Yacatecutli
Yacatecutli (lord of travellers, he who leads) In Aztec mythology, god of merchants, whose symbol was a staff, often sprinkled with blood by his worshippers. Slaves also were sacrificed to the god after they had been made sufficiently fat and pleasing because they were to be eaten later at a cannibalistic feast.
SEE ALSO:
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
Yacatecuhtli
The Nose Lord; Lord of the Vanguard
Yacatecuhtli is the Aztec lord of commerce, merchants, and travelers. His name literally means “Nose Lord”:
• He sniffs out bargains.
• He sniffs out opportunities.
• He sniffs out bullshit.
Yacatecuhtli points his devotees’ noses in the right direction, steering them away from poor choices and investments. Yacatecuhtli’s power and protection extends in every direction and down every road. For centuries before the European conquest, merchants, and traders in the Americas travelled extremely long distances, from Mayaland and points south to what are now the Pueblos of the southwestern United States. At night, when caravans rested, an image of Yacatecuhtli was assembled from the merchants’ staffs as an appeal for the Nose Lord’s vigilant protection. In the morning, the image was quickly disassembled but ready to be reassembled at any time as long as all fellow travellers cooperated with each other, yet another gift from Yacatecuhtli.
Yacatecuhtli protects travellers in general. Once upon a time, he guarded against nocturnal animal attacks (and still does, if you need him to do so). These days, air travellers may invoke his aid guarding their luggage and reservations.
FAVOURED PEOPLE:
Traveling merchants, travelers of all kinds, spies, those who go undercover to nose out information, those whose livelihood depends on sticking their noses in other people’s business
ICONOGRAPHY:
He carries a big cross, indicating his ability to travel in all four directions.
ATTRIBUTES:
Cross, bundle of staves
SEE ALSO:
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.
