Dr. Geraldine Patrick Encina's presentation, titled "Tláloc in Tezcotzingo: Balancing Rainy and Dry Seasons," offered a fascinating perspective on the connection between astronomy, worldview, and water management during the reign of Nezahualcoyotl. Patrick began by explaining how Nezahualcoyotl was considered the embodiment of Tláloc, the god of rain. She argued that this identification went beyond symbolism; it implied a profound responsibility for managing water cycles and agriculture. The expert detailed how the landscape of Tezcotzingo was designed to reflect and harness astronomical cycles. She explained that the layout of certain architectural elements aligned with specific celestial events, such as solstices and equinoxes, which in turn marked crucial moments in the agricultural calendar. A particularly interesting aspect of her presentation was the explanation of the 260-day cycle known as Tonalpohualli. Patrick detailed how this cycle, corresponding to both the human gestation period and the growth cycle of maize, was integrated into the design and operation of Tezcotzingo. Dr. Patrick also discussed the importance of ceremonies, such as the one on May 3rd at Mount Tláloc, in water management. She described how these ritual practices were not mere superstition but part of a sophisticated system of resource management that integrated astronomical, agricultural, and spiritual knowledge.A key point of her presentation was the explanation of how this system created a "complex water society." Patrick argued that this approach not only efficiently managed water resources but also fostered a deep communal connection and shared responsibility for water stewardship. The expert concluded her talk by reflecting on the relevance of this ancestral knowledge today. She emphasized the importance of reclaiming this holistic vision that integrates science, spirituality, and resource management, arguing that it could offer valuable solutions to our current sustainability challenges. This presentation not only highlighted the sophistication of Nezahualcoyotl's thinking and his people but also demonstrated how a profound understanding of natural cycles can inform more sustainable resource management practices. Dr. Patrick's talk reinforced the central idea of the webinar: that ancestral knowledge, far from being obsolete, can be a crucial source of inspiration and wisdom for addressing the complex environmental challenges we face today.
