Mythology of the Mexica

 

Myths, Gods and Rituals of Aztec Mythology

 by Matthew Torres

Because European invaders destroyed indigenous houses of worship and burned their codices, much of Aztec lore has been lost to history. Today, we are left to reconstruct what remains. In Myths, Gods and Rituals of Aztec Mythology, Matthew Torres does exactly that, beautifully reconstructing these ancient myths in alignment with the true spirit of Mexica spirituality to make history both accessible and entertaining.

First, let us set the record straight: the "Aztecs" never actually called themselves by that name. They were the Mexica (pronounced Meh-shee-ka), a Nahuatl-speaking people whose origins lie in the mythical, undiscovered land of Aztlan [1]. Once nomadic wanderers, their journey ended when they witnessed a divine prophecy: an eagle perched on a cactus, devouring a snake. On that exact spot, they founded their magnificent capital, Tenochtitlan [2]. Today, modern Mexico bears their name, and this sacred foundational emblem is proudly displayed on the Mexican flag.

When Spanish conquistadors arrived in Central America, they decimated native villages through military conquest and the introduction of devastating European diseases [3]. While a popular myth suggests the Mexica viewed these pale newcomers as gods, reality tells a different story. In truth, the Europeans smelled so poorly from months of travel without bathing that the hygienic Mexica—who bathed daily—had to douse them with incense and perfume to endure their presence.

Eurocentric history often paints the Mexica as savage barbarians, yet they built an incredibly sophisticated civilization featuring lavish architecture and masterful gold craftsmanship. The Spanish ultimately destroyed this vibrant empire, igniting a war based on a fabricated rumor of an assassination plot against Hernán Cortés [4]. Upon the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the invaders constructed modern Mexico City [2].

Furthermore, the text accurately challenges the sensationalized numbers regarding Mexica human sacrifice. While the practice did exist, claims that they sacrificed 80,000 people in a single week are wildly exaggerated; a timeline of 1,000 over a month is far more historically plausible. Ironically, European societies of the same era routinely practiced their own brutal forms of public execution and sacrifice.

Overall, Torres has delivered an excellent, highly enjoyable book. While I have summarized the historical context here, you will have to dive into the book yourself to fully experience the rich mythology he uncovers.

Bird's Eye View of Witchcraft

 

Witches Among Us

By Thorn Mooney

Witchcraft is currently experiencing a massive surge in mainstream popularity, transforming from a hidden subculture into a highly visible movement. In Witches Among Us: Understanding Contemporary Witchcraft and Wicca, author Thorn Mooney pulls back the curtain on this often-misunderstood spiritual landscape. This book is not designed as a practical how-to guide for novice practitioners seeking spells or rituals. Instead, it serves as an accessible introduction for curious observers, families of practitioners, or professionals encountering the craft in their work. Leveraging her unique dual perspective as both a religious studies scholar and a longtime practitioner, Mooney frames witchcraft as an individual spirituality and a practical tool for self-improvement. By explicitly contrasting its decentralized structure against organized, hierarchical religions governed by popes, rabbis, or priests, she delivers a comprehensive and engaging primer that avoids overly dense theological jargon.

The foundational chapters of the book establish definitions and map out the diverse lineages within the modern movement. In the opening chapter, Mooney defines the modern archetype of the witch and explores how practitioners view their own craft. She places a heavy emphasis on personal autonomy, demonstrating how contemporary witches customize their spiritual paths to fit their individual needs. The second chapter deepens this exploration by categorizing major traditions and drawing a clear line between Wicca and broader witchcraft. Here, the text outlines the core tenets of Wicca—a religion founded by Gerald Gardner—including the Wiccan Rede and the Three-Fold Law. Beyond the well-known Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccan branches, Mooney introduces readers to non-Wiccan paths such as Feri, Luciferian, and Traditional British witchcraft, while tracing their historical debts to movements like Theosophy, Spiritualism, and Ceremonial Magic.

In addition to defining these paths, the book demystifies the actual practices, tools, and spiritual interactions that define a witch's daily life. Mooney details the seasonal celebrations tied to the lunar cycle, equinoxes, and solstices, focusing heavily on major holidays like Samhain and Beltane. She clarifies that modern spellwork is often directed at practical, real-world goals like love or prosperity, and is frequently paired with divination techniques involving Tarot cards, pendulums, and Ouija boards. To execute these practices, witches utilize specific ritual objects—such as athames, wands, chalices, and incense—to channel their internal power. This power is often used to interact with various spiritual forces, ranging from ancient pantheons and nature spirits to familial or lineage ancestors.

Finally, Mooney tracks the profound structural evolution of the witchcraft community from its mid-twentieth-century roots to the digital age. Historically, entry into the craft was gatekept by exclusive, secretive covens that required formal, in-person initiation. The modern landscape, however, has shifted toward a highly solitary and accessible model. Today's seekers regularly learn and practice independently, utilizing books, online creators, and public festivals to build their faith. Ultimately, Witches Among Us stands as an exceptional, objective, and thoughtful survey of contemporary witchcraft. By balancing scholarly objectivity with insider empathy, Mooney has crafted a foundational resource that is highly recommended for anyone wanting to better understand the modern practitioners in their life

 

The Reptilian Matrix

 

                                         

The Trap

By David Icke

"The idea that we are living in a simulation is no longer just the realm of science fiction; it is the core of David Icke’s 'Matrix' theory. Icke’s journey to these radical conclusions began with a modest upbringing and a career in sports broadcasting that was cut short by injury. His subsequent foray into politics on the Isle of Man exposed him to what he describes as the 'dirty' reality of global power structures. He proposes that humanity is being manipulated by a 'cult' of ancient bloodlines acting on behalf of an interdimensional reptilian force.

While these claims are easily dismissed by many, Icke grounds his arguments in established spiritual and historical doctrines. He draws parallels to the Buddhist concept of Maya (the world as an illusion) and the Gnostic Nag Hammadi texts, which describe an 'archontic' world created by a false god, Yaldabaoth. In this view, our physical reality is a poor copy of a higher dimension, and our souls are trapped in a material cage.

Like the battery-slaves in The Matrix, Icke suggests we are 'energy sources' for these entities, who feed off human fear. He posits that our three-dimensional world is essentially a virtual reality game where our bodies act as avatars. In truth, we are not our physical identities, but 'Infinite Consciousness' having a temporary human experience. Icke argues that by conditioning humanity to rely solely on five senses, the 'sim' keeps us disconnected from our true, multi-dimensional nature.

Icke also applies this lens to modern events, viewing COVID-19 and 'woke' culture as tools of control designed to suppress free speech and physical health. While much of his commentary on the 'sim' is compelling, a lingering question remains: if Icke truly understands the mechanics of the illusion, has he himself found a way to transcend it?"

Aliens and Angels

 Aliens, Angels, and Demons: Extraterrestrial Life in Judaism and Kabbalah and Its Vital Relevance for Modern Times

By Rabbi Ariel B. Tzadok 

Ancient Torah and biblical stories describe beings descending from the skies or other realms. Were they angels or demons, as religious traditions claim, or extraterrestrials, as scientists might interpret them? Could they actually be the same?

The Bible often blurs these lines. Accounts of angelic visitations could easily describe UFOs or alien encounters. The Torah appears to affirm extraterrestrial life—“from outside this world”—and angels and demons clearly fit that category. Rabbinic and Kabbalistic sources speculate that life exists on other planets, though with less free will than humans, and some suggest aliens have visited Earth in the past.

Kabbalah teaches that God created and destroyed several worlds before ours. We live in the final of seven cosmic cycles, the stage where humanity must “get it right.” Remnants of those earlier worlds may survive—perhaps underground or in the skies.

The Bible offers symbolic hints of prior beings, such as the “ten kings of Edom.” Even the Tower of Babel raises questions. Why destroy it if heaven isn’t in outer space? Some interpretations suggest it was a technological project, possibly opposed by extraterrestrial entities, or an attempt to confront God after the Flood.

Angels serve as God’s messengers. Rabbinic tradition describes ten species, some semi-physical and able to eat and drink (as when visiting Abraham), others purely elemental. Each person and nation has a guardian angel. Wars on Earth often reflect heavenly battles between national angels, who guide humanity through challenges toward moral growth. To visit Earth, these beings may need temporary bodies, much like in the movie Avatar. Communication might occur through telepathy.

The author emphasizes that angels and demons are better understood as ultraterrestrials—beings from other dimensions who can enter our reality at will—rather than extraterrestrials from distant planets.

Demons, according to the book, were partially created during the first six days but left incomplete at the Sabbath. They envy humans and sometimes mate with them, producing hybrids. Some link demons to fallen “Watchers” who took physical form and fathered the giant Nephilim; when the giants died, their spirits became demons.

Rabbi Ariel Sadok’s book reveals that the Torah and Kabbalah not only allow for but directly address angels, demons, and extraterrestrial life. I was surprised and excited to discover how these ancient texts engage with such modern questions. It makes the existence of such beings highly plausible within a traditional Jewish framework.

This thought-provoking work bridges ancient mysticism with contemporary debates about life beyond Earth, offering fresh insights for anyone interested in faith, spirituality, and the unknown.

American Cryptids

The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters 

by J.W. Ocker.

Cryptids are the mysterious creatures that populate legends and folklore—animals that many people claim to have seen and even photographed, yet science has not verified their existence. They exist mostly in the realm of myth and mystery, blending eyewitness accounts with cultural storytelling.

In The United States of Cryptids, author J.W. Ocker takes readers on a fascinating cross-country tour of American monster lore. The book covers a wide gamut of creatures: aquatic lake monsters, reptilian humanoids, massive megafauna, canine beasts, Bigfoot variants, spaceship-shaped oddities, and glowing lights in the sky. They come in all shapes and sizes, from towering ape-like figures to tiny hidden builders.

Ocker organizes the book geographically, dividing the country into regions for an easy-to-follow journey. It begins in the Northeast, moves to the South, then the Midwest, and finally the West, before wrapping up with an epilogue that reflects on how communities embrace (and profit from) their local legends.

Here are a few standout creatures from each region:

•  In the Northeast, one of North America’s most famous lake monsters is Champ (or Champy), said to inhabit the deep waters of Lake Champlain—a 125-mile-long freshwater lake stretching across New York, Vermont, and into Quebec, Canada. Often compared to Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster (Nessie), Champ is described as a long-necked, serpentine creature with humps along its back. Sightings date back centuries, including a famous 1977 photograph, and the legend has become a beloved regional icon with statues, festivals, and even protective “laws” in some areas.

•  In the South, the swamps and marshes hide several eerie beings. The Skunk Ape (sometimes called Florida’s Bigfoot) is a hairy, bipedal creature standing about 6–8 feet tall—slightly shorter and lighter than classic Pacific Northwest Bigfoot. It roams the remote Everglades and other wetlands, earning its name from the foul, skunk-like odor it reportedly leaves behind. Another notorious southern cryptid is the Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp in South Carolina. In 1988, a 17-year-old named Christopher Davis had a terrifying encounter after his car broke down near the swamp: a green, scaly, red-eyed humanoid reportedly chased him and climbed onto his vehicle. Several more sightings followed that summer before reports tapered off, but the story still draws attention (and tourism) to Bishopville.

•  The Midwest features dramatic aerial and canine threats. The Piasa Bird (from Illinois Native American lore) is a massive, winged creature resembling a Thunderbird or prehistoric pterosaur, often depicted with horns, scales, and a taste for devouring humans or large animals. Then there’s the Dogman—a bipedal, humanoid canine said to be aggressive and terrifying. Reports come from the Midwest heartland as well as the Appalachian Mountains. Closely related is the Beast of Bray Road in Wisconsin, a wolf-like creature (sometimes described as a werewolf) known for stalking rural roads, chasing cars, and appearing on a specific stretch of Bray Road near Elkhorn. Witnesses describe it as 6–7 feet tall with glowing eyes and a muscular, fur-covered body that can walk on two or four legs.

•  In the West, Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch) reigns supreme, with frequent sightings across Washington, Oregon, and California. Variations include the Batsquatch—a flying, bat-winged version of the creature with blue or purple fur and leathery wings. The region also hosts the Skinwalker, a malevolent Navajo witch from Southwest lore who gains evil powers (often by harming family members) and shapeshifts into animals to sow chaos. Farther out in Hawaii, fairy-like Menehune—small people standing about 2–4 feet tall—are said to have built impressive stone structures and engineering works before modern settlers arrived. They’re described as shy, mostly invisible beings who prefer to stay hidden from humans.

Overall, Ocker’s book is more than just a catalog of monsters—it’s a fun, well-researched travelogue that explores how these legends shape local identity, tourism, and culture across all 50 states. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, it’s an entertaining read that makes you want to hit the road and keep an eye out for the unexplained.

Yael Barekat: The Unsung Hero Behind Israel’s Pager Operation Against Hezbollah

 

One Step Ahead

By Ethan Harel

If there is one name that deserves to be remembered whenever Israel’s audacious pager operation against Hezbollah is discussed, it is Yael Barekat. This brilliant, tenacious young Mossad agent didn’t just participate in the mission—she conceived it, fought for it, and ultimately drove it to success. Her vision and unwavering determination may well have saved the small nation of Israel at a critical moment.

Two years before the horrors of October 7, 2023, Yael and her Mossad colleagues were deeply embedded inside Hezbollah’s organization. They had infiltrated its communications so thoroughly that they could monitor almost every modern device the group used. Then came the pivotal moment: while listening in, Yael overheard Sammy—one of Hassan Nasrallah’s most trusted confidants—discussing the urgent need to switch to primitive, low-tech devices. Hezbollah wanted something the Israelis could not hack or trace. Yael instantly understood the danger. If Hezbollah went dark, Israel would be left blind and deaf to the plans of Iran’s most lethal proxy. That single conversation planted the seed for one of the most creative and daring operations in Mossad history.

When Yael first proposed selling Hezbollah thousands of booby-trapped pagers, she faced fierce resistance. Her superior officer—ironically also her former lover—dismissed the idea. Senior IDF commanders ridiculed it. Yet she refused to back down. She persisted, argued, and refused to let the concept die. Eventually, her passion and logic prevailed.

The operation’s success hinged on exploiting a key weakness: George, a Hezbollah procurement contact who had a well-known fondness for sharp, beautiful businesswomen. Mossad deployed agent Shira to befriend him. Weeks of carefully orchestrated dinners, charm, and persuasion followed. In the end, Shira secured the order—4,000 pagers.

The book takes readers deep into the high-stakes world of building and delivering these devices. Multiple times the entire deal nearly collapsed. Mossad agents were forced to slip into Beirut twice: once to reassure George and Sammy that everything was legitimate, and again to bypass a security firewall after Hezbollah grew suspicious that the pagers had been rigged. The tension is palpable on every page.

In the end, we all know what happened. On September 17, 2024, thousands of pagers exploded across Lebanon, decapitating Hezbollah’s command structure in one devastating blow. Another spectacularly successful Israeli operation—one that might never have occurred without the courage and persistence of a single young woman named Yael Barekat.

This is more than just a spy thriller; it is the remarkable true story of how one agent’s refusal to accept “no” changed the course of a war. Highly recommended.

The Beast within: The San Soo Predator

 

Predator Training – The Inner Beast of San Soo

By Master Greg Jones

Ask yourself: Are you predator or prey? In a real fight—will you stand your ground, or crumble in fear? This book isn’t just about punches; it’s about mindset.

In the wild, predators hunt and prey gets eaten. We humans flip between roles—next to a lion, we’re lunch; next to a rabbit, we’re king. But in everyday life? It’s all mental. Society doesn’t care about claws or fangs—only who acts like they’re on top.

The predator mindset means you never back down. You watch your opponent like a lion sizing up dinner. Most people carry a prey vibe: shaky confidence, eyes down, easy pickings. But real strength? It shows. It scares off trouble before it starts.

Predator Training shows you how to flip that switch—how to tap into the inner beast. It covers San Soo moves for multiple attackers, ambushes, night fights, and more (I’m probably forgetting a few). The explanations are clear, deep, and backed by killer photos that actually help you get it.

If you’re serious about San Soo—or just want to stop feeling like prey—this book’s gold. Read it. Train it. Own it.