9/9/11

Goddess of the Week: Tonantzin

TonantzinImage via WikipediaClaire is on a walking pilgrimage from Sevilla to Santiago, Spain.  It is a spiritual journey.  It will take her until the end of October, and she wants a goddess to go along for the ride.  I only hope she doesn't get this too late because she's already left!  I'm giving her the Aztec goddess Tonantzin.

Many Mexican goddesses occasionally went by the name Tonantzin, which means "revered mother," but generally speaking Tonantzin represents the concept of mother earth, and who better to help you on a camino than Mother Earth, whose dust will kiss the tops of your hopefully very good-quality walking shoes.  Tonantzin was also the patroness to midwives and healers, and your feet are going to be sore, Claire, so we want some good balming going on, actually, massaging would be even better, but that might be out of Tonantzin's realm of expertise.

When the Spanish colonized what is now Mexico they colonized its ancient religions as well.  Tonantzin became Mother Mary, the Virgin of Guadalupe.  In fact, the shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe is built directly on the former pyramid temple of Tonantzin.  Many rituals and traditions associated with the Virgin of Guadalupe have their roots in worship of the Aztec goddess.

Tonantzin reminds us that you can give a goddess a makeover and you can change her wardrobe, but faith can't be mandated.   Plus, the divine feminine always finds a way.

Channel this goddess: When your spiritual journey is literally a journey, when people try and dictate what you should believe, when you are seeking the divine in others as well as yourself.  Beware the Image Makers; your faith belongs to you.


Need a goddess?  I got goddesses!  Post a comment saying what you need or want a goddess for.  Then check back in a week or two and see what you got!  I'm waiting....
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16 comments:

Shell Sherree said...

If I was going, I'd be hoping Tonantzin would throw some herbal foot massages in at strategic points along the way. She sounds like a fine goddess for a pilgrimage. All the best to Claire.

Petrea Burchard said...

I've heard of this traditional pilgrimage; it sounds like the sort of thing I would love to do. Yes, Claire, all the best to you. I hope you'll share with us when you return.

Mairie said...

Our Lady gave many a goddess a makeover. Athough as Mother Earth I think it's a pity the Holy Spirit doesn't get some recognition - She probably has more in common Creation-wise. Hope Tonantsin reaches out to Claire on her journey; blessings in every step.

Olga said...

Tonantzin reminds us that you can give a goddess a makeover and you can change her wardrobe, but faith can't be mandated. Plus, the divine feminine always finds a way.

Amen! Awomen!!

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

How cool to embark upon a pilgrimage like that. Wow! I can't even imagine myself doing that, but I'm in awe of someone who has the desire and will to make that happen.

I loved this post, Margaret. Especially your closing line: "Beware the Image Makers; your faith belongs to you." It really reached out and grabbed me this morning!

Anonymous said...

Claire, sounds like a wonderful adventure. Very wise of you to pack a goddess.

Watson said...

Wonderful post Margaret and now I know that Claire is well taken care of. I do think that I could use Tonantzin too because all of life is a journey and you sent her out with vital messages.
Barbara and Daisy

Bec said...

A literal spiritual journey . . . like the Pomegranate book! I'm admittedly jealous :) WV: adept (fitting for the post!)

Pasadena Adjacent said...

The way you summed up the goddess Tonantzin in your "Channel this goddess" is most excellent. I really enjoyed this post. You presented ideas in it that I've always found interesting.

claire bangasser said...

I just found about my Goddess, Tonantzin. Ah, I will have lovely conversations with her as we walk in the heat and dust -- and in the dark of the early early mornings as well.
Un millión de gracias! Un abrazo también!

Margaret said...

Claire: Glad to get her to you at last. We'll be thinking of you. Best of luck on your journey.

Rois said...

I am going off topic,although I always enjoy your postings Margaret.

I just wanted to say thanks again for the goddess Athena for my writers block.
I really don't know if it is Athena or all of the writing tips your readers left me that have helped the most but I am writing again.

Thanks Margaret and all of the followers who left comments for the support.

Susan Campisi said...

Enjoy your conversations with Tonantzin, Claire. She sounds like the perfect goddess for your pilgrimmage. How wonderful to get a glimpse into your journey already.

Margaret said...

Rois: So glad Athena is inspiring you! I'll be by to visit your blog soon.

Anonymous said...

Margaret, so beautiful. Tonantzin is just what is called for. I wish Claire much joy on her pilgimage. Sevilla is a wonderful place from which to launch.

12 novinas

Country Girl said...

I haven't stopped by your blog lately! I have been really on the go most of the summer. But fall is here and I love reading about your goddesses while sipping a hot cup of tea. I love your blogs! So hello from Southern NJ. Keep up the great writing!