Attributes
Mictlantecuhtli is a deity revered in Aztec mythology as the lord of the underworld, Mictlan. He is considered the guardian of the dead and the guide of departed souls to their final destination. Mictlantecuhtli is often invoked during funeral rites and ceremonies honoring ancestors.
Correspondence table
| Stones | Obsidian, Amethyst |
| Planets | Pluto (for its association with death, transformation, and passage) |
| Day | Tuesday (day associated with Pluto in some traditions) |
| Related deities | Aztecs (deities associated in Aztec mythology) |
| Creatures | Snake (animal associated with knowledge, wisdom, and death) |
| Plants | Chrysanthemum (plant associated with death and mourning), Belladonna (plant associated with magic and protection) |
| Signs | Scorpio (for its association with Pluto, transformation, and depth) |
| Direction | South (associated with death, rebirth, and passage) |
| Sabbaths | Not applicable |
| Element | Earth (associated with stability, fertility, and the life cycle) |
Symbols and appearances
Mictlantecuhtli is generally depicted as a frightening skeleton, sometimes wearing a headdress adorned with snakes and holding a scepter shaped like a tibia, symbols of his authority over the underworld. He is associated with the color black, representing the darkness and mystery of the subterranean world.
Myths
In Aztec mythology, Mictlantecuhtli is often associated with stories of creation and death. He is revered for his role in creating humanity from the bones of ancient gods, as well as for his ability to welcome the souls of the deceased into the underworld. Mictlantecuhtli is also linked to stories of human sacrifice, sometimes honored with blood offerings to ensure the souls' passage to the afterlife.
Spiritual message
The spiritual message of Mictlantecuhtli highlights the importance of recognizing death as an integral part of the life cycle. He teaches the importance of respecting and honoring ancestors, as well as the necessity of accepting the end of each existence as a step toward spiritual renewal. Mictlantecuhtli also reminds us of the importance of transformation and regeneration, encouraging people to embrace the inevitable changes of life.
