From Aztec Folklore
The holy ascetic Yappan dwelt in a desert place so that he might lead a continent and solitary life, in order to win the favour of the gods. He took up his abode on a rock called Tehuchuetl, but the gods conceived a doubt of his piety, and sent an enemy of his, Yaotl (enemy), to watch his movements. Even this bitter foe found nothing to cavil at in his conduct, and women sent by the gods to lead him from the paths of rectitude were sternly repulsed. The divine beings were about to consider his apotheosis, when Xochiquetzal*, feeling that her reputation as a tempter of men was at stake, angrily assured them that she was able to effect his seduction.
Descending to earth, she sought out the hermit, whom she assured of her admiration and esteem, and asked by what path she might ascend to his rocky seat. All unsuspicious of her intent, Yappan descended from his place on the rock and assisted her to climb the rugged eminence. Yappan forgot his vow of chastity, and when the goddess had departed, found himself deserted by the angry gods to the mercies of his enemy, Yaotl, who slew him out of hand. The gods transformed the slain man into a a scorpion. Yaotl also slew Yappan’s wife, Tlahuitzin, whom he had abandoned for the ascetic life. Tlahuitzin was also transformed into a scorpion, and crawling under a stone, found her husband there. But the gods, wrathful at Yaotl’s excessive cruelty, changed him into a locust.
- Xochiquetzal – The goddess of witches, lust, and temptation.
[Note from Lewis Spence – “This myth seems to me to show vestiges of a belief in the theory of the transmigration of souls, and to indicate that the ascetic, almost on the borders of what is known in Buddhistic belief as “arahatship,” or promotion to a higher life, was condemned for his lapse to recommence existence once more under a low form of life.”]
Source:
The Gods of Mexico, Lewis Spence, 1923
Kotharian Lightning 