Sergio Magana Defines the Nagual and Tonal

[Clip from longer interview with Alan Steinfeld] Sergio's work is similar to the work of Carlos Castenada. The word nagual derives from the Nahuatl word nahuālli [naˈwaːlːi], which refers to shamanic practices. The tonal is the energy we are during the day time. And the nagual represents the nighttime aspect of the tonalli, 'the things of the day'.

According to Wikipedia: Practitioners of powerful magic were normally born on certain days related to animals with a strong or harmful aspect they would often have specific tonals such as the jaguar or puma. In Aztec mythology the God Tezcatlipoca was the protector of nagualism, because his tonal was the jaguar and he governed the distribution of wealth.

According to the work of Carlos Castaneda a nagual was synonymous with a brujo or sorcerer. One who is able to shape-shift into an animal. One who could be considered a man of power and knowldge.