The Jaguar Knight, as I am called, is the nickname for Matlactli-Tecpatl Mixcuauhtzin, Cuauhocelomeh, Tzompanteuctli
(10-Flint Cloud Eagle, Order of the Jaguar, Skull Rack Lord). I am of Nahua (Aztec descent) heritage in part, Spanish, and
who knows what else. I identify with the indigenous part of my soul, because it is through indigenous eyes that I see the
world, as well as being able to see some of the problems that beset it.
I have been blind since age five (severe myopia). But I believe that the spirits made my physical eyes blind so that
I would not be myopic in the way I see the spiritual and physical world.
I am a Tzompanteuctli, that is a Skull Rack Lord, a title for those spiritual workers and sorcerors whose job is to keep
people safe from the world that we often don't see.
I am a Jaguar Knight, and this sacred rank was bestowed upon me by Tezcatlipoca-Tepeyollotl (don't worry, I will have
a page dedicated to Nahua spirituality) for some of the work I've done to help others. It is with humility and honor that
I carry this title. Indeed, I do not often feel worthy of it. But the title is easy to earn...but MUCH harder to keep.
It is my "job" if you will (though I will never accept payment of any type) to keep people safe spiritually, and to listen
and add to the voice of dissent against repression. Such is the calling of a Jaguar Knight.
In antiquity, we were the ones they sent out at night, the ones who walked where no one else could, the ones who would
spy on the enemy.
In 1520, that duty changed. We stood in defense of our people, the men, women, and children against the Spanish conquistadors.
We continue to do so to this day, preserving what is left of our ways and heritage, while at the same time educating and defending
those without voice.
Political and Social Views
I am an adherent to the Sixth Declaration of the Lacandon Jungle, and dedicated to the Other Campaign of the Zapatista
National Liberation Army (EZLN). I support this because I am indigenous, and because I am sick of seeing the rights of the
people of this great nation being subverted by the rich, and ignored by the powerful.
I follow the "left-hand path", both spiritually and politically, both because I am a patriot and because the "darker"
parts of my religion are both part and parcel to my spiritual beliefs. I deal with struggle and conflict in order to find
balance.
Call me communist, socialist, whatever "ist" you will, but my ancestors relied on the power of a community to run itself
through particapatory economics and participatory democracy, and that's how I believe things should be done. It has been part
of indigenous communities for many hundreds of years, and still is today.
But I digress...I am trying to move away from ridiculing other paths, from denying others their voice because I don't
agree, and from being miseducated about what really happens in the world.
As I said, it is through indigenous eyes that I see the world, and it is through these eyes that I share my experience,
thoughts, and beliefs with you all.
Abajo y la izquierda (From Below and To the Left)
The Jaguar Knight
