Astec's family structure and traditions (Web project)

In Aztec culture, as in most other civilizations, the family unit was very important. There were several levels of organization in Aztec family life beginning with the base family unit. The base family unit consisted of two parents and their unmarried children. The main functions of the base family unit were education of the children and food preparation. Many base family units, however, banded together to form extended families. The households of extended families were usually composed of several brothers and their families. The primary functions of the extended families were to coordinate land use and food production (such as growing crops). In most cases, extended families contained just a few base family units. In large cities, however, they often grew to many more.

The Tetzkatlipoka Tradition is a part of the Mexikayotl or Aztec culture and its purpose is to develop consciousness. The foundation of this tradition is a system called Nawi Ollin Teotl (Movement of the Four Energies). There are four great energies in the Universe. When these energies move in a favorable manner they generate harmony and supreme balance. Four fundamental levels also form human beings: the physical body (nakatl), the mind (matik), the emotional (pampa), and the energy field (tonalli). When these four aspects are in balance in the individual, they will allow the soul (newatl) to manifest and flow in the most optimal way.

The knowledge and wisdom of the members of the Tetzkatlipoka Tradition has been passed down through observation, practice and experience. Kept hidden within Mexhika families since 1521, the transmission has been uninterrupted. In the year 1989 the decision was made to open the Tradition and to share the knowledge and practices with humanity and all it’s cultures and traditions.