21 Important Symbols of the Aztecs: The Ultimate List

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Aztec historian Matthew Torres goes over some of the most common Aztec symbols

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Eagle (Cuauhtli)

2 Snake (Coatl)

3 Jaguar (Ocelotl)

4 Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcōātl)

5 Sun (Tonatiuh)

6 Rabbit Moon (Metztli)

7 Hummingbird (Huītzilōpōchtli)

8 Clawed Butterfly (Ītzpāpalōtl)

9 Water (Atl) (Xiuhtecuhtli)

10 Monkey (Ozomahtli)

11 Dog (Itzcuintli)

12 Flower (Xochitl)

13 Rain (Quiahuitl)

14 Stone Knife (Tecpatl)

15 Movement (Ollin)

16 Vulture (Cozcacuauhtli)

17 Grass (Malinalli)

18 Death (Miquiztli)

19 Deer (Mazatl)

20 Wind (Ehecatl)

21 Cardinal Directions

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Co-authored by Matthew Torres and Eric McClure

Last Updated: March 10, 2026 Fact Checked

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Symbols were extremely important in Aztec culture. In fact, the Aztec writing system (Nahuatl) relied almost entirely on symbols! The Aztecs often associated their most popular symbols with specific Gods and calendar days, so the spiritual meanings of each sign became quite complex over time. Here, we partnered with an Aztec historian to cover some of the most essential and culturally important symbols from Aztec history.

What are some of the most important Aztec symbols?

Aztec historian Matthew Torres says two of the most prominent symbols are the snake, which is associated with Quetzalcōātl, and the jaguar, which is associated with Tezcatlipoca. Aztec symbols were tied to gods and the days that they ruled on the calendar. Some more powerful and recurring symbols include:

• Eagle (Cuauhtli): A deep indicator of power and sacrifice.
• Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcōātl): The Aztec icon of connection.
• Sun (Tonatiuh): A reminder of how short life is.
• Rabbit Moon (Metztli): A reminder to enjoy yourself.

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1

Eagle (Cuauhtli)

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1. 
   The eagle was a deeply important symbol in Aztec culture. It was associated with the goddess Xipe Totec, who ruled over seeds and birth. The eagle was a symbol of power, action, and sacrifice, and the day of the eagle was a day meant for action.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Take action and do not spend too much time in reflection. Overanalysis can sometimes be worse than acting too quickly.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Matthew Torres is a Latin American and Aztec historian.
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2

Snake (Coatl)

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1. According to Torres, the snake or serpent is one of the most prominent symbols in Aztec culture. They were viewed as helpful creatures and a symbol of reliance, wisdom, and immortality. He explains that when the Aztecs were banished to a swamp by the other kingdoms, all they could find to eat were snakes. So, they developed a great appreciation for them.

   • Torres notes that you’ll commonly see a snake in the shape of the infinity symbol, representing the creature’s association with immortality.
   • While snakes are seen as untrustworthy and crafty in some cultures, Torres emphasizes that this was not the case for the Aztecs!
   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Be humble and grateful for all the things that are helping and sustaining you in life.

3

Jaguar (Ocelotl)

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1. 
   The jaguar was seen as a symbol of Tezcatlipoca, says Torres. He is the warrior god of destiny, night, and sorcery. The jaguar was a key symbol of valor, bravery, violence, and respect for your personal life force.

   • The jaguar and eagle were extremely important symbols of strength in Aztec culture. In fact, they were so important that Eagle and Jaguar were major military ranks for Aztec soldiers.
   • However, Torres notes that jaguars were seen as untrustworthy and out to get you since they live in the shadows.
   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Honor your strength, do not apologize for pursuing power, and believe in your life energy.
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4

Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcōātl)

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1. 
   The symbol of the feathered serpent is associated with Quetzalcōātl, the feathered serpent God and the greatest God in Aztec culture, says Torres. He’s the God of creation, wind, and dawn. The feathered serpent is often depicted as an ouroboros or the half-shell of a conch, and is a reminder that everything is connected in this world, and that you must honor your own connections in this life.

   • Torres adds that Quetzalcōātl is one of the gods of infinity, of endlessness, and of immortality.
   • While Quetzalcōātl is often depicted as a feathered serpent, Torres says he is a shapeshifter who can turn into a snake or winged dragon-like snake.
   • Torres notes that Quetzalcōātl and Tezcatlipoca are heated rivals in Aztec mythology who are constantly battling each other.
   • Quetzalcōātl wasn’t just worshiped by the Aztecs, but also by the Mayans, Tainos, and Olmecs, says Torres. He notes that you can tell whether a symbol is Aztecan or Mayan because Aztec symbols are blocky and straight, while Mayan symbols are curved.
   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Reflect on the connection of all things. Remember that you’re just a piece of a larger puzzle.

5

Sun (Tonatiuh)

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1. 
   The sun symbol (as seen in the infamous “sun stone” artifact) was a reminder that time is not eternal for the Aztecs. In Aztec culture, there were multiple ages, and the age of the sun was just another age that would eventually come to pass. It’s a powerful image of life’s fragility and the importance of seizing the day.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Your time is limited, so respect your time by pursuing the things that matter to you. You can’t have control over everything, but you can control how you spend your energy.
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6

Rabbit Moon (Metztli)

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1. 
   The moon, rabbit, and rabbit moon (and rabbit moon in a conch shell) are all associated with Metztli, the female goddess of the night, farming, and inebriation. Days ruled by Metztli are fun reminders to live a little. Do your work, harvest the seeds you’ve planted, but take a load off once you’re done.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Enjoy yourself. You don’t have to always put work in. Sometimes, it’s best to put your feet up and relax.

7

Hummingbird (Huītzilōpōchtli)

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1. 
   The hummingbird was seen by the Aztecs as a powerful adversary. Their ability to move in any direction, combined with their speed and resiliency, associated them with Huītzilōpōchtli, the warrior God of fire and sunlight.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Be flexible, but don’t doubt yourself if you see a path towards achievement.
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8

Clawed Butterfly (Ītzpāpalōtl)

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1. 
   The clawed butterfly (along with the obsidian butterfly) is a symbol of fire, rage, power, and purification. They’re associated with Ītzpāpalōtl, the female star demon. Days ruled by the butterfly are reminders to stay true to who you are, and they’re important reminders that even the things you hold dearest may one day need to be sacrificed for the greater good.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Be pure by staying honest with yourself. However, you can’t be afraid of killing your darlings.

9

Water (Atl) (Xiuhtecuhtli)

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1. 
   Water, in Aztec mythology, is most closely associated with Xiuhtecuhtli, the God of fire (ironic, huh?). By submitting yourself to the purification water brings, you are reborn as you would be if you were singed by fire. Atl is the holy day associated with water, and the Aztecs believed this was the ideal time to wage holy war.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: You can’t avoid confrontation forever. At some point, you have to face the fact that you aren’t best friends with everyone and confront your enemies.
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10

Monkey (Ozomahtli)

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1. 
   Monkeys are kind of hilarious in the way they hop around, mess with one another, and swing among the trees. The Aztecs noticed this and associated the monkey with Xochipilli, the provider of life energy. Days ruled by the monkey are meant for relaxing, having fun, and celebrating things in your life that bring you joy.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Play, create, and celebrate life. We weren’t put on this planet to work all the time, and it’s important to remember what really matters.

11

Dog (Itzcuintli)

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1. 
   In Aztec mythology, dogs are associated with death. Symbols depicting dogs are associated with Mictlantecuhtli, the God of death. The days of the dog are considered ideal times for funerals, wakes, memorials, and time spent with elders.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Remember those who have come before us. Your ancestors and the people you’ve lost are still with you.
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12

Flower (Xochitl)

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1. 
   Flowers are associated with Xochiquetzal, the Aztec Goddess of youth, love, beauty, pleasure, and art. Flowers and days ruled by the flower are ideal for writing, painting, and love-making. Find something you care deeply about that drives your passions wild and pursue it.

   • Torres adds that flower symbols can be associated with other flower gods.
   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Create art and love with great intensity. The world is full of so much joy and beauty, so appreciate it.

13

Rain (Quiahuitl)

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1. 
   The Aztecs found water to be a curious thing: waves dance like flames, moisture comes from the ground in the morning, and water makes plants grow. It was mysterious and sometimes random in its qualities. So, depictions of rain are associated with Tonatiuh, the God of the Sun and life. Days ruled by rain are meant for learning, travelling, and enriching yourself. Remember how lucky you are to be where you are, and don’t engage in any serious long-term planning today.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Remember how lucky you are to be in your shoes, even if everything isn’t perfect. Continue to educate yourself and find ways to engage your curiosity.
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14

Stone Knife (Tecpatl)

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1. 
   The stone knife, also known as the “day knife,” is a key symbol in Aztec mythology. It represents the importance of sharpening oneself and challenging one's abilities in order to improve. In Aztec mythology, the knife is governed by Chalchihuihtotolin, the jeweled bird God of disease and plague.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Life is meaningless without challenge. Continue to pursue your ambitions.

15

Movement (Ollin)

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1. 
   Often depicted as an eye inside of a star, symbols of movement were associated with Xolotl, the god of shapeshifting and lightning. Days ruled by movement call for activity, so go outside and find something to do. The Aztecs believed bad luck would come to those who were idle!

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Go out into the world and explore. You can’t stay cooped up in your room all day and get the most out of life!
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16

Vulture (Cozcacuauhtli)

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1. 
   The vulture’s head was a symbol that regularly appeared on Aztec documents related to rulers and powerful political figures, reflecting the symbol’s importance as a sign of elder wisdom. Ruled by the God Itzpapalotl, the Aztec God of fire and sacrifice, the vulture is a sign of long life, intellect, passion, and reflection.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Seek out wisdom everywhere you go. You’ll find yourself living a long and fulfilling life if you pursue balance and good company.

17

Grass (Malinalli)

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1. 
   A lot of the Aztec symbol associations might seem a little counterintuitive in a modern setting (like water being connected to rebirth), but grass is not one of them. The Aztec symbol for grass was associated with growth, staying strong, and respecting community. It is ruled by Patecatl, the God of medicine, roots, and herbs.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: Continue to pour your efforts into the friendships and relationships that mean a lot to you.
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18

Death (Miquiztli)

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1. 
   Tecciztecatl, the Moon god, is the shadow of the Sun and the bringer of death. The symbol for death, which is a skull, is associated with transformation, new beginnings, and freedom. Torres notes that skulls are a common symbol because the Aztecs appreciated death.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: It’s a good time to reflect on where your life has brought you. Remember where you’ve been, and change course if you don’t like where you’re going.

19

Deer (Mazatl)

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1. 
   For the Aztecs, the deer is a symbol of routine and attention. The part of the hunt that matters is not the firing of the bow, but the stalking of the prey. Stay focused! It’s ruled by Tlaloc, the Aztec God of thunderstorms, rain, and lightning.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: This is the time to retrace your steps and examine your habits. Do you have any changes to make? Is it time to adjust the way you do things?
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20

Wind (Ehecatl)

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1. 
   Wind is the realm of Quetzalcōātl, the God of creation and dawn. A powerful wind can clean a dirty road, reorient the way you see things, or simply provide a refreshing moment of peace.

   • Spiritual meaning of the symbol: If you’ve been looking for a reason to change, consider this your wake-up call. Winds shift easily, and so can you.

21

Cardinal Directions

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1. 
   The four directions were steeped in iconography for the Aztecs. The Aztecs really valued and respected the concept of direction. In Aztec society, the directions maintained balance and provided stability in the world, which made them essential elements in many rituals and practices. Here are the gods, colors, and symbols associated with each direction:

   • East (Tlapallan):
     • Deity: Xipe Totec, the God of fertility and rebirth.
     • Color: Red
     • Symbols: Crocodile, snake, and water.
   • West (Cihuatlampa):
     • Deity: Quetzalcōātl, the God of creation, wind, and dawn.
     • Color: White
     • Symbols: Deer, monkey, and the home.
   • North (Mictlampa):
     • Deity: Tezcatlipoca, the God of night, destiny, and conflict.
     • Color: Black
     • Symbols: Wind, dog, and depictions of death.
   • South (Huitzlampa):
     • Deity: Huitzilopochtli, the God of sun, war, and migration.
     • Color: Blue
     • Symbols: Lizard, rabbit, grass, flower, and vulture.
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• A note on Aztec symbology: The Aztecs were really into calendars. One of their calendars was a divine calendar, which divided the year into 260 days. A god ruled each day, and each day was associated with specific symbols and associations.
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