7 Imox (1st August 2024)

31st July 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

With Imox representing the dream world and the number 7 representing finality, this may be a day to bring your dream to a conclusion. Choices may need to be made regarding which dream to follow.

The combination of Imox with the number 7 may lead to the ability to see all the dreams at once. This may lead to indecision. When all possibilities are laid before you, will choosing one mean that you have to give up the others? This is where a problem arises. Life moves forwards when decisions are made and paths are followed. Indecision can lead to stagnation. Today may bring the need to make a choice on which creative potential to follow, and what desire you wish to engage with.

The energy of the number seven also has a connection with death, endings and finality. This could represent bringing a particular dream to its conclusion, possibly even the end of the dream being its realisation. On the other hand, it could represent an end to a particular connection to the collective which may have been unhealthy.

The energy of the day 7 Imox may lend itself to being able to balance both the dream and the reality. It is possible to tap into the creativity associated with the collective consciousness while bringing that inspiration into the physical world. The challenge, however, may be knowing where to draw the line between the two. Being able to see all points of view within the collective may lead to confusion rather than clarity, remember to apply your powers of discernment.
This, being the midpoint of the Tz’ikin trecena, may be asking for us to use this vantage point to decide which dreams we wish to bring into our new vision, and how we might bring them to a conclusion.

Nawal Imox

Nawal Imox represents the collective consciousness, the great ocean. It is the moment before the “big bang” when all that existed was the dream of the creator. It is everything and nothing in one place, the ovum from which reality was conceived. Imox is still very much in the other world, requiring another component to physically manifest the dream into reality.

Imox is considered to be a feminine nawal. Sometimes called a water lily, sometimes crocodile, it is an embodiment of the primordial. It was from the great ocean that the four first men raised the sky to create the world which we inhabit. Imox can also be seen as the Darwinian swamp from which all life emerged. It is fertile and creative, the mother that gave birth to our entire reality.

Imox is our common origin, and as such links us all together. It is the place of dreams, the collective consciousness we delve into on our nightly voyages. It may also relate to the place that certain plant medicines take us to to bring us wisdom. However, as the font of all of creation, Imox harbours the dark as well as the light.

Imox is a day to celebrate the spirit of the times, and to understand the collective mind. It is a day to dream your creations, your art, your music. Imox helps us all feel connected, when the psychic field between us may be particularly strong. Discernment may be called for, to understand when to dissociate from the collective. It is important to remember your individuality.

The Number Seven

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.

However, it is also known as a number of death and endings, which would seem strange as it is only halfway 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. As such it can be a great number on which to finalise or end something.

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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

6 Ajpu (31st July 2024)

30th July 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

Today the nawal of the divine combines with the number representing stability and family values. It is the day to recognise the holiness around you. A day to bring ultimate stability to your hero’s path.

Both the number four and the number six are said to represent stability. However, there is a different quality to each of them. If the number four represents the physical world and the number 6 represents the physical world animated by the life force energy.

Today we see the number 6 connected with the nawal Ajpu, representing divinity and holiness. Ajpu reminds us of the beauty in our world, it shows us the hand of the divine in all things. Perhaps this might sound a little flaky. Sometimes the Ajpu energy can become too mystical for its good and lose sight of the real world. However, the Ajpu energy gives us the ability to perceive things that cannot always be rationalised. It reminds us of what we are all part of, but cannot be defined. The energy of the number 6 would suggest that today the Ajpu energy might reveal to us the way that the energy flows from heaven and Earth into our physical reality. This may be experienced in a very practical and physical way without losing its divinity.

Thus, the day 6 Ajpu can bring stability to the divinity we experience in life. In particular, it can be a day on which to appreciate the blessing of family. It is a day when you may experience the holiness of life in very stable and down-to-earth ways, which reminds you that there is a little divinity everywhere. The stability and balance of the six should allow you to appreciate this without being overwhelmed by mysticality.

The Nawal Ajpu

Kinich Ahau, the solar deity, lord of space and time. From the Dresden Codex.

Nawal Ajpu is once again a nawal with a multitude of meanings and translations. In the Yucatec language, it is known as Ahau, in Kiche it is also known as Junajpu. These are variously translated as lord, hunter, blow gunner, flower and sun. Each one of the translations has its merits and represents an aspect of this auspicious nawal.

Within the ancient Mayan society, the royals were not just political leaders of their particular city-states, they were priest-kings and priest-queens. They served as the conduit to the divine, deriving their wisdom for guiding their people through their connection with the Hearts of the Earth and the Sky. This wisdom enriched both the ruling dynasty and their people, as they would be working in harmony with the gods. Thus the ruler of the city was also the physical embodiment of the divine, and it is to this that Ajpu is so closely related. Likewise, it represents our potential, the state of divinity to which we may aspire.

Ajpu represents the holiness in life, the divinity in the physical world, and our search for it. It is the search for the underlying meaning in all situations, understanding that each person is a part of the whole. Whether we like it or not, and however we judge it, we are all a part of creation.

Every action of ourselves and others allows exploring ourselves and our reactions. Sometimes we are attracted, repelled by the actions of others. Occasionally Ajpu can lead us to become immersed in the other world, to lose sight of reality, it is important to remember to stay in touch with the Earth as we reach to the Sky.

The Number Six

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. Six days are frequently used for ceremonies thanks to their conducive energy.

The number 6 carries the qualities of the number 4 but has an extra axis. If we think of the number four representing the cardinal points, the number six adds a vertical axis to these. It brings in the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth. The number six has the stability of the number four embellished by masculine and feminine principles. If the number four represents the physical world and the number 6 represents the physical world animated by the life force energy.

It also represents family, relating to the six qualities which hold families together – health, understanding, property, employment, friendship and actions.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

5 Kawok (30th July 2024)

29th July 2024 Mark Elmy 1 Comment

Sometimes we just have to work through the storm. The number 5 always suggests that hard work will be rewarded. This is a day to work on your renovation. The effort you invest clears your path to the new, whatever the storm brings.

Kawok energy is known for its softness and compassion, even in its storm aspect. Kawok energy can be seen as “tough love” caring yet determined. It is the guiding hand, keeping the boat steady as the storm rages all around it. It brings an energy of helping each other through the storms of life. Whilst Kawok has a connection to Chak, the rain god, it also has a connection to Ixchel, she of the rainbows. She is grandmother, and it is this caring energy of a grandmother which is manifested through Kawok. She is the goddess of medicine, and a midwife goddess, fulfilling the other aspects associated with Kawok.

Kawok helps us navigate through our problems by washing away the things we no longer need in our lives. Nothing can resist the strength of her current as it clears our path of debris. This can seem destructive, but it is purely to allow the new growth, the new birth to emerge.

The day 5 Kawok is a day to focus your energies on bringing new growth into your world. Whether it truly is bringing a new life into the world, or a project you have been working on, the energy of today is conducive with working to clear the way to allow its smooth passage from the darkness into the light. That is not to say that this process will be entirely free of resistance, some work may be required to ensure a safe arrival, but the results should be worth the effort.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

The Number Five

The Sacred Mayan calendar is said to be a calendar of human life and 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 its five digits. It is with our hands that we work, and with what we earn 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 Tijax (29th July 2024)

28th July 2024 Mark Elmy 1 Comment

This day can bring powerful, decisive, practical aspects of healing. The combination with the number 4 brings a steadiness to the tenacity of Tijax.

The energy of Tijax can accentuate the drive on a quest. The usual kind of Tijax quest involves searching out the truth in matters, cutting away at falsehoods and perceived injustice. It brings an essence of tenacity, cutting through anything that stands between you and your goal, sometimes almost literally. Tijax can sometimes have a rather belligerent reputation, even if its desired achievement is noble. The energy of Tijax is precise and to the point.

Today this energy is tempered by the stability afforded by the energy of the number 4. The energy of the 4 brings out the solid, grounded, physical aspects of what it is connected to. It is a day on which forms of healing should have exactly the desired effect, with the recipient put firmly on the road to recovery. It can also be a good day to sever any unnecessary ties gently but with firmness and certainty. Use the day 4 Tijax to apply your powers of discernment in the physical world. It will show you to understand where improvements, or cuts, may be made. Remember to keep a steady hand on the knife of refinement!

The Nawal Tijax

The nawal Tijax represents an obsidian (or flint) blade. How the blade is used depends on the intention of the person wielding it, a warrior or a surgeon. These would seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, but where Tijax is concerned the aim is the same – healing and purification.

Tijax is the nawal of the holy warrior. In the Mayan book of creation, the Popol Vuh, the first act of the hero twins was a mission given to them by the Heart of the Sky to rid the world of the false gods Seven Macaw, Zipacna and Earthquake. By destroying the false gods, the twins brought balance to the world and helped mankind, they brought healing to the world. They cut out that which caused disease, exactly as a surgeon would do.

Tijax is celebrated as a day of healers, particularly what could be seen as the masculine aspect of healing. It is a day of crusading, of standing up for what is right, the healer who refuses to give up on finding a cure. Tijax gives powers of discernment and refinement. Just as the surgeon’s scalpel cuts away disease and the warrior’s blade dispatches the evil, the sculptor’s chisel creates beauty by remodelling the base material. This is a day of alchemy, both internal and external, turning the ordinary into the divine.

The Number Four

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 good, down-to-Earth number.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

3 No’j (28th July 2024)

27th July 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

This is a day to focus on finding the answers within rather than looking for solutions outside. The nawal of the brain, thought and inspiration combines with the number of home and inner creativity.

Day 3 No’j can present challenges around the ability to think clearly. This may manifest as some kind of block, but also it might lead to inappropriate action. If a problem needs to be solved logically, it would be better to put it off to another day with a more conducive energy. This may be a day where the ideal tasks will be the more mundane ones which don’t require too much thought.

However, there is a positive side to the energy of the number three and this has to do with creation. It gives rise to a time to go inside, to focus the creative thought process within. Choosing to focus on solutions around your home may be more conducive trying to solve problems in the outer world. Be gentle on those around you who seem to be acting thoughtlessly, you might be just as lost as them today. This is a perfect day for retreat and meditation, to focus on the knowledge you already hold within you. It is from this inner work that the answers may come.

Veintena Kaqan

Within the Macewal Q’ij, today marks the beginning of a new month as we travel through the solar year. Today is the first day of Kaqan translated as the season of red clouds. The energy of the fields is diminishing as the crop ceases to grow any higher and starts to move more rapidly into the ripening process. It is during this time that the sun will make its zenith passage here once again (August 13th) and will return to its place in the southern sky.

The Nawal No’j

A depiction of the Earth Lord, the patron of the day Caban (N'oj). He makes a sacrifice of his own blood so that the maize, sustenance of the people, will sprout. Representative of fertility and abundance through the cycle of life, death and resurrection. From the Dresden Codex. — A depiction of the Earth Lord, the patron of the day Caban (N’oj). He makes a sacrifice of his own blood so that the maize, sustenance of the people, will sprout. Representative of fertility and abundance through the cycle of life, death and resurrection. From the Dresden Codex.

The nawal No’j is the nawal of thought, of intelligence and intellect. Within the count of days, there are two geniuses. B’atz is the creative genius, No’j the intellectual one. No’j is an energy of masculine, logical thought. As the problem solver, it gives ideas and solutions which work in the real world. No’j gives a different way to understand situations, and through this ability comes innovation. It is thought, but also understanding and, indeed, knowing. As such, No’j is also a day associated with divination.

This energy is not necessarily social, it can lead to becoming absorbed into one’s work, lost in one’s thoughts. The influence of No’j can create ideas which may be very much ahead of their time. Do not be surprised if ideas you have on this day take a little time to catch on, the people you express the ideas to may need a little time to process, to see the genius within the idea. No’j is also one of the classic year bearers, or year lords. As a year bearer it is thought to be one of the more beneficial and benign energies.

The Number Three

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)

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

The Rebirth of Adventure Journey

27th July 2024 Mark Elmy 2 Comments

We started with the questions “What are our favourite Guatemalan experiences?” and “How can we make these experiences accessible?” In doing so, we have designed our Rebirth of Adventure Journey. We hesitate to call it a retreat. It is not about withdrawing from the world but fully entering into the experience of it. Our aim is to bring you to and remind you of the adventure that exists in all realms. From the physical journey through lush jungles and beautiful mountains to the spiritual journey to ancient temples and the vortex of Lake Atitlan, we have curated some of the most moving experiences of our time here in this beautiful country which we call home. All of these activities are achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. However, those with mobility challenges may find them unachievable.

As you can imagine, timing is one of the most important guides for us. This journey coincides with the end of the rainy season. It gives the lushest, most beautiful time of the year and usually abundant sunshine. We have chosen the thirteen days in the Maya ritual calendar which signify a time of rebirth, with the intention of rebirthing the spirit of adventure within all of us.

The journey has its own separate page here where you can also find a contact form for enquiries.

Rebirth of Adventure 2024

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 Ajmak (27th July 2024)

26th July 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The day 2 Ajmak empowers the ability to forgive and be forgiven, particularly in connection with lovers or relationships. It is our choice to heal wounds and ask forgiveness.

We get these wounds by falling over, and Ajmak days sometimes provide an opportunity for us to make mistakes. What seemed like a good idea at the time can often look very different with hindsight. The way we choose to deal with our mistakes is highlighted today. Sometimes we hide things. We protest our innocence. We try to get away with things and then we get caught. This can often cause a greater grievance than the initial error created. The number 2 also represents self-sacrifice. This suggests that today we can acknowledge our errors and ask for forgiveness. By choosing to act voluntarily we initiate the forgiveness process. This in itself can bring goodwill.

The polarity of the number 2 can bring things out in sharp contrast. It is our decision, and it may be very obvious where our choice can be made. Do we wish to hold on to a burden of guilt, blame or shame, or do we wish to free ourselves. Today, the choice is yours and is ready to be made.

I’m sorry

Please forgive me

Thank you

I love you

On day 2 Ajmak we can ask forgiveness for our conduct within relationships should we need to. This may include forgiveness for not just current, but previous partners. It is a day to free yourself from the burden of past events and move forward. Whether you have something to ask forgiveness for or not, it is an excellent day to give flowers (or chocolate) to your lover and bring the sweetness of humanity into your relationship.

Nawal Ajmak

Ajmak is the nawal of pardon and forgiveness, the nawal of redemption. It is the energy of being human, of falling down and getting back up again, and giving those chances to others.

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 it’s 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 it’s true potential, although due to it’s lovable nature it is easy to forgive. One of the lessons with regards to the Ajmak energy is learning to forgive oneself.

The Number Two

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’ikin (26th July 2024)

25th July 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

This can be seen as a day of inspiration, a day that brings a new vision. The nawal of the visionary combines with the number of novelty and birth to bring an auspicious day and new trecena.

The nawal Tz’ikin is also a nawal of manifestation, and one way it does this is through the voice. The relatively low power of 1 Tz’ikin suggests that while this manifestation is possible, it needs a little encouragement. You may need a nudge to speak up for what you wish to bring into your life. Once you do so, the manifestation potential is strong.

If you are looking to start a new business venture, in particular, this is the day. However, you might find that it is not yet fully formed. Input from your friends or advisers may help to define it further. Perhaps you are guided to start something new. Perhaps today is the day on which to ask for a vision of how to proceed. Tz’ikin energy is seen as lively and sociable. Occasionally this may be too much so for its own good. Today this may be slightly muted and may be very useful. It is a perfect day to ask your associates to help you to clarify your vision. It may also be a time to bring several ideas together into one, clear unified image.

Nawal Tz’ikin

Bat Falcon sitting on top of Temple 216 at Yaxha. Photo by Mark Elmy

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 able to help others and to be more constructive within your community. That is not to say that your input will not be necessary, just that your hard work will pay off.

Tz’ikin can give visions, it helps people to see the bigger picture in life. It also helps people to focus on details. It has grand aspirations and helps people to rise to the top of their abilities.

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 One

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 needs the correct nutrients and conditions to germinate and develop its potential. We also may need encouragement to develop our ideas.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

New Video – The Trecena of Tz’ikin (26th July – 7th August 2024)

25th July 2024 Mark Elmy 4 Comments

The Trecena of Tz’ikin brings the opportunity to bring forward a new vision for ourselves, our family or our community. It brings a time of re-envisioning how we choose our world to be, and how to create a new time of sustainable prosperity.

Worthwhile Recipients of Your Donations

When I mention programs within my videos, it is because I know the people involved and can vouch that your donations will go towards helping the people for which they are intended.

Bringing Water Stability to Families

A wonderful, highly active project to bring water stability to families is Water4Life Global. Jenna MacEwan and her team have been making a difference to peoples’ lives since 2018. They provide water filters to local families throughout Guatemala, thereby giving direct access to clean drinking water. Additionally, they are directly involved in action which helps to clean up the local sources of water. This is achieved through greywater treatment projects, reforestation and education. To learn more or donate, please visit: https://water4lifeglobal.org/donate/

The Midwife Project

In their words: “Our Mission is to offer safe, dignified and culturally appropriate health care to women in Guatemala by empowering indigenous midwives through education. We focus on revaluing the Mayan ancestral knowledge while integrating modern medical practices. With the creation of Holistic Clinic(s) & Birthing Center(s) as a meeting ground and model project. Our Vision is that every woman has access to humane, respected and safe birth care. The midwives and women are empowered to lead the creation of a thriving community where those who are most vulnerable have their needs met, and men support the women in creating this healthy and vibrant family and community structure.”

You can check out their site and donate here: https://www.midwifeproject.net/donate

Konojel

I mention the Konojel program and their work in San Marcos la Laguna. They have turned from a basic, “let’s make sure bellies are full” program to one of much more social development. You can check out their programs and make a donation here https://konojel.org/donate

Odim

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 http://www.odimguatemala.org/donate

Popol Jay

Popol Jay is an ancient name to define the House of the Council of Elders, among the Maya of Guatemala. These were places of wisdom where sacred knowledge about medicine, the calendars, music, spiritual practice and more was kept and passed to future generations. They were all burnt down during the Conquest and subsequent Colonization periods. Today, the Q’eqchi’ Maya Council of Elders Releb’aal Saq’e has joined forces with many supporters to rebuild the Popol Jay of the North, in the lowlands of the Petén region, heart of the Maya culture of the Classic Period. The Elders have worked hard to acquire land and co-design this Center of Knowledge to share ancient wisdom with the World. To donate to the Elders of Peten to fund the Popol Jay, please use this link https://www.popoljay.org.gt/donaciones

Google Calendar Plugin

For the more technically minded I have also created a plugin for Google Calendar. This enables you to track the days of the sacred calendar on your smartphone. In this way you can ensure that your activities are aligned to the most conducive energies! I have also added a description to every day, just click on the day name. It is available for purchase here https://thefourpillars.net/google-calendar-plugin/

Calendar Workshop

If you would like to dive deeper into the sacred calendar, I will be running a workshop via Zoom from 1 pm to 5 pm (ET, UTC -4) from 2nd – 6th September 2024. There are currently some spaces available. For more information, please go to https://thefourpillars.net/?page_id=1120

Please use this link to see the Tz’ikin Trecena video:

https://youtu.be/MaHBe-R0hr4

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

13 Ix (25th July 2024)

24th July 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

If there was ever a day to expect magic to happen, it would be 13 Ix. It is a day when the energy of the spirit world is close by. Prayers and offerings made at natural shrines and altars may prove very fruitful.

The nawal Ix is particularly associated with shrines and altars, and the energy of the number 13 associated with it suggests ancestral places. This suggests a focus on the ancient sacred places, and words spoken at these places may likely have very strong effects. This day also finishes off the Iq’ trecena, this time of change and possible upheaval. However, Iq’ is also the nawal of communication. We see here, on the final day of the Iq’ trecena, the divine breath put into practice at the ancestral shrines as Ix, the prayer giver, makes the flower words. This is a day to call on the spirits of the ancestors to help us better understand our relationship with the Earth.

It is a day to ask the spirit of the Earth for that which you require in your life path. Of course, when she gives you exactly what you need, it is important to thank her. This day is an excellent day for demonstrating your gratitude to the Earth. This may be through some act of caring for your local area. The manifestation energy today is very strong. While we may expect magical things to happen it should be noted that the phrase “be careful what you wish for” is also applicable.

Nawal Ix

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 the Heart of the Earth. We could see this as Mother Earth or a Maya representation of Gaia. Ix can be seen as a mothering energy, nurturing all things. However, 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. This jungle cat is an animal of the night. She slips magically through the darkness, the spots of her back a representation of the milky way. She carries the sun on its nightly journey through the underworld.

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. A spirit of gratitude and humility keeps Ix healthy. Ix is of course deeply connected with the natural world and it is here that they find their wisdom, power and wealth. This is a day to give thanks, to remember gratitude, and a day to engage with your magic.

The Number 13

The number 13 is the final number. It represents the spirit world. It is said that on Samhain, 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 day come through strongly. It is a very good day for activities such as divinations. Ceremonies on 13 days are best left to experienced Aj Q’ijab who understand how to work with that strength of energy.

The Four Pillars

Monthly Archives: July 2024