The concept of "the 11th heaven," as explored in the context of Mesoamerican cosmology, is tied to Xiuhtecutli, the Aztec god of fire and time.
Xiuhtecutli and the Cosmos
- According to El Onceavo Cielo (The Eleventh Heaven), Xiuhtecutli is not just a fire god, but the starter of time and the weaver of all cosmological levels. This places him at the center of the cosmos, connecting all realms.
- The first page of the Fejérváry-Mayer Codex illustrates this central role. It depicts Xiuhtecutli at the heart of reality, surrounded by the four cardinal directions. Each direction is associated with two night-lords, further emphasizing the interconnected nature of the cosmos he oversees.
Understanding the 11th Heaven
While the term "11th heaven" might suggest a literal spatial location, the reference doesn't specify a physical place. Instead, it frames Xiuhtecutli's role as central to the temporal and structural order of the cosmos. It can be seen as:
- A Conceptual Center: The 11th heaven refers to the convergence point where time begins and all cosmological levels intersect, governed by Xiuhtecutli.
- A Symbolic Representation: Rather than a place, it symbolizes the cosmic origin point, akin to the heart of the universe.
- A Foundation: The 11th heaven, as associated with Xiuhtecutli, lays the foundation of the Aztec cosmology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of time, space, and divine beings.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Key Figure | Xiuhtecutli, the Aztec god of fire and time |
| Primary Role | Starter of time and weaver of all cosmological levels |
| Location | Not a literal place, but a conceptual and symbolic center of the cosmos |
| Representation | Represented in the Fejérváry-Mayer Codex at the center of reality |
| Cardinal Directions | Surrounded by four cardinal directions each with night-lords |
Therefore, the 11th heaven is not a physical location in the sky but a symbolic center in the Aztec worldview that embodies Xiuhtecutli's central function in the cosmic order.
