Observatory

It is dark inside the observatory, a black round space with a large telescope in the center, commanding the presence of the room like the sun commands the planets.

Obsidian Cross says: Look up to the stars and you will see the divine. Why don't you take a look and gaze yourself.

Celestial bodies associated with Tezcatlipoca

The Sun: In the creation myth Tezcatlipoca was the first sun. Yet this appears to have been something that only was, not a part of Tezcatlipoca worship but mere backstory.

The Moon: He is connected to it through his association with the day 1 Death as the moon holds an association with death and bones.

Ursa Major and Ursa Minor: To the Aztecs, Ursa Major was a jaguar, specifically Tezcatlipoca, with Ursa Minor as his severed foot.

Venus: Not only is Tezcatlipoca identified with Venus, possibly considered a vanquished sun (which is why it's also Quetzalcoatl) he's also someone who was attacked by it, existing on both sides of the assault.

Jupiter: While not as deep as his Maya counterpart, there is archeological evidence of Tezcatlipoca being associated with Jupiter and its retrograde movements especially.

Site Navigation

Temple Grounds

• -Return to the Entrance to review basic site info.
• -Tour the Zoo to see all the animals linked to Tezcatlipoca, there's much more than just jaguars.
• -Gaze at the celestial bodies of Tezcatlipoca in our Observatory. You are here.

First Floor

• -Stop by the Museum to learn about the physical objects related to Tezcatlipoca, and how John Dee of all people is connected to him.
• -Visit the Library for books and links to learn more about Tezcatlipoca. This is also where the website's sources are listed.

Second Floor

• -Our Art Studio will show you the iconography associated with Tezcatlipoca in art and how flexible his depictions could be.
• -To see Tezcatlipoca in non-Aztec contexts, including post-conquest ones, you can visit the Embassy.

Third Floor

• -In the Hall of Mirrors you will see Tezcatlipoca's various other names and aspects not covered by other parts of the temple (he has a lot).
• -The Hall of Feathers is where you can see the connections Tezcatlipoca has to other deities, especially Quetzalcoatl.

Fourth Floor

• -At the Throne Room you can read about the roles Tezcatlipoca played at each level of society.
• -Looking at the Webmaster's Room will tell you more about the person behind this website.

The Top

• -Read about historical rituals and modern honoring of Tezcatlipoca at the Altar.