Toltecayotl facts for kids

Toltecayotl is a Nahuatl word. It comes from "tōltēcātl". The Nahua people used this word to talk about the Toltec civilization. These people lived in the Mexico basin before the Nahuas. The word also means "artisan" or a skilled craftsperson.

What Does Toltecayotl Mean Today?

A famous anthropologist named Miguel León-Portilla helped make the word "Toltecayotl" known. In 1980, he wrote a book called Tōltēcayōtl, aspects of the Nahuatl culture. This book helped spread the term in schools and studies.

León-Portilla believed that Toltecayotl was about important ideas. These ideas were found in the Huēhuehtlahtōlli. This book is also known as the 'book of the ancient words'. It contains old sayings and traditions passed down by people.

Here are some of those ideas:

Be very careful to seek friendship from He who is everywhere and is invisible and impalpable. Be at peace with all; under no circumstances humiliate another person. Do not waste the time which has been granted to us in this world, neither day nor night, because time is very necessary.

— Bernardino de Sahagún, Suma Indiana

This way you shall become Toltec: If you acquire habit and custom to consult everything with your own heart.

—Andres de Olmos, Huēhuehtlahtōlli

Understanding Toltec Knowledge

Toltequity is another name for the knowledge of the tōltēca people. It refers to the wisdom left behind by the ancient people of Tollan-Xicocotitlan. This place is also known as Tula, in Hidalgo, Mexico.

Historians and archaeologists usually do not use the term "Toltequity" in their studies. However, Miguel León-Portilla, a Mexican historian, is a top expert on Nahuatl culture. He has written a lot about it.

The history of the Toltec people can be a bit confusing. Historians don't always agree on which city was the main Toltec city. Tula (also called "Chico") is often seen as their base around the year 550.

The Toltec people are linked to the story of Quetzalcoatl. He was a king, son of Mixcōātl and Chimalma. Later, he became worshipped as a god. He became one of the most important gods in the Anahuac region. The Toltec people founded a famous city called Tula or Tōllan. The city's real name was "Xicocotitlan."

What Were the Toltec Ideas?

The word "Toltec" was used for many people in Mesoamerica. It came from the word tol-, which meant 'stem' or 'reed'. This gave the city of Tula its name, meaning 'place with many reeds'.

Because of the Toltec City's culture, "Toltec" also came to mean 'educated person'. The ideas of the Toltec people were called tōltēcayōtl, or 'toltequity'. These ideas included religious, artistic, and scientific knowledge. They showed how the Mesoamerican people saw the world.

In 1941, researchers agreed that the Toltecs were a real historical group. Today, some New Age groups use the term "Toltec" in different ways. They claim to follow ancient Toltec principles.

Here are some old definitions of "Toltec" and "Toltecayotl":

Toltecatl, mechanical arts craftsman. Toltecauia, making something for the teacher. Tōltēcayōtl, art of living.

You shall be called the Toltec for having created ad formed us, oh Feathered Serpent

The Toltec is wise, is a fire, a torch, a thick torch that does not smoke. Makes wise others faces, makes them take a heart. Does not go above things: stops, reflects, observes.

The Toltec is a mirror bored on both sides. His is the ink, the codices; He himself is writing and wisdom, path, accurate guide for others; leads people and things, and is an authority on human affairs

The Toltec is careful; respects tradition, possesses the knowledge transmission and he teaches others, follows the truth. Makes us take a face and develop it, opens our ears, and enlightens us. He is teacher of teachers

Today, "Toltec" is used by various New Age groups. It is also used by people who practice neo-nagualism. Some groups say they are bringing back the original meaning of the name. They apply it to anyone who follows "Toltec life principles." However, these ideas are not always proven by scientific methods.

Modern Interpretations of Toltec Ideas

Some groups, inspired by the author Carlos Castaneda, talk about "neo-shamanism." This idea suggests a way of life that respects elders. It focuses on gaining and keeping knowledge without harming others.

Another author, Ken Eagle, also writes about similar topics. He connects these ideas to elements of the United States army, which is different from Castaneda's original ideas. His books also mention things that seem like alien channels, which makes the historical accuracy of the term less clear.

Carlos Castaneda called the Toltec people "secret conservators" in his book The Second Ring of Power. In recent years, a movement has grown from these ideas. One part is based on books by Don Miguel Ruiz, which share moral principles. The other part involves New Age courses that promise a return to ancient ways.

See also

• In Spanish: Toltequidad para niños

Images for kids

• 

  A friendly robot icon.