The forces of nature in the Wixarika cosmovision are not distant, omnipotent gods but a close-knit, divine family. Each deity is an archetype, a relative who provides, teaches, and guides. This familial relationship makes the sacred immanent and accessible in everyday life.
- Tatewari (Grandfather Fire): He is the first shaman, the old wise man who sits at the center of the community during ceremonies. It is around his flames that stories are told, prayers are sung, and knowledge is passed down. He is the warmth, the light, and the catalyst for transformation.
- Nakawe (Mother Water & Growth): She is the primordial source, the essence of life itself. As the fundamental archetype, she gave life to all other symbols. She resides in the eastern region and is associated with the rain that nourishes the world and the growth of all living things.
- Yurienaka (Mother Earth): While Nakawe is the source of life, Yurienaka is the living body—the mountains, valleys, plants, and animals. She represents the complex, dynamic interactions of the entire ecosystem.
- Otwanaka (Mother Corn): She is the sustainer. As the teacher of agriculture, she embodies the cycle of life, death, and rebirth—planting, growth, harvest, and regeneration. She is the literal and spiritual food of the people.
- Ereno (Mother Moon): Governing the realms of love, procreation, and the intuitive mind, she is connected to the sea and its cycles. Her name, “sea foam,” evokes her gentle, creative, and fluid nature.
- Kumatame (Great-grandfather Deer Tail): A celestial guardian, he is the custodian of the sacred songs (muvieri) and stories. He is the one who sends the souls of children to Earth, ensuring they bring joy and continuity to the community.
Tau (Father Sun): The son of Tatewari, he is the great energizer and moral compass. He is the vital force that keeps the world alive and actively helps channel wrong behaviors, guiding the Wixaritari back to the “right path” of balance.
