Editing Coatlicue

'''Coatlicue''' is a major deity in Aztec mythology associated with earth, fertility, life, death, and cosmic motherhood. She is often regarded as a primordial earth goddess and the mother of many gods, including major Aztec deities.

== Overview ==

Coatlicue’s name is commonly translated as “She of the Serpent Skirt.” She represents the earth in its dual nature: both life-giving and destructive. She is one of the most powerful symbolic figures in Aztec cosmology, embodying creation, transformation, and the cycle of existence.

== Domains ==

Coatlicue governs:

* Earth and nature
* Fertility and birth
* Life and death cycles
* Cosmic motherhood
* Transformation and regeneration

== Symbolism ==

Coatlicue represents:

* The earth as both nurturing and consuming
* The cycle of life, death, and rebirth
* Maternal creative force
* Sacred duality (creation and destruction united)
* The hidden power beneath existence

Common symbols include:

* Serpents (often forming her skirt and body elements)
* Skulls and bones (death and decay)
* Clawed hands and feet (earth’s consuming power)
* Breast imagery (nourishment and life-giving force)

== Mythological Role ==

=== Mother of Gods ===
Coatlicue is considered the mother of several important deities:

* [[Huitzilopochtli]] – sun and war god
* [[Coyolxauhqui]] – moon goddess
* The Centzon Huitznahua (star deities in some traditions)

=== Birth of Huitzilopochtli ===
One of her most important myths:

* Coatlicue becomes magically impregnated by a ball of feathers
* Her daughter Coyolxauhqui and other children attempt to kill her
* Huitzilopochtli is born fully armed and defeats them
* This myth symbolizes the sun’s daily triumph over darkness

== Cosmic Function ==

Coatlicue represents:

* The earth as the source of all life
* The cycle of cosmic creation and destruction
* The foundation of existence beneath all other forces

She is deeply connected to:
* [[Creation and destruction]]
* [[Death and rebirth]]
* [[Cosmic hierarchy]]

== Relationships ==

* Children:
  * [[Huitzilopochtli]] – solar and war deity
  * [[Coyolxauhqui]] – lunar deity
* Associated deities:
  * [[Tlaloc]] – rain and fertility
  * [[Xipe Totec]] – agricultural renewal
  * [[Mictlantecuhtli]] – underworld ruler

== Interpretation ==

=== Mythological ===
Coatlicue is the primordial earth mother who gives birth to gods and sustains cosmic cycles.

=== Symbolic ===
She represents the earth’s dual nature: nurturing life while also reclaiming it in death.

=== Psychological ===
She can symbolize motherhood, transformation, primal instinct, and the unconscious foundation of life.

== Related Pages ==

* [[Aztec / Mayan deities]]
* [[Huitzilopochtli]]
* [[Coyolxauhqui]]
* [[Tlaloc]]
* [[Xipe Totec]]
* [[Mictlantecuhtli]]
* [[Creation and destruction]]
* [[Death and rebirth]]

[[Category:Aztec / Mayan deities]]
[[Category:Mythology & Divine Beings]]