Chalchiuhtlicue is the Aztec goddess of running water and springs, rivers
and lakes, who brings fertility to crops. Her name means "Woman of the
Jade Skirt", or "Lady Precious Green Stone Skirt". She is depicted
with water-lilies, dressed in watery blues and greens, and sometimes has quetzal-feathers
in Her hair. She is the elder sister or consort to Tlaloc, the rain god. Though
Tlaloc was a benevolent god, many children and babies were sacrificed to Him.
If the children cried on the way to being killed, it was a sign that rain would
come, and the populace rejoiced.
In Aztec mythology, this world has seen five Suns, or Creations, the first
four of which correspond to the four elements, earth, air, fire, and water.
Chalchiutlicue brought about the destruction of the Fourth Sun by releasing
52 years of torrential rains to flood the Earth (much like Ix Chel of the Maya
did) though She also protected Humanity by changing the people into fish so
that the waters would not drown them, and by creating a bridge linking Earth
to Heaven for those in Her favor. In the Codex Fejervary-Mayer, She
is depicted as bringing too much rain for the corn to sprout; after a period
of drought, Her husband Tlaloc provides the right, moderate amount and the
corn can grow.
Chalchiuhtlicue was the protectress of children and new-borns, perhaps because
it was thought She could influence Her husband. She also protected fishermen.
In the complex Aztec calender, Chalchiuhtlicue is one of the nine Companions
of the Night, who were believed to have created the world, and which also includes
Tlaloc and Tlazolteotl.
She was also considered one of the thirteen Companions of the Day (Tlaloc and
Tlazolteotl number among these as well), and She is the patron Goddess of the
5th day of the calendar.
This card in a reading indicates new creativity and overflowing ideas, though
there is a possibility of inspiration that comes too much too fast, or even
manic episodes. Do the best you can to keep your head above water.
Some of Her many manifestations include: Acuecueyoticihuatl or Acuecueyotl,
"Woman Who Makes the Waves Swell", the Ocean-Goddess, invoked by
women giving birth; Ahuic, "To One Part and To the Other", or "To
and Fro", Goddess of the waves on the shore; Apozanolotl, who represents
purity, shown as the foam of the ocean or white-capped waves; Aticpac Calqui
Cihuatl, "Woman Who Lives in the Sea"; Atlacamani "Sea Storm";
Atlacoya "Sad Waters"; Atlatona "She Who Shines in the Waters";
Ayauhteotl, Goddess of nighttime or early morning mist or fog, associated with
fame and vanity; Ayopechcatl "She Who Dwells on the Back of the Tortoise",
the protectoress of newborn children; Huixtocihuatl, Goddess of Salt, and daughter
of Tlaloc, who was given human sacrifices at Her festival in June; and Xixiquipilihui
"It Swells", who creates the waves on lakes.
