THE SUN AND MOON

by Eliseo Castro Villa

The complementarity of male and female principles is essential in the Huichol Culture: the male associates with the sun, Tau, and the female with the moon, Metzeri.

Here the face of the sun has patterns painted with the yellow powder made from the root of the “Uxa” shrub - in preparation for a peyote ceremony. The ceremonial name of the sun is “Werikua” - Eagle.

The moon carries the other three most important deities: Takutsi Nakawe, Grandmother Growth, represented by her special cane; Maxacuaxi, Great Grandfather Tail of the Deer; and Tatewari, the first shaman, fire.