Nahual
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

In Mesoamerican and Toltec spiritual traditions, a Nagual (from the Nahuatl word nāhualli) refers to a human being who can access spiritual power through transformation or deep connection with their tonal counterpart. This ability is not merely about shapeshifting but also about guiding spiritual development and fostering personal transformation by bridging the physical and metaphysical realms. Nagualism involves the belief that each person possesses a dual aspect: the tonal, representing their everyday awareness and ego, and the nagual, representing their deeper, limitless self. The Nagual serves as a guide, helping individuals access hidden potential and spiritual insight by harmonizing these two aspects. In Mesoamerican folk religion, a nagual (pronounced a'wal or nahual (both from the
Nahuatl Nahuatl ( ; ), Aztec, or Mexicano is a language or, by some definitions, a group of languages of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Varieties of Nahuatl are spoken by about Nahuas, most of whom live mainly in Central Mexico and have smaller popul ...
word ''nāhualli'' ) is a human being who has the power to
shapeshift In mythology, folklore and speculative fiction, shapeshifting is the ability to physically transform oneself through unnatural means. The idea of shapeshifting is found in the oldest forms of totemism and shamanism, as well as the oldest exist ...
into their tonal animal counterpart. Nagualism is tied to the belief one can access power and spiritual insight by connecting with the tonal animal within.


Etymology

The word ''nagual'' derives from the Nahuatl word ''nāhualli'' , an indigenous religious practitioner, identified by the Spanish as a 'magician'. In English, the word is often translated as "transforming witch," but translations without negative connotations include "transforming
trickster In mythology and the study of folklore and religion, a trickster is a character in a story (god, goddess, spirit, human or anthropomorphisation) who exhibits a great degree of intellect or secret knowledge and uses it to play tricks or otherw ...
," "
shape shifter In mythology, folklore and speculative fiction, shapeshifting is the ability to physically transform oneself through unnatural means. The idea of shapeshifting is found in the oldest forms of totemism and shamanism, as well as the oldest existen ...
," "pure spirit," or "pure
being Existence is the state of having being or reality in contrast to nonexistence and nonbeing. Existence is often contrasted with essence: the essence of an entity is its essential features or qualities, which can be understood even if one do ...
."


Nagual in Toltec Tradition

In the context of Toltec teachings, a Nagual (from the Nahuatl word "nāhualli") refers to both the unmanifested energy field of the universe and an individual with the ability to channel that energy for spiritual transformation. The concept is deeply tied to the energetic realms beyond the material world, known as the Tonal and Nagual. While the Tonal encompasses the rational, known aspects of reality, the Nagual represents the unknown and limitless potential of pure energy. The Nagual is not only a universal force but also a person who has achieved mastery over this force, guiding others through personal and spiritual evolution.


Universal Aspect of the Nagual

The Nagual in its universal form is the energy field from which all creation arises. It is unbounded by time, space, or form, and exists as pure potentiality. Toltec spiritual seekers aim to access this vast, unknown realm to transcend the limits of the Tonal, expanding their awareness and spiritual capacities. In Toltec terms, this corresponds to a state of total freedom and unity with the universe.


Individual Aspect of the Nagual

An individual Nagual is a person who can traverse the realms of both the Tonal and Nagual. These spiritual guides play a crucial role in the Toltec path, helping others reach higher states of awareness. They have mastered the energetic forces of the Nagual, using their understanding to influence change, heal, and bring forth transformation. In this role, they connect people to their own spiritual potential, guiding them on the journey toward greater consciousness and freedom.


Nagual vs. Tonal

The relationship between the Nagual and the Tonal is one of balance. While the Tonal represents all that is known—our identity, the world, the self—the Nagual is everything that remains beyond understanding, including the energy field from which the Tonal arises. Achieving personal mastery means integrating these two forces, realizing the limits of the Tonal, and embracing the vastness of the Nagual.


Modern Interpretations of the Nagual

In modern spirituality, the Nagual has parallels to concepts like the ''Higher Self'' or ''Universal Consciousness.'' Although rooted in Mesoamerican spirituality, it speaks to a universal human experience of accessing deeper layers of awareness. Through practices such as meditation, energy work, and heightened states of consciousness, individuals aim to tap into the Nagual as a source of transformation, much like other traditions that seek unity with universal energy.


The Nagual as an Archetype in Other Cultures

While unique to Toltec and Mesoamerican spirituality, similar archetypes to the Nagual can be found across global traditions. In
Buddhism Buddhism, also known as Buddhadharma and Dharmavinaya, is an Indian religion and List of philosophies, philosophical tradition based on Pre-sectarian Buddhism, teachings attributed to the Buddha, a wandering teacher who lived in the 6th or ...
, it can be likened to the concept of ''Shunyata'' (emptiness), or in
Hinduism Hinduism () is an Hypernymy and hyponymy, umbrella term for a range of Indian religions, Indian List of religions and spiritual traditions#Indian religions, religious and spiritual traditions (Sampradaya, ''sampradaya''s) that are unified ...
, to ''Brahman'', the ultimate, unchanging reality. Both describe states of being or energy that transcend the known and manifest world, much like the Toltec Nagual does.


The Role of the Nagual in Personal Transformation

The Nagual is central to personal transformation in Toltec teachings. By accessing the Nagual, individuals can break free from limiting beliefs and patterns of the Tonal. This energetic process allows for deep spiritual growth, healing, and a greater alignment with the higher purpose. The ultimate aim of Toltec spiritual practice is to create a balance between the Tonal and Nagual, leading to a state of "totality" where one is fully connected with both the material and energetic aspects of existence.


Beliefs

Naguals use their powers for good or evil according to their personality. The general concept of nagualism is Mesoamerican in origin. Nagualism is linked with pre-Columbian shamanistic practices through Pre-classic
Olmec The Olmecs () or Olmec were an early known major Mesoamerican civilization, flourishing in the modern-day Mexican states of Veracruz and Tabasco from roughly 1200 to 400 Before the Common Era, BCE during Mesoamerica's Mesoamerican chronolog ...
and
Toltec The Toltec culture () was a Pre-Columbian era, pre-Columbian Mesoamerican culture that ruled a state centered in Tula (Mesoamerican site), Tula, Hidalgo (state), Hidalgo, Mexico, during the Epiclassic and the early Post-Classic period of Mesoam ...
depictions that are interpreted as human beings transforming themselves into animals. The system is linked with the Mesoamerican calendrical system, used for divination rituals. Birth dates often determine if a person can become a nagual. Mesoamerican belief in
tonalism Tonalism was an artistic style that emerged in the 1880s when Visual art of the United States, American artists began to paint landscape forms with an overall tone of colored atmosphere or mist. Between 1880 and 1915, dark, neutral hues such as g ...
, wherein every person has an animal counterpart to which their life force is linked, is drawn upon by nagualism. However, modern scholars have struggled to grasp the ever-evolving and contentious meanings associated with Mesoamerican Nahua terms like nahualli and tonalli. This includes their derivatives, such as nahualismo and tonalismo. Hence, it's recommended to use clearer, descriptive language. For instance, instead of discussing nahualism, we can talk about the belief that certain individuals, often in influential social roles, possess specific spiritual abilities. These abilities allow them to transform into animals or even natural phenomena like lightning, wind, clouds, or fireballs, enabling them to perform remarkable feats while in these "disguises." The nagual trait is acquired at birth, along with other characteristics associated with a person's birth day. Each day is associated with an animal that has strong and weak aspects. A person born on "Dog Day" would have both strong and weak 'dog' aspects. In Nahuatl the word '' tonalli'' is used to refer both to a day and to the animal associated with that day. The nagual is considered different; where the tonal is the day spirit itself, the nagual is the
familiar spirit In European folklore of the Middle Ages, medieval and early modern periods, familiars (strictly familiar spirits, as "familiar" also meant just "close friend" or companion, and may be seen in the scientific name for dog, ''Canis familiaris'') w ...
of the day. It is probable that the tonal represents the daytime aspect and the nagual the nighttime aspect of the tonalli, 'the things of the day'. Practitioners of powerful magic were normally born on days related to animals with a strong or harmful aspect. They would have specific tonals such as the
jaguar The jaguar (''Panthera onca'') is a large felidae, cat species and the only extant taxon, living member of the genus ''Panthera'' that is native to the Americas. With a body length of up to and a weight of up to , it is the biggest cat spe ...
or puma. In
Aztec mythology Aztec mythology is the body or collection of myths of the Aztec civilization of Central Mexico. The Aztecs were a culture living in central Mexico and much of their mythology is similar to that of other Mesoamerican cultures. According to legend ...
the god
Tezcatlipoca Tezcatlipoca ( ) or Tezcatl Ipoca was a central deity in Aztec religion. He is associated with a variety of concepts, including the night sky, hurricanes, obsidian, and conflict. He was considered one of the four sons of Ometecuhtli and Omec ...
was the protector of nagualism, because his tonal was the jaguar and he governed the distribution of wealth. In modern rural Mexico, ''nagual'' is sometimes synonymous with ''brujo'' ("wizard"); one who is able to shapeshift into an animal at night (normally into a
dog The dog (''Canis familiaris'' or ''Canis lupus familiaris'') is a domesticated descendant of the gray wolf. Also called the domestic dog, it was selectively bred from a population of wolves during the Late Pleistocene by hunter-gatherers. ...
,
owl Owls are birds from the order Strigiformes (), which includes over 200 species of mostly solitary and nocturnal birds of prey typified by an upright stance, a large, broad head, binocular vision, binaural hearing, sharp talons, and feathers a ...
,
bat Bats are flying mammals of the order Chiroptera (). With their forelimbs adapted as wings, they are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are more agile in flight than most birds, flying with their very long spread-out ...
,
wolf The wolf (''Canis lupus''; : wolves), also known as the grey wolf or gray wolf, is a Canis, canine native to Eurasia and North America. More than thirty subspecies of Canis lupus, subspecies of ''Canis lupus'' have been recognized, includin ...
or
turkey Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a country mainly located in Anatolia in West Asia, with a relatively small part called East Thrace in Southeast Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the north; Georgia (country), Georgia, Armen ...
), drink blood from human victims, steal property, cause disease, and the like. In some indigenous communities the nagual is integrated into the religious hierarchy. The community knows who is a nagual, tolerating, fearing and respecting them. Nagualli are hired to remove curses cast by other nagualli. In other communities the accusation of nagualism may result in violent attacks on the accused by the community. The Western study of nagualism was initiated by archaeologist, linguist, and ethnologist
Daniel Garrison Brinton Daniel Garrison Brinton (May 13, 1837July 31, 1899) was an American archaeologist, ethnologist, historian, and surgeon. Biography Brinton was born in Thornbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Yale University in 185 ...
who published ''Nagualism: A Study in Native-American Folklore and History'', which chronicled historical interpretations of the word and those who practiced nagualism in Mexico in 1894. He identified various beliefs associated with nagualism in modern Mexican communities such as the Mixe, the
Nahua The Nahuas ( ) are a Uto-Nahuan ethnicity and one of the Indigenous people of Mexico, with Nahua minorities also in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. They comprise the largest Indigenous group in Mexico, as well as ...
, the Zapotec and the
Mixtec The Mixtecs (), or Mixtecos, are Indigenous Mesoamerican peoples of Mexico inhabiting the region known as La Mixteca of Oaxaca and Puebla as well as La Montaña Region and Costa Chica of Guerrero, Costa Chica Regions of the state of Guerre ...
. Subsequently, many studies have described nagualism in different Mesoamerican cultures such as the Zoques and the Jakaltek, K'iche', Q'eqchi', and Tzeltal Maya. Among the Jacaltek, naguals reinforce indigenism by punishing those who collaborate with non-indigenous Ladinos. In 1955, Gustavo Correa suggested nagualism is not
pre-Columbian In the history of the Americas, the pre-Columbian era, also known as the pre-contact era, or as the pre-Cabraline era specifically in Brazil, spans from the initial peopling of the Americas in the Upper Paleolithic to the onset of European col ...
, arguing that it was wholly imported from Europe, where he compared it to the medieval belief in
werewolves In folklore, a werewolf (), or occasionally lycanthrope (from Ancient Greek ), is an individual who can shapeshift into a wolf, or especially in modern film, a therianthropic hybrid wolf–humanlike creature, either purposely or after bei ...
. However,
shapeshifting In mythology, folklore and speculative fiction, shapeshifting is the ability to physically transform oneself through unnatural means. The idea of shapeshifting is found in the oldest forms of totemism and shamanism, as well as the oldest existen ...
folklore is not limited to Europe, nor to the Middle Ages; for example, some of Earth's oldest literature, the
Bronze Age The Bronze Age () was a historical period characterised principally by the use of bronze tools and the development of complex urban societies, as well as the adoption of writing in some areas. The Bronze Age is the middle principal period of ...
Eastern Semitic
Epic of Gilgamesh The ''Epic of Gilgamesh'' () is an epic poetry, epic from ancient Mesopotamia. The literary history of Gilgamesh begins with five Sumerian language, Sumerian poems about Gilgamesh (formerly read as Sumerian "Bilgames"), king of Uruk, some of ...
, and East Asia's Huli Jing (origin of this folklore is of unknown date, but eighteenth century at the latest), contain shapeshifters. The werewolf (
lycanthropy In folklore, a werewolf (), or occasionally lycanthrope (from Ancient Greek ), is an individual who can shapeshifting, shapeshift into a wolf, or especially in modern film, a Shapeshifting, therianthropic Hybrid beasts in folklore, hybrid wol ...
) is neither the only nor the earliest form of folklorical
therianthropy Therianthropy may refer to: * Human-animal shapeshifting In mythology, folklore and speculative fiction, shapeshifting is the ability to physically transform oneself through unnatural means. The idea of shapeshifting is found in the oldest for ...
(shapeshifting from human to animal, or vice versa). Kaplan concludes that, in Oaxaca, the belief in naguals as evil, shape shifting witches is common in both indigenous and Mestizo populations. According to Kaplan, the belief in animal spirit companions is exclusively indigenous. This is certain for some groups and communities, but for others, such as the Mixes, Chinantecos, Triquis, or Tacuates, those who can control their nahual or alterego are protectors of the people, natural resources and culture of the community, highly revered, but also feared. The nagual was popularized in
shamanism Shamanism is a spiritual practice that involves a practitioner (shaman) interacting with the spirit world through altered states of consciousness, such as trance. The goal of this is usually to direct spirits or spiritual energies into ...
books by author
Carlos Castaneda Carlos César Salvador Arana (December 25, 1925 – April 27, 1998), better known as Carlos Castaneda, was an American anthropologist and writer. Starting in 1968, Castaneda published a series of books that describe a training in shamanism t ...
.


Practice

The practice of Nagualism was often accompanied by use of
hallucinogens Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelics, entheogens, or historically as psychotomimetics, are a large and diverse class of psychoactive drugs that can produce altered states of consciousness characterized by major alterations in thought, mo ...
, including
peyote The peyote (; ''Lophophora williamsii'' ) is a small, spineless cactus which contains psychoactive alkaloids, particularly mescaline. is a Spanish word derived from the Nahuatl (), meaning "caterpillar cocoon", from a root , "to glisten". p. ...
, ololiuqui, and psylocibin mushrooms known as ''teonanácatl''. Use of these medicinal herbs were said to unlock powers of perception and insight in those performing the nagual rituals.


See also


References


Citations


Works cited

* * * Reprint. * * * *


Further reading

* * * * * {{Authority control American witchcraft Legendary creatures in Aztec mythology Aztec mythology and religion Belizean folklore Guatemalan folklore Latin American folklore Maya legendary creatures Maya mythology and religion Mexican folklore Shamanism of the Americas Therianthropes