Autosacrifice is the ritual extraction of one's own blood, a practice which dates back to at least 1200 BC in Mesoamerica¹⁾. It was born out of the idea of Nextlahualiztli, the concept of reciprocity between humans and the Teteo, which takes the form of fulfilling obligations or 'paying off debt' to the world.

Nextlahualiztli is one of the most essential concepts of Teotecayotl and arguably forms the foundation of most religious practise. All of creation is the product of the Teteo sacrificing themselves. This is a continual process that also happens every time we eat, drink, or use the products of the earth. When we do this, the Teteo that make up that matter are giving their lives for our nourishment, and the act of autosacrifice is a way of returning the favor and continuing the cycle²⁾. Though there are many other ways of giving back to the Teteo, autosacrifice through bloodletting was a famously common practise in the ancient world.

Autosacrifice in ancient Mesoamerica most commonly took the form of bloodletting. Blood is one of our sacred essences (sometimes referred to as 'souls') known as teyolia and represents water and life flowing through our body. In Nahuatl it is known as 'Chalchiuhatl' = precious water. the act of bloodletting was historically done by piercing the skin with maguey thorns, stingray spines, or obsidian blades. People would usually prick themselves in the tongue, ear, arm, or genitalia. The blood was either scattered over a sacred image (Teixiptla) or collected and subsequently burned ³⁾. Under some circumstances, a rope with attached thorns or obsidian flakes would be pulled through the tongue. This was usually only done by Maya elites during the Classic Period.

Today, bloodletting is not considered necessary in honoring the Teteo. It is a sacred practise, and those who feel called to participate in it can still do so in a safe and clean manner at their own discretion. The washing of hands and whichever part of the body will be pricked is very important in staying safe. As a community we recommend using the sharps used for blood glucose meters, as they are properly sanitized for the express purpose of bloodletting. The amount of blood is not important, it is the act of giving up blood itself that is sacred, as you are giving up your own sacred essence. Only a few drops is more than enough. These drops should then be gathered on a piece of paper and burned.