Monthly Archives: July 2021

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

7 Ajmak (23rd July 2021)

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7 AjmakToday, the nawal Ajmak, signifying pardon and forgiveness combines with the number 7 representing finality and closure. This is the day to draw a line under past issues.

There comes a point in time when we just have to “drop it.” We cannot continue to walk our path if we are laden down with burdens of guilt or blame. We are humans, we make mistakes, some of us make more than others. These mistakes are how we learn, they are part of why we are here. We have to learn to accept ourselves and each other for who we are, in all our glorious humanity. Ajmak highlights the power of redemption, the ability to be forgiven and to forgive, but is it done in totality, or is it just lip service to an idea. Can you really reset to neutrality, or will there always be something hanging around?

Today gives us the opportunity to do just that, to finally forgive, both others and ourselves. It is the day to let any harmful feelings go. This may not be easy, the number 7 is also said to represent the seven shames, and when in combination with Ajmak may truly represent the greatest of affronts.

If there is a day to muster your energy, to take a deep breath and  forgive, this is it. After all we are within the trecena of Tz’i, the time to embrace the state of unconditional love and trust. Let it go and enjoy the sweetness that returns.

I’m sorry

Please forgive me

Thank You 

I love you

When the creators fashioned the four first men, the Bacab’ob, they created them as equals. These four first humans had superhuman abilities, including the ability to see through space and time. As equals were not desired, the gods smoked the mirror of perception, giving us our human set of senses. When we lost the ability to see through time, we lost the ability to see the true consequences of our actions and thus we needed to start asking for forgiveness. Sometimes even well meaning actions can cause problems at a later date. Ajmak represents this ability to forgive others, the ability to forgive ourselves and the ability to accept forgiveness.

Ajmak is a sensual energy, which creates some of the reasons for its needing to be forgiven. It is kind and very lovable, but irresponsible. It can be a very talented energy, with great ideas. However it can also be very easily distracted, especially by anything that makes it feel nice. This often leads Ajmak to failing to fulfil its true potential, although due to its lovable nature it is easy to forgive. One of the lessons with regards to the Ajmak energy is learning to forgive oneself.

Number Sequence.jpg
The sequence of numbers as they appear with each appearance of a nawal. Here we see that the sequence begins with 1 and ends with 7, giving 7 as a number of finality.

The number seven is the mid-point of the range of numbers. It is known as a number of death and endings, which would seem strange as it is only half way through. It is another representation of the change of state of the soul, showing half of the journey (1-6) in the mortal world and half (8-13) in the otherworld.

The numbers of the days set out as a pyramid.
The numbers of the days as they appear through the trecena. Here they can also be set out as a pyramid, reaching the peak is also the end of a journey.

If we imagine the numbers 1 through 13 as a pyramid, the number seven would be at the top. Seven is the number of balance, it gives the ability to weigh up situations and see all points of view. While this may be very noble, it may lead to indecision.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

6 Tz’ikin (22nd July 2021)

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6 Tz'ikinThe energy of nawal representing the Heart of the Sky connects with the number joining Heaven and Earth, bringing your vision into a stable and prosperous reality.

The nawal Tz’ikin is seen as a messenger from the Heart of the Sky. It spends its time in the air and on the ground, and in this way it brings us messages from above. When it reaches the great height, it brings the vision, of what is around us and where to proceed, and as such is seen as the visionary. These visions also lead us to potential prosperity. Tz’ikin is usually seen as a fortunate energy, although sometimes it can be rather easily distracted.

Today it combines with the number representing ultimate stability, the physical plane combined with the essence of the Heart of the Sky (the divine masculine principle) and the Heart of the Earth (the divine feminine principle.) It has all the supporting energies working together in one place to make it happen.

Tz’ikin is another day of manifestation, and is particularly associated with the ability to do this through the use of the word. With the stability brought to it by the number 6, this can be seen as a day to ask for what you seek in life. It is a balanced energy, giving rise to stable and sustainable prosperity. If you have a vision for your family, today is the day to bring it to Earth and empower it with your words.

Nawal Tz’ikin is the nawal of prosperity, which sometimes seems odd to people seeking “higher knowledge”. It is not quite seen the same here. If your family is starving, you are more likely to fall off the good road, perhaps into dishonesty or criminal activity. By asking nawal Tz’ikin for prosperity in your life, you are more likely to be relaxed, to be able to help others and to be more constructive within your community. That is not to say that your own input of hard work will not be necessary, just that it is hard work that will pay off.

Tz’ikin has the ability to give visions, it helps people to see the bigger picture within life. It also helps people to focus on details. It has grand aspirations and helps people to rise to the top of their abilities, which of course brings them prosperity.

Just as Tz’ikin can focus, its broad vision can occasionally cause distraction. Sometimes, just when it is heading towards its goal it can be distracted by something “shiny.” This energy gives an ability to create great social networks, but sometimes spends too much time trying to maintain them.

The number six is said to be the number of ultimate stability. It is the first of the three middle numbers of the cycle, the balance point neither too strong nor too weak. It is a day frequently used for ceremony thanks to its conducive energy. It represents the four directions with the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth. It also represents family, relating to the six qualities that nourish and hold families together – health, understanding, property, employment, friendship and actions.

The cross at the top of the central hill, Paclom, in Momostenango. Paclom is known as "the six place" and the two armed cross represents the four directions combining with the Heart of the Earth and the Heart of the Sky. This picture was taken on Wajxakib B'atz, February 2010.
The cross at the top of the central hill, Paclom, in Momostenango. Paclom is known as “the six place” and the two armed cross represents the four directions combining with the Heart of the Earth and the Heart of the Sky. This picture was taken on Wajxakib B’atz, February 2010.
Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

5 Ix (21st July 2021)

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5 IxThe nawal of the spirit of mother Earth and what comes from her combines with the number of work. This suggests that a little hard work on your connection with mother Earth may manifest abundance.

The energy of the nawal Ix helps us to remember that we are all the children of mother Earth. We are all connected to her energy whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. Some of us live closer to her, some of us further away. Some are aware of the interactions we can have with her, others are not. Some show gratitude to her for what she provides, others do not even realise where their sustenance comes from, yet still she gives. When we enhance our connection with her, she rewards us. To strengthen our connection, we talk to her, we ask her for her help and we thank her for what she gives. This show us why Ix days are days of the altars and shrines, days to make our prayers, they are days where mother Earth is waiting patiently to hear from her children.

Of course, like all mothers, she may become overburdened. If the flow is always one way, if we are always receiving and never giving, we may fall out of balance, out of favour and out of harmony with her energy. We all live within her energetic field and if our energy is out of sync with hers, we may fall sick. This can be an important signpost that we need to realign our energy towards a more natural state, possibly that we have forgotten our gratitude for what we have received.

The energy of the number 5 represents work, it also represents the sacred fire. This is where we speak our words, where we ask for mother Earth to help us and where we show our gratitude. This can be an excellent day for making a thanksgiving  fire at a natural shrine. It is a day to work on our gratitude in order to keep the flow of our sustenance steady.

With Ix representing the jaguar shaman, this is a day to work on your “magic.” We all have the ability to engage with this energy, but, like any discipline, work is required to reap the benefits. This can be seen as a day to engage with that training, to practice your abilities and to strengthen the magic you carry.

Jaguar Shaman
A dancing shaman transforms himself into a jaguar. From a late classic era vase found at Altar de Sacrificios. Source http://shortstreet.net/Maya/mayapaintedvases.htm

Ix is possibly the most feminine of the nawales. It represents the spirit of Mother Earth and could easily be seen as a Mayan representation of Gaia. Ix can be seen as a mothering energy, nurturing all things, but this should not be confused with weakness – the animal totem of Ix is the jaguar and it is as the jaguar that Ix is often known. The jaguar is, of course, powerful and stealthy. Ix also embodies these qualities. The jaguar is an animal of the night, slipping magically through the darkness, the spots of her back a representation of the milky way. She carries the sun on it’s nightly journey through the underworld.

The connection Ix has with the Earth gives it the ability to manifest material wealth. In the Mayan cross astrological configuration, Kame evolves to Ix. In the Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Maya, the Hero Twins sacrificed themselves in the underworld (Kame) and then were resurrected as a pair of catfish, later to become travelling magicians (Ix.) They cut the heads off animals, then resurrected them, they even cut off each others heads and brought each other back to life. In these scenes they are shown with patches of jaguar skin on their clothing, a symbolism denoting that the wearer is a shaman. Thus through the symbolic death or sacrifice, the shamanic power emerges.

Industrialised societies tend to see the Earth as an inanimate source of material wealth. Non-industrialised societies see her as a living entity with whom we can interact, and she carries the nawal Ix. So, it is on Ix days that prayers are offered at her places, the shrines and altars, her ears, to ask for what we need in our world.

The Sacred Mayan calendar is often said to be a calendar of human life, and parts of it can be seen as a microcosm of the human body. The number five is one of these parts. It is representative of the hand with it’s five digits. It is with our hands that we work, and with what we earn for that work that we pay our debts. Five is also a number that relates to the sacred fire where we pay our debts with offerings and prayers. Five might be so busy working that it fails to remember what it is working for. It can also signify that what it is attached to becomes work, or is “hard work”.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

4 Aj (20th July 2021)

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4 AjThe combination of the noble authority of the nawal Aj and the stability of the number 4 should give rise to dependable and solid day. This is a day of support and courage, particularly for those who take the lead.

There is possibly no greater steadying influence greater than that of the nawal Aj. Aj is the one who keeps order, the pillar which both supports and sustains. It keeps everything in its rightful place in order to bring harmony and growth to the community it supports. It brings leadership qualities of the most altruistic kind. It provides an energy which organises to ensure that the community is cared for.

Today it is combined with the number 4. This brings with it an essence of stability, particularly in the Earthly plane. This represents the most basic level of the material existence. This could be seen as the arrival of of a stable leader who will work to ensure that the most basic of material needs are fulfilled. It does not necessarily take into account any other planes of existence, the focus is purely in our world.

This is a day to put your energy into ensuring that the basic needs of your family and community are met. It is a day to focus on supporting people through real world issues, rather than non-physical dilemmas.

Temple of the Foliated Cross, Palenque. Picture by Mark Elmy

The nawal Aj is related to many things which generally revolve around leadership on an earthly level. It is sometimes known as the cornstalk, sometimes the staff of life. It represents the spinal column within the body, that which allows us to stand tall, proud and brave. As the cornstalk, it has its roots in the Earth, and its head in the sky. As we are the people of maize, if we wish to lead in a just manner, we should cultivate our connection with the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth.

Foliated crossThis is a picture of the carving at the top of one of my favourite Mayan temples, the Temple of the Foliated Cross on the site of Palenque (Bàakʼ) in Chiapas, Mexico. At the top of the tablet you see a bird, which represents the Heart of the Sky, the face with the large rectangular (crossed) eyes at the base of the cross represents the Heart of the Earth. The foliated cross is a stylised maize plant with the heads of humans emerging. This is Aj bringing life to the world. It is the central pillar, that which supports life. It is represented by the staffs carried by the elders of Mayan communities to this day. 

Aj is an authority, it is gentle, yet noble. It works quietly for the community it leads. It does not seek the limelight. This is a day that seeks sustenance for its people, that keeps everything in its rightful place. It is a day where we ask for the courage and bravery to stand up straight and tall, to do the right thing.

The number 4 is very important within Mayan mythology. Four represents the cardinal points, the four colours of maize, the four carriers of the year, the two equinoxes and two solstices, as well as midnight, sunrise, midday and sunset. The number four is representative of the four first men, who raised the sky from the sea to create the world we live on. In Mayan myth it is four pillars that support the sky from the Earth. As you can imagine, four is a number which represents stability, a solar number. Even though it is still low, it is thought of as a beneficial number.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

New Video – The Trecena of Tz’i (17th – 29th July 2021)

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The Trecena of Tz’i is a time of renewal of faith, a time to bring new justice to our world, a time to trust our guidance and more than anything, a time to embrace the unconditional love within each one of us.

Within the village of San Pablo la Laguna, there is an organisation doing great work. They are called ODIM and are specialising in medical and educational services. During the pandemic restrictions, they helped feed many people, but this is in addition to their regular, long term work there. You can find out more about them through this link https://tinyurl.com/yb4l3rux

Incidentally, if you like the look of the two puppies on the thumbnail for the video, and live in Guatemala, they are looking for caring forever homes. Please get in touch with me for more information.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

3 E’ (19th July 2021)

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3 E'The nawal E’ governs exploration and discovery, and this happens on the journey, on the road it represents. However, today, the number 3 may bring challenges to physical journeys.

The nawal E’ gives a restlessness which is cured through taking voyages of discovery. E’ drives us to understand how our world, different people and different societies work. This usually happens through travel as we enrich both our knowledge and experience of the world around us. However, E’ also governs our own life journey, our internal process that we move through as we travel through our life. It is as much about our life path as it is the physical journeys we undertake.

Today we see it combined with the number 3, a number which can be seen to bring instability and challenge to what it is attached to, especially in the external world. This is perhaps one of the least ideal days on which to make a physical journey, the possibility obstruction and delays may be high. This is a day to be looking inwards, to focus on understanding yourself through your inner journey. It may prove more fruitful than a journey on the road today.

Footprints
Footprints mark the road, from the Dresden Codex

Nawal E’ represents the journey of discovery, the life path in both its physical and spiritual aspects. E’ is the explorer, it craves novelty. It inspires travel to understand different cultures and ways of life, it is a seeker of experience. It can be a thrill seeker, and sometimes will take risks to understand what it is examining. Whilst it gains experience and understanding through physical travel, E’ also drives us to explore our inner world, helping us to understand our own minds and hearts, and those of others. E’ sometimes creates a restlessness, the desire to find new things within the world means that E’ finds it difficult to sit still.

E’ can sometimes cause us to explore simply for the sake of exploration, we seek the new experience because it is there. This can give rise to a lack of direction, aimless wandering. However, even in its wanderings E’ is discovering. It may not know exactly where it is going, but it will when it gets there. In it’s best aspect, E’ seeks out knowledge and experience in order to form an understanding which brings wisdom. E’ enjoys sharing the wisdom gained with its peers, for the enrichment of the community.

E’ is another of the classic  carriers of the year, or year lords. It is said that E’ years tend to be some of the more gentle and favourable years. E’  is seen as a good natured nawal. E’ days are considered to be good days on which to travel and explore, whether that be externally or internally. It is a day to find or remember your path, a day to ask for your path to be cleared of obstructions, and a day to ask for guidance and protection on your path.

The Orion Nebula (M42). Photo by Mark Elmy

There are various myths about the creation which link with the number 3. One is that at the time of creation, three stone jumped out of the fireplace and formed the new world. These three stones are called the hearthstones, and are still seen in many Maya homes today, on the fire supporting the tortilla griddle. From an astronomical point of view, the stones are the stars Alnitak, Saiph and Rigel in the constellation we call Orion, and the Smoky Fireplace is the Great Orion Nebula (M42)

A (slightly crude) montage showing a proposed correlation between the constellation of Orion and the triadic structure of Maya pyramids. This one is "El Tigre" at the El Mirador site. Photo and montage by Mark Elmy
A (slightly crude) montage showing a proposed correlation between the constellation of Orion and the triadic structure of Maya pyramids. This one is “El Tigre” at the El Mirador site. Photo and montage by Mark Elmy

The number 3 is still in the low end of the range of numbers. It does not have much energy yet, and it is also an odd number. It can represent the home, relating to the three hearthstones laid by the creators, and this is probably a good focus for a 3 day. However, it is possibly the most troublesome of the numbers to deal with, it lacks stability and represents challenges and obstructions. The number three brings up internal/external dilemma. The lack of stability in the physical, external world that it brings suggests that the more appropriate action is to look to the internal world, both of the home and of yourself.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 B’atz (18th July 2021)

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2 B'atzThe energy of the master artisan, the nawal B’atz, combines with the number of polarities and duality today. This can be seen as a day of weaving different energies together to create beauty.

If there is a nawal with the energy to inspire us to create beauty, it is the nawal B’atz. It brings the energy to create, and what it creates, it usually does so with great talent. It is the weaver, not just of the everyday material, but of reality itself. Today it is combined with the number 2, representing opposing principles. They may be male and female, light and dark, horizontal and vertical, fire and water, but today comes the opportunity to create something exquisite from them.

This could also be seen as creation through the combination  of the right brain and left brain working together, the artistic and the logical. This may take a little sacrifice, perhaps not all of the original inspiration fits into the structure, or the original structure has to change in order to accommodate the artistic. In whichever way it is put together, it is possible that the end result will truly be marvel.

This could also be seen as a rather romantic day. B’atz is another marriage day, the weaving together of two people, and here we see it combined with the number which also represents lovers and relationships. It is an auspicious day to begin to weave something beautiful together with another person. After all, this is also the trecena of Tz’i, the nawal of unconditional love.

There are two nawales which bestow incredible talents, one of which is B’atz, the creative genius, the other No’j, the intellectual genius. B’atz is the nawal of artisans and of weavers, but this is not just creation and weaving on the Earthly level. B’atz weaves the threads of time together to create reality. B’atz is the nawal of the sacred calendar, which could be considered to be the fabric created from these individual threads of time. If B’atz is clever enough to weave time into order, then of course it is clever enough to create more down to Earth trinkets. B’atz is the master artisan, creating whatever it chooses, at will. It is just as comfortable painting, as it is playing music or writing. The arts come naturally to this nawal. However, this can lead to issues when B’atz has to deal with those less talented than itself. This can lead to a certain arrogance around those who fail to achieve their standard of excellence.

Their talent draws attention, which is something B’atz craves. It is the nawal of the born entertainer, who can sing, dance and play all at once. This nawal is the life and soul of the party, it also makes excellent teachers, who hold the attention of students through entertaining them. It is a particularly fun loving nawal that feeds on the adoration of the crowd that it pleases.

It is a day to create, especially within the fields of the arts. It is also a day to weave your reality the way you see fit. Where Aq’ab’al was the conception, B’atz is the gestation. Now is the time to incorporate what you wish into the pattern before it is birthed.

The number 2 is representative of duality, of polarity. Although it is a low number it has surprising strength as it is said to be able to call upon both aspects or polarities of what it is attached to. It is said to be the number of lovers, it signifies relationships and self-sacrifice. Whilst it can lend itself to mediation, seeing both sides of the story, it also can be indecisive.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 Tz’i (17th July 2021)

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1 Tz'iThe new trecena starts today, the next 13 day period may bring themes of faith, loyalty and justice. It may also be a period which initiates an amplified state of love and trust.

As we move into this new world, we sometimes need new guidance, and today the nawal Tz’i brings exactly this. It is a fresh guide that comes along to possibly take us in a new direction. Tz’i has our best interests at heart, and so it a good idea to trust this new guide, to have faith in where we are being taken. This may involve some unconditional trust as much as unconditional love.

The other side of Tz’i could represent the beginning of a time where loyalty may be tested. Our faith in the world may have been shaken, today we start to rebuild that faith as Tz’i encourages us to love each other unconditionally. This is likely to come about at the instigation of others, the combination with the number 1 suggesting that it needs a little encouragement to truly flourish.

This is a day to remember to show trust in others and encourage that faith to come out in them. With the help of the energy of the nawal Tz’i, we are able to guide each other.

The dog sits by the cauldron, from the Madrid Codex

Tz’i is possibly the nawal with the most colourful reputation. Some describe it as the nawal of “sex, drugs and rock and roll” and it has the possibility to live up to that label. One of the functions an Aj Q’ij (Mayan spiritual guide) performs is divination, usually using red seeds called Tz’ite. If a question is asked about a relationship and Tz’i comes up in the reading, it is seen as a sign of  infidelity. Tz’i is instinctual, and closes its ears to reason when it gets an idea, particularly when it is hormonally driven. This is the worst possible aspect of Tz’i and when it falls down, it does so spectacularly, which is why it tends to be remembered for those events.

However, what is sometimes forgotten is the other side of Tz’i, which is the side more frequently displayed. Just as Tz’i can represent infidelity, it also represents faith and loyalty, and just as it can be the trouble maker, it also represents law. It is the nawal of police, lawyers and judges. Tz’i is unwavering faith, unconditional loyalty. The totem animal of Tz’i is the dog, and through the actions of dogs we can understand both the loyalty aspect, and the instinctual. Tz’i is also the guide and protector on life’s path, ensuring that its charge travels safely. It is a day when your faith or loyalty may be tested,  where your instincts are stimulated. The positive traits of this day give rise to to some of the greatest displays of friendship, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

The number 1 is representative of the seed, of unity. It represents birth and beginnings. It is a low and odd number, which usually represents something challenging. However, the seed can grow into a mighty tree, it is full of potential. It just needs the correct nutrients and conditions to germinate and develop, just as sometimes we need encouragement to develop our ideas.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

13 Toj (16th July 2021)

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13 TojThe day of payment and sacrifice joins with the number which represents the ancestors and the spirit world. This is a day to resolve any ancestral debt.

The energy of the nawal Toj does have its rather negative connotations, after all, payment and sacrifice are things we would generally rather avoid if we can. However, these are the actions that keep us in balance, the things which keep us healthy and harmonious. Life is a continuous cycle of receiving and giving, and sometimes we inadvertently allow this to fall out of balance. We take and we forget to give back. Toj days remind us that it is time to redress that balance, sometimes through sickness.

Today, this energy is combined with the strongest number 13, seen as representing ancestors and the spirit world. Today is a day on which we have an opportunity to resolve any outstanding debts with our ancestors, not only in this world, but in the distant past. It may be that there is recent physical debt that needs payment, but this may involve a debt to your more distant ancestors. This is a day to say thank you to your lineage for what they have provided for you.

However, sometimes our ancestors may have acted in a manner we would not choose today. They may have incurred debts which have been passed down the lineage for the next generations to clear up. This is a day to resolve any of these types of debt, to make amends for what your ancestors may have taken without payment.

As the days carrying the number 13 are said to be days when the spirit world is close and good days for divination, this could also be a very good day for a divination to understand what is outstanding, and how to pay it off. This could apply to both your own personal debts, both physical and energetic, and ancestral debts.

Main photo credit: Jay Rasmussen

20160210_103146The nawal Toj represents offerings and payment. It is part of the name Tojil, a Mayan god who gave fire to the people, although this was not a free gift. Tojil asked in return for sacrifice to be made. This is a day of payment and sacrifice, a day to resolve debts, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Toj is the nawal of the sacred fire, and it is to the fire that we make offerings in order to burn away what would commonly be known as karmic debts. In this way we restore balance, we bring our accounts back to zero.

Toj carries with it a form of divine protection, which is enhanced through selfless acts. These acts might involve a sacrifice of our time or energy in order to strengthen our community. We can choose to act or we can choose to ignore, but be aware – ignoring an opportunity to make a payment on a Toj day might bring a ill fortune, the removal of the protection. Payment should be made with an open heart, thanks might not be quickly forthcoming, and may not come at all. Your sacrifice could be  something as simple as picking up litter in your neighbourhood, it doesn’t have to be something elaborate.

The number 13 is the final number on the pyramid. It represents the spirit world. It is said that on Halloween, the veil between the worlds is the thinnest. However within the sacred calendar, this thinning happens every 13 days. This connection with the spirit world creates a powerful day, where both the positive and negative aspects of the nawal it is attached to come through strongly. It is a very good day for activities such as divination, however, ceremonies on 13 days are generally only carried out by the most experienced Aj Q’ij who understand how to work with that strength of energy.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

12 Q’anil (15th July 2021)

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12 Q'anilThe day 12 Q’anil may prove to be a day of great abundance as the “crop” you have been ripening over time finally is gathered. The completed project bears fruit.

Q’anil days are nearly always favourable, they often carry a light and happy energy, and quite rightly so. They represent the ripening, the point where all the hard work comes to fruition. They are days of abundance, of light and eventually celebration too. Today Q’anil is combined with the number 12, the energy of bundling, of gathering things together. The energy of the 12 can represent the entirety of life, so it may not just be a recent project or one that has been happening in the last 260 day that is coming to ripeness.  Today things which may almost have been long forgotten may finally come to light.

This is certainly a day to complete any outstanding business, even if it has been waiting a long time, as it should produce beneficial and abundant results. It is important to celebrate these achievements, however, be careful not to overdo it. The number 12 does carry a very strong energy and when combined with the energy of Q’anil may lead to over-celebration, especially if intoxicants are involved.

Bird of paradise flower, open and shining after it's long ripening period - by Mark Elmy

Bird of paradise flower, open and shining after it’s long ripening period – by Mark ElmyNawal Q’anil represents the ripening of the seed, the crop coming to maturity. The K’iché word Q’an means yellow, and the -il suffix is rather like the English -ing. Q’anil represents the golden head of maize at its perfection of ripeness, ready to be picked. In the Mayan creation story, humans were fashioned from maize dough, we are Ixim Achi, the people of the corn. The maize in this part of the world has a 260 day growth season between planting (conception) and harvest (birth.) This connects maize with both the sacred calendar and with the period of human gestation.

It is in the fields and gardens that Q’anil’s light shines particularly brightly, it is the nawal of farmers, gardeners and herbalists. But just as it is at home around plants, Q’anil has the possibility to shine anywhere. Q’anil has talent, its beautiful golden light illuminates that which it comes into contact with, Q’anil people light up the room with their presence. Q’anil is about achieving full potential, and this relates to all of our activities. It does have an affinity to the arts, but in general is a day of bounty for all life projects.

However, when an energy is so fertile and prosperous, life can become too easy. Q’anil also appreciates the rewards of its talent – sometimes a little too much. Q’anil is prone to overindulge in the sensual, in particular with regards to intoxication.

The number 12 is the penultimate number. In some ways it can be seen as the last Earthly number, the number 13 representing the spirit world. We travelled through the mortal world with 1 through 6, then the other world with 7 through 12. In this way 12 can be seen as a point of bringing all of the experiences into one bundle for presentation to the spirit world as we step into 13. As such, the number 12 brings a wealth of experience into one place, it is rather like writing an autobiography. It is totality, all that is, brought together.