Monthly Archives: September 2024

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

8 Imox (10th September 2024)

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Today is a good day to make ceremonies for water. We give thanks for the sustenance we receive from the water, and to ask for pardon for the pollution we allow to happen. It is a day to recognise the essence of life and celebrate our connection to water in the oceans, lakes, and large bodies of water.

8 Imox brings a recognition of the spirit of the times, both the things we embrace and the things we push away. They all come from the same source. It is a celebration of the dream world, the limitless potential from which we draw our creativity. It is a day on which we give thanks for the dreams that we can manifest in the physical world. We also ask for guidance from the dream world for further inspiration. It is a day when we ask for safety on our nightly journeys into the abyss so that we can find our way back to reality again.

The energy of 8 Imox brings a day to bring wholeness to your creations or dreams. It is the day to put the final parts into the project, or to tap into collective for guidance on how to complete your project. It is time to connect with the part of the collective consciousness with which you resonate strongest to bring wholeness to your dream. However, it is important to remember your wholeness as an individual outside of the collective. Discernment may be called for. One must understand when to dissociate from the collective, remember our individuality, and to pull oneself out of an unhealthy group consciousness.

The 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 water lily, sometimes crocodile, it is an embodiment of the primordial. It was from the great ocean that the four first men raised 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 conscious we delve into on our nightly voyages. It may also relate to the place that certain plant medicines take us to in order 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, 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 Eight

The number 8 is considered to be a number of wholeness. It can be seen as birth (1) and death (7) combined to represent the whole cycle of the soul. It can also be seen as the point where the four first men who raised the sky from the sea were joined by their wives and the world become whole. The eighth day of the trecena is the most common day for ceremonies to be made. It is still in the balanced range of numbers and is an even number, which is also considered fortunate. As this wholeness represents every aspect of the energy of the day with which it is coupled. It is the wholeness of the nawal that is addressed in ceremony.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

7 Ajpu (9th September 2024)

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7 AjpuMaking decisions about your spiritual path may be a theme today. Learning to see the good in all things is a great idea, but sometimes it can become a distraction.

In the Popol Vuh, there are two sets of heroes that travel into the underworld. The first pair fail at the first challenges. They are solar lords and they fail to understand the concept of deception. It is within this pairing of Jun Junajpu (1 Ajpu) and 7 Junajpu (7 Ajpu) that we find this day. These can be seen as being the new sun (1 Ajpu) and the old sun (7 Ajpu). Therefore, this could represent an old social construct or regime dying, as the old sun descends into the underworld and is never seen again. The day 7 Ajpu suggests the end of a time, the end of an era. The old world has reached the end of its time.

When standing on top of a pyramid, you can see all around you. The combination of Ajpu with the energy of the 7 may lead to seeing the holiness all around you. At least it may appear to be. However, it might be an artificial reality, on closer examination you would not include it in your reality.

The lesson of 7 is to make decisions and its other aspect is that of death and finality. Every time we make a decision it results in the death of the other possibilities. Examine carefully what you hold holy, and make the choice as to whether to keep it in your reality or not. Correct identification can lead to the pinnacle of divinity, an illusion may lead to an uncomfortable fall. This may be something that needs to be addressed today.

Are You Looking for an Adventure?

Why not check out the journey through Guatemala we created? We will take you through some of the most energetic, beautiful and exciting experiences available in this amazing country. To find out more, please visit www.fourpillarsretreats.com

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The Nawal Ajpu

Kinich Ahau, the solar deity, lord of space and time. From the Dresden Codex.
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 is 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. The ruler of the city was also the physical embodiment of the divine, and Ajpu is closely related to this. 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 underlying meaning, 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 gives an opportunity to explore ourselves and our reaction. Sometimes we are attracted, sometimes repelled by the action 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 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 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. As such it can be a great number on which to finalise or end something.

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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

6 Kawok (8th September 2024)

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6 KawokThe stability of the number 6 helps to balance the storm’s energy to bring new growth. Today could prove to be very beneficial for bringing the new into the world.

Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex
Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex

Even looking at the destructive aspect of Kawok, this day could be beneficial. The stability of the 6 would suggest that it is a day when the storms are quelled, when the force of the torrent is sufficient to wash away the debris without destroying the useful.

It is a day when the new born receives the blessings from all around. This will apply to new life, in all its guises, and to new projects. The energy of this day could be hugely supportive of the ideas that you brought into being on the day 4 No’j. It is the day to flesh out new things, to physically bring them into the world. It is a wonderful “launch day” for the physical aspect of your plan.

Just as this day represents midwives, we can also see it as a representation of female healers in general, or those who heal the feminine. Today we celebrate their abilities to soothe the emotions, to bring calm to life’s storms. They may do this through traditional healing channels such as energy work or massage, but also through counselling or music.

If you need to calm your emotions, or bring healing to a situation, this could be a very good day to do it. Allow Kawok to wash away emotions that are  no longer necessary to hold on to, and allow the new to emerge into the world. Use the supportive and stable energy of the day to calm the troubled waters.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
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 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 ceremony 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 the masculine and feminine principals. 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 Tijax (7th September 2024)

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5 TijaxThe day 5 Tijax can be see in its best aspect as a day of healing work. While all Tijax days are known for healing, this is particularly the day to get down to business. It is time to focus on removing the diseased or unbalanced.

Likewise, any work to bring divinity or beauty into the world today may bring a beneficial outcome.

Tijax days can be very dualistic, representing both days of conflict and division, and days of healing and unification. Today we see this energy combined with the number 5 suggesting that either option may be hard work.

The energy of the nawal Tijax gives rise to a day of decisive action, where the obsidian blade is wielded in the hand. Herein lies a problem. This blade is double edged, and just as one side brings healing, the other brings war. Tijax has an argumentative side and today could be a day when its quarrelsome nature may emerge, particularly regarding work.

If you decide to set your mind on achieving something, the chances are that you will succeed in your quest. Just remember that this sharp blade lends itself to a sharp tongue too. By using the discerning nature of Tijax, you can ensure that you pick your targets carefully to avoid collateral damage. Your goal is to bring the divine to the world. This does not have to involve a trail of destruction.

The Nawal Tijax

Sacrificial Death God 1

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 surgeons scalpel cuts away disease and the warriors blade dispatches the evil, the sculptors 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 Five

The Sacred Mayan calendar is said to be a calendar of human life. 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 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 No’j (6th September 2024)

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4 NojThis is a day to solidify plans and to bring ideas into the physical plane. The energy of thought and knowledge is manifested in the material world.

The nawal No’j can represent knowledge and our thought processes. We may come across knowledge that is new to us on No’j days, bringing us new ideas or solutions. No’j days are great days for problem solving and today suggests getting back to basics. The combination of the nawal No’j with the number 4 can bring very down-to-earth solutions. It is a day to employ the principles of Occam’s razor, where the simplest, most basic solution or answer is probably the correct one.

The nawal No’j is the flash of brilliance, the inspiration we receive. The number 4 is seen as representative of physical stability and physical form. When we combine the two, we get a rather beneficial day when we are able to materialise our ideas into the physical world. We may have been sitting on them for some time, waiting for the right moment. Now is the time to ground them.

These ideas may bring you sustenance. They have the fertile mind of the Earth Lord behind them, and the Earth Lord presides over all that comes from the Earth – crops, jade, silver. The four suggests that the ideas are not quite complete yet. It is a day to get your plans out into the open and allow them to start to bring their benefits into your life.

Veintena Q’atic

Within the Solar calendar, today marks the beginning of a new month as we travel through the solar year. Today is the first day of Q’atic interpreted as the season of passing.

The Nawal No’j

A depiction of the Earth Lord, the patron of the day Caban (N'oj). <yoastmark class=

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 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 Ajmak (5th September 2024)

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3 AjmakThis is a day to look inside yourself, where forgiveness begins within your own heart. Looking for external forgiveness is likely to be an unrewarding task today. The day 3 Ajmak may be one best spent at home, or in seclusion.

Ajmak days are not always easy to negotiate. They are days on which we may experience the best, and worst qualities of human nature. They remind us of what it is to be human, both through the ways of compassionate forgiveness, and through errors. These are how we learn, but we do not need to keep running the same program once we have learned what we need to.

For example, an action gives rise to a reaction. That reaction may be desirable or undesirable. We may wish to repeat the desirable one and not repeat the undesirable one. However, holding on to guilt about the action which gave the undesirable reaction rarely serves any purpose. In the Maya cross, Ajmak evolves to K’at, the net. The future of Ajmak can be abundance, one aspect of K’at, or it can bind. This ensnarement may be a result of guilt, the inability to move on from an action which produced undesirable consequences.

Of course, this is highly simplified, but we often do choose to hold onto our guilt for longer than we need to. It becomes a burden, stifling our creativity and preventing us from achieving our full potential. It can be something which stops us from living the lives we are able to live, filling us with regret.

What you create internally, you project out to the world. Today you have the potential to truly bring the sweetness into your home, particularly through acts of self forgiveness.

I am sorry
Please forgive me
I love you
Thank you

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 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 Orion Nebula
The Orion Nebula 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 Tz’ikin (4th September 2024)

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2 Tz'ikinIs a day to see and resolve duality for the prosperity of all. There are many ways that the day 2 Tz’ikin can be interpreted. Most are positive as both Tz’ikin and the energy of 2 have beneficial properties.

2 Tz’ikin is a day that brings focus to relationships. It may help to see and understand elements of self-sacrifice required within a relationship to bring prosperity. Tz’ikin has a rather light-hearted nature and gives the ability to see the bigger picture. It helps us to put our sacrifices into perspective and see the benefits they bring. In matters of business, a partnership formed today should be rather beneficial, cooperation bringing the vision into reality.

However, there are other much higher aspects associated with the nawal Tz’ikin. Tz’ikin days are indeed used for prosperity, but really what do we mean by prosperity? Of course, we could see the surface level of financial matters and Tz’ikin days are said to be good for business. However, the prosperity that the nawal Tz’ikin guides us to is on a deeper level. It brings us the visions which help our environment, families and communities to thrive, which help them to truly prosper and multiply.

Here, the combination with the energy of the 2 perhaps helps us to see both sides of the story. Both the number 2 and the nawal Tz’ikin can act as mediators, occasionally sitting on the fence, but generally able to resolve situations. It is when we can see the issues through the eyes of others that we can understand their point of view. This is not to say that we have to abandon our own causes, but by seeing the views of “the opposition” we can arrive at a resolution which brings prosperity to all.

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 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. You can be more constructive within your community. That is not to say that your own input will not be necessary, just that your hard work 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.

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 Two

The number 2 is representative of duality, of polarity. Although a low number, it has surprising strength. 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

New Video – The Trecena of Ix (3rd – 15th September 2024)

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The Trecena of Ix gives us a new opportunity to connect with the spirit of the Earth, to find new ways to protect her, and to find the magic within each one of us as we connect with the sacred places, the altars and shrines.

Are You Looking for Adventure?

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 in the trecena of Kawok from 6th – 20th November 2024. 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 where you can also find a contact form for enquiries. You can find it here https://fourpillarsretreats.com/

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

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/ 

Trecena Video

You can see the Ix trecena video here:

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 Ix (3rd September 2024)

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Today could be seen to represent the newborn jaguar. She has all the potential to grow into her powerful and magical adult self, but right now this is just an idea she sees in her elders. She grows through learning, and the spirit of the Earth is her teacher.

On 1 Ix we can begin to learn the potential of our connection with the spirit of the Earth. She is vast and sustains us all. Ix gives us the ability to communicate with her, to ask her for help, to ask her for what we need. Yet some of us don’t see it. We fail to thank her, or even abuse her, our idea of human importance and power being greater than that of the Earth.

Ix days are the patron days of natural shrines and altars, the places where offerings are made to the spirit of the Earth. This day could be seen as an excellent day for the renovation of such places, or initiating new shrines.  The number 1 also represents Sac Ixik, the maiden moon deity, whose places were springs and streams. These places are also associated with the nawal Ix which could therefore be seen as both the source of life and the protector of water sources. 1 Ix is, therefore, a very feminine day, full of life, beauty, energy and of potential for magic, a day to show gratitude for all that you might become.

It is a day when we can make our petition to the Earth, and thank her for what she has brought to us. When we can see the benefits of living in harmony with the Earth, we can begin to understand where engaging with her magic might lead us.

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
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 what we might call 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 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

13 Aj (2nd September 2024)

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13 AjSpiritual harmony in the home through the connection with the ancestors may be accessible today. The nawal Aj combines with the number 13 which can represent both the spirit world and the ancestors.

The nawal Aj is closely tied to home and the local community, representing a fatherly authority within both. While Aj is often translated as “cane”, “corn stalk” or “staff” (representing the staff of authority of the elders), it is also associated with the spinal column. We can imagine the spinal column being energised with the power of the ancestors today, the spirit world breathing its energy into the vertebrae. As we come to the final day of the Imox trecena. The energy of the ancestors animates the spine of the first human as they stand up for what is correct, what helps the community thrive.

This can be seen as bringing some positive connotations for this powerful day. Aj days are generally thought of as fairly easy-going, pleasant days, days to bring harmony to home and family. Here that harmony has its roots in the other world. Therefore, this could be seen as a day on which ancestral wisdom can be employed to bring the required balance to a domestic situation. It could also be seen as a very good day for divination on matters of home and how to create stability within the family or community. Today you might recognise the words of an ancestor speaking through an authority figure.

The Nawal Aj

The Temple of the Foliated Cross, Palenque
The Temple of the Foliated Cross. This small temple houses one of the most remarkable and beautiful friezes, the Foliated Cross. Together with those of the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Cross, this forms an architectural version of a codex. It shows both mythic and historical accounts of the ruling dynasty. The three temples together form the cross group, the sacred heart of Palenque. Picture by Mark Elmy

The nawal Aj is related to many things which generally revolve around leadership on an earthly level. It is also 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 it’s roots in the Earth, and its head in the sky.

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.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 it’s people, that keeps everything in it’s 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 Thirteen

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. 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 energy.