Victor
Sanchez is a Mexican author, psychotherapy trainer, retreat organiser, workshop
facilitator and specialist in MesoAmerican spiritual tradition. Original
artwork of the cards is from 400 year old codices. The accompanying book
contains information on how to conduct a reading, various suggested spreads, an
explanation of Toltec spirituality and provides the meaning for each card and
its Toltec symbolism and metaphysics. It also includes information about the indigenous words used in the book. The
Toltec tradition is one of the oldest sources of spiritual wisdom in the world
and helps us to apply shamanic knowledge to our daily life.
According to the
Toltecs, two interconnected and opposing energies propel evolution. Opposites
complement each other and say, ‘You are my other self and we must co-exist’. To
be ‘impeccable’, we must use this dual energy wisely and in so doing, we become
a ‘warrior’. We must speak out loud to the deities (the Poderos) and develop a
rapport and also make offerings - as this is how warriors sustain their
path.
There
are two decks of cards, the first set is the 20 Tonalpohualli (which are
derived from day signs in the calendar and represent archetypal forces) and the
second set, the 13 Rulers (which depict deities and sacred principles of the
tradition) making 33 cards in all. These are laid on the chart depicting the
Cross of Ketsalkoatl which is divided into quadrants upon which the Tonal cards
are placed with a Ruler card in the centre, the meaning is affected by the
position of the placement. There are two options for each quadrant, for
instance the Tonalkoatl quadrant provides a physical or work option related to
the card placed upon it.
The
cards can be used for a general life reading, for a deeper reading, to answer
specific questions or provide answers to problems. The cards teach Toltec knowledge
of life and support your warrior life path. There are many exercises described
in the book to develop an understanding of the ancient concepts of Toltec life.
It
is suggested the interpreter use the oracle for their own life until they are
thoroughly familiar with it, prior to reading for others. It is not the role of
the interpreter to forecast the future or tell the enquirer what course of
action to take. The interpreter is a companion, not an authority.
The
creation of a setting for the reading is suggested; for instance, flowers, candles
and incense. Consider an open question without a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Fan out
cards and choose one. I picked the following:
Tonal
Card 6 Mikistli: Death, seated upon a red throne, symbolising renewal of life,
provides a sacred symbol at it watches us through an instrument called the
tlachialoni which was used to calculate the movement of celestial objects in
the sky, the passing of time and the duration of life. Life and death are
partners. An ending provides a beginning. There is to be no denial of death.
The impermanence of life needs to be at the core of our philosophy and
spirituality. It is the only thing we are certain will happen. Embrace it and
it will give you a greater appreciation of the preciousness of life, to live as
fully as possible, with purpose and caring. Death is not a time to grieve but a
time to celebrate, not an enemy but an honoured guest.
Ruler
Card 5 Ketsalkoatl (translated as Feathered Serpent). It is the main symbol of
Toltec culture and represents a fusion of opposites, eagle and serpent coming
together in union as dark comes together with light at this time. Here, unlike
other spiritual traditions where good fights and destroys evil, the tension
between opposites is a creative and sacred space. Ketsalkoatl is the most
important aspect of God for the Toltecs and Mayans. This deity created the
world, invented corn and human beings. A great political and spiritual figure,
1000 years ago, bore this name and is considered a saint. During his time in
power, the Toltec achieved the peak of their development. He is a role model of
self-development. He lends his understanding to the reading.
From The Toltec
Oracle, I have chosen the Tonal card of Deer, No 7, known as Masatl, a divine
being which holds the Book of Wisdom for all people. It brings seekers to the
path of knowledge. When the surviving Toltec make a pilgrimage from their
summer pastures to the sacred lands of the desert. In ancient times, the people
were only concerned with self-seeking and knew nothing of spiritual matters.
All kinds of messages were sent through nature, storms, forest fires,
earthquakes, many challenges and all kinds of blessings, but the people ignored
the messages from the Great Spirit. So the keeper of the Book of Knowledge was
called for and assigned the task of teaching the people about spiritual matters.
He transformed himself into a deer and when the people saw him, they wanted to
hunt him down for food. But he was not easy to catch and he led them far from
their homes until they arrived in the desert. As he ran, in his footprints grew
the sacred cactus. When they needed to rest, and to eat, they ate of the cactus
and had dreams about the realms of spirit. It was then they realised the deer
was a great teacher and they discovered his sacred book and read it. In it,
they discovered the proper way to live and what our spiritual task is in this
life. Reviewer: Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk
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