In a world increasingly disconnected from ancestral roots and traditional wisdom, the concept of Teochihua, or prayer within the Mexica tradition, stands as a powerful way to reconnect with Indigenous spirituality. For many, colonization has cast a shadow over these practices, labeling them as mere superstition and dismissing their profound spiritual science. This perspective, unfortunately, has been internalized even within some Indigenous circles, ironically reinforcing the very narratives that seek to diminish the richness of Native spiritual ways.
However, understanding prayer as a focused connection reveals its true essence. Mexica spirituality, more accurately understood as a spiritual science, recognizes the inherent life force within all elements of existence. Everything is alive and imbued with purpose. Prayer, in this context, becomes a vital practice for aligning oneself with this universal purpose and maintaining spiritual well-being.
This article offers a foundational Mexica prayer, a template that can be personalized and integrated into daily life. Embracing this practice can unlock new pathways and foster healing on your journey. The power of prayer within the Mexica tradition cannot be overstated; it is a potent force for positive change and spiritual growth.
This prayer template is offered as a starting point for your personal practice:
Tlazocamati Ipalnemoani (Giver of Life)
We begin by expressing gratitude to the source of all existence, Ipalnemoani, the Giver of Life. Thank you for this precious day, for the opportunity to live upon this Earth and to witness your magnificent creations. Tlazocamati for another dawn, another chance to learn, grow, and align ourselves with your divine will.
Gratitude to Our Relatives
We extend our thanks to all our relations – the fundamental elements that shape our world and ourselves: Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind. These elemental forces are not merely inert substances but living relatives who grant us form and sustenance. We also offer tlazocamati to our animal and plant relatives, who bless us with companionship, healing medicines, and vital nourishment. Their presence enriches our lives in countless ways.
Honoring the Ancestors
We acknowledge and give thanks to the Ancestor spirits who walk alongside us on this earthly journey. We recognize their constant guidance, even when it is unseen or beyond our immediate understanding. We honor their sacrifices in preserving these sacred traditions and beautiful ways of life, ensuring their continuation for generations to come.
Invocation for Guidance and Protection
Yokoyani (Creator), Ancestors, spirit allies, we humbly ask for your continued presence and support throughout our days and nights. Help us maintain focus on our purpose, guiding our words and actions to be in alignment with goodness and truth. We seek your guidance and protection for our families, that they too may walk a path of integrity, true to their hearts and their individual purposes.
Seeking Personal Excellence
Yokoyani, empower us to be impeccable in our words and actions. Grant us the wisdom to not take things personally, to avoid assumptions, and to always strive to do our very best in all endeavors.
Compassion and Transformation
In the spirit of universal harmony, we extend our blessings even to those who may be considered our enemies. We ask that they be nurtured towards a better path, that their hearts soften, and their minds open to understanding and compassion. May they be humbled and become mindful of the consequences of their actions, fostering growth and positive transformation.
Protection from Negative Energies
Yokoyani, Ancestors, we petition for your vigilance in making us aware of any energies or spirits that may be contrary to our well-being and the purpose for which we are sent here. We ask for your intervention to dissipate any forces or entities that operate in deception. Shine your light upon them, expose their falsehoods, and allow justice to prevail.
Self-Reflection and Unity
Yokoyani, help us to see your reflection in all of creation. Remove any obstacles that cloud our vision, the “smoke in front of our mirror,” so that we may perceive our true reflection. Grant us the clarity to see ourselves reflected in all peoples of the medicine wheel, in the sacred animals, and in all sacred places – the waters, deserts, valleys, and mountains. Help us recognize the interconnectedness of all beings.
Living the Ancestral Ways
Creator, guide us to respect, understand, and embody the manners and ways of our ancestors. Help us to not just speak of these traditions but to actively live them in our daily lives – to “walk the walk, not just talk the talk.”
Strength and Resolve
Grant us strength, firm as the Sun, with unwavering resolve to follow this path with dedication and integrity.
Tlazocamati!
This prayer is a living tradition, meant to be adapted and personalized. Feel free to adjust the wording, add specific intentions, and incorporate other elements that resonate with your personal spiritual journey. The key is to approach prayer with sincerity, focus, and a deep connection to the Mexica spiritual science and the wisdom of your ancestors. By embracing prayer mexica, you actively participate in a powerful lineage of spiritual practice, fostering healing, guidance, and a profound sense of belonging.
