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