Tlazolteotl (Whose name can be variously
translated as "Earth Goddess", "Filth Goddess"
or "Dirt Goddess") is the Aztec and Toltec Goddess of Guilty
Pleasures, who both inspires and forgives carnal acts. She
is a Love and Earth goddess who is said to remove sins from
Her worshippers by absorbing them into Herself. The punishment
for adultery under harsh Aztec law was death; but if the
offender confessed to Tlazolteotl he or she was absolved
and the law would not touch them. However, a person was only
allowed one confession per lifetime, so people would leave
it as long as they could!
Tlazolteotl has aspects both of Earth-Goddess
and Moon-Goddess, and is one of the Guardians of the Tree
of the West, as well as a Goddess of Childbirth. She is the
mother of Cinteotl, the Corn God, and Xochiquetzal, the Goddess
of Love. Tlazolteotl is also known as the Goddess of Witches,
and is said to have four aspects who were depicted riding
broomsticks and wearing pointed hats, just like the stereotypical
European depiction of witches, except that they were naked.
In the Codex Fejervary-Meyer Tlazolteotl is shown
nude (except for Her jewelry) on a red broomstick holding
a snake. These four aspects of Tlazolteotl were considered
four sisters, from the eldest Tiacapan, through Teicu and
Tlaco, to Xocutzin, the youngest. They were said to tempt
people facing decisions towards evil and vice.
The hermit Jappan, after abandoning his family,
made his home in the desert and committed himself to devotion
to the Gods. Tlazolteotl, rather insulted by his renunciation
of the world, went to him to "console" him. He fell for it
and was easily seduced by Her. When the Gods found out, They
cut off his head and changed him into a scorpion.
Tlazolteotl is considered one of the Nine
Figures of the Creation of the World, which also include
Chalchiuhtlicue
and Her husband Tlaloc, as well as being one of the thirteen
Companions of the Day. Perhaps because of this, Tlazolteotl
is sometimes called "the Mother of the Gods".
This card in a reading indicates temptation
and seduction that would not now be wise to give in to.
Alternate spelling: Tlazolteutl, Tlacolteutl.
Other aspects: Tlaelcuani, the Eater of Filth;
Teteoinnan, "Mother of the Gods", patroness of
midwives and healers; and Toci, "Our Grandmother",
who represents nature's healing powers.
