| The Aztecs believed that two groups of supernaturals accompanied the sun on its passage from the east to the west. In the east, souls of warriors who died in combat exhorted and accompanied the sun as it rose to midday zenith. In the corresponding western sky ( the place of solar descent) were the Cihuateotl, or women gods. The Cihuateotl were female warriors, the mociuaquetzque, woman who died in childbirth. The Aztecs likened the act of birth to that of obtaining a captive in war, women who died in the attempt were valiant warriors slain in battle. Aztec warriors fought vigorously over the bodily remains of the mociuaquetzque, which were kept as talismans to ensure bravery and success in the battle. No benevolent mothers, the Cihuateotl wreaked havoc, and it was they that haunted crossroads at night to steal children and to cause seizures and insanity. In addition, these night demons could seduce men and cause them to commit adultery and other sexual transgressions. |
