Neteotiloani
Neteotiloani is the broad term for the worship of the teteo, those beings worshipped by the Calmaxtec that are of an exotic origin. The specifics of this worship depend heavily on the particular teotl being given worship as well as the particular Calmaxtec culture to which the worshiper belongs. However, there are many similiarities in the way the Calmaxtec people approach a teotl and interact with the entity.
This practice is most prevalent among Chol'ul, Tzetzal and Apoxtec peoples. It is also more common among the Calmaxtec elite, in urban areas, fishing villages and among artisans.
The first common aspect is the avoidance of using a teotl's name outside of ritual worship or prayer. If one wishes to speak about a teotl outside of these activities, they must use one of the many titles ascribed to them, such as Righteous Mother or Mother of the Three, for the teotl Acuecueyolotl.
There are also many similiarities in the rituals of worship. When one wishes to commune with a teotl, the first act is to assume a state of utter humility, icnotecayotl. This state is reached through a brief period of meditation and the application of ash to the forehead and cheeks. This ash is usually created by burning aromatic herbs, but wood ash is acceptable if necessary. The worshipper then abases themselves before the offering platform, which has some representation of the teotl. The first words must always be those of gratitude and praise, followed by an explanation of the offering they are providing.
If the worshipper wishes to make a petition, they do so after the offering, never before. In Calmaxtec belief, the offering is made in thanks for what has already been provided, not as payment for something they are about to ask. The shape this offering takes is highly specific to the teotl being worshipped, but it must always be something of value relative to the wealth and resources of the worshipper. The richer or more fortunate one is, the higher quality the offerings must be. The ritual closes with further utterances of gratitude and a committment to remain the teotl's faithful servant.
It is also widely forbidden to worship to more than one teotl at the same time. The mind must be completely focused on the presence of the single teotl one is in communion with during the ritual. Many Calmaxtec are revolted or even frightened by the sight of multiple devas sharing a single altar in some Eshtem city temples or house altars, particularly the more rural Calmaxtec unfamiliar with Eshtem ways. Most Calmaxtec make offerings at an altar to three or four teteo on different days of the lunar cycle. Other teteo may be acknowledged in a spontaneous prayer of thanks or desperate plea.
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