6 Ben (May 19): The number 6 is stable and solid; in the Palenque Creation Myth, it is associated with the World Tree. To a certain degree, the symbolism still remains; the hill called Paclom in the center of Momostenango is often called “the center of the world,” but it is also known as “the place of the number 6.” The day-sign Ben(Aj in K’iche’) is related to a story from the Mayan Creation Epic or Pop Wuj; it is a story of the resurrection of the corn, the victory of the Hero Twins in the Underworld, and hence symbolic of the triumph of life over death. On this day it is appropriate 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. It symbolizes the energy and vitality of life itself.
1 Ik (April 18): The day-sign Ik is connected with the awesome power of the hurricane; the Maya regard it as a volatile energy, one which must be approached with respect and care. Upon this day we ask for the strength, the vitality, and the commitment to carry on in our chosen work. In terms of healing, it favors the resolution of psychological problems, especially those which arise from angry emotional states.
9 Caban (April 13): There are no specific observances for 9 Caban, but any Caban day is a good day to study or contemplate. This is the day of the Thinker, and upon such days we may find solutions to our challenges in life if we are able to detach ourselves and access the higher reaches of our minds. The Daykeepers of Momostenango often told me that Caban is the best day to visit a diviner and seek help for one’s difficulties through divination.
8 Cib (April 12): The day-sign Cib is the one which, above all others, is associated with forgiveness. In fact, “Forgiveness” is the keyword commonly given for this sign by contemporary Daykeepers. Since days numbered 8 are the ones most favored for ritual activity, this is the best day to meditatively cultivate compassion towards all those with whom we have conflicts or differences. Since Cib is also a day for “the ancestors,” it is especially appropriate to practice compassion and forgiveness towards other family members with whom we sometimes do not get along.
6 Ix (April 10): The day Ix is linked to sacred places, to the shrines and altars of indigenous Mayan spirituality, and to the natural world in general, what we would call Mother Nature. On 6 Ix, the Maya clean and care for the altars, including the private altars in one’s home as well as the outdoor shrines which exist among their towns and villages. Because of its connection with the world of nature, Ix days are also sacred to the animals, and it is upon 6 Ix that the Maya give thanks for all the animals with which they share the world.
1 Cib (March 23): Welcome in the new trecena by sending up prayers for peace and harmony between yourself and all your family. Light a candle for those who have passed, as well.
9 Chuen (March 18): It has already been remarked that Chuen days are auspicious for marriages. In traditional thinking, a Daykeeper is said to be married to his or her divining paraphernalia, and upon this day the “marriage” is celebrated.
6 Lamat (March 15): This is the day par excellence for gardens and plantings. While Mayan rituals are geared to their own tropical cycle, we may adjust the practices to our own climate. Since we are still early in the growing season for northern latitudes, we honor planting rather than harvest. Light some incense on your household altar, hold some seeds in your hand, and express your appreciation and wonder of the way the world blossoms and grows green. (If it were closer to harvest, you would use a mature ear of corn.)
1 Akbal: As usual with Akbal days, this is a day to focus upon love, romance, marriage, and other intimate relationships, as well as scheduling ceremonies involving newborns. But beyond that, it is also a time to attend to whatever sacred space or altar you may have created in your house, whether for purely Mayan pathworking or for all spiritual matters. Sacred space should always be kept clean. Today is the day to brush away all the incense dust, wipe the table surface, restore fresh water and flowers, and so on.