Dear friends, the next trecena report will be a bit late due to intensive work commitments. Also, watch for my new series of blogs on the REAL Mayan prophecies, by which I mean the ones recorded by actual Mayan scribes in the Chilam Balam manuscripts from Yucatan.
MANIK TRECENA (November 24 – December 6, 2011)
I give thanks to my teachers. First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge Rigoberto Itzep Chanchavac of Momostenango and his family, Maria, Gregorio Kukulcan, Nacxit, Ralanqil and Bonampak. I also wish to acknowledge the contributions of Roberto Poz of Zunil and Thomas Hart of Quetzaltenango, and the linguistic help of Anita Garr of Long Branch, New Jersey.
The wisdom is theirs. The mistakes are mine.
1 MANIK (KEJ) November 24
The Number 1 symbolizes beginnings, unity, the original energy of creation. Even though it is a low number, it is powerful, for it has to do with the energy of the new trecena which is making its arrival. Therefore, Daykeepers usually do ritual on a 1 day, and in some traditional communities there is a special shrine dedicated to the number 1. It also symbolizes the power of thought, the initial or beginning “idea” behind all things that inspires us to create and to bring things into manifestation.
MANIK (KEJ) THE PILLARS OF THE UNIVERSE: This sign signifies the deer, and is the nawal of all kinds of four-footed animals. It is also the nawal of the Mayan religion and of the rainforest. This is the day of the aj q’ijab or Mayan priests; it is power, authority, hierarchy, force, and the four cardinal points. This is the nawal of the four corners of the earth, and is sometimes said to have an association with the planet Saturn. Upon this day we pray for harmony among one and all. This extends to the natural world around us as well as to other human beings; one gains great power and energy if one is able to spend this day in nature or in the wilderness.
2 LAMAT (Q’ANIL) November 25
The Number 2 is a symbol of duality. Much like Taoists, the Maya think in terms of cosmic polarities. This is embodied in their mythology: there are two Hero Twins, two principal Lords of the Underworld, as well as the two monkey twins who represent the day-sign Chuen (B’atz’). There is the eternal dichotomy of this world and the Underworld, day and night, darkness and light. These themes run like a common thread in all of Mayan myth, especially in the sacred book the Popol Vuh.
LAMAT (Q’ANIL) THE REGENERATION OF THE EARTH: This day-sign signifies seed, corn, pride, harvest, and food. It is the nawal of all kinds of animal and vegetable seeds. It is the day of fertility and harvests, abundance, prosperity; it is auspicious for initiating any planting or business negotiation. This day signifies the four colors of corn – red, black, white and yellow. This is a wonderful day for farmers or simple planter box gardeners, for upon this day we ask that the world may be made to blossom and be made fertile. We may plant ideas and projects as well as flowers; any relationship or business venture which begins on a Lamat day will usually turn out favorably. It is traditionally associated with the planet Venus.
3 MULUC (TOJ) November 26
The Number 3 relates to the three worlds of the Mayan cosmovision – Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. It also symbolizes the three original hearth stones laid down by the Creator Gods. (In traditional Mayan homes, three stones can still be found on wooden stoves to hold the comal or tortilla griddle.) But 3 can be a difficult number nevertheless. This number implies doubt, risk, and uncertainty. Some traditional Daykeepers avoid initiating new projects on a 3 day.
MULUC (TOJ) OFFERING: This day-sign signifies offering, liberty, equilibrium, payment, a fine or a debt. This day is related to two elements, being the nawal of Water in its manifestation of rain, and also of the Sacred Fire as in the Mayan Fire Ceremony. Upon this day we humbly acknowledge our karmic debts and assert our intention to “pay it all back” by placing our lives in harmony. Make atonement for all disequilibrium and be thankful for all that is in balance.
4 OC (TZ’I) November 27
The Number 4 symbolizes wholeness. It is associated with Ahau, the Sun God as cosmic lord (the word ahau literally means lord). Why is this a solar number? The word for “day” (k’in in Yucatec or q’ij in K’iche’) is the same as the word for “sun.” A day is a complete passage of the sun. The sun or the day has four stations: dawn, noon, sunset and midnight. These four components of each day or each “sun” can be conceptually expanded to include the solstices and equinoxes; thus the year is also a 4. There is evidence that the Classic Maya divided the universe into four sections marked by the two intersections of the Milky Way with the ecliptic. Thus we live in a fourfold universe. The Maya still lay out their ritual altars in a fourfold pattern. The number 4 represents the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water; these compose nature and give us life. Four also symnolizes the Four Directions and the Four Pillars which hold up the Earth. In K’iche’ myth there are four pillars which keep the Earth and Sky in their rightful places.
OC (TZ’I) LAW AND SPIIRITUAL AUTHORITY: This day-sign signifies a dog, the police, vengeance, or a magistrate; it also symbolizes accuracy and precision, justice and legality. This day is also a nawal of sexuality. On this day we pray that justice may be done to all people. It is a good day to address any legal issues of our own, as well as correcting the difficulties which may have arisen in our lives due to an excess of the passions.
5 CHUEN (B’ATZ’) November 28
The Number 5 represents the human hand and the five senses, as well as the five fingers and toes. Our hands do our work for us. Hence 5 may be regarded as the number of work, and of karma. Some Mayan teachers perceive five stages of life as well: childhood, youth, adulthood, mature adult, and elder.
CHUEN (B’ATZ’) MASTER OF ALL THE ARTS: This sign signifies weaving the thread of life; it also signifies time, development, and movement. It is the nawal of all the arts, of weaving, of the artists. Upon this most auspicious day, we may voice our intent that all we have requested from the universe may be freely given to us. This day is sometimes called “Monkey,” and monkeys were the mythic patrons of the arts in ancient Mayan lore. This is an auspicious day for all artistic projects. In fact, it is an auspicious day to begin projects of any sort, for this day-sign represents “the thread of life,” the weaving of the loom of existence. This is the best day upon which to be married.
6 EB (E) November 29
The Number 6 is the number of ultimate stability. The “Place of Number 6,” the hill called Paklom, represents the axis mundi or world center in contemporary Momostenango. Some Mayan teachers say that there are 6 components which establish the vitality of a family system: 1) Health 2) Understanding 3) Work/Employment 4) Friendship 5) Property or Possessions 6) Positive and Negative Actions.
EB (E) THE ROAD OF LIFE: This day-sign signifies destiny, the road of life, thankfulness and benediction. It is the nawal of all the roads and all the “road guides” or spiritual advisors. Upon this day we give thanks for the Road of Life upon which we continually walk, for it represents the spiritual path itself. This day is the patron of travelers and the best possible day upon which to begin a journey. It is also a most favorable day for the initiation of any business matter or for the signing of contracts.
7 BEN (AJ) November 30
The number 7 may confuse some people, for it sometimes represents death, or at least “endings.” The reason for this is simple. Take a look at any tzolk’in diagram and pay attention to the sequence of numbers in the top row. It will be like this:
1, 8, 2, 9, 3, 10, 4, 11, 5, 12, 6, 13, 7
Any day-sign sequence beginning with 1 will end in a 7. This is why 7 is so often considered a symbol of endings. In the Popol Vuh, the Hero Twins are named 1 Junajpu and 7 Junajpu, while the most important Underworld Lords are named 1 Death and 7 Death. When 1 and 7 are paired together in such a fashion, it is as if we were saying: “The beginning and end of the Hero Twins archetype,” or “The alpha and omega of the Death archetype.” Rituals are seldom performed on 7 days in Momostenango, though I have known Daykeepers from Xela and Lake Atitlan to make use of certain powerful 7 days.
BEN (AJ) THE RESURRECTION OF THE CORN: This is the sign of home and family, or of a stalk of sugar cane or corn; it is a sign of vocation, a sprout or our offspring, a cane or walking stick; it is the sign of seed, a staff of authority, the power and the growth of crops; it represents stability, solidity, strength, resoluteness of character as well as tenderness. This is the nawal of the home and of children. This is the day to give thanks for the home in which we live, for this day is connected with the nourishment and flourishing of all things related to the home, whether human, animal or plant.
8 IX (I’X)) December 1
The number 8 is highly auspicious. If 1 and 7 are the beginning and the end, then 1 + 7 = 8, making 8 a number of completion or wholeness, much like the number 4. This is why there is some sort of ritual for almost every 8 day, and why some extremely traditional communities have a special local shrine dedicated to the number 8. Of course, 4 + 4 = 8, so the wholeness implied in the number 4 is doubled here, as if the wholeness of the fourfold universe were seen from the viewpoint of both polarities: night and day, light and darkness, sun and moon, yin and yang. The number 8 has been said by Maya teachers to represent the weaving of life, the thread or cord of time. It is also sometimes said that the Mayan symbol for 8, a bar with three dots over it, has a symbolic meaning, with the three dots on top representing humanity and day, and the bar underneath representing Mother Earth.
IX (I’X) THE JAGUAR: This day-sign signifies the jaguar, the spirit, force, energy, and vitality. It is the nawal of nature and of Mayan shrines or altars. It is also the nawal of the seven human shames: pride, ambition, envy, lying, crime, ingratitude, and ignorance through laziness. Those who keep the days always set aside a special place or household altar for prayer, meditation, incense, candles, and so on. This is the day to give thanks that we have created such a sacred place in our lives. It is a day which may fruitfully be devoted to introspection and meditation if the opportunity is there. It is also regarded as a favorable day upon which to practice any kind of divination. As regards the element of Water, Ix symbolizes the sacred energy inherent in fresh streams, in running water.
9 MEN (TZ’IKIN) December 2
The number 9 is an extremely positive one, even though it is an odd number. It is often used for ritual purposes. 9 is often called “the number of life” because it represents the process of human gestation; there are nine months of human development prior to birth. Because of this, the number 9 is especially associated with women, particularly since the 260-day cycle is comprised of nine lunar months. Some Mayan teachers have pointed out that in their traditional culture there are nine steps in the construction of a house and nine stages to growing and harvesting crops. There are also 9 Lords of the Underworld, but this is not necessarily the astrological significance of 9, a number whose symbolism is overwhelmingly positive. 9 days have a special connection with the ancestors.
MEN (TZ’IKIN) THE VISION OF THE BIRD: This day-sign signifies a bird, wealth, and all business negotiations. It is the nawal of economic well-being and good fortune. It is an auspicious day to give thanks and ask for financial prosperity. It is the communication and mediation between Uk’ux Kaj and Uk’ux Ulew (Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth). Unlike those of some spiritual traditions, the Maya do not feel that material prosperity is undesirable or “non-spiritual.” Upon this day, we may thank the universe for whatever prosperity we currently enjoy while honestly expressing the intention that more prosperity may attend our lives. This day is as fortunate for love as it is for money; pay attention to relationship issues. Pay attention to dreams as well, for this is a day upon which one may experience powerful and important revelations through dreams.
10 CIB (AJMAQ) December 3
The number 10 symbolizes the 10 digits on our hands and our feet, which altogether make up the 20 which comprise a human being. This number has a special meaning of human cooperation, the bonds and relationships between people.
CIB (AJMAQ) FORGIVENESS: This day-sign signifies sin, pardon, and pleasure. It is the nawal of one’s faults. It is also a day to ask forgiveness from the dead and one’s ancestors. It represents gifts and Mother Earth and is the nawal of the Earth itself. This is in part a day of the Otherworld. It is good to remember friends and family members who have passed away from us, and to light a candle or two in their memory. If there is anything for which you seek forgiveness, today is the day to ask for it; the ancestors are listening, and incline themselves favorably to our affairs. A day for meditation and withdrawal.
11 CABAN (NO’J) December 4
The number 11 has great force, strength and power. This power is neither positive nor negative but neutral. Some Mayan teachers see it as representative of the totality of past, present and future, everything that unfolds over time. The number 11 holds tremendous creative potential, but it can be challenging to access that force and is sometimes perceived as a “difficult” day.
CABAN (NO’J) THE VISION OF THE COSMOS: This day-sign signifies ideas, wisdom, memory and patience. It is the nawal of intelligence, a day dedicated to asking for knowledge, talent, and good thoughts. Upon this day, we may ask the universe to grant us creativity in all our endeavors, and the intelligence to find solutions to all our challenges. This day enlivens the intellect and enhances the eternal quest for wisdom. It is the nawal of the earthquake and seismic disturbance. According to the Maya, this is one of the best days to consult a diviner and seek for spiritual guidance.
12 ETZNAB (TIJAX) November 5
The number 12 is the highest of the even numbers and represents a summing up one’s life. At one time or another we must all come to a such an accounting of all our actions and experiences, weaving together all our individual, family, societal and cultural influences. 12 represents this totality of thought.
ETZNAB (TIJAX) OBSIDIAN KNIFE: This day-sign signifies flint, obsidian, communication, gossip and education. It is an auspicious day for healers (curanderas) and authorities, for cutting away evils and illnesses. This is the day of communication, publicity, eloquence, teaching, medicine and healing; but also of fights, quarrels, vengeance, falsehood, and espionage. The world is full of potential road blocks and accidents. Upon this day, we pray for safety from all harm, and for the resolution of all conflict. This day has a special connection with healing and is favorable for health matters and the curing of disease; just as the warrior holds a knife, so does the surgeon.
13 CAUAC (KAWOQ) December 6
The number 13 is the completion of life, of all movement and process. 13 has a special relationship with the development of paranormal abilities, as we might expect from its connection with the 13 major joints where the sacred koyopa energy accumulates. 13 also relates to refinement and sensitivity, enhanced perception and acute intuition. This ability to access other dimensions of reality applies to all actions performed on a 13 day as well as to those who are born upon a 13.
CAUAC (KAWOQ) THE UNIVERSAL COMMUNITY: This is the sign of the Divine Feminine, signifying wives, female healers, and especially midwives; it also symbolizes thunder, lightning, and cyclones; it represents spiritual unrest and mental conflicts as well as spiritual contacts and communication. This sign has connections with the koyopa or “blood lightning,” signals and messages in the blood. This day is sometimes said to signify the celestial home of the gods. Upon this day, we pray that there may always be harmony in our home lives and among our friends. Like the previous day, it is auspicious for all matters regarding health and healing. It has a special connection with women and with feminine energy.
I give thanks to my teachers. First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge Rigoberto Itzep Chanchavac of Momostenango and his family, Maria, Gregorio Kukulcan, Nacxit, Ralanqil and Bonampak. I also wish to acknowledge the contributions of Roberto Poz of Zunil and Thomas Hart of Quetzaltenango, and the linguistic help of Anita Garr of Long Branch, New Jersey.
The wisdom is theirs. The mistakes are mine.
1 IX (I’X) November 11, 2011
The Number 1 symbolizes beginnings, unity, the original energy of creation. Even though it is a low number, it is powerful, for it has to do with the energy of the new trecena which is making its arrival. Therefore, Daykeepers usually do ritual on a 1 day, and in some traditional communities there is a special shrine dedicated to the number 1. It also symbolizes the power of thought, the initial or beginning “idea” behind all things that inspires us to create and to bring things into manifestation.
IX (I’X) THE JAGUAR: This day-sign signifies the jaguar, the spirit, force, energy, and vitality. It is the nawal of nature and of Mayan shrines or altars. It is also the nawal of the seven human shames: pride, ambition, envy, lying, crime, ingratitude, and ignorance through laziness. Those who keep the days always set aside a special place or household altar for prayer, meditation, incense, candles, and so on. This is the day to give thanks that we have created such a sacred place in our lives. It is a day which may fruitfully be devoted to introspection and meditation if the opportunity is there. It is also regarded as a favorable day upon which to practice any kind of divination. As regards the element of Water, Ix symbolizes the sacred energy inherent in fresh streams, in running water.
2 MEN (TZ’IKIN) November 12, 2011
The Number 2 is a symbol of duality. Much like Taoists, the Maya think in terms of cosmic polarities. This is embodied in their mythology: there are two Hero Twins, two principal Lords of the Underworld, as well as the two monkey twins who represent the day-sign Chuen (B’atz’). There is the eternal dichotomy of this world and the Underworld, day and night, darkness and light. These themes run like a common thread in all of Mayan myth, especially in the sacred book the Popol Vuh.
MEN (TZ’IKIN) THE VISION OF THE BIRD: This day-sign signifies a bird, wealth, and all business negotiations. It is the nawal of economic well-being and good fortune. It is an auspicious day to give thanks and ask for financial prosperity. It is the communication and mediation between Uk’ux Kaj and Uk’ux Ulew (Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth). Unlike those of some spiritual traditions, the Maya do not feel that material prosperity is undesirable or “non-spiritual.” Upon this day, we may thank the universe for whatever prosperity we currently enjoy while honestly expressing the intention that more prosperity may attend our lives. This day is as fortunate for love as it is for money; pay attention to relationship issues. Pay attention to dreams as well, for this is a day upon which one may experience powerful and important revelations through dreams.
3 CIB (AJMAQ) November 13, 2011
The Number 3 relates to the three worlds of the Mayan cosmovision – Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. It also symbolizes the three original hearth stones laid down by the Creator Gods. (In traditional Mayan homes, three stones can still be found on wooden stoves to hold the comal or tortilla griddle.) But 3 can be a difficult number nevertheless. This number implies doubt, risk, and uncertainty. Some traditional Daykeepers avoid initiating new projects on a 3 day.
CIB (AJMAQ) FORGIVENESS: This day-sign signifies sin, pardon, and pleasure. It is the nawal of one’s faults. It is also a day to ask forgiveness from the dead and one’s ancestors. It represents gifts and Mother Earth and is the nawal of the Earth itself. This is in part a day of the Otherworld. It is good to remember friends and family members who have passed away from us, and to light a candle or two in their memory. If there is anything for which you seek forgiveness, today is the day to ask for it; the ancestors are listening, and incline themselves favorably to our affairs. A day for meditation and withdrawal.
4 CABAN (NO’J) November 14, 2011
The Number 4 symbolizes wholeness. It is associated with Ahau, the Sun God as cosmic lord (the word ahau literally means lord). Why is this a solar number? The word for “day” (k’in in Yucatec or q’ij in K’iche’) is the same as the word for “sun.” A day is a complete passage of the sun. The sun or the day has four stations: dawn, noon, sunset and midnight. These four components of each day or each “sun” can be conceptually expanded to include the solstices and equinoxes; thus the year is also a 4. There is evidence that the Classic Maya divided the universe into four sections marked by the two intersections of the Milky Way with the ecliptic. Thus we live in a fourfold universe. The Maya still lay out their ritual altars in a fourfold pattern. The number 4 represents the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water; these compose nature and give us life. Four also symnolizes the Four Directions and the Four Pillars which hold up the Earth. In K’iche’ myth there are four pillars which keep the Earth and Sky in their rightful places.
CABAN (NO’J) THE VISION OF THE COSMOS: This day-sign signifies ideas, wisdom, memory and patience. It is the nawal of intelligence, a day dedicated to asking for knowledge, talent, and good thoughts. Upon this day, we may ask the universe to grant us creativity in all our endeavors, and the intelligence to find solutions to all our challenges. This day enlivens the intellect and enhances the eternal quest for wisdom. It is the nawal of the earthquake and seismic disturbance. According to the Maya, this is one of the best days to consult a diviner and seek for spiritual guidance.
5 ETZNAB (TIJAX) November 15, 2011
The Number 5 represents the human hand and the five senses, as well as the five fingers and toes. Our hands do our work for us. Hence 5 may be regarded as the number of work, and of karma. Some Mayan teachers perceive five stages of life as well: childhood, youth, adulthood, mature adult, and elder.
ETZNAB (TIJAX) OBSIDIAN KNIFE: This day-sign signifies flint, obsidian, communication, gossip and education. It is an auspicious day for healers (curanderas) and authorities, for cutting away evils and illnesses. This is the day of communication, publicity, eloquence, teaching, medicine and healing; but also of fights, quarrels, vengeance, falsehood, and espionage. The world is full of potential road blocks and accidents. Upon this day, we pray for safety from all harm, and for the resolution of all conflict. This day has a special connection with healing and is favorable for health matters and the curing of disease; just as the warrior holds a knife, so does the surgeon
6 CAUAC (KAWOQ) November 16, 2011
The Number 6 is the number of ultimate stability. The “Place of Number 6,” the hill called Paklom, represents the axis mundi or world center in contemporary Momostenango. Some Mayan teachers say that there are 6 components which establish the vitality of a family system: 1) Health 2) Understanding 3) Work/Employment 4) Friendship 5) Property or Possessions 6) Positive and Negative Actions.
CAUAC (KAWOQ) THE UNIVERSAL COMMUNITY: This is the sign of the Divine Feminine, signifying wives, female healers, and especially midwives; it also symbolizes thunder, lightning, and cyclones; it represents spiritual unrest and mental conflicts as well as spiritual contacts and communication. This sign has connections with the koyopa or “blood lightning,” signals and messages in the blood. This day is sometimes said to signify the celestial home of the gods. Upon this day, we pray that there may always be harmony in our home lives and among our friends. Like the previous day, it is auspicious for all matters regarding health and healing. It has a special connection with women and with feminine energy.
7 AHAU (AJPU) November 17, 2011
The number 7 may confuse some people, for it sometimes represents death, or at least “endings.” The reason for this is simple. Take a look at any tzolk’in diagram and pay attention to the sequence of numbers in the top row. It will be like this:
1, 8, 2, 9, 3, 10, 4, 11, 5, 12, 6, 13, 7
Any day-sign sequence beginning with 1 will end in a 7. This is why 7 is so often considered a symbol of endings. In the Popol Vuh, the Hero Twins are named 1 Junajpu and 7 Junajpu, while the most important Underworld Lords are named 1 Death and 7 Death. When 1 and 7 are paired together in such a fashion, it is as if we were saying: “The beginning and end of the Hero Twins archetype,” or “The alpha and omega of the Death archetype.” Rituals are seldom performed on 7 days in Momostenango, though I have known Daykeepers from Xela and Lake Atitlan to make use of certain powerful 7 days.
AHAU (AJPU) THE HUNTER: This day-sign signifies one of the Hero Twins as a blowgun hunter, as well as symbolizing leadership, struggle, and heroism. It is the nawal of the sun and a day to ask for wisdom, talent, and physical fortitude. It is the nawal/guardian and patron of flowers, and was called Xochitl or “flower” among the Aztecs. It is the day of mental and psychological tests and challenges, for the winner of such tests and challenges is heroic like the mythic Hero Twins; it is the day of prophets, fortune-tellers, psychics, and diviners; it may also signify an eclipse. It is the day of the grandparents who have departed. I have seen any number of traditional Maya go to the cemetery and make offerings to their ancestors on Ahau days.
8 IMIX (IMOX) November 18, 2011
The number 8 is highly auspicious. If 1 and 7 are the beginning and the end, then 1 + 7 = 8, making 8 a number of completion or wholeness, much like the number 4. This is why there is some sort of ritual for almost every 8 day, and why some extremely traditional communities have a special local shrine dedicated to the number 8. Of course, 4 + 4 = 8, so the wholeness implied in the number 4 is doubled here, as if the wholeness of the fourfold universe were seen from the viewpoint of both polarities: night and day, light and darkness, sun and moon, yin and yang. The number 8 has been said by Maya teachers to represent the weaving of life, the thread or cord of time. It is also sometimes said that the Mayan symbol for 8, a bar with three dots over it, has a symbolic meaning, with the three dots on top representing humanity and day, and the bar underneath representing Mother Earth.
IMIX (IMOX) THE LEFT HAND: This sign signifies the left side of reality, hence receptivity or the receiving of messages from other dimensions, as well as the ability to see into other worlds; but it also may symbolize madness, disorder, nervousness, uncertainty and doubt. It is a sign of cooperation, for the left arm must cooperate and work well with the right. It is the nawal of the ocean and a day for healing illnesses of the mind. The world is filled with psychological perils and stresses. Upon this day we pray for good mental health, both for ourselves and for all those around us. We pray that our dreams and visions may bring us beauty and wisdom rather than delusion and craziness. Since this day has a strong connection with water, to be close to a flowing river or stream or the ocean is beneficial upon this day.
9 IK (IQ’) November 19, 2011
The number 9 is an extremely positive one, even though it is an odd number. It is often used for ritual purposes. 9 is often called “the number of life” because it represents the process of human gestation; there are nine months of human development prior to birth. Because of this, the number 9 is especially associated with women, particularly since the 260-day cycle is comprised of nine lunar months. Some Mayan teachers have pointed out that in their traditional culture there are nine steps in the construction of a house and nine stages to growing and harvesting crops. There are also 9 Lords of the Underworld, but this is not necessarily the astrological significance of 9, a number whose symbolism is overwhelmingly positive. 9 days have a special connection with the ancestors.
IK (IQ’) THE BREATH OF LIFE: This sign signifies wind and the moon, though in divination it may be a sign of crisis. It is the nawal of the element of air and of the moon, of the spirit of human existence. It is a day for the removal of negative energy and illnesses. It is the wind which sweeps clean our house and our body. It also signifies a hurricane, cleansing, purification, breath, and sexual obsession. Upon this day we ask for the strength, the vitality, and the commitment to carry on in our chosen work. This is a day for the removal of negative energy and illnesses; in terms of healing, it favors the resolution of psychological problems, especially those which arise from angry emotional states.
10 AKBAL (AQ’AB’AL) November 20, 2011
The number 10 symbolizes the 10 digits on our hands and our feet, which altogether make up the 20 which comprise a human being. This number has a special meaning of human cooperation, the bonds and relationships between people.
AKBAL (AQ’AB’AL) DAWN: This sign signifies awakening, dawn, marriage, light and enchantment. It is the nawal of clarity or light; it is the day to ask for the dawning of the light in all things. It is especially a day of marriage, love and romance. This day symbolizes both darkness and dawn; hence it is a day of new beginnings. Upon this day, we express our intention always to think and act with perfect clarity. Needless to say, it is also perhaps the most favorable for day for love and marriage (though Chuen or B’atz’ is also very good, especially for the actual marriage ceremony). An Akbal day can also be quite favorable for finding a job.
11 KAN (K’AT) November 21, 2011
The number 11 has great force, strength and power. This power is neither positive nor negative but neutral. Some Mayan teachers see it as representative of the totality of past, present and future, everything that unfolds over time. The number 11 holds tremendous creative potential, but it can be challenging to access that force and is sometimes perceived as a “difficult” day.
KAN (K’AT) THE NET: This sign signifies a net, new offspring, the growth and increase of future generations, new crops; as a nawal of the element of Fire, this is the fire of the hearth. It is the nawal of prisons both visible and invisible. Upon this day, we express our intention always to have understanding. It is a favorable day upon which to pray for abundance. It is also a day upon which healing ceremonies and practices are sometimes performed, especially if the necessary healing is psychological in nature. It is a day to ask for the tangling and untangling of things.
12 CHICCHAN (KAN) November 22, 2011
The number 12 is the highest of the even numbers and represents a summing up one’s life. At one time or another we must all come to a such an accounting of all our actions and experiences, weaving together all our individual, family, societal and cultural influences. 12 represents this totality of thought.
CHICCHAN (KAN) FEATHERED SERPENT: This sign signifies the Feathered Serpent, sexuality, work, power, law and justice. It is the nawal of the creation of man and woman, and also of education and training. It is the regent of the sky and ruler of time of transcendence and the transformation of time; in divination it may show that one is predestined to divine power (spiritual vocations). Upon this day we assert that vitality, clarity and understanding shall be made manifest right now. Because this day-sign has a connection with the inner lightning (koyopa in Mayan, or kundalini in Eastern traditions), it is also a day upon which one may build both physical and spiritual strength. As the nawal of the creation of man and woman, it is a most favorable day for sexual matters as well.
13 CIMI (KAME) November 23, 2011
The number 13 is the completion of life, of all movement and process. 13 has a special relationship with the development of paranormal abilities, as we might expect from its connection with the 13 major joints where the sacred koyopa energy accumulates. 13 also relates to refinement and sensitivity, enhanced perception and acute intuition. This ability to access other dimensions of reality applies to all actions performed on a 13 day as well as to those who are born upon a 13.
CIMI (KAME) DEATH AND REBIRTH: This sign signifies death, the lord of the darkness, fortitude, humility and obedience. Death is not evil, and grammatically the word kame signifies the present tense or “the eternal now.” Upon this day we pray that we and those dear to us may have long life. There is a special connection to the world of the ancestors on this day; communication with other worlds is possible. This day is also favorable for healing and for the protection of travelers. This day has much feminine energy and is a good day upon which to resolve marital conflict.
The post for the trecena of Ix will be a day late. That’s because I’m busy. It does NOT mean that I think the Calendar has “ended.” That’s a ridiculous notion. The Calendar never ends.
I give thanks to my teachers. First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge Rigoberto Itzep Chanchavac of Momostenango and his family, Maria, Gregorio Kukulcan, Nacxit, Ralanqil and Bonampak. I also wish to acknowledge the contributions of Roberto Poz of Zunil and Thomas Hart of Quetzaltenango, and the linguistic help of Anita Garr of Long Branch, New Jersey.
The wisdom is theirs. The mistakes are mine.
1 IMIX (IMOX) October 29, 2011
The Number 1 symbolizes beginnings, unity, the original energy of creation. Even though it is a low number, it is powerful, for it has to do with the energy of the new trecena which is making its arrival. Therefore, Daykeepers usually do ritual on a 1 day, and in some traditional communities there is a special shrine dedicated to the number 1. It also symbolizes the power of thought, the initial or beginning “idea” behind all things that inspires us to create and to bring things into manifestation.
IMIX (IMOX) THE LEFT HAND: This sign signifies the left side of reality, hence receptivity or the receiving of messages from other dimensions, as well as the ability to see into other worlds; but it also may symbolize madness, disorder, nervousness, uncertainty and doubt. It is a sign of cooperation, for the left arm must cooperate and work well with the right. It is the nawal of the ocean and a day for healing illnesses of the mind. The world is filled with psychological perils and stresses. Upon this day we pray for good mental health, both for ourselves and for all those around us. We pray that our dreams and visions may bring us beauty and wisdom rather than delusion and craziness. Since this day has a strong connection with water, to be close to a flowing river or stream or the ocean is beneficial upon this day.
2 IK (IQ’) October 30, 2011
The Number 2 is a symbol of duality. Much like Taoists, the Maya think in terms of cosmic polarities. This is embodied in their mythology: there are two Hero Twins, two principal Lords of the Underworld, as well as the two monkey twins who represent the day-sign Chuen (B’atz’). There is the eternal dichotomy of this world and the Underworld, day and night, darkness and light. These themes run like a common thread in all of Mayan myth, especially in the sacred book the Popol Vuh.
IK (IQ’) THE BREATH OF LIFE: This sign signifies wind and the moon, though in divination it may be a sign of crisis. It is the nawal of the element of air and of the moon, of the spirit of human existence. It is a day for the removal of negative energy and illnesses. It is the wind which sweeps clean our house and our body. It also signifies a hurricane, cleansing, purification, breath, and sexual obsession. Upon this day we ask for the strength, the vitality, and the commitment to carry on in our chosen work. This is a day for the removal of negative energy and illnesses; in terms of healing, it favors the resolution of psychological problems, especially those which arise from angry emotional states.
3 AKBAL (AQ’AB’AL) October 31, 2011
The Number 3 relates to the three worlds of the Mayan cosmovision – Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. It also symbolizes the three original hearth stones laid down by the Creator Gods. (In traditional Mayan homes, three stones can still be found on wooden stoves to hold the comal or tortilla griddle.) But 3 can be a difficult number nevertheless. This number implies doubt, risk, and uncertainty. Some traditional Daykeepers avoid initiating new projects on a 3 day.
AKBAL (AQ’AB’AL) DAWN: This sign signifies awakening, dawn, marriage, light and enchantment. It is the nawal of clarity or light; it is the day to ask for the dawning of the light in all things. It is especially a day of marriage, love and romance. This day symbolizes both darkness and dawn; hence it is a day of new beginnings. Upon this day, we express our intention always to think and act with perfect clarity. Needless to say, it is also perhaps the most favorable for day for love and marriage (though Chuen or B’atz’ is also very good, especially for the actual marriage ceremony). An Akbal day can also be quite favorable for finding a job.
4 KAN (K’AT) November 1, 2011
The Number 4 symbolizes wholeness. It is associated with Ahau, the Sun God as cosmic lord (the word ahau literally means lord). Why is this a solar number? The word for “day” (k’in in Yucatec or q’ij in K’iche’) is the same as the word for “sun.” A day is a complete passage of the sun. The sun or the day has four stations: dawn, noon, sunset and midnight. These four components of each day or each “sun” can be conceptually expanded to include the solstices and equinoxes; thus the year is also a 4. There is evidence that the Classic Maya divided the universe into four sections marked by the two intersections of the Milky Way with the ecliptic. Thus we live in a fourfold universe. The Maya still lay out their ritual altars in a fourfold pattern. The number 4 represents the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water; these compose nature and give us life. Four also symnolizes the Four Directions and the Four Pillars which hold up the Earth. In K’iche’ myth there are four pillars which keep the Earth and Sky in their rightful places.
KAN (K’AT) THE NET: This sign signifies a net, new offspring, the growth and increase of future generations, new crops; as a nawal of the element of Fire, this is the fire of the hearth. It is the nawal of prisons both visible and invisible. Upon this day, we express our intention always to have understanding. It is a favorable day upon which to pray for abundance. It is also a day upon which healing ceremonies and practices are sometimes performed, especially if the necessary healing is psychological in nature. It is a day to ask for the tangling and untangling of things.
5 CHICCHAN (KAN) November 2, 2011
The Number 5 represents the human hand and the five senses, as well as the five fingers and toes. Our hands do our work for us. Hence 5 may be regarded as the number of work, and of karma. Some Mayan teachers perceive five stages of life as well: childhood, youth, adulthood, mature adult, and elder.
CHICCHAN (KAN) FEATHERED SERPENT: This sign signifies the Feathered Serpent, sexuality, work, power, law and justice. It is the nawal of the creation of man and woman, and also of education and training. It is the regent of the sky and ruler of time of transcendence and the transformation of time; in divination it may show that one is predestined to divine power (spiritual vocations). Upon this day we assert that vitality, clarity and understanding shall be made manifest right now. Because this day-sign has a connection with the inner lightning (koyopa in Mayan, or kundalini in Eastern traditions), it is also a day upon which one may build both physical and spiritual strength. As the nawal of the creation of man and woman, it is a most favorable day for sexual matters as well.
6 CIMI (KAME) November 3, 2011
The Number 6 is the number of ultimate stability. The “Place of Number 6,” the hill called Paklom, represents the axis mundi or world center in contemporary Momostenango. Some Mayan teachers say that there are 6 components which establish the vitality of a family system: 1) Health 2) Understanding 3) Work/Employment 4) Friendship 5) Property or Possessions 6) Positive and Negative Actions.
CIMI (KAME) DEATH AND REBIRTH: This sign signifies death, the lord of the darkness, fortitude, humility and obedience. Death is not evil, and grammatically the word kame signifies the present tense or “the eternal now.” Upon this day we pray that we and those dear to us may have long life. There is a special connection to the world of the ancestors on this day; communication with other worlds is possible. This day is also favorable for healing and for the protection of travelers. This day has much feminine energy and is a good day upon which to resolve marital conflict.
7 MANIK (KEJ) November 4, 2011
The number 7 may confuse some people, for it sometimes represents death, or at least “endings.” The reason for this is simple. Take a look at any tzolk’in diagram and pay attention to the sequence of numbers in the top row. It will be like this:
1, 8, 2, 9, 3, 10, 4, 11, 5, 12, 6, 13, 7
Any day-sign sequence beginning with 1 will end in a 7. This is why 7 is so often considered a symbol of endings. In the Popol Vuh, the Hero Twins are named 1 Junajpu and 7 Junajpu, while the most important Underworld Lords are named 1 Death and 7 Death. When 1 and 7 are paired together in such a fashion, it is as if we were saying: “The beginning and end of the Hero Twins archetype,” or “The alpha and omega of the Death archetype.” Rituals are seldom performed on 7 days in Momostenango, though I have known Daykeepers from Xela and Lake Atitlan to make use of certain powerful 7 days.
MANIK (KEJ) THE PILLARS OF THE UNIVERSE: This sign signifies the deer, and is the nawal of all kinds of four-footed animals. It is also the nawal of the Mayan religion and of the rainforest. This is the day of the aj q’ijab or Mayan priests; it is power, authority, hierarchy, force, and the four cardinal points. This is the nawal of the four corners of the earth, and is sometimes said to have an association with the planet Saturn. Upon this day we pray for harmony among one and all. This extends to the natural world around us as well as to other human beings; one gains great power and energy if one is able to spend this day in nature or in the wilderness.
8 LAMAT (Q’ANIL) November 5, 2011
The number 8 is highly auspicious. If 1 and 7 are the beginning and the end, then 1 + 7 = 8, making 8 a number of completion or wholeness, much like the number 4. This is why there is some sort of ritual for almost every 8 day, and why some extremely traditional communities have a special local shrine dedicated to the number 8. Of course, 4 + 4 = 8, so the wholeness implied in the number 4 is doubled here, as if the wholeness of the fourfold universe were seen from the viewpoint of both polarities: night and day, light and darkness, sun and moon, yin and yang. The number 8 has been said by Maya teachers to represent the weaving of life, the thread or cord of time. It is also sometimes said that the Mayan symbol for 8, a bar with three dots over it, has a symbolic meaning, with the three dots on top representing humanity and day, and the bar underneath representing Mother Earth.
LAMAT (Q’ANIL) THE REGENERATION OF THE EARTH: This day-sign signifies seed, corn, pride, harvest, and food. It is the nawal of all kinds of animal and vegetable seeds. It is the day of fertility and harvests, abundance, prosperity; it is auspicious for initiating any planting or business negotiation. This day signifies the four colors of corn – red, black, white and yellow. This is a wonderful day for farmers or simple planter box gardeners, for upon this day we ask that the world may be made to blossom and be made fertile. We may plant ideas and projects as well as flowers; any relationship or business venture which begins on a Lamat day will usually turn out favorably. It is traditionally associated with the planet Venus.
9 MULUC (TOJ) November 6, 2011
The number 9 is an extremely positive one, even though it is an odd number. It is often used for ritual purposes. 9 is often called “the number of life” because it represents the process of human gestation; there are nine months of human development prior to birth. Because of this, the number 9 is especially associated with women, particularly since the 260-day cycle is comprised of nine lunar months. Some Mayan teachers have pointed out that in their traditional culture there are nine steps in the construction of a house and nine stages to growing and harvesting crops. There are also 9 Lords of the Underworld, but this is not necessarily the astrological significance of 9, a number whose symbolism is overwhelmingly positive. 9 days have a special connection with the ancestors.
MULUC (TOJ) OFFERING: This day-sign signifies offering, liberty, equilibrium, payment, a fine or a debt. This day is related to two elements, being the nawal of Water in its manifestation of rain, and also of the Sacred Fire as in the Mayan Fire Ceremony. Upon this day we humbly acknowledge our karmic debts and assert our intention to “pay it all back” by placing our lives in harmony. Make atonement for all disequilibrium and be thankful for all that is in balance.
10 OC (TZ’I) November 7, 2011
The number 10 symbolizes the 10 digits on our hands and our feet, which altogether make up the 20 which comprise a human being. This number has a special meaning of human cooperation, the bonds and relationships between people.
OC (TZ’I) LAW AND SPIIRITUAL AUTHORITY: This day-sign signifies a dog, the police, vengeance, or a magistrate; it also symbolizes accuracy and precision, justice and legality. This day is also a nawal of sexuality. On this day we pray that justice may be done to all people. It is a good day to address any legal issues of our own, as well as correcting the difficulties which may have arisen in our lives due to an excess of the passions.
11 CHUEN (B’ATZ’) November 8, 2011
The number 11 has great force, strength and power. This power is neither positive nor negative but neutral. Some Mayan teachers see it as representative of the totality of past, present and future, everything that unfolds over time. The number 11 holds tremendous creative potential, but it can be challenging to access that force and is sometimes perceived as a “difficult” day.
CHUEN (B’ATZ’) MASTER OF ALL THE ARTS: This sign signifies weaving the thread of life; it also signifies time, development, and movement. It is the nawal of all the arts, of weaving, of the artists. Upon this most auspicious day, we may voice our intent that all we have requested from the universe may be freely given to us. This day is sometimes called “Monkey,” and monkeys were the mythic patrons of the arts in ancient Mayan lore. This is an auspicious day for all artistic projects. In fact, it is an auspicious day to begin projects of any sort, for this day-sign represents “the thread of life,” the weaving of the loom of existence. This is the best day upon which to be married.
12 EB (E) November 9, 2011
The number 12 is the highest of the even numbers and represents a summing up one’s life. At one time or another we must all come to a such an accounting of all our actions and experiences, weaving together all our individual, family, societal and cultural influences. 12 represents this totality of thought.
EB (E) THE ROAD OF LIFE: This day-sign signifies destiny, the road of life, thankfulness and benediction. It is the nawal of all the roads and all the “road guides” or spiritual advisors. Upon this day we give thanks for the Road of Life upon which we continually walk, for it represents the spiritual path itself. This day is the patron of travelers and the best possible day upon which to begin a journey. It is also a most favorable day for the initiation of any business matter or for the signing of contracts.
13 BEN (AJ) November 10, 2011
The number 13 is the completion of life, of all movement and process. 13 has a special relationship with the development of paranormal abilities, as we might expect from its connection with the 13 major joints where the sacred koyopa energy accumulates. 13 also relates to refinement and sensitivity, enhanced perception and acute intuition. This ability to access other dimensions of reality applies to all actions performed on a 13 day as well as to those who are born upon a 13.
BEN (AJ) THE RESURRECTION OF THE CORN: This is the sign of home and family, or of a stalk of sugar cane or corn; it is a sign of vocation, a sprout or our offspring, a cane or walking stick; it is the sign of seed, a staff of authority, the power and the growth of crops; it represents stability, solidity, strength, resoluteness of character as well as tenderness. This is the nawal of the home and of children. This is the day to give thanks for the home in which we live, for this day is connected with the nourishment and flourishing of all things related to the home, whether human, animal or plant.
I give thanks to my teachers. First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge Rigoberto Itzep Chanchavac of Momostenango and his family, Maria, Gregorio Kukulcan, Nacxit, Ralanqil and Bonampak. I also wish to acknowledge the contributions of Roberto Poz of Zunil and Thomas Hart of Quetzaltenango, and the linguistic help of Anita Garr of Long Branch, New Jersey.
The wisdom is theirs. The mistakes are mine.
1 LAMAT (Q’ANIL) October 16, 2011
The Number 1 symbolizes beginnings, unity, the original energy of creation. Even though it is a low number, it is powerful, for it has to do with the energy of the new trecena which is making its arrival. Therefore, Daykeepers usually do ritual on a 1 day, and in some traditional communities there is a special shrine dedicated to the number 1. It also symbolizes the power of thought, the initial or beginning “idea” behind all things that inspires us to create and to bring things into manifestation.
LAMAT (Q’ANIL) THE REGENERATION OF THE EARTH: This day-sign signifies seed, corn, pride, harvest, and food. It is the nawal of all kinds of animal and vegetable seeds. It is the day of fertility and harvests, abundance, prosperity; it is auspicious for initiating any planting or business negotiation. This day signifies the four colors of corn – red, black, white and yellow. This is a wonderful day for farmers or simple planter box gardeners, for upon this day we ask that the world may be made to blossom and be made fertile. We may plant ideas and projects as well as flowers; any relationship or business venture which begins on a Lamat day will usually turn out favorably. It is traditionally associated with the planet Venus.
2 MULUC (TOJ) October 17, 2011
The Number 2 is a symbol of duality. Much like Taoists, the Maya think in terms of cosmic polarities. This is embodied in their mythology: there are two Hero Twins, two principal Lords of the Underworld, as well as the two monkey twins who represent the day-sign Chuen (B’atz’). There is the eternal dichotomy of this world and the Underworld, day and night, darkness and light. These themes run like a common thread in all of Mayan myth, especially in the sacred book the Popol Vuh.
MULUC (TOJ) OFFERING: This day-sign signifies offering, liberty, equilibrium, payment, a fine or a debt. This day is related to two elements, being the nawal of Water in its manifestation of rain, and also of the Sacred Fire as in the Mayan Fire Ceremony. Upon this day we humbly acknowledge our karmic debts and assert our intention to “pay it all back” by placing our lives in harmony. Make atonement for all disequilibrium and be thankful for all that is in balance.
3 OC (TZ’I) October 18, 2011
The Number 3 relates to the three worlds of the Mayan cosmovision – Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. It also symbolizes the three original hearth stones laid down by the Creator Gods. (In traditional Mayan homes, three stones can still be found on wooden stoves to hold the comal or tortilla griddle.) But 3 can be a difficult number nevertheless. This number implies doubt, risk, and uncertainty. Some traditional Daykeepers avoid initiating new projects on a 3 day.
OC (TZ’I) LAW AND SPIIRITUAL AUTHORITY: This day-sign signifies a dog, the police, vengeance, or a magistrate; it also symbolizes accuracy and precision, justice and legality. This day is also a nawal of sexuality. On this day we pray that justice may be done to all people. It is a good day to address any legal issues of our own, as well as correcting the difficulties which may have arisen in our lives due to an excess of the passions.
4 CHUEN (B’ATZ’) October 19, 2011
The Number 4 symbolizes wholeness. It is associated with Ahau, the Sun God as cosmic lord (the word ahau literally means lord). Why is this a solar number? The word for “day” (k’in in Yucatec or q’ij in K’iche’) is the same as the word for “sun.” A day is a complete passage of the sun. The sun or the day has four stations: dawn, noon, sunset and midnight. These four components of each day or each “sun” can be conceptually expanded to include the solstices and equinoxes; thus the year is also a 4. There is evidence that the Classic Maya divided the universe into four sections marked by the two intersections of the Milky Way with the ecliptic. Thus we live in a fourfold universe. The Maya still lay out their ritual altars in a fourfold pattern. The number 4 represents the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water; these compose nature and give us life. Four also symnolizes the Four Directions and the Four Pillars which hold up the Earth. In K’iche’ myth there are four pillars which keep the Earth and Sky in their rightful places.
CHUEN (B’ATZ’) MASTER OF ALL THE ARTS: This sign signifies weaving the thread of life; it also signifies time, development, and movement. It is the nawal of all the arts, of weaving, of the artists. Upon this most auspicious day, we may voice our intent that all we have requested from the universe may be freely given to us. This day is sometimes called “Monkey,” and monkeys were the mythic patrons of the arts in ancient Mayan lore. This is an auspicious day for all artistic projects. In fact, it is an auspicious day to begin projects of any sort, for this day-sign represents “the thread of life,” the weaving of the loom of existence. This is the best day upon which to be married.
5 EB (E) October 20, 2011
The Number 5 represents the human hand and the five senses, as well as the five fingers and toes. Our hands do our work for us. Hence 5 may be regarded as the number of work, and of karma. Some Mayan teachers perceive five stages of life as well: childhood, youth, adulthood, mature adult, and elder.
EB (E) THE ROAD OF LIFE: This day-sign signifies destiny, the road of life, thankfulness and benediction. It is the nawal of all the roads and all the “road guides” or spiritual advisors. Upon this day we give thanks for the Road of Life upon which we continually walk, for it represents the spiritual path itself. This day is the patron of travelers and the best possible day upon which to begin a journey. It is also a most favorable day for the initiation of any business matter or for the signing of contracts.
6 BEN (AJ) October 21, 2011
The Number 6 is the number of ultimate stability. The “Place of Number 6,” the hill called Paklom, represents the axis mundi or world center in contemporary Momostenango. Some Mayan teachers say that there are 6 components which establish the vitality of a family system: 1) Health 2) Understanding 3) Work/Employment 4) Friendship 5) Property or Possessions 6) Positive and Negative Actions.
BEN (AJ) THE RESURRECTION OF THE CORN: This is the sign of home and family, or of a stalk of sugar cane or corn; it is a sign of vocation, a sprout or our offspring, a cane or walking stick; it is the sign of seed, a staff of authority, the power and the growth of crops; it represents stability, solidity, strength, resoluteness of character as well as tenderness. This is the nawal of the home and of children. This is the day to give thanks for the home in which we live, for this day is connected with the nourishment and flourishing of all things related to the home, whether human, animal or plant.
7 IX (I’X) October 22, 2011
The number 7 may confuse some people, for it sometimes represents death, or at least “endings.” The reason for this is simple. Take a look at any tzolk’in diagram and pay attention to the sequence of numbers in the top row. It will be like this:
1, 8, 2, 9, 3, 10, 4, 11, 5, 12, 6, 13, 7
Any day-sign sequence beginning with 1 will end in a 7. This is why 7 is so often considered a symbol of endings. In the Popol Vuh, the Hero Twins are named 1 Junajpu and 7 Junajpu, while the most important Underworld Lords are named 1 Death and 7 Death. When 1 and 7 are paired together in such a fashion, it is as if we were saying: “The beginning and end of the Hero Twins archetype,” or “The alpha and omega of the Death archetype.” Rituals are seldom performed on 7 days in Momostenango, though I have known Daykeepers from Xela and Lake Atitlan to make use of certain powerful 7 days.
IX (I’X) THE JAGUAR: This day-sign signifies the jaguar, the spirit, force, energy, and vitality. It is the nawal of nature and of Mayan shrines or altars. It is also the nawal of the seven human shames: pride, ambition, envy, lying, crime, ingratitude, and ignorance through laziness. Those who keep the days always set aside a special place or household altar for prayer, meditation, incense, candles, and so on. This is the day to give thanks that we have created such a sacred place in our lives. It is a day which may fruitfully be devoted to introspection and meditation if the opportunity is there. It is also regarded as a favorable day upon which to practice any kind of divination. As regards the element of Water, Ix symbolizes the sacred energy inherent in fresh streams, in running water.
8 MEN (TZ’IKIN) October 23, 2011
The number 8 is highly auspicious. If 1 and 7 are the beginning and the end, then 1 + 7 = 8, making 8 a number of completion or wholeness, much like the number 4. This is why there is some sort of ritual for almost every 8 day, and why some extremely traditional communities have a special local shrine dedicated to the number 8. Of course, 4 + 4 = 8, so the wholeness implied in the number 4 is doubled here, as if the wholeness of the fourfold universe were seen from the viewpoint of both polarities: night and day, light and darkness, sun and moon, yin and yang. The number 8 has been said by Maya teachers to represent the weaving of life, the thread or cord of time. It is also sometimes said that the Mayan symbol for 8, a bar with three dots over it, has a symbolic meaning, with the three dots on top representing humanity and day, and the bar underneath representing Mother Earth.
MEN (TZ’IKIN) THE VISION OF THE BIRD: This day-sign signifies a bird, wealth, and all business negotiations. It is the nawal of economic well-being and good fortune. It is an auspicious day to give thanks and ask for financial prosperity. It is the communication and mediation between Uk’ux Kaj and Uk’ux Ulew (Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth). Unlike those of some spiritual traditions, the Maya do not feel that material prosperity is undesirable or “non-spiritual.” Upon this day, we may thank the universe for whatever prosperity we currently enjoy while honestly expressing the intention that more prosperity may attend our lives. This day is as fortunate for love as it is for money; pay attention to relationship issues. Pay attention to dreams as well, for this is a day upon which one may experience powerful and important revelations through dreams.
In many Mayan communities, 8 Men is a day to perform rituals intended to give thanks for the good things in our life and to ask the divine powers that our abundance may increase.
9 CIB (AJMAQ) October 24, 2011
The number 9 is an extremely positive one, even though it is an odd number. It is often used for ritual purposes. 9 is often called “the number of life” because it represents the process of human gestation; there are nine months of human development prior to birth. Because of this, the number 9 is especially associated with women, particularly since the 260-day cycle is comprised of nine lunar months. Some Mayan teachers have pointed out that in their traditional culture there are nine steps in the construction of a house and nine stages to growing and harvesting crops. There are also 9 Lords of the Underworld, but this is not necessarily the astrological significance of 9, a number whose symbolism is overwhelmingly positive. 9 days have a special connection with the ancestors.
CIB (AJMAQ) FORGIVENESS: This day-sign signifies sin, pardon, and pleasure. It is the nawal of one’s faults. It is also a day to ask forgiveness from the dead and one’s ancestors. It represents gifts and Mother Earth and is the nawal of the Earth itself. This is in part a day of the Otherworld. It is good to remember friends and family members who have passed away from us, and to light a candle or two in their memory. If there is anything for which you seek forgiveness, today is the day to ask for it; the ancestors are listening, and incline themselves favorably to our affairs. A day for meditation and withdrawal.
10 CABAN (NO’J) October 25, 2011
The number 10 symbolizes the 10 digits on our hands and our feet, which altogether make up the 20 which comprise a human being. This number has a special meaning of human cooperation, the bonds and relationships between people.
CABAN (NO’J) THE VISION OF THE COSMOS: This day-sign signifies ideas, wisdom, memory and patience. It is the nawal of intelligence, a day dedicated to asking for knowledge, talent, and good thoughts. Upon this day, we may ask the universe to grant us creativity in all our endeavors, and the intelligence to find solutions to all our challenges. This day enlivens the intellect and enhances the eternal quest for wisdom. It is the nawal of the earthquake and seismic disturbance. According to the Maya, this is one of the best days to consult a diviner and seek for spiritual guidance.
11 ETZNAB (TIJAX) October 26, 2011
The number 11 has great force, strength and power. This power is neither positive nor negative but neutral. Some Mayan teachers see it as representative of the totality of past, present and future, everything that unfolds over time. The number 11 holds tremendous creative potential, but it can be challenging to access that force and is sometimes perceived as a “difficult” day.
ETZNAB (TIJAX) OBSIDIAN KNIFE: This day-sign signifies flint, obsidian, communication, gossip and education. It is an auspicious day for healers (curanderas) and authorities, for cutting away evils and illnesses. This is the day of communication, publicity, eloquence, teaching, medicine and healing; but also of fights, quarrels, vengeance, falsehood, and espionage. The world is full of potential road blocks and accidents. Upon this day, we pray for safety from all harm, and for the resolution of all conflict. This day has a special connection with healing and is favorable for health matters and the curing of disease; just as the warrior holds a knife, so does the surgeon.
12 CAUAC (KAWOQ) October 27, 2011
The number 12 is the highest of the even numbers and represents a summing up one’s life. At one time or another we must all come to a such an accounting of all our actions and experiences, weaving together all our individual, family, societal and cultural influences. 12 represents this totality of thought.
CAUAC (KAWOQ) THE UNIVERSAL COMMUNITY: This is the sign of the Divine Feminine, signifying wives, female healers, and especially midwives; it also symbolizes thunder, lightning, and cyclones; it represents spiritual unrest and mental conflicts as well as spiritual contacts and communication. This sign has connections with the koyopa or “blood lightning,” signals and messages in the blood. This day is sometimes said to signify the celestial home of the gods. Upon this day, we pray that there may always be harmony in our home lives and among our friends. Like the previous day, it is auspicious for all matters regarding health and healing. It has a special connection with women and with feminine energy.
13 AHAU (AJPU) October 28, 2011
The number 13 is the completion of life, of all movement and process. 13 has a special relationship with the development of paranormal abilities, as we might expect from its connection with the 13 major joints where the sacred koyopa energy accumulates. 13 also relates to refinement and sensitivity, enhanced perception and acute intuition. This ability to access other dimensions of reality applies to all actions performed on a 13 day as well as to those who are born upon a 13.
AHAU (AJPU) THE HUNTER: This day-sign signifies one of the Hero Twins as a blowgun hunter, as well as symbolizing leadership, struggle, and heroism. It is the nawal of the sun and a day to ask for wisdom, talent, and physical fortitude. It is the nawal/guardian and patron of flowers, and was called Xochitl or “flower” among the Aztecs. It is the day of mental and psychological tests and challenges, for the winner of such tests and challenges is heroic like the mythic Hero Twins; it is the day of prophets, fortune-tellers, psychics, and diviners; it may also signify an eclipse. It is the day of the grandparents who have departed. I have seen any number of traditional Maya go to the cemetery and make offerings to their ancestors on Ahau days.
I give thanks to my teachers. First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge Rigoberto Itzep Chanchavac of Momostenango and his family, Maria, Gregorio Kukulcan, Nacxit, Ralanqil and Bonampak. I also wish to acknowledge the contributions of Roberto Poz of Zunil and Thomas Hart of Quetzaltenango, and the linguistic help of Anita Garr of Longmont, New Jersey.
The wisdom is theirs. The mistakes are mine.
1 MEN (TZ’IKIN) October 3, 2011
The Number 1 symbolizes beginnings, unity, the original energy of creation. Even though it is a low number, it is powerful, for it has to do with the energy of the new trecena which is making its arrival. Therefore, Daykeepers usually do ritual on a 1 day, and in some traditional communities there is a special shrine dedicated to the number 1. It also symbolizes the power of thought, the initial or beginning “idea” behind all things that inspires us to create and to bring things into manifestation.
MEN (TZ’IKIN) THE VISION OF THE BIRD: This day-sign signifies a bird, wealth, and all business negotiations. It is the nawal of economic well-being and good fortune. It is an auspicious day to give thanks and ask for financial prosperity. It is the communication and mediation between Uk’ux Kaj and Uk’ux Ulew (Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth). Unlike those of some spiritual traditions, the Maya do not feel that material prosperity is undesirable or “non-spiritual.” Upon this day, we may thank the universe for whatever prosperity we currently enjoy while honestly expressing the intention that more prosperity may attend our lives. This day is as fortunate for love as it is for money; pay attention to relationship issues. Pay attention to dreams as well, for this is a day upon which one may experience powerful and important revelations through dreams.
2 CIB (AJMAQ) October 4, 2011
The Number 2 is a symbol of duality. Much like Taoists, the Maya think in terms of cosmic polarities. This is embodied in their mythology: there are two Hero Twins, two principal Lords of the Underworld, as well as the two monkey twins who represent the day-sign Chuen (B’atz’). There is the eternal dichotomy of this world and the Underworld, day and night, darkness and light. These themes run like a common thread in all of Mayan myth, especially in the sacred book the Popol Vuh.
CIB (AJMAQ) FORGIVENESS: This day-sign signifies sin, pardon, and pleasure. It is the nawal of one’s faults. It is also a day to ask forgiveness from the dead and one’s ancestors. It represents gifts and Mother Earth and is the nawal of the Earth itself. This is in part a day of the Otherworld. It is good to remember friends and family members who have passed away from us, and to light a candle or two in their memory. If there is anything for which you seek forgiveness, today is the day to ask for it; the ancestors are listening, and incline themselves favorably to our affairs. A day for meditation and withdrawal.
3 CABAN (NO’J) October 5, 2011
The Number 3 relates to the three worlds of the Mayan cosmovision – Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. It also symbolizes the three original hearth stones laid down by the Creator Gods. (In traditional Mayan homes, three stones can still be found on wooden stoves to hold the comal or tortilla griddle.) But 3 can be a difficult number nevertheless. This number implies doubt, risk, and uncertainty. Some traditional Daykeepers avoid initiating new projects on a 3 day.
CABAN (NO’J) THE VISION OF THE COSMOS: This day-sign signifies ideas, wisdom, memory and patience. It is the nawal of intelligence, a day dedicated to asking for knowledge, talent, and good thoughts. Upon this day, we may ask the universe to grant us creativity in all our endeavors, and the intelligence to find solutions to all our challenges. This day enlivens the intellect and enhances the eternal quest for wisdom. It is the nawal of the earthquake and seismic disturbance. According to the Maya, this is one of the best days to consult a diviner and seek for spiritual guidance.
4 ETZNAB (TIJAX) October 6, 2011
The Number 4 symbolizes wholeness. It is associated with Ahau, the Sun God as cosmic lord (the word ahau literally means lord). Why is this a solar number? The word for “day” (k’in in Yucatec or q’ij in K’iche’) is the same as the word for “sun.” A day is a complete passage of the sun. The sun or the day has four stations: dawn, noon, sunset and midnight. These four components of each day or each “sun” can be conceptually expanded to include the solstices and equinoxes; thus the year is also a 4. There is evidence that the Classic Maya divided the universe into four sections marked by the two intersections of the Milky Way with the ecliptic. Thus we live in a fourfold universe. The Maya still lay out their ritual altars in a fourfold pattern. The number 4 represents the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water; these compose nature and give us life. Four also symnolizes the Four Directions and the Four Pillars which hold up the Earth. In K’iche’ myth there are four pillars which keep the Earth and Sky in their rightful places.
ETZNAB (TIJAX) OBSIDIAN KNIFE: This day-sign signifies flint, obsidian, communication, gossip and education. It is an auspicious day for healers (curanderas) and authorities, for cutting away evils and illnesses. This is the day of communication, publicity, eloquence, teaching, medicine and healing; but also of fights, quarrels, vengeance, falsehood, and espionage. The world is full of potential road blocks and accidents. Upon this day, we pray for safety from all harm, and for the resolution of all conflict. This day has a special connection with healing and is favorable for health matters and the curing of disease; just as the warrior holds a knife, so does the surgeon.
5 CAUAC (KAWOQ) October 7, 2011
The Number 5 represents the human hand and the five senses, as well as the five fingers and toes. Our hands do our work for us. Hence 5 may be regarded as the number of work, and of karma. Some Mayan teachers perceive five stages of life as well: childhood, youth, adulthood, mature adult, and elder.
CAUAC (KAWOQ) THE UNIVERSAL COMMUNITY: This is the sign of the Divine Feminine, signifying wives, female healers, and especially midwives; it also symbolizes thunder, lightning, and cyclones; it represents spiritual unrest and mental conflicts as well as spiritual contacts and communication. This sign has connections with the koyopa or “blood lightning,” signals and messages in the blood. This day is sometimes said to signify the celestial home of the gods. Upon this day, we pray that there may always be harmony in our home lives and among our friends. Like the previous day, it is auspicious for all matters regarding health and healing. It has a special connection with women and with feminine energy.
6 AHAU (AJPU) October 8, 2011
The Number 6 is the number of ultimate stability. The “Place of Number 6,” the hill called Paklom, represents the axis mundi or world center in contemporary Momostenango. Some Mayan teachers say that there are 6 components which establish the vitality of a family system: 1) Health 2) Understanding 3) Work/Employment 4) Friendship 5) Property or Possessions 6) Positive and Negative Actions.
AHAU (AJPU) THE HUNTER: This day-sign signifies one of the Hero Twins as a blowgun hunter, as well as symbolizing leadership, struggle, and heroism. It is the nawal of the sun and a day to ask for wisdom, talent, and physical fortitude. It is the nawal/guardian and patron of flowers, and was called Xochitl or “flower” among the Aztecs. It is the day of mental and psychological tests and challenges, for the winner of such tests and challenges is heroic like the mythic Hero Twins; it is the day of prophets, fortune-tellers, psychics, and diviners; it may also signify an eclipse. It is the day of the grandparents who have departed. I have seen any number of traditional Maya go to the cemetery and make offerings to their ancestors on Ahau days.
7 IMIX (IMOX) October 9, 2011
The number 7 may confuse some people, for it sometimes represents death, or at least “endings.” The reason for this is simple. Take a look at any tzolk’in diagram and pay attention to the sequence of numbers in the top row. It will be like this:
1, 8, 2, 9, 3, 10, 4, 11, 5, 12, 6, 13, 7
Any day-sign sequence beginning with 1 will end in a 7. This is why 7 is so often considered a symbol of endings. In the Popol Vuh, the Hero Twins are named 1 Junajpu and 7 Junajpu, while the most important Underworld Lords are named 1 Death and 7 Death. When 1 and 7 are paired together in such a fashion, it is as if we were saying: “The beginning and end of the Hero Twins archetype,” or “The alpha and omega of the Death archetype.” Rituals are seldom performed on 7 days in Momostenango, though I have known Daykeepers from Xela and Lake Atitlan to make use of certain powerful 7 days.
IMIX (IMOX) THE LEFT HAND: This sign signifies the left side of reality, hence receptivity or the receiving of messages from other dimensions, as well as the ability to see into other worlds; but it also may symbolize madness, disorder, nervousness, uncertainty and doubt. It is a sign of cooperation, for the left arm must cooperate and work well with the right. It is the nawal of the ocean and a day for healing illnesses of the mind. The world is filled with psychological perils and stresses. Upon this day we pray for good mental health, both for ourselves and for all those around us. We pray that our dreams and visions may bring us beauty and wisdom rather than delusion and craziness. Since this day has a strong connection with water, to be close to a flowing river or stream or the ocean is beneficial upon this day.
8 IK (IQ’) October 10, 2011
The number 8 is highly auspicious. If 1 and 7 are the beginning and the end, then 1 + 7 = 8, making 8 a number of completion or wholeness, much like the number 4. This is why there is some sort of ritual for almost every 8 day, and why some extremely traditional communities have a special local shrine dedicated to the number 8. Of course, 4 + 4 = 8, so the wholeness implied in the number 4 is doubled here, as if the wholeness of the fourfold universe were seen from the viewpoint of both polarities: night and day, light and darkness, sun and moon, yin and yang. The number 8 has been said by Maya teachers to represent the weaving of life, the thread or cord of time. It is also sometimes said that the Mayan symbol for 8, a bar with three dots over it, has a symbolic meaning, with the three dots on top representing humanity and day, and the bar underneath representing Mother Earth.
IK (IQ’) THE BREATH OF LIFE: This sign signifies wind and the moon, though in divination it may be a sign of crisis. It is the nawal of the element of air and of the moon, of the spirit of human existence. It is a day for the removal of negative energy and illnesses. It is the wind which sweeps clean our house and our body. It also signifies a hurricane, cleansing, purification, breath, and sexual obsession. Upon this day we ask for the strength, the vitality, and the commitment to carry on in our chosen work. This is a day for the removal of negative energy and illnesses; in terms of healing, it favors the resolution of psychological problems, especially those which arise from angry emotional states.
9 AKBAL (AQ’AB’AL) October 11, 2011
The number 9 is an extremely positive one, even though it is an odd number. It is often used for ritual purposes. 9 is often called “the number of life” because it represents the process of human gestation; there are nine months of human development prior to birth. Because of this, the number 9 is especially associated with women, particularly since the 260-day cycle is comprised of nine lunar months. Some Mayan teachers have pointed out that in their traditional culture there are nine steps in the construction of a house and nine stages to growing and harvesting crops. There are also 9 Lords of the Underworld, but this is not necessarily the astrological significance of 9, a number whose symbolism is overwhelmingly positive. 9 days have a special connection with the ancestors.
AKBAL (AQ’AB’AL) DAWN: This sign signifies awakening, dawn, marriage, light and enchantment. It is the nawal of clarity or light; it is the day to ask for the dawning of the light in all things. It is especially a day of marriage, love and romance. This day symbolizes both darkness and dawn; hence it is a day of new beginnings. Upon this day, we express our intention always to think and act with perfect clarity. Needless to say, it is also perhaps the most favorable for day for love and marriage (though Chuen or B’atz’ is also very good, especially for the actual marriage ceremony). An Akbal day can also be quite favorable for finding a job.
10 KAN (K’AT) October 12, 2011
The number 10 symbolizes the 10 digits on our hands and our feet, which altogether make up the 20 which comprise a human being. This number has a special meaning of human cooperation, the bonds and relationships between people.
KAN (K’AT) THE NET: This sign signifies a net, new offspring, the growth and increase of future generations, new crops; as a nawal of the element of Fire, this is the fire of the hearth. It is the nawal of prisons both visible and invisible. Upon this day, we express our intention always to have understanding. It is a favorable day upon which to pray for abundance. It is also a day upon which healing ceremonies and practices are sometimes performed, especially if the necessary healing is psychological in nature. It is a day to ask for the tangling and untangling of things.
11 CHICCHAN (KAN) October 13, 2011
The number 11 has great force, strength and power. This power is neither positive nor negative but neutral. Some Mayan teachers see it as representative of the totality of past, present and future, everything that unfolds over time. The number 11 holds tremendous creative potential, but it can be challenging to access that force and is sometimes perceived as a “difficult” day.
CHICCHAN (KAN) FEATHERED SERPENT: This sign signifies the Feathered Serpent, sexuality, work, power, law and justice. It is the nawal of the creation of man and woman, and also of education and training. It is the regent of the sky and ruler of time of transcendence and the transformation of time; in divination it may show that one is predestined to divine power (spiritual vocations). Upon this day we assert that vitality, clarity and understanding shall be made manifest right now. Because this day-sign has a connection with the inner lightning (koyopa in Mayan, or kundalini in Eastern traditions), it is also a day upon which one may build both physical and spiritual strength. As the nawal of the creation of man and woman, it is a most favorable day for sexual matters as well.
12 CIMI (KAME) October 14, 2011
The number 12 is the highest of the even numbers and represents a summing up one’s life. At one time or another we must all come to a such an accounting of all our actions and experiences, weaving together all our individual, family, societal and cultural influences. 12 represents this totality of thought.
CIMI (KAME) DEATH AND REBIRTH: This sign signifies death, the lord of the darkness, fortitude, humility and obedience. Death is not evil, and grammatically the word kame signifies the present tense or “the eternal now.” Upon this day we pray that we and those dear to us may have long life. There is a special connection to the world of the ancestors on this day; communication with other worlds is possible. This day is also favorable for healing and for the protection of travelers. This day has much feminine energy and is a good day upon which to resolve marital conflict.
13 MANIK (KEJ) October 15, 2011
The number 13 is the completion of life, of all movement and process. 13 has a special relationship with the development of paranormal abilities, as we might expect from its connection with the 13 major joints where the sacred koyopa energy accumulates. 13 also relates to refinement and sensitivity, enhanced perception and acute intuition. This ability to access other dimensions of reality applies to all actions performed on a 13 day as well as to those who are born upon a 13.
MANIK (KEJ) THE PILLARS OF THE UNIVERSE: This sign signifies the deer, and is the nawal of all kinds of four-footed animals. It is also the nawal of the Mayan religion and of the rainforest. This is the day of the aj q’ijab or Mayan priests; it is power, authority, hierarchy, force, and the four cardinal points. This is the nawal of the four corners of the earth, and is sometimes said to have an association with the planet Saturn. Upon this day we pray for harmony among one and all. This extends to the natural world around us as well as to other human beings; one gains great power and energy if one is able to spend this day in nature or in the wilderness.
Although 13 days are often so powerful as to create turbulent energy, there is a Mayan custom regarding four special days with the number 13. These are days for important rituals. Among some Daykeepers in Quetzaltenango, this is one such day, though it should be understood that different lineages recognize a different version of the four special 13 days; for example, while this tradition is from Quetzaltenango, I have heard a different list of these days in Momostenango
The Number 3 relates to the three worlds of the Mayan cosmovision – Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. It also symbolizes the three original hearth stones laid down by the Creator Gods. (In traditional Mayan homes, three stones can still be found on wooden stoves to hold the comal or tortilla griddle.) But 3 can be a difficult number nevertheless. Carl Jung, objecting to the notion of a Trinity, said that the number 3 is incomplete. The Maya would agree. This number implies doubt, risk, uncertainty. Many traditional Daykeepers avoid initiating new projects on a 3 day.
CHUEN (B’ATZ’) MASTER OF ALL THE ARTS: Signifies weaving the thread of life, time, development, and movement. It is the nawal of all the arts, of weaving, of the artists. Upon this most auspicious day, we may voice our intent that all we have requested from the universe may be freely given to us. This day is sometimes called “Monkey,” and monkeys were the mythic patrons of the arts in ancient Mayan lore. This is an auspicious day for all artistic projects. In fact, it is an auspicious day to begin projects of any sort, for this day-sign also represents “the thread of life,” the weaving of the loom of existence. This is the best day upon which to be married.
The Number 2 is a symbol of duality. Much like Taoists, the Maya think in terms of cosmic polarities. This is embodied in their mythology: there are two Hero Twins, two principal Lords of the Underworld, as well as the two monkey twins who represent the day-sign Chuen. There is the eternal dichotomy of this world and the Underworld, day and night, darkness and light. These themes run like a common thread in all of Mayan myth, especially in the sacred book the Popol Vuh.
OC (TZ’I) LAW AND SPIIRITUAL AUTHORITY: Signifies the dog, the police, vengeance, a magistrate; accuracy and precision; justice, legality. This day is also a nawal of sexuality. On this day we pray that justice may be done to all people. It is a good day to address any legal issues of our own, as well as correcting the difficulties which may have arisen in our lives due to an excess of the passions.
The Number 1 symbolizes beginnings, unity, the original energy of creation. Even though it is a low number, it is powerful, for it has to do with the energy of the new trecena which is making its arrival. Therefore, Daykeepers usually do ritual on a 1 day, and in some traditional communities there is a special shrine dedicated to the number 1. It also symbolizes the power of thought, the initial or beginning “idea” behind all things that inspires us to create and to bring things into manifestation.
MULUC (TOJ) OFFERING: Signifies offering, liberty, equilibrium, payment, a fine or a debt. This day is related to two elements, being the nawal of Water in its manifestation of rain, also of the Sacred Fire as in the Mayan Fire Ceremony. Upon this day we humbly acknowledge our karmic debts and assert our intention to “pay it all back” by placing our lives in harmony. Make atonement for all disequilibrium and be thankful for all that is in balance.