Ometecuhtli
Ometecuhtli, the “Lord of Life,” was a pivotal Aztec deity representing one aspect of the cosmic duality that underpinned their tradition. Together with his female counterpart, Omecihuatl, Ometecuhtli resided in Omeyocan, the highest heaven. This celestial pair embodied the opposing forces of the Aztec universe, such as male and female, light and dark, motion and stillness, and order and chaos.
Residence: Omeyocan (Thirteenth Heaven)
Consort: Omecihuatl
Children: Xipe-Totec, Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, Huitzilopochtli (Codex Zumarraga)
Unlike other Aztec deities with dedicated temples and cults, Ometecuhtli was not directly worshipped. His remote celestial abode suggested that he would not directly interact with humans. Yet, the Aztecs recognized his pervasive influence in all aspects of ritual and nature.
As part of the Ometeotl complex, a single creative force, Ometecuhtli was symbolized by fertility and adorned with corn ears. He was believed to release the souls of infants from Omeyocan, preparing them for earthly existence. While the Ometeotl deities held a supreme position in the celestial hierarchy, other lesser gods with distinct personalities governed specific aspects of Aztec life and were considered autonomous in their actions.
Digital Maps of the Ancient World 