d in a circle many times, because there is
good ground for identifying, as the Ursa Major, the star-god mentioned as
Youal-tecuhtli by Sahagun. As youalli means night, the title literally
signifies "the lord of the night," while yaual=tecuhtli would mean the
lord of the circle or wheel, the most appropriate name for Ursa Major. The
actual representation, in the "Lyfe of the Indians," of the "Lord of
Night," within a wheel or circle composed of his own footsteps, so
strikingly corroborates this view, that further comment appears
unnecessary (fig. 59).

[Illustration.]

Figure 59.

In conclusion the exact meaning of the most important native symbols is
here recapitulated so as to facilitate comparative research.

THE SWASTIKA OR CROSS

the most ancient of primitive symbols was primarily a graphic
representation of the annual rotation of the Septentriones around Polaris.
It thus constituted not only an image of the most impressive of celestial
phenomena but also a year-symbol. The most highly-developed forms of the
swastika found in Mexico are associated with calendar-signs. In Mexico and
in the Ohio Valley it is linked with the serpent, to the symbolism of
which reference should be made. In Copan the cross symbol is associated
with the image of a figure in repose, occupying the Middle, and four puffs
of breath or air, laden with life-seeds, emanating from this.

Considering that the cross ultimately became the symbol of the union of
the four elements or two principles of nature in one and that the
production of life-producing rain was attributed to the union of heaven
and earth, it is evident why the Cozumel cross was described to its
Spanish discoverers, by the natives, as a symbol of the "rain-god."

THE SACRED FIRE

which was kept perpetually burning on the summit of the pyramid was the
graphic and appropriate image of the central light of heaven that most
naturally suggested itself to the native mind. Its origin was attributed
to supernatural agency and it was under the special care of the
priesthood. A deeply symbolical meaning was obviously attached to the
ceremonial kindling of the sacred fire by means of the reed fire-drill
which was held perpendicularly and inserted into a horizontally-placed
piece of dry wood. A noteworthy resemblance to a tau-shaped figure was
thus formed, which is interesting in connection with the fact that the
ceremony o