olollin

Olollin is a term of Nahuatl origin, a language spoken by the Aztec people and their descendants. The word is composed of the root "ollin," which signifies movement, motion, or earthquake. In its most direct translation, olollin means "movement" or "revolution."

Within the cosmological and philosophical framework of the Aztec civilization, olollin held profound significance. It represented not just physical motion but also the cyclical nature of existence, the constant flux of the universe, and the inherent dynamism of creation and destruction. The Aztec calendar, for instance, incorporated elements of motion and change, reflecting the understanding of time as a continuous unfolding process.

The concept of olollin was also linked to the divine. Deities associated with movement, such as Tezcatlipoca, the Smoking Mirror, were often described in terms of their pervasive and ever-present motion, embodying the constant transformation of the cosmos. Furthermore, the act of dancing and ritualistic movement in Aztec ceremonies was seen as a way to align oneself with the cosmic olollin, participating in and honoring the universal cycles.

Beyond its literal and symbolic meanings, olollin can also be interpreted as a metaphor for life itself – a continuous journey marked by change, challenges, and transformation. The understanding of olollin offered a worldview that embraced impermanence and found order within perpetual motion.