During the Spanish colonization, Mayan civilization and mythology declined, and the Spanish invaders, who considered the Mayans “uncivilized” and “savage,” were almost wiped out from the regions of Central America, almost completely eradicating the Mayan legacy. However, the indigenous natives left behind a powerful Mayan symbolism of their unique and little-known culture, which survived the destruction wrought by their conquerors.
2. Nights
In Mayan culture, night was represented as a symbol of balance and rest with the ultimate goal of inner peace. It personifies rest and forgetfulness of the problems of daily life until the spirit is ready to face adversity and be resolved.
Night appeared in Mayan symbolism because it represented the need to rest so that the inner spirit could work peacefully while sleeping soundly. The Mayans thought of this symbol as a reminder that it would help them overcome their problems.
3. The Sun
The sun is a highly figurative symbol in many ancient cultures and religions, and this is also reflected in Mayan symbolism; it is an emblem of consciousness, enlightenment, and absolute power. In Mayan culture, the sun was the symbol of life itself and symbolized the warming of our ideas and the creation of humanity.
4. The Jaguar
The jaguar was one of the most emblematic Mayan symbols within indigenous culture, personifying power and government. The myth of the jaguar god symbol tells that he ruled the Mayan metropolis at night, and during the day he entered the heavens and watched over his subjects. The jaguar was the protector of the cosmic forces of the heavens that guided the Mayan people, and it also had a meaning of leadership and trust.
5. The eagle
In Mayan symbolism, the eagle represented contemplative thoughts and mental clarity on a subject of concern to the priest or leader of the people. The Mayans believed that if the symbol of the eagle was meditated upon deeply, the bearer could even acquire strong telepathic powers and other ancient powers related to the mind.
6. The bat
In Mayan culture, the bat represented the underworld. It was worshipped as a powerful symbol of protection against enemies and dominion over darkness. The ancient Mayans saw good and evil in a complete light, rather than a light separate from eternal darkness. So the bat was worshipped as a symbol of both good and evil.
Normally, whoever possessed this Aztec symbol was considered to be someone who would carry out the projects presented to them, even if it was not their strong suit. This is why it is essential that the bearer of this emblem cooperate with others in order to achieve productive results.
Aztec natives with the caiman symbol represented a humanitarian side with strong nurturing and productive energy. They care about their descendants and can work hard to provide security for their family and friends. They were also careful not to be overly protective or domineering in order to characterize the caiman emblem.
2. The wind (Ehecalt) in Aztec symbolism
The wind is one of the Aztec symbols that has a meaning of knowledge and how to overcome obstacles. After a storm always ends, calming down, flexibility gives agility. The symbol of the wind refers to the spirit and breath. It is one of the most clearly spiritual emblems of the day, sometimes even ethereal. It often needs a stable seat. The wind is an Aztec sign and, as such, has a certain quality of randomness.
The Wind personifies the ability to communicate, sow good words, and great ideas. Aztecs who bore this symbol were often dreamers with a strong imagination, excellent teachers, good speakers, and gave spiritual inspiration “to all winds” like the wind itself. These people were very flexible.
This Aztec symbolism had a religious meaning that warned the people to be careful or they would be destructive to themselves and others when they showed condescension. Their main deity is the god Quetzalcoatl.
3. Night / The House (Calli) / Home (Akbar).
This Aztec symbol signified the sign of the day and can be called Home, House, or Night. It is said that there is a certain feminine sweetness in people who embody and worship this Aztec symbolism. The meaning of Home and House also implies the protection of these places and the family, and the duty to ward off the powers of the night.
Bearers of this symbol in the Aztec religion can become shamans thanks to their knowledge of the darkest areas of the human mind. They can help dispel uncertainties and doubts born of darkness or the subconscious.
Aztecs who have become shamans can find new solutions and artistic inspiration through their knowledge of the emptiness of the night. This symbol personified the deity Tepeyolohti.
4. Seeds and the lizard in Aztec symbolism
This Aztec symbolism represents sensuality and sensualism, which are the specific characteristics of this Aztec symbol, sometimes also translated as Rets or Seed. All these connotations contribute to its meaning. It is a symbol of the south, and this solar emblem contributes to its sensual, balanced, and calm style.
The lizard was considered the sign that controlled the sexual energy of the body according to the Aztecs. As the creator of a natural network, the seed symbol also personifies the effort to free oneself and others from the oppressive tendencies of the past.
It is this Aztec symbolism that gives it a sense of similarity to fertility, planting new seeds, or being at one with oneself. To create true prosperity, the faithful must learn to appreciate all the gifts they receive and carry out deep internal scrutiny. The deity of this symbol is Huehuecóyotl.
5. The Serpent (Coátl) or (Chicchan)
As in so many other Aztec symbols, the Serpent represents magical powers. This means that it can be a very spiritual symbol but one endowed with powers that can easily be abused. It is an emblem of intelligence and new energies.
The Aztec symbolism of the Serpent has another meaning as the sincere desire to serve others, to want to open hearts, and to have authority. Snakes are very flexible, even fluid, until they are trapped in a corner, where they can explode. The deity is Chalchiúhtlicue.
6. Death in Aztec Symbolism (Miquiztli)
In traditional Aztec symbolism, death was considered the luckiest day in ancient sources. However, it can also represent healing and calmly guiding others through life’s transformations through spiritual strength.
This symbol represents support for pregnant women and guidance in the transition to motherhood; it also means achieving lasting personal transformations at key periods in life. In Aztec civilization, life was generated by death, and contact with ancestors served to activate inherent mental abilities. The deities of this symbol are the god Tecciztecatl and the god Meztli.
7. The deer (Manik) and (Mázatl)
The deer is one of the truly spiritual Aztec symbols of the day, but it would be wrong to identify it with a shy and gentle deer. The truth is that this emblem is related to powerful male deer.
They are even depicted as a symbol of peace, well-being for others, and respect for the spirituality present in all. This emblem characterizes the desire for domination. The ruling planet of this Aztec symbol is the Moon, and its deity is Tláloc.
8. The Rabbit (Tochtli) (Lamat).
This symbol represents the energy of the Rabbit, which is growth and the attraction of “pure luck.” This emblem is also associated with the fertility of rabbits because of their ability to multiply things, and in general, it is a symbol of the day of growth. On the other hand, it is believed to be related to money or the “green hand.”
However, the Aztec symbolism of this emblem is the natural tendency of the Rabbit to be attracted to harmony and ease, which can become an obligation for the Rabbit symbol to cause generosity.
9. Star (lamate) / Water (Atl) Moon (lumuc)
Water is a difficult Aztec symbol. This emblem expresses scarcity, fertility, and need. It has the energy of the East, which intensifies and is difficult to contain, symbolizing strong emotions. The Aztecs used this symbol to express emotions that flowed in all directions without control.
This means that it not only personified spontaneity but also the duality of feelings. Another characteristic of this symbol is the evocation of strong sexual feelings and violence in those who come into contact with it. The divinity of this Aztec symbol is the god Xiuhtecuhtli.
10. The dog in Aztec symbolism (Itzcuintli).
The dog is loyal, enduring, and has a good heart. In Aztec symbolism, the dog represents sensuality, cunning, and courage. Another meaning is that, like this animal, it represents justice, fidelity, and the achievement of great things. Dogs like to be part of teams and often seek leaders.
Among the Aztecs, the dog is considered a strongly sexual sign and, paradoxically, despite its spiritual loyalty, it is considered to be inclined toward sexual adventures. Dogs are ambitious and jump at opportunities that come their way, even in the form of infidelity.
