Episodes
Episodes



Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
The Great Mexica Calendar Debate: Who Decides Time?
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Join host Cihua Mazatl in the 15th episode of the Offerings of Copal podcast as she delves into the intricate world of the Mexica calendar. In this episode, Cihua unravels the heated debates surrounding the correct date for the Mexica New Year, exploring the different perspectives of the Arturo Meza and Alfonso Caso counts. She discusses the importance of engaging with these timekeeping systems in a meaningful way, rather than getting lost in divisions.
Through personal anecdotes and visionary experiences, Cihua reflects on the deep desire many have to practice ancient traditions authentically while adapting to the realities of the modern world. She also investigates the role of academics, indigenous traditions, and spirituality in understanding the calendar, highlighting that multiple perspectives can coexist without negating each other.
This episode encourages listeners to reconnect with their heritage and spiritual practices, emphasizing the necessity to balance scholarly research with lived experiences. It raises thought-provoking questions about gatekeeping knowledge and the need for accessible cultural wisdom amid modern challenges and existential threats.
Tune in to explore the dynamic interplay between history, spirituality, and personal experience in navigating the Mexica tradition.
Follow me on Instagram: @cihua.mazatl
'Subscribe' to my youtube channel: Cihua Mazatl
Order your copy of Sacred Count 2025-2026 Agenda here
Pick up a signed or black and white copy of Cihua Mazatl's book: Tlahtolli Oracle: Divinations for Night and Day Here for the original unsigned hardcover version you can get it here
Get your Tonalamatl reading here
Or to see all of my offerings, including art prints, jewelry, apparel, bookmarks and more visit my website: www.CihuaMazatl.com



Thursday Feb 13, 2025
The Magic of Piloncillos: Staying Sweet Through the Chaos
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Welcome to the 14th episode of the Offering Socopal podcast, where your host Cihua Mazatl shares a personal story behind the endearing term 'Piloncillos'. Journey with Cihua as she reminisces about family gatherings, the birth of a beloved symbol, and the sweet tale of how a piece of raw Mexican sugar became a cherished part of her life.
In this episode, Cihua reflects on the recent women's retreat in Puerto Escondido, exploring the importance of community, spirituality, and personal growth. She discusses the power of human connection and the necessity of reaching out to our communities, especially in these turbulent times.
Cihua also delves into the strength she draws from her ancestors, encouraging listeners to establish their own spiritual practices and seek solace in connecting with past generations. This episode is a call to embrace love, resilience, and the transformative journey of self-discovery.
Follow me on Instagram: @cihua.mazatl
'Subscribe' to my youtube channel: Cihua Mazatl
Order your copy of Sacred Count 2025-2026 Agenda here
Pick up a signed or black and white copy of Cihua Mazatl's book: Tlahtolli Oracle: Divinations for Night and Day Here for the original unsigned hardcover version you can get it here
Get your Tonalamatl reading here
Or to see all of my offerings, including art prints, jewelry, apparel, bookmarks and more visit my website: www.CihuaMazatl.com



Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Navigating Fear and Finding Strength in Unity
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Welcome to the 13th episode of the "Offerings of Copal" podcast, hosted by Cihua Mazatl. Amid the challenges of modern times, this episode focuses on self-care and community strength. Special guest, Heriberto Sanchez, brings insights into handling fear, emphasizing the importance of collective action over individual reactions.
The discussion extends into embracing ancestral wisdom, reflecting on human nature, and recognizing the power of unity in overcoming current societal pressures. Acknowledging that neither host claims to be a historian, they share personal experiences and perspectives on the recent political landscape and its impact on marginalized communities.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their consumption patterns, reconnect with ancestral practices, and consider practical steps for empowerment and sustainability, fostering a sense of community and resilience amidst uncertainty.
Follow me on Instagram: @cihua.mazatl
'Subscribe' to my youtube channel: Cihua Mazatl
Pick up a signed or black and white copy of Cihua Mazatl's book: Tlahtolli Oracle: Divinations for Night and Day Here for the original unsigned hardcover version you can get it here
Get your Tonalamatl reading here
Or to see all of my offerings, including art prints, jewelry, apparel, bookmarks and more visit my website: www.CihuaMazatl.com



Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Winter's Sacred Stillness
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Welcome to the 12th episode of the Offerings of Copal podcast, hosted by Cihua Mazatl. In this episode, we delve into the quiet and reflective nature of winter, exploring its significance in the Mexica traditions and the broader natural world. With the holiday season behind us, we turn our attention to the sacred pause of winter and the wisdom it holds.
Cihua shares personal stories and insights on how to honor the stillness of winter, reconnect with traditions that nourish the spirit, and integrate our experiences to move forward with clarity and intention. We explore themes of rest, introspection, and the cosmic rhythms that guide us towards renewal.
This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own holiday experiences, embrace the cycles of life, and find peace in the simplicity of the season. Join us on this journey of honoring our truths and aligning with the deeper meaning of winter.
Follow me on Instagram: @cihua.mazatl
'Subscribe' to my youtube channel: Cihua Mazatl
Pick up a signed or black and white copy of Cihua Mazatl's book: Tlahtolli Oracle: Divinations for Night and Day Here for the original unsigned hardcover version you can get it here
Get your Tonalamatl reading here
Or to see all of my offerings, including art prints, jewelry, apparel, bookmarks and more visit my website: www.CihuaMazatl.com



Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Rest, Reflection, and the Power of Authenticity
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Join host Cihua Mazatl in the 11th episode of the Offerings of Copal podcast as she delves into the essence of living and creating with authenticity. This episode invites listeners to explore creative integrity while honoring the hard work that comes with pursuing genuine expression.
Through Cihua's journey back to her roots in Mazatlán, Mexico, we unravel the intricate connections of family, the inevitability of life's changes, and the cosmic shifts shaping us collectively. Cihua shares insights from her experiences, offering reflections on how these elements influence our creative minds and personal growth.
Amidst cosmic movements like the Miquiztli trecena, the episode reflects on transformation cycles, honoring ancestors, and embracing individuality within community. Highlighted by the upcoming art show, "El Barrio No Se Vende o La Cultura Cura," the narrative contemplates authenticity, creative ownership, and the role of rest in nurturing genuine creativity.
Follow me on Instagram: @cihua.mazatl
'Subscribe' to my youtube channel: Cihua Mazatl
Pick up a signed or black and white copy of Cihua Mazatl's book: Tlahtolli Oracle: Divinations for Night and Day Here for the original unsigned hardcover version you can get it here
Get your Tonalamatl reading here
Or to see all of my offerings, including art prints, jewelry, apparel, bookmarks and more visit my website: www.CihuaMazatl.com



Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Elevating Chicana Voices-Art as Growth and Responsibility
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
In this engaging episode of the Offerings of Copal podcast, host Cihua Mazatl sits down with Patricia Cruz, a Chicana artist, muralist, and activist, to explore the intersection of art, identity, and community. Patricia shares her journey, from growing up in the border town of San Diego, CalifAztlan, to becoming a key figure in the Chicano Park mural restoration and the co-founder of Aztlan Libre Community Space Shop and Gallery.
The conversation delves into the significance of creating platforms for women artists, particularly Chicanas, to showcase their work and express their cultural heritage. Patricia reflects on her experiences curating art shows that honor and empower Chicana artists, emphasizing the importance of identity, representation, and empowerment through art.
Patricia also discusses the challenges and joys of collaborative art installations, highlighting the recent project she worked on with Cihua Mazatl. Together, they created a powerful installation that celebrates the interconnectedness of women and the magic of artistic expression.
Throughout the episode, Patricia offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring artists, encouraging them to embrace their roots, declare their identity, and continue creating fearlessly. Join us for an inspiring discussion that celebrates the power of Chicana artistry and community.
Follow me on Instagram: @cihua.mazatl
'Subscribe' to my youtube channel: Cihua Mazatl
Pick up a signed or black and white copy of Cihua Mazatl's book: Tlahtolli Oracle: Divinations for Night and Day Here for the original unsigned hardcover version you can get it here
Get your Tonalamatl reading here
Or to see all of my offerings, including art prints, jewelry, apparel, bookmarks and more visit my website: www.CihuaMazatl.com
Follow Patricia Cruz on Instagram: @artepazyvida
Follow Aztlan Libre: @aztlanlibre
Follow Galeria Mestizaje: @galeria_mestizaje
Visit Aztlan Libre in Barrio Logan, CA



Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Reclaiming Our Creative Inheritance
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
In this heartfelt episode of the "Offerings of Copal" podcast, host Cihua Mazatl, delves into the profound connection between art and ancestry, exploring how creativity is a sacred gift passed down through generations. Fresh from participating in community art events, Cihua reflects on the intense yet rewarding nature of creating under pressure and the deep-rooted significance of art in everyday life.
Cihua challenges listeners to embrace their inner artist, emphasizing that everyone has a creative spirit, regardless of identity. The episode highlights the importance of acknowledging diverse cultural experiences while recognizing the systemic barriers that often hinder Latino, Mexican, and Chicanx artists in the creative industry.
The discussion touches on the "art wound" many face, stemming from colonial influences that devalue cultural contributions. Cihua encourages healing through self-expression, urging listeners to reconnect with their creativity and honor their ancestral legacy. Through reflection questions and personal anecdotes, Cihua offers guidance on nurturing the creative spark within and redefining the idea of sacrifice as a ceremonial offering.
This episode serves as a call to action for artists and creatives to value their work, build supportive communities, and challenge the transactional nature of cultural consumption. Cihua inspires listeners to honor their creative impulses and contribute to a future where art is celebrated and valued, fostering a vibrant lineage of artists, healers, and storytellers.
Follow me on Instagram: @cihua.mazatl
'Subscribe' to my youtube channel: Cihua Mazatl
Pick up a signed or black and white copy of Cihua Mazatl's book: Tlahtolli Oracle: Divinations for Night and Day Here for the original unsigned hardcover version you can get it here
Get your Tonalamatl reading here
Or to see all of my offerings, including art prints, jewelry, apparel, bookmarks and more visit my website: www.CihuaMazatl.com



Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Mictlan-Embracing Death as a Natural Cycle
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Welcome to the eighth episode of Offerings of Copal Podcast, hosted by Cihua Mazatl. As we approach Dia de los Muertos, we delve into the thinning veil between worlds, exploring the Mexica journey through Mictlan. This episode isn't just about death but embraces the cycles of life, transformation, and remembrance.
Join us as we explore the nine levels of Mictlan, the land of the dead in Mexica mythology. Discover how these ancient traditions are celebrated today and how commercialization has impacted their sacred roots. We also discuss the powerful cultural narrative of sacrifice and question the necessity of carrying heavy burdens.
We broaden the conversation by examining how other ancient cultures honor death and celebrate the sacred universal cycle. Finally, we reflect on how Dia de los Muertos can be reclaimed as a personal practice of connection and reverence. Grab your cafecito or light some copal, and let's embark on this meaningful journey together.
Follow me on Instagram: @cihua.mazatl
'Subscribe' to my youtube channel: Cihua Mazatl
Pick up a copy of Cihua Mazatl's book: Tlahtolli Oracle: Divinations for Night and Day Here for the original hardcover version you can get it here
Get your Tonalamatl reading here

Artist & Author
Cihua Mazatl, also known as Jessica Santiago, is a Yoeme artist and fire-carrier in the Mexicayotl tradition dedicated to transmitting what she's learned on the camino rojo. Her arts-based research becomes a bridge between the ancient and the contemporary.
Her mission is to help others on their ancestral and earthly reconnection journey by embracing their authentic creative selves.