Holy Mother

Close to the edge of the village stands the Holy Mother of God Armenian church.

“It belongs to you now. Wear it on your left ear. When you need help, take hold of it, spin it, and invoke the goddess, the Aztec queen, Tonantzin, the Holy Mother of all mankind, and ask for her magical assistance. Whatever you ask, she will provide.”

“Aztec queen, Tonantzin, Holy Mother of all mankind, give us your magical assistance. Make these women believe and help us leave!”

Ancient kings used to refer to themselves as “we” and “us,” so it was probably common for the ancient goddess Tonantzin, the Holy Mother of all mankind, to use the word “the” to refer to other mothers in her care.

I reached up and gave my left ear pendant a vigorous spin and asked it for help, low enough for the girls not to hear me, “Aztec queen, Tonantzin, Holy Mother of all mankind, give me your magical assistance. Distract this man, make him forget what he has seen.”