4 Ix (1st January 2025)

31st December 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The day 4 Ix is a day to give thanks for what has physically manifested into your world. Therefore, it is a good day to show your gratitude by physically restoring your balance with the Earth.

The stability of your connection to the spirit of the Earth and the abundance that comes from her is highlighted today. It is a day to manifest this into the physical realm.

The nawal Ix enables us to call on the Earth for the materials we require to walk our path. We can do this simply by asking. We use our words, particularly at special places such as shrines or altars. With this day carrying the number 4, the energy of Nawal Ix is empowered by the qualities of the four directions. These are strength, wisdom, spirit and healing and these qualities stabilise what they are attached to. Hence, asking for what you need in life is likely to yield a positive result.

The nawal Ix also had a deeply esoteric side. However it is termed the simplest word to describe its gift is magic. We may shy away from the use of such words, but Ix enhances our ability to co-create with our surroundings. It reminds us that the power to shape our environment is in our hands, as is the responsibility. The energy of 4 Ix suggests that our ability to co-create. Our “magic”, may be quite apparent in the physical realm today. In fact, today it may be easier than usual to manifest our desires into the physical. Be aware of what you are creating and be prepared to take responsibility for your creation.

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 considered to be the most feminine of the nawales because it embodies the spirit of the Heart of the Earth. It can be seen as a representation of Mother Earth or the Maya version of Gaia. Ix is known for its nurturing energy, as it takes care of all things. However, this nurturing should not be mistaken for weakness, as Ix also embodies the power and stealth of the jaguar, which is its animal totem. The jaguar is a powerful jungle cat that moves stealthily through the darkness of the night with spots on its back representing the milky way. Ix carries the sun on its nightly journey through the underworld.

In industrialized societies, the Earth is often seen as an inanimate source of material wealth. However, non-industrialized societies view her as a living entity that we can interact with, and she carries the nawal Ix. Therefore, on Ix days, people offer prayers at her shrines and altars to ask for what they need in the world. To keep Ix healthy, it is important to approach her with a spirit of gratitude and humility. Ix is deeply connected with the natural world, where it finds its wisdom, power, and wealth. Therefore, it is a day to give thanks, remember gratitude, and engage with your magic.

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. It was said to be they 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 Aj (31st December 2024)

30th December 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

While the nawal Aj is the quintessential energy of stability, its combination with the number three may see it knocked off its usual balance today. This day may bring challenges to leadership in particular.

The staff tipped with silver carried by Maya elders in their villages is a mark of authority. It is Aj, and both their authority and their leadership spring from many sources. Whilst it is not necessarily a political position, although in the modern world it may have become more so. It is a position of respect, achieved through wisdom and dedication to the ongoing life and prosperity of the community. This is the essence of the energy of Aj, leadership through quiet devotion to the people rather than self serving power.

However, the energy of the number 3 brings a challenge to that. It brings a day when even the altruistic efforts of leadership may be challenged, certainly if they are applied externally. The energy of the three brings the focus back to the home and the internal process. As a number of creation, it could be suggested that today is a good day to employ the newfound creativity felt in the B’atz trecena within the home, bringing the harmony as you do so.

Aj is also seen as the nawal of harmony in the home and, together with the number 3, as such this could be seen as very potent place to focus your wisdom and strength today. On a day where the external values of leaders are questioned, looking inside yourself for the courage to stand up and wisdom to do the right thing is the most beneficial course of action.

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, 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.

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 its people, that keeps everything in its rightful place. It is a day when we ask for the courage and bravery to stand up straight and tall, to do the right thing.

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 stones 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 lacks stability and can represent challenges and obstructions. The number three brings up internal/external dilemmas. 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 yourself.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 E’ (30th December 2024)

29th December 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The nawal E’ represents our journey of exploration through our lives. When coupled with the number representing duality, could bring a day of big choices regarding future direction.

The nawal E’ often drives people to test the boundaries or take chances, after all, without a little leap of faith we don’t really live. We step out onto our path, whether is is a physical journey, spiritual path, relationship or even career in order to experience and grow. We don’t necessarily know the route we will take on that journey, and sometimes we might not know exactly our destination, or the destination changes as we journey. The important thing is that we move, as there is no life without movement.

The energy of 2 E’ may give an indecisive nature when it comes to your future path, and may even be possible that there are two clear options. The influence of E’ will inspire to move forward, not wishing to wait, which could create an inner dilemma between the hesitant energy of the 2 and the bold energy of E’.

Which path to take may also be influence by the other meanings of the number 2, relationships and self sacrifice. This is a day where the most productive and enlightening course of action is truly selfless. Allow you relationships to guide you towards your decision, which may involve a little sacrifice on your part. However, the good fortune associated with road would suggest a favourable outcome. If in doubt, let love decide your path.

The Nawal E’

Footprints on the road — 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. A 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.

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 B’atz (29th December 2024 – 10th January 2025)

28th December 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The trecena of B’atz is a great time to begin a new creative project. Whether you are launching your new art form, or beginning to weave something, this is the day to get started.

13 Iq’ / 2025 Calendar

My 2025 calendar is now available. The calendar shows the days of the Chol Q’ij, formatted onto the Gregorian calendar. Currently it is available electronically as a PDF in both English and Spanish. See this link ‎for details on how to get your pdf https://thefourpillars.net/2025-calendar/

Printed versions, in English, are available locally in Guatemala in San Marcos at Lava Love Cacao and Palo Santo, and in San Juan la Laguna at the candle shop of Nana Maria Feliciana. They are also now available in the USA through Soul Lift Cacao through this link https://bit.ly/4etcGZl

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 https://thefourpillars.net/google-calendar-plugin/

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 donate 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 specialise in medical and educational services. However, 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

Readings

If you would like to know what your nawal brings to your lifepath, please follow this link to get a reading with me https://thefourpillars.net/maya-lifepath-reading/

Calendar Workshop

If you would like to dive deeper into the sacred calendar, I will be running a workshop via Zoom from 10 am to 2 pm (Guatemala time, UTC -6) from 20th – 24th January 2025. There are currently spaces available. For more information, please go to https://thefourpillars.net/?page_id=1120.

You can see the B’atz trecena video here:

https://youtu.be/rV4eVmwdu9w

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 B’atz (29th December 2024)

28th December 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

This is the day of the creative spark, the time to start weaving. The new trecena starts today, a new cycle of 13 days with the nawal B’atz putting its emphasis on creation.

There are two aspects significant to B’atz, one is creation and the other is gestation. In the form of gestation, we can imagine different layers of the human being woven. This process has to begin at some point, the first thread begins to consolidate the pattern. The day 1 B’atz is “conceived” on the day 6 Aq’ab’al. This could be seen as the day when the new concept is brought into the physical. In this, we can imagine that the warp was set on the loom on 6 Aq’ab’al. The finishing touches to the idea are consolidated through to the end of the Tijax trecena. Now comes the first passing of the weft and the new cloth begins to form.

On 7 B’atz we experienced the end of the old creation, now 1 B’atz is the beginning of the new creation. The next occurrence, 8 B’atz, can be seen as the joining of the old weaving with the new.

Today is a potent day to begin any creative project. Nawal B’atz gives the touch of creative flair required to bring out the true beauty of that which it is applied to. The number 1 is, of course, representative of the new birth, the beginning. However, the newborn the most nurturing. It may be that you need a little encouragement to begin work on your masterpiece. Perhaps others around you see the true potential of your creativity more than you do. This is a day to accept their support to get your new creation started.

The Nawal B’atz

Images of weaving using a backstrap loom, from the Madrid Codex

There are two nawales which bestow genius talents, one of which is B’atz, the other being No’j. B’atz is the nawal of artisans and of weavers. This is not just creation and weaving on the Earthly level. It weaves the threads of time together to create reality. B’atz is the nawal of the sacred calendar. The calendar 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, 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.

B’atz 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.

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 Tz’i (28th December 2024)

27th December 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

Today could be a good day to ask for guidance from the spirit realm. This is one of the most potent days to be alert for information to guide your journey.

The nawal Tz’i is our faithful companion, guiding us and protecting us on our journey. It shows us the way, bearing a torch in the darkness for us to follow. It does this with the same spirit of unconditional love shown to us by our ancestors.

Days carrying the number 13 are said to be when the other world is at its closest. We can perceive messages from that world most easily in those days. It would be an excellent day to ask for guidance from a diviner. However, the guidance may come in many forms such as synchronicities, signs or omens. This is a day to fully engage your senses with the world. Ask questions of your guidance and observe what comes back to you. Watch for what stands out. This is a day to trust your higher feelings and instincts, another aspect of Tz’i. They may be influenced by the guiding force of your ancestors.

The day 13 Tz’i is also said to be one of the days on which the Rilaj Mam is celebrated. This can be a potent day to make ceremonies to ask the ancestors to help those with vices.

This is a day to ask for the assistance of the spirit world in legal matters and matters of social justice. It is the final day of the Tijax trecena. Our quest to remove imbalance may result in the restoration of order through guidance from our ancestors.

The Nawal Tz’i

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 acts on instinct, disregarding reason when hormonally driven. This aspect of Tz’i is particularly bad, and when it fails, it does so dramatically, 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. 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 we can understand both loyalty and instinct through their actions. Tz’i is also the guide and protector on life’s path, ensuring that it’s 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. However, be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

12 Toj (27th December 2024)

26th December 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The day 12 Toj is a day to offer payment for the sustenance received throughout life. It could be seen as one of the most potent days of gratitude.

Making a large and elaborate ceremony can be a wonderful experience. However, sometimes just a thank you for a long-forgotten act is payment enough to redress the balance. Today is a day to seek out unpaid debts from life and settle the score. This in turn releases yourself and the other party from any energetic burden.

In our journey through life, we receive a great deal of support. Toj days allow us to contribute, to give rather than take. Toj days help us to remember to bring balance to our lives by paying back our debts. These may be physical or energetic imbalances to be addressed. The number 12 can be seen as representing a life review, looking back over your life. In combination with Toj, these could identify moments where you may have received assistance and forgotten to give sufficient thanks.