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Description
Watercolour and ink

First upload in a while, here we goooo!

So this is the first work in a series that is going to take inspiration in the Aztec sacred calendar (tonalpohualli). The tonalpohualli, or day-count, has been called a sacred calendar because its main purpose is that of a divinatory tool. It divides the days and rituals between the gods. For the Aztec mind this is extremely important. According to Aztec cosmology, the universe is in a very delicate equilibrium. Opposing divine forces are competing for power. This equilibrium is in constant danger of being disrupted by shifting powers of the gods, of the elemental forces that influence our lives. This struggle cannot be won by any god.

The notion that everything ultimately consists of two opposing forces is essential to the Aztec worldview. The world is always on the brink of going under in a spiritual war, a war of gods competing for supreme power. To prevent this from happening, the gods have been given their own space, their own time, their own social groups, etcetera, to rule over. The tonalpohualli tells us how time is divided among the gods. [1]

This calendar is neither solar nor lunar, but rather consists of 20 ( veintenas) 13-day ( trecenas) periods or cycles. Each trecena is ruled by a different deity. These cycles are juxtaposed with 20 day names: 1 Alligator, 2 Wind…13 Reed, 1 Jaguar, etc. Each combination of name and number occurs once in 260 (20 × 13) days. The cycle is still observed in the 20th century by the Mixe (Oaxaca) and the Maya. [2]

Here are the 20 day-signs:

www.google.com/search?q=tonalp…:

The first day-sign is Cipactli (Alligator/crocodile). According to azteccalendar.com this is a day that signifies advancement and honour. It depicts energy and work, rewards and recognition. A good day for beginnings.

(It is also my sister’s birthday )

If you are interested, I can recommend going to azteccalendar.com because here they not only keep track of the Aztec calendar, but you can also look up your birth date to see your Aztec ”horoscope” which is kinda fun.

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Follow me on instagram: www.instagram.com/saxtorphillu…

For more info about commissions: fav.me/dd1rfla
My website: www.saxtorphillustration.com/

[1] www.azteccalendar.com/azteccal…

[2] www.britannica.com/topic/tonal…

Description
Watercolour and ink

First upload in a while, here we goooo!

So this is the first work in a series that is going to take inspiration in the Aztec sacred calendar (tonalpohualli). The tonalpohualli, or day-count, has been called a sacred calendar because its main purpose is that of a divinatory tool. It divides the days and rituals between the gods. For the Aztec mind this is extremely important. According to Aztec cosmology, the universe is in a very delicate equilibrium. Opposing divine forces are competing for power. This equilibrium is in constant danger of being disrupted by shifting powers of the gods, of the elemental forces that influence our lives. This struggle cannot be won by any god.

The notion that everything ultimately consists of two opposing forces is essential to the Aztec worldview. The world is always on the brink of going under in a spiritual war, a war of gods competing for supreme power. To prevent this from happening, the gods have been given their own space, their own time, their own social groups, etcetera, to rule over. The tonalpohualli tells us how time is divided among the gods. [1]

This calendar is neither solar nor lunar, but rather consists of 20 ( veintenas) 13-day ( trecenas) periods or cycles. Each trecena is ruled by a different deity. These cycles are juxtaposed with 20 day names: 1 Alligator, 2 Wind…13 Reed, 1 Jaguar, etc. Each combination of name and number occurs once in 260 (20 × 13) days. The cycle is still observed in the 20th century by the Mixe (Oaxaca) and the Maya. [2]

Here are the 20 day-signs:

www.google.com/search?q=tonalp…:

The first day-sign is Cipactli (Alligator/crocodile). According to azteccalendar.com this is a day that signifies advancement and honour. It depicts energy and work, rewards and recognition. A good day for beginnings.

(It is also my sister’s birthday )

If you are interested, I can recommend going to azteccalendar.com because here they not only keep track of the Aztec calendar, but you can also look up your birth date to see your Aztec ”horoscope” which is kinda fun.

----------

Follow me on instagram: www.instagram.com/saxtorphillu…

For more info about commissions: fav.me/dd1rfla
My website: www.saxtorphillustration.com/

[1] www.azteccalendar.com/azteccal…

[2] www.britannica.com/topic/tonal…