Mesoamerican Mysticism Vocabulary

relating to events that recur in cycles; not linear

“They held a cyclical view of history where empires rise and fall.”

Origin: Greek kyklos (circle); central to Mayan timekeeping

formed of a single large block of stone; massive and uniform

“The company was a monolithic entity refusing to change.”

Origin: Greek monos (single) + lithos (stone)

relating to access to the spirit world and trance states

“The music had a hypnotic, shamanic quality.”

Origin: Tungusic saman (one who knows)

relating to the stars; extremely large (immense)

“The odds against winning were astronomical.”

Origin: Greek astron (star); Maya were master astronomers

hard, dark, glass-like volcanic rock

“His eyes were black as obsidian.”

Origin: Latin obsidianus; used for Aztec blades