Lecture Notes: Understanding the Tonal Mashot (Aztec Calendar)

Introduction

• Speaker: Masatzin
• Purpose: To share insights about the Tonal Mashot, known as the Aztec calendar.
• Background: Masatzin is a traditional name, meaning a messenger of peace, given by an elder about 13 years ago.

Gratitude and Acknowledgements

• Spiritual Acknowledgements:
  • Thanking ancestral energies, Ometeot (cosmic laws), and the four life elements:
    • Earth, Wind, Fire, Water
  • Four generators of life: Quetzalcoatl, Tz'kalipoca, Huitzilopochtli, Ch'ipe Tohtek

The Tonal Mashot

• Description:
  • Ancient Mexica chronological system, said to be the most precise calendar.
  • Focus on understanding how it works and its relevance today.
• Research:
  • 13 years of work exploring day names and 20-day periods.
  • Calendar viewed as a living system measuring time and space.
• Current Application:
  • Daily use and integration into school curriculums.
  • Aiming to provide scientific evidence of its benefits.

Personal Connection

• Cosmic Identity:
  • Personal understanding of mission and characteristics through the calendar.
  • Identity linked to the day of birth, transcending physical and racial identities.
• Responsibility:
  • Urgency in spreading the message of cosmic identity globally.
  • Emphasis on universality beyond cultural or national identity.

Educational and Cultural Impact

• Collaboration:
  • Partnership with elders, tradition keepers, and academics.
• Upcoming Publication:
  • Book detailing 13 years of study on calendar usage and meaning.
• Educational Goals:
  • Implementing calendar teachings from elementary to university levels.
  • Hopes to present work scientifically to educational boards.

Misinterpretations and Clarifications

• Face on the Calendar:
  • Common misconception as the sun god needing human sacrifice.
  • Correct interpretation: face of the earth (Tlaltecuhtli), symbolizing life through the four elements.
• Oling (Movement):
  • Symbolically representing the four elements (Earth, Wind, Fire, Water).
• Scientific Context:
  • Focus on respecting nature for survival.

Calendar Structure

• Days and Cycles:
  • 20-day cycle starting from Sipakli (Crocodile) to Chochin (Flower).
• Venus and Lunar Cycles:
  • Venus symbolized by 5 squares, representing 5 movements around the Sun.
  • 13 symbols for lunar cycles within a year.
• Sun's Hidden Location:
  • Sun represented in the beak of an eagle in the calendar.
  • Symbolic connection to a significant astronomical event on July 26.

Conclusion

• Cultural Relevance:
  • The calendar as a universal concept beyond borders.
  • Rediscovering and sharing ancestral wisdom with responsibility.
• Final Thoughts:
  • Aim to unite people through shared cosmic identity and respect for natural elements.