Tzi'Te' - Maya Oracle
Maya Oracle Tzi’te’
The Mayan oracle Tz’ité’ is an ancient form of divination and spiritual guidance used in the Mayan worldview. It is deeply connected to the wisdom of the grandparents, the Ajq’ijab’ (spiritual guides), and is used to receive messages from the spiritual world, understand situations, make important decisions, or learn about destiny.
The oracle is an instrument derived from the counting of sacred time, since the Cholq'ij defines the type of energy that is active at each moment. The seeds respond from that energy flow.
What is Tz’ité’?
Tz’ité’ is the name of a sacred seed (also known as palo de pito or coralillo) that comes from the Erythrina berteroana tree. This seed is bright red in color, sometimes with a black spot, and is considered alive and powerful by the Mayan peoples.
It is believed that these seeds are charged with spiritual energy and can channel messages from the heart, the ancestors, and the Ajaw (the Creator and Shaper).
How does the oracle work?
An Ajq’ij’ uses between 20 and 260 tz’ité’ seeds (depending on the tradition) to perform the consultation. The procedure may vary, but it generally follows these steps:
- Purification of the space and the seeds: with fire, copal, prayers, or water.
- Invocation of the Nawales: permission and guidance are requested from the 20 Nawales (energies/sacred days) of the Cholq’ij calendar.
- Asking the question: with the heart, with respect.
- Throwing or counting: the seeds are taken out or thrown onto a mat, straw mat, or the palm of the hand.
- Interpretation: the Ajq’ij’ interprets the position, number, grouping, or symbols formed by the seeds, relating them to the Nawales and the calendar.
Symbolic meaning
Tz’ité’ represents blood, fire, life. It is a tool for listening to the heart of the cosmos and the Earth.
What is it used for?
- It is used to make decisions in harmony with sacred time.
- Choosing important dates (marriage, planting, travel).
- Spiritual or energetic diagnosis.
- Advice in times of conflict.
- Confirming visions or dreams.
- Guidance for ceremonies.
