One of Mesoamerica's oldest religions, the Aztec is one. The Aztec gods are facing in different directions to see the sunrise. Quetzalcoatl is facing east. The Sun rises eastward and sways to one side. Ecatl, the wind god is honored with a large sacrifice each morning. After the great sacrifice, the wind god puts the sun into motion.
Mesoamerican religion of the ancient Mesoamericans
Ancient Mesoamerican religion saw the gods playing a major role in daily life. Rituals often included sacrifices and other offerings. A complex priestly hierarchy was established in these societies. The architectural pattern for building temples was the same, with pyramids on top that were truncated and containing sanctuaries. The religion also encouraged a shared worldview as well as the use of spatial symbols.
Gods
Aztec gods are often depicted in a variety of creatures, each with a specific function. Many were revered and feared for their violent ways, but there were some that had more positive and uplifting qualities. Mictlantecuhtli in Aztec was the god of death. The Aztecs believed that she went to the underworld as a result of being sacrificed as child. After her death, she married Miclantecuhtl (another Aztec god of the dead). Mictlantecuhtli stood out with her wide mouth and necklace of eyeballs.
Sacrifices
Sacrifices were an important part of Aztec religion. They were used to gain status in society, as well as a source of income. Human sacrifices were an essential part of the Aztec religion, which relied on tributes from conquered regions. Those who had proven their worth as the best soldiers and were able to earn a higher ranking in society earned higher status. They were also given special clothes and weapons by the Emperor. These rewards were appreciated by the entire Aztec community.
Sacred fire
Aztec religion valued sacred fire. They believed that the entire world was made up three levels. These included the earth, the underworld, and the heavens. The Templo Mayor (Temple of the Mayor), the center of the system, linked the three realms. The heavenly domain was the realm where the gods reside, while underworld is the realm of human beings.
Tlaloc
Many representations of Tlaloc are found in the Aztec religion. These representations of Tlaloc the rain god do not always match. Tlaloc often appears in multiple forms and in various places, including caves or on mountaintops. Tlaloc may be shown with items that symbolize the fertility of the earth. Tlaloc is sometimes shown with land animals such as the jaguar in some depictions.
Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl the Aztec God is associated with many myths. One of the most well-known myths depicts the serpentheaded god as the ruler in the mythic city Tollan. The historical accuracy of these myths is disputed. Many historians are skeptical about the historical accuracy and truth of Quetzalcoatl's myths.