Tradition: Aztec Mythology, Mexico Mythology
Alternative Names: Nahual, Nāhualli
Category: Sorcerer
The Myth
A Nagual is a human sorcerer with the power to transform into an animal, often taking the form of a jaguar, wolf, dog, owl, bat, or turkey. Some legends also describe Naguals transforming into unnatural shapes such as clouds, lightning, wind, or balls of fire.
The power of a Nagual is connected to the animal spirit linked to a person’s birth. In Mesoamerican beliefs, every person has a spiritual counterpart called a tonal, whose strengths and weaknesses influence their life. A Nagual can draw upon this spiritual connection to gain supernatural abilities and take on an animal’s form.
Naguals can use their powers for good or evil. Some protect their communities, guard sacred places, heal the sick, and remove curses cast by other sorcerers. Others transform at night to attack people, drink blood, steal possessions, or spread sickness.
In some communities, Naguals are respected members of society who are consulted for their spiritual powers. In others, they are feared as dangerous witches who use their animal forms to move unseen through the darkness.
The jaguar is especially associated with powerful Naguals. The Aztec god Tezcatlipoca, who was linked to jaguars, was also associated with Naguals and their supernatural abilities.
The Nagual is both a feared shapeshifting sorcerer and a spiritual guardian. Whether it becomes a protector or a threat depends on the person and how they use their power.
Sources
“Nagual.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagual