In Xinachtli, In Milpa: 5 de Mayo

According to the traditional ancestral teachings of the Nican Tlacah, the Indigenous Peoples of the Nahuatl Nations, all of humanity shares equally in the warmth of Father Sun, and the sacred sustenance from Mother Earth. Besides being a scientific formula written in cultural terms,TONATIERRA, this relationship serves as TEOXICALLI: a nest of consciousness and context for the full development of our collective human awareness and cognition one which allows for the emergence of understanding, respect, harmony, and peace, CENYELIZTLI.

Living with Wellness
Sumak Kawsay

TOCUALNEMILIZ

At the horizon of a new day, a New Sun, the Izalotekah bring these traditional teachings forward upon the celebration of 5 de Mayo. More than just a historical commemoration of the Battle of Puebla, Mexico in 1862 the indigenous ceremonies related to 5 de Mayo have an ancient astronomical significance. It is during these days celebrated annually by the Indigenous Nations of Mexico, that a certain constellation of stars gains prominence over the southern horizon in Anahuac for the first time since winter: the CHACANA: the Southern Cross, also known as the constellation of the Confederation of the Condor, Tawantinsuyo.

La Chacana

Chakana Cross

TENAMAZTLE OF THE COSMOS

Three Steps

Emergence – Presence - Return

The three steps represent levels of attainment of consciousness in the three 'worlds' or tiers:

* Hanan Pacha: the upper world of the stars, celestial beings and gods (also represented by the condor)

* Kay Pacha: the middle world of Mother Earth and human life (also represented by the puma)

* Uqhu Pacha: the lower world of the underworld and death (also represented by the snake)

Central hole

The central hole represents the Incan capital of Cusco, the portal from one tier to the next, and the Eye of God.

Twelve points

The entire symbol additionally represents the cyclical year, with each of the twelve corners corresponding to a month.

Four arms

The four 'cross' arms represent:

* the four directions of the compass,

* the four 'classical elements' of earth, air, water and fire,

* the four main stars of the Southern Cross, an important constellation for the Inca, who believed that was the centre of the Universe.

Star Turtle's Island

As members of the Indigenous Nations of the Continental Confederacy of the Eagle and the Condor, El 5 de Mayo is thus also a commemoration of the ancient Treaty between the North and the South which mutually binds us to this day as Nations of the Indigenous Peoples of this continent Abya Yala and the world.

On August the 12th 1521, the traditional council of the Confederation of Anahuak issued a mandate for the future generations from the center of Mexico, in Tenochtitlan. Nearly five hundred years later, the traditional circle of families of Izkalotlan continue to perpetuate this powerful call to destiny and harmony for all humanity, known as the Nahuatilamatl.

The Zacapoaxtla Battalion

and the Battle of 5 de Mayo, 1862

Originating from settlements of the Indigenous Nations of the Nahuas, Chichimecas and Toltecas, the region known as Zacapoaxtla is recognized for providing the majority of fighters at the Battle of 5 de Mayo in 1862. These some 4,000 Indigenous Peoples faced the bayonets and rifles of the 8,000 man French Army armed only with only machetes and valor. They emerged victorious, and left the legacy of one of the most significant military victories by the Indigenous Peoples of the continent against those who would subjugate us to colonization.

The French were arrogant and Eurocentric in their thinking, and were eventually deported back to Europe. Today we face the same battle, and must recall the same courage as in 1862. But today our weapons are not instruments of destruction and death. Today we are called to battle not in a military campaign, but against the doctrines of cultural supremacy, racism and fear that would deny the reality of our common humanity that we share with each and all.

Today our weapons are our Principles: Respect, Dignity, Cultural Self Determination and EDUCATION, as we advance in the Battle against Ignorance, the Battle of 5 de Mayo!

!La Batalla de 5 de Mayo es todos los Dias!

It's not about what we want, it's what we WILL!