ as a &is$inc$i5e mar/ in any mani2es$a$ion) $"e

sum o2 $"ese mani2es$a$ions) bein!s) "enomena) an& $"in!s :oul&

cons$i$u$e $"e en$ire cosmos; Al$o!e$"er na$urally) $"en) i$ :ill be

ossible $o reresen$ $"e cosmos on a lane in a ua&rille a$$ern) li/e a

mes" or ne$) sei<in! an& oinin! $"e sca$$ere& elemen$s by $"e

in$ersec$ion o2 oin$s@in correla$ion :i$" $"e symbolism o2 /no$s) an& o2

in$er$:inin!@:"ic" :ill main$ain $"e co"esion an& or&er o2 $"e s$ruc$ure;

T"is 2i!ure is sacre&) by 5ir$ue o2 $"e simle 2ac$ $"a$ all ossibili$ies are

inscribe& :i$"in i$; A2$er all) i$ cons$i$u$es $"e :ar an& :oo2 o2 :"ic"

all $"in!s are :o5en or crea$e&; I$ cons$i$u$es $"eir 9uni5ersal s$an&ar&;9

Accor&in!ly) $"e 5ery reresen$a$ion o2 $"is or$en$ous "enomenon) $"e

ua&rille a$$ern) no$ only mus$ "a5e $"e same ma!ical o:er as is

a$$ribu$e& $o Crea$ion) bu$) in symboli<in! $"a$ crea$ion) :ill also e+ress

$"e same la:s) $"e same in$erlay o2 numerical an& !eome$rical

ossibili$ies) $ensions an& eui5alencies) as &oes crea$ion; A2$er all) a2$er

i$s o:n 2as"ion) $"is a$$ern mani2es$s recisely $"a$ in$ernal lo!ic an&

cons$i$u$es an i&en$ical s$ruc$ure@a symme$rical ro&uc$ o2

mul$ilica$ion@an& $"a$ s"aes a "armonious :"ole; T"e ua&rille

a$$ern) $"en) is an ins$rumen$ o2 no:le&!e an& o2 :or/) an& is a :ayo2 are"en&in!#as a ne$:or/#$"e cosmic la:s rero&uce& :i$"in i$;

A2$er all) in $"a$ ua&rille a$$ern@5isible or in5isible) $an!ible or

in$an!ible@$"e 2orms are mani2es$e&; All $ra&i$ions "a5e /no:n $"is

!ra"ic reresen$a$ion o2 mul$ilica$ion) "a5e /no:n $"e con$inuous

in$ersec$ion o2 $"e 5er$ical :i$" $"e "ori<on$al@al:ays oine& a$ a oin$@

an& $"e 2orms an& la:s &eri5in! 2rom $"is rero&uc$ion roose& by $"e





mes" lane; >T"e an$o!ra" can crea$e any roec$ion) us$ as $"e

9re$icle9 is one o2 $"e basic ins$rumen$s in as$ronomy;?

-e s"all no$ re"earse our e+amles o2 $"e ua$ernary) o22ere& us) as :e

"a5e seen $"rou!"ou$ $"is :or/) 2rom coun$less ersec$i5es by $"eancien$ American ci5ili<a$ions;8 7u$ :e s"all in&ee& ermi$ oursel5es a

simle e+amina$ion o2 $"is ma$$er as an e+ercise in $"e illus$ra$ion o2

cer$ain conce$s or :ays o2 :or/in!) ar$icularly in connec$ion :i$" a

cer$ain $ye o2 numerical rela$ion; -e are esecially in$eres$e& in

s"o:in! $"a$) 2or $"e arc"aic men$ali$y) $"is /in& o2 secula$ion "as an

as$onis"in! asec$; A!ain) $"e 9concurrences9 an& analo!ies ro&uce&

are $"e 5e"icles) a$ $imes) o2 a ma!ical con$en$;

T"e uni$ is a ua&rille rulin! >2i!; %? $"a$ subseuen$ly e+an&s in $"e

2our &irec$ions o2 sace >2i!; '?) limi$in! $"e 2irs$ 2rame) in :"ic" $"e

ori!inal ua&rille rulin! is $"e cen$er >2i!; (?;*

2i!; % 2i!; ' 2i!; (

In $"e 2irs$ 2i!ure) as :e "a5e sai&) :e "a5e a 5alue o2 uni$yB a ua&rille

rulin! $"a$) e+an&in! in i$s o$en$ial &irec$ions) yiel&s a cross >2i!; '?;

T"e la$$er) a&&e& $o i$s cen$er) is a uinary >% * W , * % W ,?) :"ic"

!enera$es ano$"er suare) in :"ic" i$ is con$aine& >2i!; (?) an& crea$es a

limi$e& lane) :"ose ori!in is in $"e uni$y an& i$s ra&ia$ion) an& uon

:"ic" $"is ra&ia$ion can be resorbe&) re$urnin! $o i$s rimor&ial source)

once more $o be roec$e& in a &ual rocessB ad extra) ad intra)

&ias$olesys$ole) in :"ic" rocess $"e con$rac$ion) or limi$ o2 $"e

in&e2ini$e) bo$" mar/s $"e re$urn $o $"e ori!inal oin$) an& s"aes $"e

ua$ernary lane uon :"ic" $"is "enomenon occurs >2i!s; *) ,?; /



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2i!; * 2i!; ,

T"e number o2 ua&rille suares on $"is 2irs$) arc"e$yal lane) "os$ o2

$"e uni$y an& i$s ra&ia$ion) is) as :e rea&ily obser5e) nine) :"ic" is eual

$o $"e one an& i$s ua$ernary e+ansion >% * W ,? in all o2 $"e o$en$ial&irec$ions o2 sace >, * W 4?@a number :"ic") a$ $"e same $ime) "as

s$ruc/ a rela$ions"i :i$" $"e circum2erence an& $"e cycle; In&ee&) $"e

erime$er o2 $"e circum2erence is (.6o) or 2our ri!"$ an!les o2 nine$y

&e!rees) :"ic"@as :e "a5e s"o:n@ren&ers $"e circle an& $"e suare

>also cons$i$u$e& by 2our ri!"$ an!les? eui5alen$ :"en i$ comes $o $"eir

symboli<in! no$ only a limi$e&@an&) accor&in!ly) or&ere&@2iel&) bu$ also

a &e2ine& cycle) bo$" o2 $"ese bein! sa$io#$emoral ima!es o2 $"e

cosmos;

T"e number nine is calle&) in Mayan) bolon) :"ic" "as $"e sense o2 acomle$e $"in!) or a cycle; /olon ts$akabil ) accor&in! $o $"e Diccionario

a)a Codermex) means 9e$erni$y9@or) in ano$"er o2 i$s 2orms) 9nine

!enera$ions;9 I$ &esi!na$es $"e 9nin$"9@:"ic" is imlici$ly $o name $"e

&enary@an& a close& or&er) as in bolon he >9$en &ays a!o9?) or bolon neh

>9$en &ays 2rom no:9?) :"ic" is $"e in&e+ o2 a numerical circulari$y an&

a &e2ine& $emoral sace;9 In $"e $ra&i$ion o2 Py$"a!orean ari$"me$ic an&

!eome$ry) $"e number nine is $"e number o2 $"e circum2erence $"a$)

a&&e& $o $"e cen$ral oin$ or a+is 2rom :"ic" i$ "as &ra:n i$s 2orm) !i5es

us $"e &enary@$"a$ is $o say) a $o$ali$y@e+resse& by $"e en$ire

!eome$rical 2i!ure o2 $"e circle; T"e number nine is in$ima$ely boun& u

:i$" $"e (.6o in :"ic" a circum2erence is &i5i&e& in$o i$s 2our na$ural

ar$sB in$o 2our ri!"$ an!les o2 nine$y &e!rees eac") assimilable $o $"e

2our gammas $"a$ in$e!ra$e a cross) or $o $"e 2our an!les enclosin! a

suare) ro5i&e& $"ese las$ $:o reresen$a$ions be inscribe& in a lane o2

nine ua&rille suares) resec$i5ely as cen$ri2u!e) ad extra) or as

cen$rie$e) ad intra >2i!s; .) 0?;

2i!; . 2i!; 0







T"e so#calle& 9ma!ic suares9 lo$$e& on $"e basis o2 $"e ua&rille

a$$ern) no$ only :ere /no:n by $"e ancien$ Me&i$erranean

ci5ili<a$ions@by $"e Assyrians) $"e C"al&eans) $"e 7abylonians) $"e

E!y$ians@in $"eir as$rolo!ical an& cosmolo!ical in5es$i!a$ions) bu$

:ere in 5o!ue in $"e Mi&&le A!es an& $"e Euroean Renaissance; T"ey

en&ure $o our o:n &ay in $"e -es$) us$ as in ano$"er o2 $"e coun$less

2orms o2 $"eir use in $"e +epohuat!int!inB a small Na"ua$l calcula$or) or

ua&rille 2i!ure 2as"ione& o2 $"e in$ersec$ion o2 5er$ical an& "ori<on$al

$"rea&s >$:en$y in number?) a simle ins$rumen$ :i$" :"ic" $"e mos$

comlica$e& ma$"ema$ical calcula$ions can be carrie& ou$; I$ is similar $o

$"e abacus) :"ic" is s$ill use& by Islamic oil 2inanciers; I$s ma!ic

consis$s in $"e "armonious roor$ions an& rela$ions"is $"a$ numbers)

as incarna$ions o2 ener!ies $"ey symboli<e) are caable o2 crea$in! by

:ay o2 $"e /no:le&!e o2 $"eir roer$ies@$"a$ is) o2 $"e uni5ersal

rinciles $"a$ $"ey reresen$@in u$$in! or&er in$o $"e c"aos o2 $"e2ormless) $"e un&i22eren$ia$e&) $"e illusory) ine22ec$i5e an& none+is$en$;

Accor&in! $o M; Grane$) $"ese 9suares9@esecially $"e one :i$" nine

small suares $"a$ :e "a5e been consi&erin!@cons$i$u$e& $"e :"ole

or!ani<a$ion) inclu&in! $"e social) o2 $"e Far Eas$ern Tra&i$ion) as "e "as

reor$e& i$ in $"e :or/s "e "as &e5o$e& $o C"inese ci5ili<a$ion an&

$"ou!"$; Nine in number :ere $"e ro5inces o2 $"e Emire) an& $"ey

e+$en&e& in $"e 2our car&inal &irec$ions an& a$ $"eir 2our in$erme&ia$e

oin$s) $"e cen$er bein! $"e lace reser5e& 2or $"e Emeror; on $"e

la$$er :as bes$o:e& $"e number 2i5e@$"e number o2 $"a$ re!ion as :ell as

$"e basis o2 $"e C"inese numerolo!y an& $"e sum $o$al o2 i$s 9ma$erial9elemen$s: @as rece$or o2 $"e 5er$ical emana$ions recei5e& a$ $"is

loca$ion) $"e "ear$ o2 $"e Emire) an& embo&ie& by "im as scion an& "eir

o2 "ea5en $"rou!" :"om $"e &i5ine ener!ies :ere symbolically an&

ac$ually e+resse& in $"e :orl&;-

2i!; 3

Fi!ure 3 reresen$s $"e simles$ ma!ic suare; >T"a$ o2 $"e si+$y#2our

suares o2 $"e !ame o2 c"ess :oul& be a &i22eren$ one? -e s"oul& "a5e

been loa$" $o omi$ i$s rero&uc$ion) !i5en $"e number o2 secula$i5e

rela$ions $"a$ i$ can occasion; T"e sum o2 any ro: o2 i$s numbers)








:"e$"er "ori<on$al) 5er$ical) or &ia!onal) is 2i2$een) an& many

conclusions an& $ransosi$ions can be er2orme&) as a ra$"er e+$ensi5e

biblio!ra"y on $"e subec$ :ill a$$es$; In $"e Islamic $ra&i$ion) $"ese

ma!ic suares are calle& ui0#) an& in Hu&aism are re!ar&e& as o:er2ul

cosmic $alismans;

As :e "a5e seen) $"e number nine is consi&ere& irre&ucible) inasmuc" as

all o2 i$s mul$iles an& submul$iles al:ays re$urn $o i$ >4 + , W *,) * ,

W 4 4 + 3 W 0') 0 ' W 4) an& so 2or$"?) an& 2or $"is reason :as re!ar&e&

as er2ec$ an& cyclical) a comle$e mo&ule eui5alen$ $o $"e circle or

s"ere@an& $o i$s correson&in! ua&ran!le@an ima!e o2 $"e cosmos an&

o2 $o$ali$y;

May :e no: be ermi$$e& $o e+ress oursel5es $"rou!" ano$"er simle

illus$ra$ion; Le$ us $race $"e 2irs$ cross $"a$ can be s/e$c"e& in suares)

an& $"en enclose i$ in ano$"er) lar!er cross) $"e secon& cross ossible in

$"e ne$:or/;

2i!; 4

-e s"all no$ice $"a$ no$ only &oes $"e 2irs$ cross) $"e in$ernal one) consis$

o2 2i5e small suares) an& $"e secon&) $"e e+$ernal@as a ra&ia$ion o2 $"e

ori!inal@o2 $:en$y); bu$ $"a$ :"a$ :e "a5e be2ore us is a symbolical)

yrami&al mo$i2 :"ic") in $"is 2orm an& in o$"er) &eri5e& 5arian$s@suc"

as $"e 9Gree/ s$es9 or $"e 9Gree/ "oo/)9 an& so on@e+$en&s $"rou!"ou$

$"e len!$" an& brea&$" o2 America; -e 2in& i$ e5ery:"ere@scule& ins$one) ain$e& on ceramics) embosse& on seals) 2ormin! 2re$s on $e+$iles

an& bas/e$:or/) $o ci$e a 2e: e+amles@$o $"e oin$ $"a$) :"ile i$ is

resen$ in o$"er ci5ili<a$ions) i$ can surely be consi&ere& ro$o$yal o2

America;









numbers in $"e na$i5e cosmo!onic conce$ion) as mani2es$e& in $"e

Mesoamerican calen&ars; T"is "yo$"esis "as been main$aine& by Ernes$

F[rs$emann) 2or $"e Mayan calen&ars) an& by 8ermann 7eyer) 2or $"e

Me+ican; 7eyer asser$sB

Hus$ as $"e $:en$y#&ay 9mon$"9 :as la$er &i5i&e& in$o 2our

ar$s >* + , W '6?) $"e rimary mon$" mus$ "a5e been

&i5i&e&) by $"e ancien$ sa!es) in$o 2our ar$s o2 se5en &ays

eac" >* + 0 W '3?; An& us$ as@a 2amiliar 2ac$@$"ey assi!ne&

$"e uar$ers o2 xiuhtlalpilli) $"e 2i2$y#$:o#year erio&) an&

$"ose o2 $"e tonalámatl ) $"e '.6#&ay erio&) $o $"e 2our

cosmic &irec$ions) so also $"e 2our :ee/s o2 $"e lunar

mon$" mus$ "a5e been or&ere& $o $"e car&inal oin$s;

7eyer) see biblio!ra"y/

-e "a5e 2reuen$ly em"asi<e&) in $"e 2ore!oin! a!es) $"e imor$ance

o2 $"e numbers 2our an& 2i5e) alon! :i$" nine) in $"e Precolumbian

cul$ures@$"e las$ bein! basically cyclical or circular) an& associa$e& :i$"

ree$i$ion an& mo5emen$; 8ere :e :is" $o 2ocus on $"e number se5en)

:"ic") :i$"ou$ bein! basic) or 2reuen$ly ci$e&) is ne5er$"eless 2oun& $o

be lin/e& $o $:o !ran&) solemn my$"s >ro&uce&) $"ere2ore) in a

rimor&ial or earlier $ime?; -e re2er $o $"e ori!in) accor&in! $o cer$ain

$ra&i$ions) o2 $"e A<$ecs an& Incas; T"e 2ormer srin! 2rom se5en

ca5erns) $o commence $"eir il!rima!e $"rou!" $"e :orl&; T"e la$$er are

born o2 a !ro$$o) an& be!in $"eir :an&erin!sB $"ey are $"e !rea$ c"ie2Manco#Caac an& "is se,en siblin!s; One o2 $"ese la$$er is Mama Ocllo)

:"o is assimila$e& $o $"e moon) :"ile Manco#Caac) :"o marries "er) is

eui5ala$e& :i$" $"e sun; -e "a5e no in$en$ion o2 ma/in! use o2 $"ese

analo!ies in or&er $o &emons$ra$e any conclusions; 7u$ :e &o un&ers$an&

$"a$ an e+lici$ numerical &esi!na$ion >in $"e con$e+$ o2 a my$"? is a

symbolic /ey) a mo&ule) e+resse& in $"e roer manner o2 $"e ancien$

cul$ures;





Chicomo!toc) $"e ca5ern o2 ori!ins

%istoria Tolteca Chichimeca

On $"e o$"er "an&) conuis$a&or Corona&o calls a$$en$ion $o a $ribe) $"a$

o2 $"e Cibolanos) :"ose oula$ion &is$ribu$ion is no$"in! i2 no$

surrisin!; T"e $ribe :as cons$i$u$e& o2 se5en cores or nuclei) an& &:el$

in se5en 5illa!es >$"e 9se5en ci$ies o2 Cibola9?; T"e rincial 5illa!e

bore $"e name o2 9T"e Mi&&le)9 an& $"e o$"ers $"ose o2 9Nor$")9

9Sou$")9 9Eas$)9 9-es$)9 9Abo5e)9 an& 97elo:)9 resec$i5ely; T"e na$i5e

ries$s) c"ie2s) an& 2unc$ionaries o2 $"e si+ eri"eral 5illa!es resi&e& in

9T"e Mi&&le9; All o2 $"e 5illa!es $o!e$"er 2orme& a ermanen$

con2e&era$ion) or "e$arc"y; T"e Chilam /alam o0 Chuma)el ) as :ell)

in2orms usB 9A" ru/ C"e/nal 8e :"o se5en $imes 2er$ili<es $"e mai<e

"as been lace& in or&er $o resi&e o5er $"e :"ole :orl&;9 Hus$ so) $"is

!o& rocee&s 2rom $"e 9se5en bosoms o2 $"e ear$";9 T"e Cac/c"iueles

"a& or!ani<e& $"eir realm in$o se5en $ribes or ro5inces; 9T"ere are

se5en ara&ises; T"e 2irmamen$ res$s uon 2our columns)9 say $"e

Guarani; An& Fray Francisco NXe<) 7is"o o2 C"iaas in $"e

se5en$een$" cen$ury) in&ica$es in "is Constituciones Diocesanas del*bispado de Chiapas >9Cons$i$u$ions o2 $"e Diocese o2 C"iaas9?B

9Amon! many eoles o2 $"e ro5inces o2 $"is &iocese) ain$e& in $"eir

Reer$ories or Calen&ars are se5en Ne!ri$os) 2or uroses o2 &i5ina$ion

an& ro!nos$ica$ion correson&in! $o $"e se5en lane$s 9 >n; (' B '3?;

I$ is 5ery imor$an$ $o no$ice $"a$ $"e number 2i2$y#$:o is a common

roer$y o2 $"e moon an& $"e Pleia&esB $"ere are 2i2$y#$:o :ee/s in $"e



lunar year) an& 2i2$y#$:o years in $"e cycle o2 $"e Pleia&es; -e no:

in5i$e our rea&ers $o ma/e $"e in5es$i!a$ions o2 $"is $ye $"a$ :e s"all

resen$ in $"e 2ollo:in! c"a$er;

3O456 T"e reali$y o2 $"e cosmo!ony) an& no$ merely i$s &escri$ion;

2 -e "a5e us$ rea& a secial no$ice in a ma!a<ine) :"ere i$ is s$a$e&B 9Many

&o no$ /no: $"a$ $"e mos$ illus$rious Frenc" $ric/s$er :as $"eolo!ian an&

an$"roolo!is$ Teil"ar& &e C"ar&in; Accor&in! $o recen$ in5es$i!a$ions) inor&er $o lay a rac$ical o/e on a collea!ue) arc"eolo!is$ C"arles Da:son)

Teil"ar& arran!e& $"e bones o2 a a: a 2e: $"ousan& years ol& :i$" $"e

re"is$oric s/ull $"a$ Da:son "a& &isco5ere& in "is e+ca5a$ions; T"is le& $o$"e ma$eriali<a$ion o2 a sensa$ional) an& 2alse) $"eory on $"e 9missin! lin/)9

$"e $"eory o2 $"e Pil$&o:n man) :"ic" Teil"ar&) ou$ o2 scien$i2icmor$i2ica$ion) ne5er con$ra&ic$e&;9 For o$"er unmas/in!s o2 $"is /in& o2

scan&al) see Gas$Kn Geor!el on biblio!ra"y;

7 Le$ us only brin! ou$ one oin$; T"e Popol Vuh) an& $"e A<$ec Le!en& o2 $"e

Suns) aear $o sea/ o2 a ro!ression o2 crea$ions) :"ic" 2inally culmina$es

in $"e crea$ion o2 mai<e an& man; T"a$ is) i$ sea/s o2 an e5olu$ion; Non#

Precolumbian $ra&i$ions@:i$" :"ic") on $"e o$"er "an&) $"e a2oremen$ione& air a!ree in all essen$ials@clearly reor$ an 9in5olu$ion)9 symbolically

e+resse& by $"e me$als reresen$in! eac" erio&B !ol&) sil5er) bron<e) iron)

an& $"e $emoral &ura$ion o2 $"ese erio&s) as :ell as $"a$ o2 $"e li2e o2 man;Hus$ so) a !rea$ &i22erence be$:een $"e as$ronomies o2 $"e Ol& an& $"e Ne:

-orl& is $"a$ $"e rea&in! o2 $"e na$i5e calen&ars mus$ be &one 2rom ri!"$ $ole2$) in a re$ro!ra&e &irec$ion) li/e $"e mo5emen$ o2 $"e euinoc$ial recession;

8 7e2ore bein! $rans2orme& in$o a bir&) Jue$<alcoa$l sen&s 2our &ays in $"e

"a&es o2 $"e Nor$") us$ as &o :arriors a2$er $"eir &ea$" be2ore becomin!

"ummin! bir&s; Four) $oo) :ere $"e years o2 mournin!) as i$ :as consi&ere&$"a$ $"is :as $"e $ime i$ $oo/ $"e soul $o &ear$ 2our &ays :as $"e $erm o2 $"e

2as$in! o2 $"e c"ie2s be2ore :ar an& !ran& ceremonies an& :omen :"o "a&

&ie& in c"il&bir$" ascen&e& $o :arriors "ea5en in $"is same $ime; Four) as

:ell) :ere $"e &ays $"a$ $"e !o&s "a& &one enance be2ore $"e crea$ion o2$"e :orl& in Teo$i"uacan; Four is $"e number symbolically &i5i&in! any

cycle; I$ is esecially in$eres$in! $o oin$ ou$ $"a$) 2or many $ribes o2 $"e Nor$" American re&s/ins) $"e 2our car&inal 5ir$ues areB coura!e) a$ience)!enerosi$y) an& :is&om; All American In&ian crea$ion my$"s inclu&e $"e

i&ea o2 $"is sacre& ua$ernary; T"e e+amles are coun$less;

* >Fi!ures 2or rin$in!?;

/ C"ac) $"e Mayan !o& o2 rain) an& $"ere2ore a &escen&in! &ei$y) sli$ in$o

2our !o&s) $oo/ 2our &i22eren$ 2orms) as :e "a5e seen in $"e case o2 I$<am





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Na; -e "a5e also remar/e& $"a$) in $"e my$" o2 $"e 2oun&a$ion o2 Cu<co) $"e

ances$ral air) Manco Caac an& Mama Ocllo) &irec$ &escen&an$s o2 $"e sun)

embo&imen$s o2 $"e &i5ine ener!y) are able $o ra&ia$e $"a$ ener!y $"rou!"ou$$"e 2our &irec$ions o2 $"e :orl& in $"e ua&rille ne$:or/ o2 $"eir emire;

Teo$i"uacan@er"as $"e mos$ ma!ni2icen$ ci$y in Precolumbian America@

orien$a$e& $o $"e 2our a$"s o2 $"e :orl&) con$aine& a lane) base& on $"eua&rille a$$ern) or ne$:or/ sys$em) on :"ic" $"e saces an& $"e s$ruc$ures

>$"e yrami&s) $emles) $erraces) an& all o2 $"e buil&in!s an& 5acan$ areas?

:ere er2ec$ly an& "armoniously &is$ribu$e& on mo&ules o2 a commonnumerical base) :"ic" reson&e& $o cosmo!onic 9roor$ions)9 $o $"e

euilibrium o2 $"e &i5ine economy) as "as been amly &emons$ra$e&; On $"e

lane) $"e ua&ran!le &i5i&e& by a &ia!onal ce&es $o $:o re5erse& $rian!les

oine& a$ $"e base; Similarly) in $"e 5olume$ric or&er) an oc$a"e&ron iscomose& o2 $:o analo!ous an& re5erse& yrami&s;

Diccionario a)a Codermex) &ir; Al2re&o 7arrera 1=sue< >Mri&a)

Yuca$an %436?;

9 As :e /no:) $"e numbers 4) *) an& %( >%( W 4 *? are sacre& 2or $"ese eoles) in s$ric$ accor& :i$" $"eir calen&ar; E5en $o&ay $"ese numbers are

2un&amen$al 2or $"ese eoles ma!ico#reli!ious ceremonies;

: T"e &ecimal an& 5i!esimal numeral co&es correson& er2ec$ly) in "a5in!

$"e number 2i5e as $"eir 2oun&a$ion) :"e$"er $"e la$$er be mul$ilie& by $:o)$"ree) or 2our; T"e C"inese) $"rou!" $"e cen$uries) "a5e use& $"e &ecimal as

:ell as $"e 5i!esimal) consi&erin! $"eir common base) $"e number 2i5e;

- Marcel Grane$) La Pens4e Chinoise >Albin Mic"el) Paris %436?;

; T"e $"ir& cross is comose& o2 (. suares) an& $"e 2our$" o2) no less $"an)

,'; 8ermann 7eyer "as calle& a$$en$ion $o $"is imor$an$ oin$ in 9El ori!en)

&esarrollo y si!ni2ica&o &e la !reca escalona&a)9 in "is ito ) Simbolismo

del 4xico Antiguo >Me+ico Ci$yB Socie&a& Alemana Me+icanis$a) %4.,?;

Ar$"ur Posnas/y) as :ell) "as em"asi<e& $"is symbol as &is$inc$i5e o2 $"ePrecolumbian) a$$ribu$in! $o $"ese s$es or !ra&es $"e meanin! o2 ear$") an&

$o $"e siral $"a$ o2 "ea5en >9Pun$os &e Con$ac$o Lin!\Qs$ico y Do!m=$ico

en las Amricas)9 in Actas del ((V77 Congreso de Americanistas Me+icoCi$y) %4(4;

2 E5en $o&ay) $"e e/c"i) o2 $"e Al$a 1eraa<) in Gua$emala) 2ollo: a lunar

a!ricul$ural calen&ar o2 (.* &ays) &i5i&e& in$o ,' :ee/s an& $"ir$een annuallunar mon$"s; Nor are $"ey $"e only American eole $o &o so;

7 T"e &a$es o2 mo5able 2eas$s o2 $"e Ca$"olic C"urc" as imor$an$ as 8oly-ee/ an& Eas$er are rec/one& accor&in! $o $"e lunar calen&ar) Eas$er i$sel2

2allin! on $"e 2irs$ Sun&ay 2ollo:in! $"e 2irs$ 2ull moon a2$er $"e srin!

euino+; O$"er 2eas$s) "o:e5er) are solar) as is ob5ious in $"e case o2 $"e$:o sols$ices;



















8 An$iui$y al:ays er2orme& i$s calcula$ions on $"e basis o2 9roun&9 an&

:"ole numbers) as i$ re!ar&e& $"ese numbers as symbolical e+ressions o2

$"e uni5ersal "armony) $"e ro$o$yal a$$erns; T"e e+ac$ syno&ical mon$"o2 $"e moon is '4 &ays) %' "ours) ** minu$es) an& '3 secon&s;

I$ is $"e same :i$" $"e $"ir$een mon$"s) since a$ $imes $"ere are only $:el5e

moons in a year; T"e same is $"e case :i$" $"e recession o2 $"e euino+es):"ose cycle) ac$ually o2 ',)4'6 years) "as been unanimously rec/one& a$

'.)666 years; 1enus comle$es i$s course no$ in ,3* &ays) as $"e ancien$s

"el&) bu$ in ,3(;4' &ays;

/ In curious 2as"ion) $"e 9Le!en& o2 $"e Suns9 $ells o2 an eni!ma$ic (.*9years9 >(.* W %( + '3?) :"ic" :as $"e &ura$ion o2 $"e secon& sun >C-dice

Chimalpopoca Me+ico Ci$yB ;N;A;M;) %40,) ; %%4?; On $"e re5erse o2

$"e Codex o0 Paris >or Peresiano?) one can see $"e years &i5i&e& in$o (.*&ays; T"e boo/ Chilam /alam de 7xil con$ains) amon! o$"er calen&rical

:"eels) $ables o2 rela$ions"i be$:een $"e moon an& $"e <o&iac; I$ is :ell

/no:n $"a$ bo$" $"e Codex Dresden) an& 5arious s$eles an& "iero!ly"ics)

con$ain $ables o2 lunar eclises; In $"e Chilam /alam o0 Chuma)el ) in $"e boo/ &enomina$e&) 9o2 $"e Siri$s)9 $"e number se5en is men$ione&

reea$e&ly) seemin!ly in rela$ion $o $"e s$ars an& $"e moon@$"ose 9se5en

measures o2 $"e ni!"$;9 Pac"amama an& I+mucane) Aymaran an& Mayan!o&&esses o2 2er$ili<a$ion) associa$e& :i$" $"e moon an& $"e ear$") eac" "a5e

se5en sons; Li/e:ise) se5en is $"e number reresen$in! 2er$ili$y amon! $"e

Maya#Juic"es;

;

SACRED COSMOLOGY

FEDERICO GONZALEZ

T8E MESOAMERICAN CALENDARS

T"e subec$ o2 $"e Mesoamerican calen&ars is one o2 $"e mos$ imor$an$

in $"e 2iel& o2 $"e Precolumbian cul$ures; I$ $ransla$es $"e ancien$

Americans :ay o2 concei5in! $ime) in rela$ion $o sace) $"e &ei$ies) $"e

course o2 $"e lane$s an& s$ars) $"e s$a$es o2 ma$$er) $"e colors) an& $"e

o$"er symbols an& associa$e& elemen$s $"a$ cons$i$u$e $"e uni5erse) an&

!i5e s"ae $o cosmo!ony) in $"e na$i5e 5ision; Time is a 9measure9

>:"ic" al:ays resuoses a sace?) a mo&ule an& a roor$ion lin/in!







$"e &i22eren$ ar$s i2 $"e cosmos) an& $"us is an elemen$ o2 union amon!

$"em; 7u$ abo5e all) i$ is $"e la:) :"ic") in i$s in&e2ec$ible obser5ance)

ma/es all o2 $"is ossible; For :e no$ice $"a$ i$s resence@mani2es$e& by

mo5emen$@obeys $"e s$an&ar&s an& erio&ic r"y$"ms $"a$ bin& $o!e$"er

bein!s) "enomena) an& $"in!s) es$ablis"in! arame$ers) analo!ies) an&

ro$o$yes $"a$ lea& imme&ia$ely $o $"e i&ea o2 one sin!le uni5ersal

mo&el) :"ose mani2es$a$ion is $"e $o$ali$y o2 $"e ossible) an& i$s mos$

e5i&en$ e+ression uni5ersal li2e) alon! :i$" na$ure as a symbol $"ereo2;

Time) $"en) is al:ays resen$ $ime; I$ is no$ some$"in! !enera$e& in $"e

be!innin! an& subsis$in! as an abs$rac$ comonen$ o2 syc"o"ysical

reali$y; Ra$"er) i$ e+resses $"a$ 5ery reali$y no:; I$ is one o2 $"e

con&i$ions o2 reali$y@$"a$ is) an e5er#resen$ elemen$ :i$"ou$ :"ic" li2e

:oul& be imossible; I$s uali$y) $"en) is $"a$ o2 a cons$i$u$i5e ar$ o2 $"e

cosmos) an& i$s manner o2 mani2es$a$ion@:"ic" can be measure&

uan$i$a$i5ely in sace@$"e :ay in :"ic" $ime e+resses i$sel2) an&

$"ere2ore a /ey $o an un&ers$an&in! o2 i$s essence) is a 5ali& mo&ule 2or

crea$ion as a :"ole; In $"is ersec$i5e) $"e re5olu$ions o2 $"e lane$s

an& s$ars in $"e 2irmamen$ :ill ob5iously be o2 ar$icular imor$ance;

7ein! s$able) in comarison :i$" $"e rai&i$y o2 $"e mo5emen$ o2 $"e

ear$") $"ey :ill o2 course ser5e as !ui&es) an& oin$s o2 re2erence) 2or $"e

es$ablis"men$ o2 $"e !eneral s$an&ar&s o2 $"e :"ole@$"e "armony o2

:"a$ Py$"a!oras calle& $"e 9music o2 $"e s"eres9@:"ic" is ac"ie5e& by

$"e in$erac$ion o2 all in&i5i&ual mo$ions) inclu&in! $"a$ o2 $"e ear$") an&

in5ol5es :"a$ is ro&uce& on $"e ear$") be!innin! :i$" $"e "uman bein!;2 T"e la$$er) in $"e Precolumbian cul$ures) &i& no$ li5e in isola$ion)

as i2 &i5orce& 2rom $"e cosmo!ony) as :e "a5e sai&; A2$er all) 2or

$ra&i$ional cul$ures) all li2e is one) &esi$e i$s mul$ile mani2es$a$ions o2

5arious or&ers; In $"a$ 2lu+) in $"a$ na5i!a$ion) :"ose ro$a!onis$ is $"e

"uman bein!) obec$s c"an!e $"eir 2orm) an& "enomena cons$an$ly

succee& one ano$"er) as &o $"e moo&s o2 $"e !o&s) esecially $"ose

lin/e& :i$" a$mos"eric "enomena an& :i$" $"e ear$") :"ic" are

see&ier an& more c"an!eable in comarison :i$" $"e near#imassibili$y

o2 $"e lo2$ies$ &ei$ies) :"o are muc" slo:er) an& 2ar more ancien$) an&

ly $"e s/y :i$" suc" imosin! maes$y;

I2 all o2 $"is occurs in $ime) an& i2 $ime cons$i$u$es a ar$ o2 li2e) $"en $"is

:ill all be e+resse& in $"e "uman erson) :"ose bein! is no$ :i$"ou$

$ime; T"a$ is) $"e s$an&ar&s $"a$ 2i+ $"e s$ars an& lane$s in $"e 2irmamen$

are eui5alen$ $o $"ose o2 $"e ear$" an& "uman bein!s; Nor are $"e

erio&s an& cycles $"a$ c"arac$eri<e $"ese la$$er by any means arbi$rary;









T"ey correson& $o a uni5ersal lan) :"ic" eac" ar$ re2lec$s in i$s o:n

2as"ion) :i$" $"e sum $o$al bein! $"e arc"e$yal :"ole@$"e mo&el :"ic"

reea$s i$sel2 :i$"ou$ 5aria$ion an& is e+resse& by 9measures)9 symbolic

mo&ules) an& numbers in $"eir limi$less mu$ual in$errela$ions"is)

crea$in! $"is as$oun&in! uni5erse; I$ is o2 $"is :orl& o2 analo!ies) :"ic"

s"ae $"e cosmos) $ime) an& li2e) $"a$ $"e Mesoamerican calen&ars $rea$)

be $"e c"isele& in s$one or $"e ain$e& in co&ices) be $"ey $"ose o2 $"e

!rea$ eras >li/e:ise re!is$ere& in my$") ri$e) an& symbol?) or $"e lunar

an& solar calen&ars@or $"e e+$remely comle+ tonalámatl >or $"e Mayan

t!olkin?) a 5eri$able syn$"esis o2 rela$ions"is) a 2ull e+ression o2 $"e

cosmo5ision o2 $"e Mesoamericans) an& $"eir /no:le&!e o2 $"e uni5ersal

la:s;7

T"e A<$ec calen&ar

T"e 9solar)9 ci5il calen&ar) calle& xihuitl by $"e A<$ecs an& haab by $"e

Mayas) consis$s o2 ei!"$een mon$"s o2 $:en$y &ays) 2or a $o$al o2 (.6&ays) $o :"ic") erio&ically) :ere oine& 2i5e a&&i$ional &ays) consi&ere&

ominous an& le2$ unmen$ione&) an& calle&) in Na"ua$l) nemontemi;8

T"ree "un&re& si+$y is $"e number o2 $"e circum2erence an& cycle >(.6 W

( . 6 W 4?) an&@in $erms o2 :"a$ :e "a5e seen o2 $"e uali$ies o2 $"e

5arious numbers@connec$s "ea5en :i$" ear$") or $"e circle :i$" $"e

suare >4 + * W (.?) in a mo&ule o2 ua$ernary &i5ision c"arac$eri<e& by







a re!ression $o i$s ini$ial oin$) a$ :"ic" $"e ne: year be!ins;/ T"is cycle

is $ra5erse& in accor&ance :i$" $"e an!ular 5eloci$y o2 $"e s$ar@one &ay

2or eac" &e!ree o2 $"e circum2erence; I$ :as use& 2or or!ani<in! ci5il li2e

an& reli!ious 2es$i5als; T"e Mayan comu$a$ion is e5en more er2ec$

$"an $"e Gre!orian; In $"e la$$er) $"e year las$s (.,;'*', &ays) :"ile in

$"e Mayan $"e 2i!ure is (.,;'*'(63) an& in $"e $roical year las$s an

a5era!e o2 (.,;'*'%44 mean &ays;

T"e names o2 $"e $:en$y &ays in $"e A<$ec calen&ar are $"e 2ollo:in!)

an& eac" is i&en$i2ie& :i$" a symbol) si!n) or !ly"B9

T"e $:en$y &ays o2 $"e A<$ec calen&ar

%; cipactli >9croco&ile9?

'; eh4catl >9:in&9?

(; calli >9"ouse9?*; cuet!palin >9li<ar&9?

,; c-atl >9seren$9?

.; mi#ui!tli >9&ea$"9?

0; ma!atl >9&eer)9

9s$a!9?3; tochtli >9rabbi$9?

4; atl >9:a$er9?

%6; it!cuintli >9&o!9?

%%; o!omatli

>9mon/ey9?

%'; malinalli >9!rass9?

%(; acátl >9cane9?

%*; ocelotl >9a!uar9?

%,; #uauhtli

>9ea!le9?%.; co!ca#uauhtli

>9carrion cro:9?%0; ollin >9mo$ion9?

%3; tecpatl >92lin$9?%4; #uiahuitl >9rain9?

'6; x-chitl >92lo:er9?









T"ese $:en$y &ays are &i5i&e& in$o 2our !rous o2 2i5e &ays >an&

correla$e& :i$" $"e 2our &irec$ions in saceB sou$") eas$) nor$") an& :es$?)

:"ic" ro$a$e in re5erse >2rom ri!"$ $o le2$?) be!innin! in5ariably :i$" %cipactli;

Codex Vaticano /

T"e ei!"$een mon$"s are calle&B @ Acahualco Tlacaxipehuali!tli ?

To!o!tontli B %ue)to!o!tli Toxcatl "t!acuali!tli E Tecuilhuitontli

F %ue)tecuilhuitontli G Tlaxochimaco @H (ocohuet!i @@ *chpani!tli

@ Teoteclo @? Tepeilhuitl @B Iuecholli @ Pan#uet!ali!tli @

Atemo!tli @E Tititl @F 7t!calli; T"e e+ac$ $ransla$ion o2 some o2 $"ese

names is uncer$ain; For our uroses) :e mus$ $a/e secial accoun$ o2

$"e si!ns o2 $"e $:en$y &ays) as $"ey are i&en$ical :i$" $"ose o2 $"e

tonalámatl ) $"e bac/bone o2 $"e "i!" Precolumbian ci5ili<a$ions) a!enuine &i5inin! calen&ar@in $"e e$ymolo!ical sense o2 $"e :or&; Firs$)

"o:e5er) le$ us no$e $"a$ $"ese $:en$y &ays o2 $"e solar calen&ar mes"e&

:i$" $"e ei!"$een mon$"s in ro$a$in! 2as"ion; Ne5er$"eless) $"is calen&ar

is no$ s$ric$ly solar; I$ &oes no$ 2ollo: $"e aaren$ mo5emen$ o2 $"e sun)

:"ic" rocee&s 2rom nor$" $o sou$"; I$s course is re$ro!ra&e

>coun$ercloc/:ise?) as :e "a5e alrea&y in&ica$e&) so $"a$ i$ mo5es 2rom



noon $o &a:n) 2rom $"is $o mi&ni!"$) an& 2rom i$ $o $"e :es$) $o re$urn $o

$"e sou$"; >T"e same occurs :i$" $"e seasons o2 $"e solar yearB summer)

srin!) :in$er) au$umn;? T"is con$ra&ic$s) or) be$$er) is $"e re5erse o2) $"e

aaren$ mo&ali$ies o2 $"e mo5emen$ o2 $"e sun; -e belie5e $"a$ i$ re2ers

$o a mo&ule rela$e& $o $"e !rea$ eras) since $"e euinoc$ial recession

main$ains $"is same re$ro!ra&e mo5emen$; T"us) $"is calen&ar) li/e $"e

tonalámatl ) is symbolical; Nor is i$ s$ric$ly c"ronolo!ical in a scien$i2ic

2as"ion) as mo&ern science) an& our con&i$ionin!) mi!"$ claim i$ $o be;

True) i$ is $"is as :ell) bu$ basically i$ is a numerical#ma!ical calen&ar;

T"is is :"y i$ "as a social an& ci5il 2unc$ion) an& :"y i$ mar/s reli!ious

commemora$ions an& ri$ual 2eas$sB i$ is a sys$em $"a$ 2in&s i$s mos$

2inis"e& e+ression in $"e tonalámatl >or Mayan t!olkin?) :"ic" :e "a5e

ci$e& abo5e;

4he Tonalámatl

On $"e o$"er "an&) $"is tonalámatl "a& been a&us$e& $o $"e cycles o2

1enus an& $"e Sun) as :e s"all resen$ly see; O2 course) i$ :as also

a&us$e& $o $"e o$"er lane$s an& s$ars) as is ob5ious in $"e case o2 $"e

Pleia&es) $"e Pole S$ar) an& $"e Mil/y -ay >calle& Clou& Seren$) or

Sain$ Hames Roa&?; 7u$ i$s rincial rela$ions"i :as :i$" $"e

recession o2 $"e euino+es) :"ic" is $"e $"ir& mo$ion o2 $"e ear$" >$"e

2irs$) as :e /no:) bein! $"e &aily) or ro$a$ional) :"ile $"e secon& is $"e

annual) or $"a$ o2 re5olu$ion?) li/e $"e :obblin! o2 a $o@a re$ro!ra&emo5emen$ >as :ell as one o2 re5olu$ion? in5erse $o $"e &aily re5olu$ions

o2 $"e lane$s) suc" $"a$ $"e si!ns o2 $"e <o&iac aear $o "a5e s"i2$e&

bac/:ar&s an arc o2 $"ir$y &e!rees e5ery ')%.6 years) an& $o comle$e

$"is en$ire cycle in ',)4'6; A2$er all) in our curren$ as$ronomy) "eir $o $"e

conce$ions o2 $"e C"al&eans an& $"e Persians) $"e s/y is &i5i&e& in$o

$:el5e <o&iacal si!ns;: T"ere can be no &oub$ $"a$ $"e Mesoamericans

:ere 2amiliar :i$" $"is !ran& cycle) an& $"a$ $"ey :oul& no$ "a5e

ne!lec$e& $o ma/e obser5a$ions an& calcula$ions in accor&ance :i$" $"e

/no:le&!e $"ey "a& o2 $"e o$"er celes$ial bo&ies an& $"eir re5olu$ions;

A!ain) all $ra&i$ional as$ronomies "a5e /no:n i$) an& "a5e re!ar&e& i$ asone o2 $"e sureme cyclesB $"e !rea$ year o2 $"e ear$"; -e $"in/ i$ $o be

$"e inner /ey o2 $"e tonalámatl ; I$ "as been calcula$e& a$ '.)666 years >in

9roun& numbers9? as :ell as by o$"er eoles :"o "a5e a&o$e& i$ as $"e

basis o2 $"eir as$ronomical secula$ions@or) $o u$ i$ ano$"er :ay) :"o

"a5e ma&e use o2 i$ in or&er $o un&ers$an& $"e cosmic r"y$"ms an& la:s

re2lec$e& in $"ese numbers an& $"is cycle; T"e 9!rea$ year)9 "o:e5er) "as





cus$omarily been conce$uali<e& as consis$in! o2 one#"al2 o2 $"is cycleB

%()666 years; T"is is $"e case :i$" $"e Persians an& $"e Gree/s;

T"e tonalámatl ) or ri$ual calen&ar) combines $"e $:en$y si!ns or symbols

o2 $"e &ays :i$" $"e 2irs$ $"ir$een numbers; T"e si!ns o2 $"e &ays be!in:i$" cipactli) croco&ile) an& $o eac" o2 $"e 2ollo:in! &ays correson&s

one o2 $"e si!ns) in $"e or&er $"a$ :e "a5e in&ica$e&) un$il x-chitl )

2lo:er) is reac"e&; On $"e 2ollo:in! >$:en$y#2irs$? &ay) i$ 2alls $o $"e si!n

o2 $"e cipactli $o "ea& $"e lis$ once more) $"e comle$e cycle no: bein!

reea$e& in i&en$ical 2as"ion) in&e2ini$ely; In $urn) $o $"e 2irs$ !ly") or

si!n o2 $"e &ay) $"ere correson&s $"e number one) an& $"e subseuen$

numbers are accomanie& by $"e si!ns o2 $"e correson&in! &ays >%

croco&ile ' :in& ( "ouse) an& so on?) u $o $"e number $"ir$een; Day

2our$een :ill bear $"e si!n o2 $"e 2our$een$" &ay >ocelotl ?) bu$ $"e

number one :ill re$urn a$ $"is oin$) as $"e 2irs$ $"ir$een numbers are $"e

only ones $"a$ come in$o lay >% ocelotl ' #uauhtli ( co!ca#uauhtli)

an& so 2or$"?; T"us) $"e numbers recommence e5ery $"ir$een &ays) an&

$"e si!ns e5ery $:en$y; O:in! $o $"e combina$ion o2 numbers an& si!ns

>$"ir$een bein! a 9rime number9?) no number occurs $:ice :i$" $"e

same si!n be2ore $"e lase o2 $"e comle$e cycle o2 '.6 &ays >%( + '6 W

'.6?; T"e '.%s$ &ay :ill once more bear $"e c"arac$er) ce cipactli >one

croco&ile?) an& $"e :"eel o2 $"e tonalámatl s$ar$s all o5er a!ain)

reea$in! $"e same number :i$" $"e same si!n e5ery '.6 &ays)

i&en$ically an& in&e2ini$ely;

-

Accor&in! $o Al2onso Caso) $"is tonalámatl in $urn s$ri/es a rela$ions"i

:i$" $"e (.,#&ay calen&ar) an& i$ is recisely $"is numerical combina$ion

$"a$ &e$ermines $"e 92as$enin!)9 or 2i2$y#$:o#year erio&@:"ic"

correson&s as :ell $o $"e cycle o2 $"e Pleia&es@a$ $"e en& o2 :"ic" $"e

2es$i5al o2 $"e Ne: Fire) or toxiuh molpilia) is al:ays celebra$e&; T"is

cycle o2 2i2$y#$:o years) calle& $"e xiuhmolpilli) consis$s o2 %3)436 &ays

>(., + ,' W %3)436?) :"ic" is also $"e leas$ common mul$ile o2 (., an&

'.6; E5ery 2i2$y#$:o years) $"en) $"e :"eel o2 $"e solar calen&ar :ill

"a5e ro$a$e& 2i2$y#$:o $imes) :"ile $"a$ o2 $"e tonalámatl :ill "a5ee+ecu$e& se5en$y#$"ree re5olu$ions >%3)436 W 0( + '.6?) bo$" calen&ars

bein! 2oun& a$ $"e same oin$ a2$er $"is san o2 $ime; T"is :ill no$ occur

a!ain un$il a2$er $"e lase o2 $"e %3)436 &ays o2 $"e xiuhmolpilli) a erio&

$"a$ $"e ancien$ Me+icans sub&i5i&e& in$o 2our ar$s o2 $"ir$een years

eac") calle& a tlalpilli; T"e concurrence acuires i$s :"ole si!ni2icance

:"en :e /no:) as "as been s"o:n) $"a$ $"e culmina$ion o2 $"e Pleia&es





by $"e <eni$" a$ mi&ni!"$) a "enomenon occurrin! e5ery 2i2$y#$:o

years) :as /no:n;

Fur$"ermore) $"ese ci5ili<a$ions $oo/ accoun$) in $"eir calcula$ions) o2 $"e

cycles o2 $"e syno&ical) or aaren$) re5olu$ion o2 1enus) :"ic" $a/es >in9roun& numbers9? ,3* &ays; T"us) $"ey obser5e& $"a$) e5ery ei!"$ solar

years >')4'6 &aysB (., + 3 W ')4'6?) 2i5e cycles o2 1enus elase& >,3* +

, W ')4'6? an& $"a$) as 2i2$y#$:o is no$ a er2ec$ mul$ile o2 ei!"$) :"ile

i$s &ouble >%6*? is) i$ "aens $"a$) e5ery %6* years) a maor cycle is

comle$e&@&e$ermine& by $"e 2ac$ $"a$) on $"e 2irs$ &ay o2 $"a$ cycle) all

$"ree cycles >o2 $"e tonalámatl ) $"e Sun) an& 1enus? are a$ $"eir s$ar$in!

oin$s) a circums$ance $"a$ :ill recur only a2$er %6* years or (0)4.6

&ays) since $"is las$ number >(0)4.6? is $"e leas$ common mul$ile o2

'.6) (.,) an& ,3*; T"is &ouble 92as$enin! o2 years)9 or maor cycle) :as

re!ar&e& as a 2un&amen$al uni$ o2 $ime) calle& a huehuetili!tli) or an 9ol&

a!e)9 in :"ic" 1enus comle$es si+$y#2i5e syno&ical re5olu$ions >(0)4.6

W ,3* + .,?;

On $"e o$"er "an&@$o con$inue) no:) :i$" $"e 9concurrences9 an&

rela$ions"is >or oin$s o2 conunc$ure in $"e sa$io#$emoral) 9ma!ic9

amon! $"e roor$ions e+resse& by numbers?@:e obser5e $"a$ '.6 + %3

is eual $o (.6 + %() :"ic" connec$s $"e tonalámatl :i$" $"e erime$er o2

$"e circum2erence an& i$s &i5ision in$o &e!rees; A2$er all) e5ery

ei!"$een; erio&s o2 $"e tonalámatl correson& $o $"ir$een o2 $"e xihuitl @

:i$"ou$) in $"is case) a&&in!) $o $"e ci5il calen&ar o2 (.6 &ays >in or&er

$o 2acili$a$e cer$ain calcula$ions?) $"e nemontemi) $"e 2i5e &ays nee&e& in

or&er $o s$ri/e a coinci&ence :i$" $"e solar year; T"e nemontemi $o$al) in

roun& numbers) si+$y#2i5e &ays in $"ir$een years) :"ic" is eui5alen$ $o

'.6 &ays@$"e &ura$ion o2 a comle$e tonalámatl @in 2i2$y#$:o years) or

%(6)666 &ays >,66 comle$e tonalámatlesJ in '.)666 years; T"is las$ is

$"e sureme cyclical erio& >$"e Grea$ Year o2 $"e Ear$") or $:o Grea$

Years o2 %()666 years?) $"a$ o2 $"e euinoc$ial recession; >In $"is same

cycle) le$ us recall) $"e Pleia&es "a5e also comle$e& ,66 $imes $"eir

culmina$ion;? -e reac" $"is 2i!ure :i$"ou$ comu$in! $"e $"ir$een lea#year &ays) :"ic" correson& $o $"e correc$ion o2 $"e $roical year

$"rou!"ou$ eac" 92as$enin! o2 $"e years)9 an& :"ic") in $"e erio& o2 $"e

euinoc$ial recession) :oul& amoun$ $o .),66 >%( + ,66? &ays; -e

$"in/ $"a$ lea#year &ays :ere comu$e& only 2or cer$ain calcula$ions)

an& no$ 2or o$"ers; A$ $"e same $ime) $"ere aear $o "a5e been

&i22erences "ere be$:een $"e A<$ecs an& $"e Mayas@since $"ey ma&e







&i22eren$ correc$ions@as :ell as in $"e case o2 $"e nemontemi) an& $"e

:ay in :"ic" $"ose ominous &ays :ere a&&e& an& comu$e&;

Mul$ilyin! by 2i5e is $"e same as &i5i&in! by $:o) i2 $"e <eros $"a$ are

a&&e& or sub$rac$e& in $"ese oera$ions be &iscoun$e& an& loo/e& uonas merely secon&ary elemen$s :"en i$ comes $o $"e cen$ral numerical

symbolism an& $"e roer$ies o2 $"e numbers un&er consi&era$ion; T"is

ar$iculari$y o2 $"e numbers $:o an& 2i5e) as in&ica$e& abo5e) can be

obser5e&) 2or e+amle) in $"e rela$ions"i be$:een $"e 2i2$y#$:o#year

cycle an& i$s &ouble) %6* >an 9ol& a!e9?B ,' + , W '.6 ,' B ' W '. %6* +

, W ,'6 %6* ' W ,'; T"e resul$ is $"a$ $"e $:o cycles can be $a/en as

analo!ous an& eui5alen$) us$ as "aens in $"e case o2 $"e symbols o2

$"e circum2erence >(.6o? an& $"e semicircum2erence >%36o?;

Le$ us in&ica$e ano$"er e+amle) namely 2or $"e case o2 $"e number

$"ir$een an& i$s &ouble) $:en$y#si+ >%( + , W ., %( B ' W .;, '. + , W

%(6 '. B ' W %(?; T"is e+amle acuires a ar$icular imor$ance in 5ie:

o2 $"e 2ac$ $"a$ '.)666 years >"al2 o2 :"ic" is %()666? is $"e erio& o2 $"e

euinoc$ial recession) an& $"a$) 2or $"e 8in&u $ra&i$ion) a man,antara

las$s .,)666 years;2 I$ is scarcely necessary $o a&& $"a$ $"e Precolumbian

$ra&i$ions :or/e& :i$" roor$ional numbers) :"ere $erminal <eros in no

:ay al$er $"e numerical roo$) $"e /ey o2 all comu$a$ions;

I$ is e5i&en$ $"a$ $"e number 2i5e is $"e core an& basis o2 all o2 $"ese

calcula$ions 2lo:in! 2rom i$) an& is also $"e mo&ule $"a$ :ill in$er5ene in

$"e cons$i$u$ion o2 $"e 5i!esimal >an& &ecimal? sys$em an& in $"e

Precolumbian cosmo!ony; 8ere le$ us in&ica$e $"a$ $"e numerical

s$ruc$ure o2 $"e &i5inin! calen&ar) or $"e 5arious elemen$s $"a$ ac$ uon

i$ in 5arious numbers or roor$ions) are $"e 2ollo:in!; In $"e 2irs$ lace)

:e "a5e $"e si!ns o2 $"e $:en$y &ays; Secon&) :e "a5e $"e number

correson&in! $o eac" o2 $"ese si!ns or &ays@an& :e "a5e seen $"a$)

uon arri5in! a$ $"ir$een) $"e numbers recommence 2rom one) al$"ou!"

$"e si!ns >or &ays? number $:en$y; T"ir&) besi&es $"e &e$ermina$ion :i$"

:"ic" $"ey are c"arac$eri<e& by $"eir resec$i5e numbers) eac" o2 $"e$:en$y si!ns o2 $"e &ays "as a rulin! numen) a !o5ernor or so5erei!n;

A!ain) $"e number nine comes in$o lay) since $"ere are nine

9comanions9 o2 $"e ni!"$ >er2ec$ly i&en$i2ie&) an& ain$e& in $"e

co&ices? :"o escor$ $"e si!ns as :ell@as &o $"e &ei$ies us$ ci$e&@

al$"ou!" $"eir cycle recommences e5ery nine &ays; T"e tonalámatl is

&i5i&e& in$o 2our !rous o2 2i5e $"ir$eens eac") yiel&in! a $o$al o2 $:en$y





series o2 $"ir$een; Eac" o2 $"ese series be!ins :i$" one o2 $"e successi5e

si!ns) an& is resi&e& o5er by $"e &ei$y correson&in! $o i$; To $"is

&i5ision in$o !rous o2 $"ir$een $"ere also correson&s an orien$a$ion in

$erms o2 $"e 2our &irec$ions o2 $"e uni5erse) or ua&ran$s o2 sace) :"ic"

is also alie& $o $"e $:en$y si!ns o2 $"e &ays; Cer$ain bir&s are ma$c"e&

:i$" $"e &ays) as :ell@an& :i$" $"eir resec$i5e numina or rulers@

cons$i$u$in! elemen$s surely as meanin!2ul as $"ey are mys$erious;

As :ill be seen) $"ese calen&ars are $"e /in& o2 $"in! :"ose s$ruc$ure is

so comle+ in i$sel2 $"a$ i$ is imossible $o simli2y i$) by 5ir$ue o2 $"e

in$errela$ions i$ romo$es; T"e science o2 as$ronomy is $"a$ o2 $"e

9measuremen$9 o2 $"e "ea5enly bo&ies >:"ic") in an$iui$y) al:ays

cons$i$u$e& one an& $"e same &isciline :i$" as$rolo!y?; Accor&in!ly) i$

&eals :i$" $"e la:s o2 $"e "ea5ens an& $"eir correson&ences) :"ic"

e+ress $"emsel5es in an unlimi$e& mo&e) bu$ in a cons$an$ rocession or

or&erB on mo&ular s$ruc$ures) i$ ar$icula$es e5er c"an!in!) mu$ually

rela$e& an& coinci&in!) r"y$"ms $"a$ are con$aine& :i$"in one ano$"er;

-e s"all ma/e no a$$em$) in $"is brie2 sace) $o "an&le $"is $oic

e+"aus$i5ely) al$"ou!" :e "a5e sou!"$ $o o22er an e+amle o2 a

calen&rical sc"ema s$ruc$ure& in con2ormi$y :i$" numerical !ui&elines)

analo!ico#symbolical correson&ences) an& as$ronomical >an&

as$rolo!ical? conce$s $"a$ :e 2in& ac/a!e& in $"ese cons$ruc$ions as an

e+ression o2 $"e cosmo!onic an& ma!ico#$"eur!ical $"ou!"$ o2 $"e

Mesoamericans;

A$ all e5en$s) may :e be ermi$$e& $o insis$) by :ay o2 conclusion) on

$"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"e ro$ary lay o2 $"e symbols@!ly"s) numbers) colors)

&irec$ions) an& so 2or$"@as :ell as o2 $"e &ei$ies) con2i!ure a si$ua$ion) a

2rame:or/) a sin!le reali$y $"a$ e+is$s 2or e5ery &ay) e5ery bein!) an&

e5ery sa$io#$emoral e5en$) si!nin! >an& con&i$ionin!? i$ :i$" $"e

seci2ic nahual $"a$ s$ams i$s &es$iny an& i$s i&en$i$y; Persons an&

"is$orical e5en$s ali/e) an& e5en my$"ical ersona!es) bear $"e name o2 a

&ay) eac" ones calen&rical osi$ion bein! $"e &e$erminin! seal o2 i$s

roer bein! an& $"e mar/ o2 $"e $ye o2 ener!ies $"a$ cons$i$u$e $"a$ erson or e5en$; T"is &enomina$ion) an& $"e c"arac$eris$ics &eri5in!

2rom $"e conunc$ion or in$erac$ion o2 $"ese as$ronomical cycles :i$"

o$"er cons$an$) recise) al$"ou!" mo5able an& al$erna$in!) sa$io#

$emoral r"y$"ms) con2i!ure $"e Mesoamerican ro$ary calen&rical

sys$em) in :"ic" bein!s) $"in!s) an& "enomena 2in& $"eir me$a"ysical

i&en$i$y in $"eir ere$ual cyclical re$urn; In o$"er :or&s) $"ey a$$ain $"eir



Des$iny;7

3O456

Mo$ion is only $"e sa$ial roec$ion o2 $ime) an& $"ere2ore a syn$"esis o2 bo$"; T"e Na"ua$l conce$ an& si!n ollin reresen$s $"is ima!e; T"is $erm

also in&ica$es :"a$ in our cul$ure mi!"$ be calle& $"e 9brea$" o2 li2e;9

2 Some researc"ers) suc" as E; P; Dissel&or2) H; Carlos 1illacor$a) Ral

Norie!a) e$c;) "a5e main$aine& $"a$ i$ :as no$ only $"e mo5emen$s o2 1enus

$"a$ :ere consi&ere& by Precolumbian as$ronomers) bu$ $"ose o2 Mercury)

Mars) Hui$er) an& Sa$urn) as :ell) :"ic" is absolu$ely lo!ical;

7 -e "a5e 5arious Mesoamerican calen&ars) 2rom &i22eren$ re!ions) al$"ou!"

$"eir s$ruc$ure is nearly i&en$ical;

8 E5ery 2our years) $"ey :oul& a&& an a&&i$ional &ay) correson&in! $o :"a$

:e &o in our lea year; For our uroses in $"is boo/) :e s"all $a/e $"eA<$ec calen&ar as our e+amle;

/ T"e sols$ices an& euino+es are $"e mos$ no$orious s$a$ions o2 $"e sun; T"e

:or& 9sols$ice)9 2rom $"e La$in solstitium) means) 9s$an&in!#s$ill o2 $"e sun)9

an& in&ee&) on $"a$ &a$e) $"e sun seems s$a$ionary; I$ is in$eres$in! $o se$ $"econce$ in connec$ion :i$" $"e Precolumbian my$"s in :"ic" $"e sun is

:i$"ou$ mo5emen$) al$"ou!" $"is symbolism mus$ no$ be consi&ere&

e+clusi5ely on a li$eral le5el; T"e suns s$oin! is al:ays $"e be!innin! o2 a

cycle or erio& $"a$ s$ar$s i$s course :i$" $"e suns mo5emen$;

T"is is &ue $o $"e 2ac$ $"a$) aar$ 2rom lea years) $"e Mayans ma&e a

correc$ion by elimina$in! one &ay e5ery %(6 years;9 -e reea$B :e are $a/in!) by :ay o2 e+amle) $"e names o2 $"e A<$ec

calen&ar alone; I$ is /no:n $"a$ only on $"e Me+ican "i!" la$eau :ere $"ere5arious calen&ars@sli!"$ly &i22eren$ 2rom one ano$"er@correson&in! $o $"e

5arious eoles :"o &:el$ in $"ese laces an& $o $"eir &i22eren$ lan!ua!es;

T"e same $"in! occurs in $"e case o2 $"e Mayas) al$"ou!" $"e base is al:ays

rac$ically $"e same; Fur$"ermore) $"e &i22eren$ tonalámatl o2 $"e 5ariousre!ions are s$ruc$urally i&en$ical) an& 5ary only in some o2 $"e si!ns) or in

$"eir osi$ion;

: 7y 5ir$ue o2 $"is recession o2 $"e euino+es) $"e euinoc$ial an& sols$i$ial

oin$s) an& $"e si!ns o2 $"e <o&iac) s"i2$ on $"e ecli$ic) in a re$ro!ra&e&irec$ion) :i$" an an!ular 5eloci$y o2 2i2$y minu$es a year;

- T"is same succession mani2es$s i$sel2 no$ only in $"e &ays) bu$ in $"e years)

as :ell) an&) e5en$ually) in !rea$er cycles; As 2or $"e 9roun&9 o2 $"e years)

:e s"all obser5e $"a$ $"e oenin! o2 $"e cycle occurs only in 2our si!ns):"ic" :e coul& call 2i+e&B tochtli) rabbi$) acátl ) cane) tecpatl ) 2lin$) an& calli)

"ouse; On $"e o$"er "an&) le$ us no$ice $"a$ $"e '.6 &ays o2 $"e ri$ual

calen&ar are cus$omarily se$ in rela$ion $o $"e cycle o2 "uman !es$a$ion;























; T"is is a circular number >%3 W % 3 W 4?) an& also correson&s $o $"e

number o2 mon$"s in $"eir solar year o2 (.6 &ays; Similarly) i$ can be

eui5ala$e& :i$" $"e %36o#&e!ree semicircum2erence; T"e number nine laces $"e calcula$ions in rela$ions"i :i$" $"e circum2erence an& $"e solar

year;

As :e see) $"ese 9&ays9 an& 9years9 are no$ :"a$ :e or&inarily un&ers$an&as suc"@no$ $"a$ $"ey 2ail $o coinci&e :i$" our curren$ &ays an& years@bu$ are9numbers9 >9measures)9 9roor$ions)9 e$c;?) in$errela$e& :i$" one ano$"er

an& s"ain! $"e ni5ersal Or&er; I$ is in $"ese 9numbers9 $"a$ :e are

esecially in$eres$e&; T"a$ is :"a$ occurs :i$" $"e numbers ci$e& in $"e9Le!en& o2 $"e Suns9 o2 $"e Codex Chimalpopoca) 2or e+amle $"ey mus$

no$ be consi&ere& li$erally or uan$i$a$i5ely;

2 T"e 9!rea$ eras9 :ere calle& 9suns9 in Mesoamerica; T"ese 9suns)9 :"ic"

are 2i5e) &i5i&e $"e .,)666#year cycle in$o erio&s o2 %()666) :"ic" in $urnare &i5i&e& in$o 2i5e eras o2 ').66 years eac"; -e :an$ $o ma/e clear $"a$

$"is $emoral cycle o2 .,;666 years co5ers $"e &imension o2 e5ery$"in! $"a$man is caable o2 ima!inin! or suosin! in a :orl& :"ere $"e ear$") $"e"ea5ens >an& $"ere2ore man? are &i22eren$; -"a$ "aens :i$" $"is 9ci"er9

o2 $ime is analo!ous) in a ma$$er o2 &imensions or sa$ial mo&ules) :i$" $"e

&is$ance $"a$ seara$es us 2rom $"e sun as limi$; 7eyon& $"e sun) or beyon&

.,;666 years) in &imensional $erms) no$"in! :ill say any$"in! $o mansmin&; T"e c"ronolo!y o2 $ime "as $o) necessarily) 2use :i$" li5in! $ime) $"a$

is) my$"ic $ime; T"is is no$ consi&erin! $"e sub&i5ision o2 , eras o2 %(;666

years eac") :"ic" con2orms many o$"er rac$ically insurmoun$able barriers;T"ere2ore i$s seem more reasonable $o rely on a basic cycle o2 ';.66 years)

:"ic") accor&in! $o some) be!an 2or our $ime) aroun& $"e .$" cen$ury 7;C;

7 In %,04) Fray Die!o 1ala&s ublis"e& in I$aly "is &et-rica Cristiana) a$"eolo!ical $rea$y) :ri$$en in La$in) :"ere "e sin!ularly brin!s ou$ $"e 9Ar$o2 Memory9 an& $"e ar$i2icial memory; Se5eral $rea$ies) &e&ica$e& $o $"is

$"eme) aeare& in Euroe &urin! $"is $ime bu$ :"a$ a$$rac$s a$$en$ion)

besi&es $"e 2ac$ $"a$ $"e au$"or :as mes$i<o >"is 2a$"er) a Sanis"conuis$a&or) an& "is mo$"er) a noble Tla+calan in&ian?) is $"a$ $"is ar$ :as

use& in $"e "ear$ o2 $"e Franciscan Or&er 2or $"e e5an!eli<a$ion o2 $"e

na$i5es; 8o:e5er) $"is :as no$ $"e only in$eres$in! $"in!; 1ala&s&isco5ere& $"a$ $"e na$i5es calen&ars :ere also ar$ o2 $"e Ar$ o2 Memory)

:"ic" "e "a& s$u&ie& :i$" !rea$ erse5erance >"is :or/) in $"is resec$) is

5ery !oo&? in Euroean sources; See Fray Die!o 1ala&s) &et-rica

Cristiana) F;C;E; Me+ico %434;@ T"e same ries$ cons$ruc$e& a sor$ o2al"abe$ o2 9:or&s9 :i$" na$i5e ima!es &ra:n ou$ o2 $"eir symbolisms;

Any:ay) $"is is no$ $"e only re2erence $o $"e 2amous na$i5e memoryB :e

2in& i$ &escribe& by many c"roniclers an& sc"olars :"o "a5e also men$ione&$"e na$i5es &i5erse sys$ems o2 memory) o2 :"ic" $"e Peru5ian #uipKs are $"e

bes$ e+amle;











;

SACRED COSMOLOGY


FEDERICO GONZALEZ

7I7LIOGRAP8Y

Acos$a) Hose" &e;# The +atural and oral %istor) o0 the 7ndies) $rans; E;

Grims$on) Ne: Yor/) n; &;

Alcina Franc") Hos;# Pre>Columbian art ) 8;N; Abrams) Ne: Yor/ %43(; anual

de Ar#ueología Americana A!uilar) Ma&ri& %4.,; Arte ) Antropología Alian<a)Ma&ri& %43';

Al5ara&o Te<o<omoc) Fernan&o;# Cr-nica exica)-tl INAE8) Imren$a

ni5ersi$aria) M+ico %404;

Ana:al$) Pa$ricia;# 7ndian Clothing /e0ore Cort4s) Norman) O/la; %43%;

An$on) Fer&inan&;# Art o0 the a)a T"ames an& 8u&son) Lon&on %403;

Ale$on) Le Roy;# American 7ndian Design and Decoration Do5er) Ne: Yor/%40%;

Arellano 8ern=n&e<) A; Ayala FalcKn) M; De la Fuen$e) 7; De la Gar<a) M;

S$aines Cicero) L; Olme&o 1era) 7;# Les a)as Classi#ues; H; Maisonneu5e)Paris %443;

Ar!\elles) Hos;# The a)an 9actor 7ear an& Co;) San$a Fe) ;S;A; %430;

A5eni) An$"ony F; an& o$";# Sk)3atchers o0 Ancient exico T"e ni5ersi$y o2

Te+as Press) Aus$in %436; A5eni) A; F; an& 7ro$"erson) Gor&on;# Calendars in

exico and Peru and +ati,e American Computations o0 Time) O+2or& %43(;A5eni) A; F;# +e3 Directions in American Archaeoastronom)) 7;A;R;) O+2or&)

En!lan& %433; 6orld archaeoastronom)) Cambri&!e uni5; Press) N;Y; %434;

Ancient Astronomers Smi$"sonian 7oo/s) -as"in!$on %44(;

7au&e<) Clau&e;# Central America) 7arrie ] Hen/ins) Lon&on %406; Lost cities o0the a)a) 8arry N; Abrams) Ne: Yor/ %44';

7ecerra) Marcos E;# Por la &uta %ist-rica de 4xico Centro Am4rica ) las



Antillas ' $omos; Gobiemo &el Es$a&o &e Tabasco) 1illa"ermosa) Me+ico %43.;

7ellamy) 8;S; Allan) P;# The 'reat 7dol o0 Tiahuanaco Faber an& Faber) Lon&on

%4,4;

7erlin) 8einric" an& elley) Da5i& 8;# The F@G>Da) Count and Color>Direction

S)mbolism Among the Classic a)a) Mi&&le American Researc" Ins$i$u$e Pub;

'.) 4#'6) %406; 7erlin) 8;# Signos ) Signi0icados en las 7nscripciones a)as

I;D;A;E;8;) Gua$emala %43,;

7ernal) I!nacio;# A %istor) o0 exican Archaeolog)) T"ames an& 8u&son)Lon&on#Ne: Yor/ %436; 7iblio!ra2Qa de Ar#ueología ) "tnogra0ía INAE8)

M+ico %4.';

7er$eau+) Raoul;# La Voie S)mboli#ue Lau<eray) ParQs %403;

7eyer) 8ermann;# ito ) Simbolismo del 4xico Antiguo Socie&a& Alemana

Me+icanis$a) M+ico %4.,;

7in!"am) 8iram;# Lost cit) o0 the 7ncas: the stor) o0 achu Picchu and its

builders) Green:oo& Press) -es$or$) Conn; %43%;

7lanco 1illal$a) Hor!e G;# itos Tupiguaraníes E&iciones Cul$urales Ar!en$inas)

7uenos Aires %40,;

7lum Sc"e5ill) Mar!o$ >e&;?;# The a)a Textile Tradition) 8arry N; Abrams)

N;Y; %440; a)a textiles o0 'uatemala) ni5ersi$y o2 Te+as Press) Aus$in %44(;

7ran&on) -illiam;# The American %eritage /ook o0 7ndians Laurel) Ne: Yor/

%4.4;

7rasseur &e 7ourbour!) C"arles E;# Popol ,uh1 Le li,re sacre et les m)thes del$anti#uite americaine a,ec les li,res heroi#ues et histori#ues des Iuiches111 A;

7er$ran&) Paris %3.%; Tra&ucciKn cas$ellanaB Hor!e Luis Arriola) Popol Vuh

E&i$orial ni5ersi$aria) Gua$emala %40';

7rennan) Mar$in;# %ands o0 Time: The Sacred Sign Language o0 the Ancient

a)a) Inner Tra&i$ions) Roc"es$er) 1ermon$) SA;

7ri$o Sansores) -illiam;# La "scritura de los a)as Manuel Porra) M+ico

%43%;

7ro&a) Ho"anna;# The exican Calendar as Compared to *ther esoamericanS)stems Acta "thnologica et Lingística) %,) 1ienna %4.4; 7ro&a) H;) Carrasco)

Da5i& an& Ma$os Moc$e<uma) E&uar&o;# The 'reat Temple o0 Tenochtitlan:



Center and Peripher) in the A!tec 6orld ) 7er/eley %430;

7ro:n) H; Ees;# The Spiritual Legac) o2 the American 7ndians Crossroa&) Ne:

Yor/ %43'1 /lack "lk1 The Sacred Pipe: /lack "lk$s Account o0 the Se,en &ites o0

the *glala Sioux) T"e ni5ersi$y o2 O/la"oma Press) Norman %4,(;

7ruce) Rober$ D;# Lacandon Dream S)mbolism ' 5ol; E&; Euroamericanas laus

T"iele) M+ico %40,) %404;

7urlan&) Co$$ie;# +orth American 7ndian )tholog) P; 7e&ric/) Ne: Yor/

%43,1

Cabe<a &e 1aca) Al5ar NuXe<;# +au0ragios ) Comentarios Esasa Cale) Ma&ri&%40%1

Canals Frau) Sal5a&or;# Las Poblaciones 7ndígenas de la Argentina8ysamrica) 7uenos Aires %43.1

Carmac/) Rober$ M;# Iuichean ci,ili!ationM the ethnohistoric ethnographic andarchaeological sources) ni5ersi$y o2 Cali2ornia Press) 7er/eley %40(; Carmac/)

R; M; an& Mon&loc") Hames L;# "l Título de Totonicapán: texto traduccion )

comentario) ni5ersi&a& Nacional Au$onoma &e Me+ico) Ins$i$u$o &e

In5es$i!aciones FilolK!icas) Cen$ro &e Es$u&ios Mayas) %43(;

"l o;o del T-tem Arte ) Cultura de los indios del +oroeste de Am4rica ComisiKn

Nacional Juin$o Cen$enario) 7iblio$eca Juin$o Cen$enario) Ma&ri&#7arcelona

%433;

Carrasco) D;# &eligions o0 esoamerica) 8arer an& Ro:) San Francisco %446;

Caso) Al2onso;# Thirteen masterpieces o0 exican archaeolog) 7; E$"ri&!e##

7oo/s) De$roi$ %40.1 The A!tecs: people o0 the sun ni5ersi$y o2 O/la"oma

Press) Norman %4,3; "l Calendario exicano Memorias &e la Aca&emia

Me+icana &e 8is$oria) M+ico %4,31 &e)es ) &einos de la ixteca F;C;E;)M+ico %4041

Cas$ane&a) Carlos;# The Teachings o0 Don Nuan: A 2a#ui 6a) o0 Ono3ledge

-as"in!$on Suare Press) Ne: Yor/ %446; A Separate &ealit): 9urtherCon,ersations 3ith Don Nuan Simon an& Sc"us$er) Ne: Yor/ %40%; Nourne) to 7xtlan: The Lessons o0 Don Nuan) I&em) Ne: Yor/ %40';

Ca$lin) Geor!e;# Letters and notes on the +orth American 7ndians Gramercy

7oo/s) Ne: Yor/ %44,; Dra3ings o0 the +orth American 7ndians Doubleda)Gar&en Ci$y) N;Y; %43*; The 'eorge Catlin book o0 American 7ndians) -a$son#



Gu$ill) Ne: Yor/ %400;

C"aman) Anne;# Les en0ants de la mort ) Mission arc"eolo!iue e$ e$"nolo!iue

2rancaise au Me+iue) Me+ico %403;

C"ase Co!!ins) Clemency an& S"ane) Orrin C; >e&s;?;# Cenote o0 Sacri0ice:

a)an treasures 0rom the Sacred 6ell at Chich4n 7t!á; ni5; o2 Te+as Press)

%43*;

C"imalaQn) An$Kn MuXo<;# &elaciones *riginales de Chalco Amecameca

F;C;E;) M+ico %4.%1

Cie<a &e LeKn) Pe&ro;# El Se.orío de los 7ncas 8is$oria %. Ma&ri& %43,1

Clancy) Flora S; an& 8arrison) Pe$er D; >e&s;?;# Vision &e,ision in a)a

studies) T"e ni5; o2 Ne: Me+ico Press) Albuuerue %446;

Cla5iero) Francisco a5ier;# The histor) o0 exico Garlan& Pub;) Ne: Yor/

%404;

Cobo) 7ernab;# %istoria del +ue,o undo 7iblio$eca &e Au$ores EsaXoles)Ma&ri& %4,.1

Codices:

/orgia;^ Full#color rero&uc$ion by A/a&emisc"e Dru/# un&

1erla!ssans$al$) Gra<) Aus$ria commen$ariesB F; An&ers) M; Hansen) L;Reyes G;) F;C;E;) M+ico %44(; ^ The Codex /orgiaB A 9ull>Color

&estoration o0 the Ancient exican anuscript ) Gisele DQa< an& Alan

Ro&!ers) Do5er) N; Y; %44(;

/orgia;^ Comen$ariosB E&uar& Seler; F; C; E;) M+ico %44*;

/orb-nico1Q Comen$ariosB F; &el Paso y Troncoso; Si!lo I) M+ico%43%1

Calkini;^ 1ersiKn Al2re&o 7arrera 1=sue<) Es$a&o &e Camec"e %4,01

Chimalpopoca;^ ;N;A;M;) M+ico %40,1

Cospi;^ Full#color rero&uc$ion by A/a&emisc"e Dru/# un&

1erla!ssans$al$) Gra<) Aus$ria commen$ariesB F; An&ers) M; Hansen) P;5an &er Loo; F; C; E;) M+ico %44*;

9lorentine;^ C"arles E; Dibble an& Ar$"ur H;O; An&erson) 7oo/s I) II)



III) I1#1) 1II) 1III) I) ; I an& II) Sc"ool o2 American Researc" an&

$"e ni5ersi$y o2 $a") San$a Fe) Ne: Me+ico %4,6#%4.(;

Laud ;^ Full#color rero&uc$ion by A/a&emisc"e Dru/# un&

1erla!ssans$al$) Gra<) Aus$ria commen$aries by F; An&ers an& M; Hansen;F;C;E;) M+ico %44*;

endo!a;^ Frances 7er&an an& Pa$ricia Rie22 Ana:al$ >e&;?) Los

An!eles %44';

+uttall ; A Picture anuscript 0rom Ancient exico1 ^ Do5er) Ne: Yor/%40,1

Paris;^ 7ruce Lo5e) ni5ersi$y o2 Te+as Press) Aus$in %44*;

Telleriano>&emensis;^ Eloise JuiXones eber) ni5ersi$y o2 Te+asPress) Aus$in %44,;

Vaticano /;^ Full#color rero&uc$ion by A/a&emisc"e Dru/# un&1erla!ssans$al$) Gra<) Aus$ria commen$aries by F; An&ers an& M; Hansen;

F;C;E;) M+ico %44(;

Vindobonensis excianus 7 ;^ Full#color rero&uc$ion by A/a&emisc"e

Dru/# un& 1erla!ssans$al$) Gra<) Aus$ria commen$ariesB F; An&ers) M;Hansen) G; A; Pre<; F;C;E;) M+ico %44';

C-dices a)as;# 1illacor$a) H; An$onio y 1illacor$a) Carlos A; Socie&a&&e Geo!ra2Qa e 8is$oria) Gua$emala %40.;

C-dices a)as1> ni5ersi&a& Au$Knoma &e C"iaas %43,;

Coe) Mic"ael D;# The a)a T"ames an& 8u&son) Lon&on an& Ne: Yor/ %430;

Coe) Mic"ael D; err) Hus$in;# The Art o0 the a)a Scribe; Times ] 8u&son)Lon&on %440; 8arry N; Abrams Inc;) Ne: Yor/ %443;

Coomaras:amy) Anan&a ;# Time and eternit)) Selec$ 7oo/s) 7an!alore %434;

The trans0ormation o0 nature in art ) In&ira Gan&"i Na$ional Cen$re 2or $"e Ar$sBS$erlin! Publis"ers P5$; L$&;) Ne: Del"i %44,; Coomaras3am) 7: Selected Papers: Traditional Art and S)mbolism 77: S1 Papers: etaph)sics Ro!er

Lisey >e&;?) Prince$on ni5; Press) NH %434) %430;

Cor$s) 8ern=n;# Letters 0rom exico) $rans; an& e&; A; Pa&!en) Ne: 8a5en%43.; 9i,e Letters @@G>@ ) $rans; F; 7ayar& Morris) Ne: Yor/) n; &;



Co5arrubias) Mi!uel;# 7ndian Art o0 exico and Central America) Ne: Yor/

%4,0;

Craine) Eu!ene) an& Rein&or) Re!inal& >$rans; an& e&?;# The Chronicles o0

ichoacán) Norman) O/la; %406;

Cur$elius) A; Roos5el$ an& Hames Smi$";# +ati,e Artisans in Americas Museum

o2 American In&ians) Ne: Yor/ %4041

De 7ry) Teo&oro;# America) Siruela) Ma&ri& %44';

De la Gar<a) Merce&es;# "l 8ni,erso Sagrado de la Serpiente entre los a)as

;N;A;M;) M+ico %43*1 La Conciencia %ist-rica de los Antiguos a)as i&;%40,1 Sue.o ) Alucinaci-n en el mundo náhuatl ) ma)a i&; %4461

De Las Casas) 7ar$olom;# 7n De0ense o0 the 7ndians) De alb) Nor$"ern Illinoisni5; Press) %40*; A short account o0 the destruction o0 the 7ndies Pen!uin

7oo/s) N;Y;#Lon&on %44'; The onl) 3a)) Paulis$ Press) N;Y; %44'; %istoria delas 7ndias F;C;E;) M+ico %4.,; Tratados F;C;E;) M+ico %40*;

Del!a&o) Ra2ael;# Los Petrogli0os Vene!olanos Mon$e A5ila) Caracas %40.1

Dictionaries:

7arrera 1=sue<) Al2re&o;# Diccionario Codermex) Mri&a) Yuca$=n

%4361

7ie&ermann) 8ans;# Dictionar) o0 S)mbolism: Cultural icons and the

meanings behind them) Meri&ian >Pen!uin?) N;Y; %44*;

C"e$:yn&) Tom;# Dictionar) o0 S)mbols) Auarian Press) Lon&on %44(;

Cirlo$) H; E;# A Dictionar) o0 S)mbols P"iloso"ical Library) Ne: Yor/

%40% Rou$le&!e ] ea!an Paul) Lon&on %40(;

Cooer) H; C;# An 7llustrated "nc)clopaedia o0 Traditional S)mbols

T"ames an& 8u&son) Lon&on %403; S)mbolic )thological Animals)

Auarian Press) Lon&on %44';

C"e5alier) Hean an& G"eerbran$) Alain;# A dictionar) o0 s)mbols)7lac/:ell) Cambri&!e) Mass; %44*;

De C"ameau+) Grar& an& S$erc/+) Dom Sbas$ien;# Le monde des

S)mboles Zo&iaue) S$; L!er 1auban) France %40';



Masson) 8er5;# Dictionnaire initiati#ue) H;#C; Go&e2roy) Paris %43';

Miller) Mary an& Taube) arl;# The 'ods and S)mbols o0 Ancient exico

and the a)a) T"ames an& 8u&son) Lon&on %44(;

DQa< &el Cas$illo) 7ernal;# %istoria Verdadera de la Con#uista de la +ue,a

"spa.a E&i$orial 1alle &e M+ico) Me+ico %40.;

Dissel"o22) 8ans#Die$ric" an& Linn) Si!5al&;# Ancient AmericaB 1ol; 1II o2 Ar$

o2 $"e -orl& Series; 8olle an& Co; 1erla!) 7a&en#7a&en) Germany %4.%;

Doc/s$a&er) Fre&eric/ H;# 7ndian Art o0 the Americas Museum o2 $"e American

In&ian) 8eye Foun&a$ion) Ne: Yor/ %40(;

Donnan) C"ris$o"er 7;# oche Art o0 Peru) Museum o2 Cul$ural 8is$ory)

ni5ersi$y o2 Cali2ornia) Los An!eles %403;

Dri5er) 8arol& E;# 7ndians o0 +orth America ni5ersi$y o2 C"ica!o Press %4.%;

Dur=n) Die!o &e;# The A!tecs) $rans; an& e&; F; 8orcasi$as an& D; 8ey&en) Ne:

Yor/ %4.*; /ook o0 the 'ods and &ites and Ancient Calendar I&em)1 Norman)O/la; %40%; %istoria de las 7ndias de +ue,a "spa.a Porra) M+ico %4.0;

E&monson) Munroe;# The /ook o0 Counsel: The Popol Vuh o0 the Iuiche a)a

o0 'uatemala) Mi&&le American Researc" Ins$i$u$e (,) %40%; The Ancient 9uture

o0 the 7t!á: The Chilam /alam o0 Ti!imin) Aus$in %43';

"l Libro de los Libros de Chilam /alam1> A; 7arrera 1=sue< y S; Ren&Kn)

F;C;E;) M+ico %40';

Elia&e) Mircea;# )th and &ealit)) 8arer an& Ro:) N;Y; %4.(; Patterns in

Comparati,e &eligion) Meri&in 7oo/s) %4.,;# &ites and S)mbols o0 7nitiation)8arer Torc"boo/s) N; Y; %4.,; 7mages and S)mbolsB Studies in &eligious

S)mbolism S"ee& an& -ar&) N;Y; %4.4;# The Sacred and the Pro0ane) 8arcour$)

7race an& Co; N;Y; %406;# Shamanism: Archaic Techni#ues o0 "cstas) 7ollin!en%40';

Enciso) Hor!e;# Designs 0rom Pre>Columbian exico) Do5er) NY %40%;

Fell) 7arry;# America /1C1: ancient settlers in the +e3 6orld ) Poc/e$ 7oo/s) Ne:

Yor/ %434;

Fer!uson) Erna;# Dancing 'ods: 7ndian Ceremonials o0 +e3 exico and Ari!ona ni5ersi$y o2 Ne: Me+ico Press) Albuuerue %433;



Fer!uson) -illiam N; an& Royce) Ho"n J;# a)a &uins in Central America in

Color ni5; o2 Ne: Me+ico Press) Albuuerue %43*;

Fern=n&e< Mn&e<) E;# Art and itholog) CEMI) Puer$o Rico %40';

Fern=n&e<) Hus$ino;# exican Art ) "o$o!ra"s by Cons$an$ino Reyes#1alerio)8amlyn) Lon&on %4.3; A guide to exican art 0rom its beginnings to the present ) ni5ersi$y o2 C"ica!o Press) C"ica!o %4.4;

Ferrero) Luis;# Costa &ica Precolombina 7iblio$eca Pa$ria) San Hos) Cos$a Rica

%43%; "ntre el Pasado ) el 9uturo E&i$orial Cos$a Rica) San Hos %43,;

Fou!"$) Ho"n;# Chorti Ra)anJ Texts) ni5; o2 Pennsyl5ania Press) P"ila&el"ia%40';

Fiel&) Fre&eric/ 1;# Pre>%ispanic exican Stamp Designs Do5er) N;Y; %40*;

Fra<er) H; G;# The illustrated 'olden bough: a stud) in magic and religion)

abri&!e& by Rober$ ;G; Temle; Simon an& Sc"us$er) Ne: Yor/ %44.;

Freuc"ens) Pe$er;# /ook o0 the "skimos Fa:ce$$ Premier) Ne: Yor/ %4.%;

Fuen$es y Gu<m=n) An$onio &e;# &ecordaci-n 9lorida Socie&a& &e Geo!ra2Qa e

8is$oria) Gua$emala %4(';

Furs$) Hill;# Codex Vindobonensis exicanus 7: A Commentar)) Albany %403;

Gallen/am) C"arles) an& Ho"nson) Re!ina Elise >e&s;?;# a)a: Treasures o0 an

Ancient Ci,ilisation) Ne: Yor/ %43,;

Gamio) Manuel;# La Poblaci-n del Valle de Teotihuacán I;N;I;) M+ico %404) ,

5ol;

Garcilaso &e la 1e!a) el Inca;# &o)al Commentaries o0 the 7ncas and 'eneral

%istor) o0 Peru) $rans; 8; 1; Li5ermore) Aus$in %4..; The 9lorida o0 the 7nca)ni5; o2 Te+as Press) Aus$in %4.';

GarcQa) Fray Gre!orio;# *rigen de los 7ndios de +ue,o undo F;C;E;) M+ico%43%;

Garibay ;) An!el MarQa;# %istoria de la Literatura +áhuatl Porra) Me+ico

%400;

Gemelli Carreri) Gio5anni;# Via;e a la +ue,a "spa.a ;N;A;M;) M+ico %40.;



Gen&ro) Paul an& 8ey&en) Doris;# Pre>Columbian architecture o0 esoamerica

Elec$aRi<<oli) Ne: Yor/ %433;

Geor!el) Gas$on;# Les Iuatre Ages de l$%umanit4 Arc") Milano %40.;

Gerbi) An$onello;# The dispute o0 the +e3 6orld ) ni5ersi$y o2 Pi$$sbur!" Press)Pi$$sbur!") Pa; %40() +ature in the +e3 6orld: 0rom Christopher Columbus to'on!alo 9ernande! de *,iedo i&em) %43,;

Girar&) Ra2ael;# L$4sot4risme du Popol Vuh Librairie &Amriue e$ &Orien$)

Paris %43(; Los Chortís ante el Problema a)a , 5ol; M+ico %4*4; %istoria delas Ci,ili!aciones Antiguas de Am4rica Is$mo) Ma&ri& %400;

Gon<=le< Torres) YKlo$l;# "l Culto a los Astros entre los exicas S;E;P;) M+ico

%404;

Gon<=le<) Alber$o Re+;# Arte "structura ) Ar#ueología E&iciones Nue5a 1isiKn)

7uenos Aires %40*;

Gunon) Ren;# The &eign o0 Iuantit) and the Signs o0 the Times $rans; Lor&

Nor$"bourne) rer; %40') %43() %44,1# S)mbolism o0 the Cross $rans; An!us

MacNab) rer; %40,1# Lord o0 the 6orld $rans; C"e/e) 7la/e) e$;al;) %43(1# The

ultiple States o0 /eing $rans; Hoscelyn Go&:in) %43,1# 9undamental S)mbols:The 8ni,ersal Language o0 Sacred Science) $rans; Al5in Moore) Hr;) Juin$a

Essen$ia) Cambri&!e %44,;# The "soterism o0 Dante So"ia Perennis e$

ni5ersalis) G"en$) N;Y; %44.1

Gra2$on) An$"ony;# +e3 6orlds Ancient Texts: The Po3er o0 Tradition and theShock o0 Disco,er); T"e 7el/na Press o2 8ar5ar& ni5ersi$y Press) Cambri&!e)

Massac"use$$s an& Lon&on) %44';

Gra"am) Ian;# Corpus o0 a)a %ierogl)phic 7nscriptions;# Dra:in!s an& mas byIan Gra"am) Eric 1on Eu:) Pe$er Ma$"e:s; 1ols; %#.) Peabo&y Museum)

8ar5ar& ni5; %40,;

Gui$eras 8olmes) E;> Los Peligros del Alma F;C;E;) M+ico %43.;

Gusin&e) Mar$Qn;# Los 7ndios de Tierra del 9uego * Tomos) 4 5ols; >T; IB LosSelk$nam T; II: Los 2ámana T; IIIB Los %alak3ulup T; I1B Antropología 0ísica?;Cen$ro Ar!en$ino &e E$nolo!Qa Americana) 7uenos Aires %446;

%andbook o0 iddle American 7ndians) e&; Rober$ -auc"oe) %. 5ols) *

sulemen$s) Aus$in %4.,;

%andbook o0 +orth American 7ndians) e&; -illiam C; S$ur$e5an$) 5ols; .B



Subarctic) 0B +orth3est Coast ) 3B Cali0ornia) 4 an& %6B South3est ) Smi$"sonian)

-as"in!$on) %43%) %446) %403) %404) %43(;

8ammon&) Norman&;# Ancient a)a Ci,ili!ation) Ru$!ers ni5ersi$y Press) N; H;

%446;

8arner) Mic"ael;# The 3a) o0 the shaman) 8arer an& Ro:) San Francisco %446;

8en&erson) Ho"n S;# The 6orld o0 the Ancient a)a) Cornell ni5ersi$y Press)

I$aca) N;Y; %43%;

8ern=n&e<) Francisco;# Antigedades de la +ue,a "spa.a 8is$oria %.) Ma&ri&

%43.;

8errera) An$onio &e;# Descripci-n de las 7ndias *ccidentales O2icina Real)

Ma&ri& %0(6;

8e$") C"arlo$$e >e&;?;# +ati,e American Dance: Ceremonies and Social

Traditions Na$ional Museum o2 $"e American In&ian) Smi$"sonian Ins$i$u$ion:i$" S$ar:oo& Publis"in! Inc;) -as"in!$on %44(;

8ey&en) Doris an& Gen&ro) Paul;# Pre>Columbian architecture o0 esoamerica

Elec$aRi<<oli) Ne: Yor/ %433;

8ul$/ran$<) A/e;# The &eligions o0 the American 7ndians ni5ersi$y o2 Cali2ornia

Press) 7er/eley %404;

8umbol&$) Ale+an&re;# Personal narrati,e o0 a ;ourne) to the e#uinoctial regions

o0 the ne3 continent ) Pen!uin 7oo/) N;Y; %44,;

8u+ley) Al&ous;# /e)ond the exi#ue /a) 8arer an& 7ro$"er) Ne: Yor/ %4(*;

Imbelloni) Hos;# "l '4nesis de los Pueblos Protohist-ricos de Am4rica Coni

7uenos Aires %4*'; &eligiosidad 7ndígena Americana Cas$aXe&a) 7uenos Aires%404;

7sagoge %ist-rica1> Tio!ra2Qa T; Minuesa &e los RQos) Ma&ri& %34';

Han) Alean&ro;# Las Pirámides +Kmeros de Piedra; Li!a Maya In$ernacional #

Embaa&a &e EsaXa) Cen$ro Cul$ural EsaXol ICI; San Hos) %44.;

Himne< &e la Esa&a) Marcos;# &elaciones 'eográ0icas de 7ndias: PerK Ma&ri&%4.3;



Hun!) Carl G;# an and his S)mbols; Double&ay#-in&2all) N;Y; %43(;

Honai$is) Al&ona;# 9rom the Land o0 the Totem Poles American Museum o2

Na$ural 8is$ory) Ne: Yor/ %44%;

Hon!e:ar&) Da5i&;# 6ea,er o0 6orlds: 9rom +a,a;o Apprenticeship to Sacred

'eometr) and Dreams A 6oman$s Nourne) in Tapestr) Inner Tra&i$ions)

Roc"es$er) 1ermon$ SA;

i&&er) Al2re& 1;) Hennin!s) Hesse D;) an& S"oo/) E&:in M;# "xca,ations at

Oaminal;u)K 'uatemala) Carne!ie Ins$i$u$e o2 -as"in!$on Pub;) ,.%) %4*.;

in!sborou!") Lor&;# Anti#uities o0 exico) 4 5ols; Lon&on %3(%#%3*3;

La Far!e) Oli5er an& 7lom) Frans;# A Pictorial %istor) o0 the American 7ndian

Cro:n) Ne: Yor/ %4,.; Tribes and temples) Garlan& Pub;) Ne: Yor/ %404;

Lame Deer) Er&oes) Ric"ar&;# Seeker o0 Visions Poc/e$ 7oo/s) Ne: Yor/ %40.;

Lan&a) Die!o &e;# Landa$s &elaci-n de las Cosas de 2ucatán) e&; A; M; To<<er)

Peabo&y Museum Paers %3 %4*%; &elaci-n de las Cosas de 2ucatán Porra)M+ico %4..;

LeKn#Por$illa) Mi!uel;# A!tec Thought and Culture: a stud) o0 the ancient

+ahuatl ind ni5; o2 O/la"oma Press) Norman %4.(; The A!tec image o0 sel0

and societ): an introduction to +ahua culture) ni5ersi$y o2 $a" Press) Sal$

La/e Ci$y %44'; The broken spears: the A!tec account o0 the con#uest o0 exico 7eacon Press) 7os$on %44'; Time and realit) in the thought o0 the a)a

ni5ersi$y o2 O/la"oma Press) Norman %433; "l &e,erso de la Con#uista H;Mor$i<) M+ico %406; Toltecá)otl: Aspectos de la Cultura +áhuatl F;C;E;)

M+ico %436; 4xico Tenochtitlan su Tiempo ) "spacio Sagrado INAE8;)

M+ico %403;

Leyenaar) Te& H; H;# 8lama: The Perpetuation in exico o0 the Pre>Spanish /all'ame: 8llamali!tli Lei&en %403;

Libro Vie;o de la 9undaci-n de 'uatemala ) Papeles &elati,os a Pedro de

Al,arado Socie&a& &e Geo!ra2Qa e 8is$oria) Gua$emala %4(*;

Libros de los Cantares de D!itbalch41> A1 7arrera 1=sue<) INAE8) M+ico%4.,;

Li<arra!a) Re!inal&o &e;# Descripci-n del PerK Tucumán &ío de la Plata )

Chile 8is$oria %.) Ma&ri& %430;



LKe< Aus$in) Al2re&o;# The human bod) and ideolog): concepts o0 the ancient

+ahuas) ' 5ols; ni5ersi$y o2 $a" Press) Sal$ La/e Ci$y %433; The m)ths o0 the

opossum: path3a)s o0 esoamerican m)tholog)) ni5ersi$y o2 Ne: Me+icoPress) Albuuerue %44(; Tamoanchan Tlalocan: places o0 mist ) ni5ersi$y

Press o2 Colora&o) Ni:o$) Colo; %4401 Algunas ideas acerca del tiempo míticoentre los antiguos nahuas) II Mesa Re&on&a &e la Socie&a& Me+icana &e

An$roolo!Qa) M+ico %40,;

Lumbreras) Luis G;# The Peoples and Cultures o0 Ancient Peru Smi$"sonian

Ins$i$u$ion Press) -as"in!$on %434;

Mac2arlan) Allan an& Paule$$e;# %andbook o0 American 7ndian 'ames Do5er)

N;Y; %43,;

Mallery) Garric/;# Picture>6riting o0 the American 7ndians Do5er) N;Y; %40';

Mar/man) Rober$a 8; an& Mar/man) Pe$er T;# The 9la)ed 'od: The )tholog)

o0 esoamerica: Sacred texts and images 0rom pre>columbian exico and

Central America 8arer#Collins) N;Y; %44';

Maruina) I!nacio;# Ar#uitectura Prehispánica INAE8;) M+ico %43%;

Mar$Qne<) Hos Luis;# +e!ahualc-)otl1 Vida ) *bra F;C;E;) M+ico %436; "l undo Antiguo S;E;P;) M+ico %43*;

Ma$os Moc$e<uma) E&uar&o;# The 'reat Temple o0 the A!tecs: Treasures o0

Tenochtitlan) Ne: Yor/ %433;

Mason) H; Al&en;# Las Antiguas Culturas del PerK F;C;E;) M+ico %4.4;

Ma5or) H; y Di+) 7;# anitou: The Sacred Landscape o0 +e3 "ngland$s +ati,eCi,ili!ation) Inner Tra&i$ions) Roc"es$er) 1ermon$ %434;

Mc; Nic/le) DArcy;# The 7ndian Tribes o0 the 8nited States O+2or& ni5ersi$y

Press) Lon&on %4.3;

Men&elson) E; Mic"ael) $aximon: An 7conographical 7ntroduction$ Man) ,4)

,0#.6) %4,4;

Miller) Mary Ellen;# The urals o0 /onampak ) Prince$on %43.;

Morley) Sil5anus G;# The Ancient a)a) Palo Al$o %4*.;# An introduction to the

stud) o0 a)a %ierogl)phs Do5er) N;Y; %40,;# Morley) S; G; an& 7rainer&)Geor!e -; The Ancient a)a >*$" e&;? S$an2or& ni5ersi$y Press) Cali2ornia



%43(;

Mo$olinia) Fray Toribio &e 7ena5en$e;# %istoria de los 7ndios de +ue,a "spa.a

Porra) M+ico %404;

Murra) Ho"n 11> The economic organi!ation o0 the 7nka State) HAI Press)Green:ic" Conn; %436;

Muser) Cur$;# 9acts and Arti0acts o0 Ancient America) E; P; Du$$on) N;Y; %403;

Nei"ar&$) Ho"n G;> /lack "lk Speaks Poc/e$ 7oo/s) Ne: Yor/ %40';

Or$i<) Al2onso >e&;?;# +e3 Perspecti,es on the Pueblos) Sc"ool o2 American

Researc") ni5; o2 Ne: Me+ico Press) Albuuerue %60';

Or$i<) Feman&o;# "l %uracán F;C;E;) M+ico %43.;

Palacio) Die!o GarcQa &e;# Carta &elaci-n > &elaci-n ) 9orma ;N;A;M;)M+ico %43(;

Palerm) A; y -ol2) E;# Studies in human ecolog)M a series o0 lectures gi,en at the

Anthropological Societ) o0 6ashington) Pan American nion) De$; o2 Cul$uralA22airs) Social Science Sec$ion) -as"in!$on %4,0; Agricultura ) Ci,ili!aci-n en

esoam4rica S;E;P;) Diana) M+ico %436;

Parsons) Lee A;# /ilbao 'uatemala: An Archaeologic Stud) o0 the Paci0ic Coast

Cot!umalhuapa &egion) ' 5ols) Mil:au/ee %4.0#.4;

Pas<$ory) Es$"er;# iddle Classic esoamerica: AD BHH>EHH Columbiani5ersi$y Press) Ne: Yor/ %403; A!tec Art Ne: Yor/ %43(;

Pa$$erson) Ale+;# A 2iel& !ui&e $o &ock Art S)mbols o2 $"e Grea$er Sou$":es$;#

Ho"nson 7oo/s) 7oul&er) Co; %44';

Pen&er!as$) Da5i& M;# Palen#ue: The 6alker>Cadd) expedition to the Ancient a)a Cit)@F?G>@FBH ni5; o2 O/la"oma Press) Norman %4.0;

Pe$rie) Flin&ers;# Decorati,e Patterns o0 the Ancient 6orld 0or Cra0tsmen Do5er) Ne: Yor/ %40*;

Per/ins) Ho"n;# The 6orld 7s As 2ou Dream 7t: Shamanic Teachings 0rom the

Ama!on and Andes; Inner Tra&i$ions) Roc"es$er) 1ermon$; SA;

Poma &e Ayala) Guam=n F;# +ue,a Cr-nica ) /uen 'obierno Si!lo I)



M+ico %436;

Presco$$) -illiam 8;# The Con#uest o0 exico) Ne: Yor/ %3*(; %istor) o0 the

Con#uest o0 Peru ' 5ol;) P"illis) Samson Co;) 7os$on %3,01

Pros/ouria/o22) Ta$iana;# Classical a)a Sculpture) Carne!ie Ins$i$u$e o2-as"in!$on Pub ,4() %4,6; An Album o0 a)a Architecture ni5ersi$y o2

O/la"oma Press) %406; a)a histor)) ni5ersi$y o2 Te+as Press) Aus$in %44(;

$%istorical Data in the 7nscriptions o0 2axchilán Part 7$ Es$u&ios &e Cul$ura

MayaB () %*4#.0) %4.( $Part 77$ B *) %03#'6%) %4.*;

Purce) Hill;# The )stical Spiral T"ames an& 8u&son) Lon&on %40*;

Raynau&) Geor!es;# Le Popol Vuh H; Maisonneu5e) Paris %436;

Recinos) A&ri=n;# Popul ,uhM the sacred book o0 the ancient Iuiche a)a)ni5ersi$y o2 O/la"oma Press) Norman %4,6; emorial de Sololá an&B Anales

de los Cakchi#ueles INAE8) Gua$emala %436; Cr-nicas 7ndígenas de'uatemala Aca&emia &e Geo!ra2ia e 8is$oria) Gua$emala %43*;

Reic"el#Dolma$o22) Gerar&o;# The shaman and the ;aguar ) Temle ni5ersi$y

Press) P"ila&el"ia %40,1 Ama!onian cosmos) ni5ersi$y o2 C"ica!o Press)

C"ica!o %40%;

Reina) Ruben an& 8ill) Rober$ M; II;# The traditional potter) o0 'uatemala)

ni5ersi$y o2 Te+as Press %403;

Remesal) An$onio &e;# %istoria 'eneral de las 7ndias *ccidentales ) Particular

de la 'obernaci-n de Chiapas ) 'uatemala Socie&a& &e Geo!ra2Qa e 8is$oria)Gua$emala %4(';

Ro"&e) Teresa E;# $etodología para el "studio del Simbolismo &eligioso$ inB

Anales &e An$roolo!Qa) 1olumen I) M+ico %43';

Roys) Ral" L; >$rans;) e&;?;# &itual o0 the /acabs: About o0 a)a incantations)ni5ersi$y o2 O/la"oma Press %4.,; The /ook o0 Chilam /alam o0 Chuma)el

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Sa"a!n) 7ernar&ino &e;# The 9lorentine Codex: A 'eneral %istor) o0 the Things

o0 +e3 Spain Sc"ool o2 American Researc") N;M;) San$a Fe) an& ni5ersi$y o2$a") Sal$ La/e Ci$y) %4,6#%43'; No$es an& illus$ra$ions by Ar$"ur H;O; An&erson

an& C"arles E; Dibble;

Sc"mi&l) lrico;# Derrotero ) Via;e a "spa.a ) las 7ndias Aus$ral) 7uenos Aires



%4**;

Sc"ele) Lin&a an& Miller) Mary E;# The /lood o0 Oings: Dinast) and &itual in

a)a Art ; imbell Ar$ Museum) For$ -or$" %43.; Sc"ele) L; an& Frei&el)

Da5i&;# A 9orest o0 Oings: The 8ntold Stor) o0 the Ancient a)a) -; Morro:) N;Y; %446; Sc"ele) L; Frei&el) Da5i& an& Par/er) Hay;# a)a Cosmos: three

thousand )ears on the shaman$s path1 -ill Morro: an& Co;) N;Y; %44(; Sc"ele)

Lin&a an& Ma$"e:s) Pe$er;# The Code o0 Oings; Touc"s$one) Ne: Yor/ %444;

Seourn) Laure$$e;# /urning 6ater: Thought and &eligion in ancient exico)S"amb"ala) 7er/eley) Cali2; %40.; TeotihuacanM metropole de l$Ameri#ue F;

masero) Paris %4.4; "l Pensamiento +áhuatl Ci0rado por los Calendarios Si!lo

I) M+ico %43%; El 8ni,erso de Iuet!alcoatl F;C;E;) M+ico %4.'; AntiguasCulturas Precolombinas 8is$oria ni5ersal) Si!lo I) M+ico %43*;

Ar#ueología de Teotihuacán: La cerámica F;C;E;) M+ico %43*; Ar#ueología e

historia del Valle de 4xico: 7 Culhuacán) Si!lo I) M+ico %406; Ar#ueologíae historia del Valle de 4xico: De (ochimilco a Amecameca ) S; I) M+ico

%43(;

Sno&!rass) A&rian;# Architecture Time and "ternit)1 ' T; A&i$ya Pra/as"an) Ne:

Del"i %446;

Sous$elle) Hacues;# Arts o0 Ancient exico S$an2or& ni5ersi$y Press) Cali2;%4.0; Dail) Li0e among the A!tecs on the e,e o0 the Spanish Con#uest ) i&; %406;

The 9our Suns An&re Deu$sc") Lon&on %40%; La Pens4e Cosmologi#ue des

anciens mexicains) 8ermann) Paris %4*6; L$art du exi#ue ancien) Ar$"au&) Paris

%4..; L$8ni,erse des A!t#ues 8ermann) Paris %404;

Sence) Le:is;# The Ci,ili!ation o0 Ancient exico) Cambri&!e %4%';

Sin&en) 8erber$ H;# A Stud) o0 a)a Art Peabo&y Museum) Cambri&!e) Mass;

%4%(;

S$e"ens) Ho"n L;# 7ncidents o0 tra,el in Central America Chiapas and 2ucatan)Smi$"sonian Ins$i$u$ion Press) -as"in!$on %44(;

S$one) Doris;# The Archaeolog) o0 lo3er Central America) e&i$e& by Fre&eric/ -;

Lan!e an& Doris Z; S$one; ni5ersi$y o2 Ne: Me+ico Press) Albuuerue %43*;The Talamancan tribes o0 Costa &ica) Peabo&y Museum) Cambri&!e) Mass;%4.';

Teogonía e %istoria de los exicanos1> E&iciKn A; M; Garibay ;) Porra)

M+ico %4.,;

T"omson) H; Eric S;# a)a Archaeologist ) ni5ersi$y o2 O/la"oma Press)



Norman %4.(; The &aise and 9all o0 a)a Ci,ili!ation) Norman %4..; a)a

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P"ila&el"ia %40'; A Catalog o0 a)a %ierogl)phs) Norman %40.; a)a %ierogl)phic 6riting An 7ntroduction Norman %43,;

Toruema&a) Huan &e;# onar#uía 7ndiana Porra) M+ico %4.4;

To<<er) Al2re& M;# A a)a grammar ) Do5er Publica$ions) N; Y; %400; A

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Tyler) 8amil$on A;# Pueblo: 'ods and )thes) ni5; o2 O/la"oma Press)

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1aillan$) Geor!e C;# A!tecs o0 exico Pelican 7oo/) Pen!uin) 7al$imore %40,;

1aillan$) G; C; 8ay) Clarence L; Lin$on) Ral" L; Lo$"ro) Samuel ) an&S"airo) 8arry L;) The a)a and their +eighbors: "ssais o0 iddle American

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1ersluis) Ar$"ur;# Sacred "arth: The Spiritual Landscape o0 +ati,e America)

Inner Tra&i$ions) Roc"es$er) 1ermon$ SA; +ati,e American Traditions) Elemen$7oo/s) Lon!mea&) ;; %44(;

1illa Roas) Al2onso;# The a)as o0 2ucatanM a)as o0 the Lo3er Lands:

Chontales Choles ) OekchisM The T!eltales1 In 8an&boo/ o2 Mi&&le America

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1illol&o) Alber$o an& Hen&resen) Eri/;# Dance o0 the 9our 6inds: Secrets o0 the 7nca edicine 6heel ) Inner Tra&i$ions) Roc"es$er) 1ermon$ SA;

1o!$) E5on Z;# Tortillas 0or the gods: a s)mbolic anal)sis o0 inacanteco rituals

ni5ersi$y o2 O/la"oma Press) Norman %44(; The inacantecos o0 exicoM amodern a)a 3a) o0 li0e 8ol$) Rine"ar$ an& -ins$on) For$" -or$" %446;

inacantan: A a)a Communit) in the %ighlands o0 Chiapas) 7el/na Press o2

8ar5ar& ni5ersi$y Press) Cambri&!e %4.4;

1on 8a!en) 1Qc$or -;# The desert kingdoms o0 Peru) -ei&en2el& an& Nicolson)

Lon&on %4.,; Search 0or the a)a: the stor) o0 Stephens and Cather3ood ) Sa+on8ouse) Farnborou!" %40(;

-al/er) Hames R;# Lakota )th ni5ersi$y o2 Nebras/a Press) %43(;

-asson) Gor&on 8o22man) Alber$) an& Ruc/) Carl A; P; # The &oad to "leusis:

8n,eilling the Secret o0 the )steries) 8arcour$ 7race Ho5ano5ic") N;Y; %403;

The 6ondrous ushroom: )colatr) in esoamerica) McGra:#8ill) N;Y;



%436;

-a$ers) Fran/;# /ook o0 the %opi Pen!uin 7oo/s) Ne: Yor/ %400;

-es$"eim) Paul;# The art o0 ancient exico) Anc"or 7oo/s) Gar&en Ci$y) N;Y;%4.,; The sculpture o0 ancient exico) Double&ay) Gar&en Ci$y) N;Y; %4.(; -;P; an& o$"ers;# Prehispanic exican art ) Pu$nam) Ne: Yor/ %40';

-ilson) E5a;# +orth American 7ndian Designs 7ri$is" Museum) Lon&on %43*;

-is&om) C"arles;# The Chorti 7ndians o0 'uatemala) T"e ni5ersi$y o2 C"ica!o

Press %4*6; aterials on the Chorti language) ni5ersi$y o2 C"ica!o Library)

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-issler) C;# 7ndians o0 the 8nited States) Double&ay) %4..;

-ol2) Eric;# Sons o0 the Shaking "arth) T"e ni5ersi$y o2 C"ica!o) %4,4;

-oo&) Hose"ine an& &e Hon!" Osborne) Lilly;# 7ndian costumes o0 'uatemala

A/a&emisc"e Druc/ u; 1erla!sans$al$) Aus$riaB Gra<) %4..;

imne<) Francisco;# %istoria de la Pro,incia de Chiapa ) 'uatemala Socie&a&&e Geo!ra2Qa e 8is$oria) Gua$emala) %4'4 y ss; %istoria +atural del &eino de

'uatemala Socie&a& &e Geo!ra2Qa e 8is$oria) Gua$emala %4.,; Tesoro de las

Lenguas Cakchi#uel Iuich4 ) utuhil Gua$emala %43,;

Zin!!) Rober$ M;# &eport o0 the r1 and rs1 %enr) P0ei00er "xpedition 0or %uichol "thnograph): the %uichols primiti,e artists raus Rer; Co;) Mill:oo&)

N;Y; %400;

7I7LIOGRAFIA ITALIANARa cura di A1 SartoriJ

AA;11;) Antisu)u ultimo sogno 7nca "ri!!o 1ene<ia) %43';

AA;11; Cronis$i &elle In&ie; essico e centroamerica E&; Cisalino) Milano)

%43(;

AA;11;) 7l potere del mito in 9I ua&erni &i A5allon9) N; ',) E&; Il Cerc"io)

Rimini) %44%;

AA;11;) 8na proposta per il 0uturo: la Tradi!ione in 9I ua&erni &i A5allon9) N;

%6) E&; Il Cerc"io) Rimini) %446;



Alce Nero) La sacra pipa Rusconi) Milano) %434;

Amariu C;) L$8o,o) Collana I Simboli) E&i<ioni Me&i$erranee) Roma %44%;

Ar$au& An$onin) Al paese dei Tarahumara e altri scritti A&el"i) Milano) %434

7al&ucci E;) onte!uma scopre l$"uropa ECP) Firen<e) %44';

7eresnia/) D; e Ran&om M;) 7l Drago Collana I Simboli) E&i<ioni Me&i$erranee

%433;

7onne2oy I5es) Di!ionario delle mitologie e delle religioni) 7ur) %434;

7rasc"i En<o) 9 7l Popolo del grande Spirito1 La $ra&i<ione) la cul$ura e i ri$i

reli!iosi &e!li in&iani &America9) Mursia) %434;

7ro&y H;H;) Anasa!i Haca 7oo/) Milano) %446;

Ca$lin G;) Pellirossa usi costumi ,ita nella prateria degli indiani di AmericaRusconi) Milano) %44(;

Caso Al2onso) 7l popolo del sole Fel$rinelli) Milano) %43';

Cas$ane&a Carlos) A scuola dello stregone1 8na ,ia 2a#ui alla conoscen!a)

As$rolabio) %406;

Cas$ane&a Carlos) Viaggio a 7xtlán; As$rolabio) %40(;

Cas$ane&a Carlos) 7l secondo anello del potere) Ri<<oli) %446;

Cas$ane&a Carlos) 7l dono dell$A#uila Ri<<oli) %43,;

Cas$ane&a Carlos) 7l 0uoco dal pro0ondo) Ri<<oli) %43,;

Cas$ane&a Carlos) 7l potere del Silen!io) Ri<<oli) %433;

Cas$ane&a Carlos) L$isola del Tonal ) Ri<<oli) %43.;

C"e5alier H;# G"eerbran&$ A;) Di!ionario dei Simboli) 7ur) Milano) %43.;

DAnna Nuccio) &en4 'u4non e le 0orme della Tradi!ione Il Cerc"io) Rimini)%434;

De C"ameau+ Gerar& # S$er/+ Sbas$ien) 7 simboli del edio ",o Haca 7oo/)



%43%;

De An!elo Haime) 7ndiani in tuta) A&el"i) %43(;

De An!elo Haime) &acconti indiani) A&el"i) %436;

De Molina &el Cu<co Cris$obal) 9a,ole leggende e riti degli 7ncas) a cura &i

Mario Pol_a) E&; E Cerc"io) Rimini >in s$ama?;

De Sa"a!n 7ernar&ino) Storia indiana della con#uista del essico) Sellerio)Palermo) %433;

Eas$man C";A;>O"iyesa?) L$anima del$indiano A&el"i) Milano) %433;

Elia&e Mircea) Lo sciamanismo e le tecniche dell$estasi E&i<ioni Me&i$erranee)

Roma) %433;

Elia&e Mircea) La nascita mistica1 &iti e simboli d$ini!ia!ione Morcelliana)7rescia) %433;

Elia&e Mircea) Trattato di storia delle religioni 7orin!"ieri) %40.;

Elia&e Mircea) La nostalgia delle origini Morcelliana) %436;

Elia&e Mircea) iti sogni misterU Rusconi) %43.;

Elia&e Mircea) 7l sacro e 7l pro0ano 7orin!"ieri) %40(;

Elia&e Mircea) 7mmagini e simboli1 Saggi sul simbolismo magico>religioso) aca7oo/) %44 %;

Elia&e Mircea) 7 riti del costruire Haca 7oo/) %446;

Elia&e Mircea) ito e realt 7orla) %43,

Elia&e Mircea) Storia delle idee e creden!e religiose >' 5oll;?) Sansoni)

%404#36Fioren$ino D;) L$America 7ndigena Popoli e societ prima dell$in,asione

europea Giun$i) Firen<e) %44%;

E5ola Hulius) 7l istero del 'raal E&i<ioni Me&i$erranee) Roma) %40';

E5ola Hulius) La Tradi!ione "rmetica E&i<ioni Me&i$erranee) Roma) %40%;

Fran/ L;) 'li Apache1 Storia di un popolo di guerrieri Rusconi) Milano) %434;



Fra<er H;) 7l ramo d$oro Sansoni) Milano) %406;

Fr&ric L;) 7l Loto Collana I Simboli) E&i<ioni Me&i$erranee) Roma) %44%;

Geronimo) La mia storia) Coll; &alla ar$e &e!li in&iani) Rusconi) Milano) %44(;

Gon<ale< Licon E;) Tremila anni di ci,ilt precolombiana: apotecbi e iktechi)

Haca 7oo/) Milano) %44%;

Girar& Ra2ael) =La /ibbia a)a=1 7l Popol Vuh: storia culturale di un popolo)Haca 7oo/) Milano) %40.;

Gunon Ren) Simboli della Scien!a Sacra A&el"i) Milano) %40,;

Gunon Ren) La crisi del mondo moderno E&i<ioni Me&i$erranee) Roma) %43*;

Gunon Ren) 9orme tradi!ionali e cicli cosmici E&i<ioni Me&i$erranee) Roma)

%430;

Gunon Ren) 7l simbolismo della croce Rusconi) %40(;

8aley H;L;) 'li Apache storia e cultura di un grande popolo Mursia) %433;

8amil$on C;8;) a cura &i) Sul sentiero di guerra) Fel$rinelli) Milano) %40';

8irsc" C1 L$Albero Collana I Simboli) E&i<ioni Me&i$erranee) Roma) %44%;

8y&e G;) +u,ola &ossa e il suo popolo) Rusconi) Milano) %446;

Hacuin P"ilie) Storia degli indiani d$America *scar Mon&a&ori) %433;

Laurenc"ic" Minelli L;) essico precolombiano Esculaio E&;) 7olo!na) %43(;

Laurenc"ic" Minelli L;) &eligione mesoamericana) Esculaio E&;) 7olo!na)

%436;

Laurenc"ic" Minelli L;) America precolombiana) Esculaio E&;) 7olo!na) %403;

Laurenc"ic" Minelli L;) Antichi tessuti peru,iani; Tecniche disegni simboli)

Elec$a) Milano) %43*;

Laurencic" Minelli L; a cura &i) 7 regni preincaici e il mondo inca) Haca 7oo/)

Milano) %44';

Laurencic" Minelli L; a cura &i) Codice Cospi; Calendario e rituali



precolombiani) Haca 7oo/) Milano) %44';

Le Cl<io H;M;G;) 7l sogno messicano1 7 miti gli di gli eroi di una ci,ilt

perduta) Serra e Ri5a) %446;

LeKn Por$illa Mi!uel) 7l ro,escio della Con#uista A&el"i) Milano) %430;

Lo:ie R;8;) 'li indiani delle pianure Oscar Mon&a&ori) Milano) %44(;

Lucena M;) Come ,i,e,ano gli a!techi) Fenice '666) Milano) %44(;

Ma"n#Lo$ Marianne) /artolomeo de las Casas e i diritti degli indiani) Haca 7oo/)

Milano) %43,;

Marc"e$$i Gio5anni) 9orma 8rbana e ordine cosmico # in 9Gran 7a<ar9) N; .4)

I&ea e re2i!ura<ione) a!os$ose$$embre 34) Milano;

Ma$os E; Moc$e<uma) A!techi Haca 7oo/) Milano) %434;

Ma$os E; Moc$e<uma) Teotihuacan1 La metropoli degli di Naca 7oo/) Milano)

%446;

Ma<<oleni G;) 7 bu00oni sacri d$America E&; 7ul<oni) %446;

Me&rano A; # Sc"5an F; L$a#uila e il cor,o nel mondo degli uomini rossi)E&i<ioni &i A;R) Parma) %404;

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