The Aztec people, a flourishing pre-Columbian civilization, left a rich cultural legacy, at the heart of which was astrology. This article explores the profound integration of astrology into the daily lives of the Aztecs, revealing how the stars and planets guided their actions from agriculture to political decision-making.

Introduction

Foundations of Aztec astrology

Astrology was a central element of Aztec culture and religion , with roots extending long before their civilization, drawing from the traditions of neighboring cultures such as the Maya and Teotihuacan. The Aztec codexes and various archaeological artefacts provide valuable insight into this ancient astrological knowledge.

Cosmic structure and Aztec myths

For the Aztecs, the cosmos was a living space, populated by deities and by energies. They attributed sacred powers to the stars, whose myths of creation and destruction were closely linked to them, weaving a cosmic narrative into the fabric of life and existence.

Aztec calendar and astrological cycles

The Aztecs used two main types of calendar - the Xiuhpohualli for the agricultural cycle and the Tonalpohualli for the ritual days. Each period was associated with deities and had its own celebrations and rituals. The Venus cycles were particularly important for religious and war rituals.

Astrology and everyday Aztec life

Astrology governed the Aztecs' daily activities, from their cultivation methods to family rituals such as births and weddings. It also influenced war strategies and political alliances, a sign of its predominant role in Aztec society.

Astronomer-priests: guardians of celestial knowledge

Astronomer-priests were respected figures, possessing knowledge of celestial movements and capable of predicting astrological events. They manned observatories, handled advanced astronomical instruments and conducted ceremonies according to the alignment of the stars.

The legacy of Aztec astrology

Despite the Spanish conquest, Aztec astrology continues to intrigue and inspire. Modern researchers are endeavouring to decipher its complexity, while certain elements of this ancestral tradition remain present in today's astrological practices.

Conclusion

Aztec astrology was a science, a religion and a way of life entangled, its echoes still being felt in our contemporary fascination with the mysteries of the heavens. The study of this complex system provides clues to the universality of the human quest to understand and find meaning in the movements of the stars and planets.

References

The production of this article draws on a variety of scholarly sources, ranging from academic works to specialized articles and websites dedicated to archaeoastronomy and the history of pre-Columbian civilizations.