A reconnection with nature could be a good theme for this day and the entire thirteen day period it begins. It is a time to be guided and inspired by the power of the natural world.
With the potential represented by the number 1 and the power of the natural world represented by Kej, this should prove to be a very interesting day. Nature does not have polarities, it just is. Our judgement creates these polarities. We may judge nature as harsh and unforgiving, or inspiring and beautiful. Much will depend on our experience and the depth of our connection with nature. The wilderness can tell us many things, but we have to connect with it to understand them.
Here we have the potential to draw strength from the natural world should we choose to. If you have the opportunity, take a walk in the wild woods, embrace the elements and feel the power of nature. Always remember this is a two way street. Just as the wilderness can empower you, it needs your love and protection too. 1 Kej may be an excellent day to start a conservation or protection program for your local environment. Look after her and she will look after you.
It is a day where encouragement from others can bring great strength and determination. This applies to your actions too, it is a great day to share a few words to empower others.
Veintena Takaxepual – Return of the Mam
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 Takaxepual known as the season of first sowing. It is 260 days since the Mam 1 Kej took his seat, you can read more about that here. This should mark the point in the year where the rain ceases to fall and we move into the dry months before the new Mam, 2 E’, takes his seat in 105 days time.
It is particularly interesting that this takes place just before astronomical cross quarter day of Samhain (November 7th, 09:37 UTC). This point of the year is exactly midway (45 days) between the Equinox and the Solstice. It was considered the first day of winter in the Celtic calendar. It is seen as the death of the Sun god. The sun descends into the underworld where it will remain until Imbolc (Feb 4th 2027 01:48 UTC). Regardless of the hemisphere there is a particular alignment which is happening. It is said to be an opening of portals to the otherworld.
This could suggest that the power of the Mam 1 Kej will go through a change at this point of the year, the original strength diminished after being used throughout the growing season. The year lord could be seen as having done his work and now enters a period of retirement, so perhaps the intensity this year lord has been demonstrating may be softened.
Kej years can bring strength and stubbornness. Although this year has the relative gentleness of the number 1 attached, it can still be connected with the potential for the “bullishness” associated with the nawal Kej. Today, this may begin to diminish. Interestingly, this is also very close to the heliacal rise of Venus, which took place on 7 Ajpu (29th October). The bright light of the morning planet is sometimes said to herald the downfall of leaders, could it reveal some of the weak foundations of bullish leaders?
The Nawal Kej
Kej is possibly the strongest of the nawales, it is powerful, but in a different way to Kan. Kej is energetic, lively and determined. It is the nawal of nature, of the wilderness and it is this power that it draws on. The animal totem of Kej is the deer, but if you have fragile, new-born Bambi in mind, think again. This is the majestic stag, standing on the mountain surveying his domain. Whilst most nawales are not necessarily engendered, Kej is most definitely masculine. Both men and women that carry Kej as their nawal have great strength, although the men tend to hide their strength more. Kej women are particularly driven, resourceful and brave, sometimes to the point of being rather dominant. All radiate an aura of nobility, people tend to look to them to lead.
Kej is the nawal of the Mayan “religion”, a day of spiritual leaders, of shaman and of priests. It is these leaders who understand how to read the messages from the natural world, who help to keep our existence in balance with nature. It is a day to connect with the wilderness and draw the power of the natural world into you, to harmonise and replenish.
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.
