Zoo

You walk down the path outside the main temple to the zoo, where each animal has an enclosure with plenty of space and enrichment.

Obsidian Cross says: Animal symbolism is a common one, so while you watch them do their thing, how about you read the plaques in front of the enclosures for information on why exactly they're here.

Tezcatlipoca's Animals

Jaguars: The most well known animal form of Tezcatlipoca, its status as a kingly animal reflects his own associations with kingship. The spots on the fur of a jaguar also give it associations with the night sky and stars. Tezcatlipoca's jaguar aspect is Tepeyollotl.

Turkeys: An animal with both princely and less kind associations. Tezcatlipoca's turkey aspect is Chalchiuhtotolin.

Coyotes: Huehhuecoyotl, Old Coyote, is another aspect of Tezcatlipoca identified through their coyote association. Coyotes do not have a positive image, as seen in how Huehhuecoyotl is linked to sexual misconduct. Chroniclers assimilated Huehhuecoyotl with the Biblical Adam.

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. You are here.
• -Gaze at the celestial bodies of Tezcatlipoca in our Observatory.

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.