Tag Archives: Iq’

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

6 Iq’ (26th March 2022)

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6 Iq'If you have something important to say, today is a very auspicious day for it as the nawal governing communication combines with the number which represents stability.

In addition to its connection with communication, the nawal Iq’ also governs change. Change can be unsettling, especially when the wind blows wild and the changes happen suddenly and without warning. However, the stabilising influence of the energy of the number 6 may bring some stability to the changes which have been occurring. This could be seen as a day where the energy  is more in line with bringing balanced, measured and stable changes. If you have changes to make, you could find the powerful energy of the wind assisting you today.

However, the movement of the divine breath, inspiring our words, is one of the key aspects of the day. This is a day when it flows gracefully, not too strongly and not too weakly. It empowers our words with sufficient strength to have an impact, yet balances them with a gentle calmness. Its combination with the number 6 draws on the properties of the four directions – vitality, wisdom, spirit and healing – and combined with the inspiration of Sky and the compassion of Earth.

This gives rise to an extremely conducive energy for any form of communication, but, of course, verbal communication is where the greatest potential occurs. This is a day for clear and effective conversations, a day to get your point across and to hear that of others. If there is something you have been struggling to say, today you might be able to find the words.

The number 6 also highlights family, and bringing the family into balance, this may be where your communication may be greatly effective and appreciated.

Wind God 1

 

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them, but be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

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

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

12 Iq’ (6th March 2022)

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12 Iq'A strong number and a strong nawal combine today to give the potential for great inspiration or great bluster. The decision on how to use your words may result in big consequences.

The nawal Iq’ has the power to inspire, after all, it is the breath of life itself, the divine breath, moving through us, animating us and bringing movement into the world. However, sometimes that movement is uncertain, it brings unexpected changes. Sometimes Iq’ brings destruction with its force.

Today it is married with the number 12, the highest of the even numbers. Whilst it is powerful, the fact that it is an even number usually gives the energy of 12 days a rather positive feel as they bring together previous experiences from our lives.

The energy of 12 Iq’ could be seen as providing an understanding of how to embrace a sudden change based on previous experiences. It could also be a day to use the experience you have gained through your life to motivate and inspire others through your words. However, it is also a day to be aware of your temper as the strength of your words today may cause far more damage than intended.

 

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them, but be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

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

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

5 Iq’ 0 Wayeb – The First Day of Wayeb

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The posts that I am writing every day concern the days of the Chol Q’ij, the Mayan sacred or ritual calendar, which consists of 260 days. However, this is, of course, not the only calendar used by the Maya people. One of the other calendars used is known as the Macewal Q’ij or Ordinary Days. This has been termed a civic or agricultural calendar, which may seem less grand than the sacred days, but without agriculture, the people would starve. There are ceremonies associated with certain days of the Macewal Q’ij, not least the arrival of the first day, the new Year Bearer. Kenneth Johnson wrote an excellent first hand account of his experience in Momostenango of the arrival of the new year bearer or Mam here

However, the new year is not here just yet, first we have to get through the Tz’ipin Q’ij, the closing days, also known as Wayeb. These are the five days at the end of the 365 day count. They are thought of as a dangerous time, when the energy is confused to say the least. It is interesting to note that the final five days of the solar year are overseen by the previous incarnation of the same nawal. 5 Iq’ was the year bearer for 2017. If we imagine reality as a ship and the year bearer as the captain, it is as if the captain has died and been replaced by the ghost of the previous captain. Maybe this is why this time is thought of as being so unpredictable.

Wayeb is seen as a time of introspection, a time when we take stock of what has happened over the previous year. In some communities, it is seen as a time when public ceremony is avoided, some people do not wash or comb their hair, they may not leave the house. It is a time when the energies of the days are unsupported and misfortune may occur.

The introspection of the  first day of Wayeb is used to review the previous year. Its combination here with the day 5 Iq’ suggests a review of the way you were able to work on our communication, and on our breath during the last 360 days, during the current year,          9 Iq’.  9 Iq’ could be seen as a year reflecting the breath of life, it could also be seen as the voice of the women. It certainly feels like in this time we are now able to breathe more freely having re-established our life breath. There have certainly been some very interesting changes and upsets to the establishment brought through the voices of women. On this first day of reflection, we could ask ourselves “where did I put my energy into change, and what areas still need some work?”

Pawahtuun, also known as Mam and god N. Known as the god of the Wayeb and the number five. An old man that carries a conch shell, who was both a beloved creator and a trickster. From the Dresden Codex
Pawahtuun, also known as Mam and god N. Known as the god of the Wayeb and the number five. An old man that carries a conch shell, who was both a beloved creator and a trickster. From the Dresden Codex
Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

5 Iq’ (14th February 2022)

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5 Iq'Clear and effective communication is always an important goal, especially if it can become something which transcends the usual level. Today is a day to work towards this ideal, although it might not come easily.

The nawal Iq’ does highlight communication, but it also brings about changes and its most challenging property is anger. These three properties can all be seen working hand in hand. Lack of communication can lead to anger, as can enforced, or unforeseen changes. It is worthwhile remembering this on Iq’ days, as sometimes the energy can make people more sensitive to these things and produce a stronger than expected reaction.

Days carrying the number five have some interesting properties and can lead to some frustration. It all comes down to putting effort into or working on the properties of the nawal to which it is attached.

This can lead to a day where putting a little extra effort into the clarity of your words will certainly help to overcome possible negative outcomes. In fact with suitable attention to detail your hard work may pay off, and your words will be blessed by the divine breath, inspiring those around you.

Today is the first day of the Tz’ipin Q’ij or Wayeb, the closing days of the Mayan solar year. It is the beginning of 5 days of reflection and meditation. 5 I’q was the bearer of the year in 2017, and here we see it come around once more. I have created a separate, special post about the closing days of the year here

Wind God 1

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them, but be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

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

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

11 Iq’ (25th January 2022)

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11 Iq'The energy of a strong and unpredictable nawal combined with the similar influence of the number 11 may give rise to a day where you have to buckle up for a wild ride.

I once described the energy of 11 days rather like a firework with a broken stick. It has a great deal of energy to expend, but which direction it will go in is unknown. Even when it starts in one direction, it can change in the blink of an eye. With the energy of many nawales, this might be relatively easy to deal with, but Iq’ is changeable in its nature anyway. Iq’ too can move from its soft, gentle breeziness to its hurricane force very quickly, not to mention its ability to change direction. This is a day when sudden, unexpected changes are highly possible, especially if they are connected to a lot of bluster.

With Iq’ governing communication, we could expect a similar experience with regards to our interactions with others today too. The energy of this day could lead to a lot of chatty conversations. These could possibly again be rather directionless, although that is not to say that there will be no wisdom in them – it just may take a long time to get to the point. This may be frustrating in a  busy western world, but it also reminds us of the true art of communication and conversation.

This is where the lessons of Iq’ may come to the fore. Iq’ teaches us to learn to adapt, to embrace the changes it brings, to learn to be flexible. When we learn to “ride” the wind we may actually find it is rather enjoyable, just watch birds playing in the wind. If we try to resist or direct this flow today, it may lead to meeting one of the other properties of Iq’, anger. The power of the wind is too strong for us to influence. As the divine breath, Iq’ reminds us to focus on our breathing, and with the potentially wild and unpredictable energy today, it may be more important than ever to take a breath before we react.

The Wind God, depicted in the Dresden Codex

 

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them, but be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

4 Iq’ (5th January 2022)

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4 Iq'The beneficial properties of the number 4 bring stability and a touch of gentleness to the strong and unpredictable energy of the nawal Iq´, so today might prove to be very suitable for implementing inspired changes.

Iq´ days can be difficult. Sudden changes challenge us, and blustery words can cause arguments. When we have high winds here, many people in the village get sick shortly afterwards, usually due to the extra dust in the atmosphere around them, so the wind is blamed as a bringer of sickness too. In general Iq´ days tend to have a bad reputation, although the without the wind there would be no change in seasons and therefore no life.

However, the energy of Iq’ today can really be rather different. When channelled correctly, the energy of the wind can be dynamic and productive, and the energy of the number 4 brings the degree of stability required to tame its erratic nature. Inspiration comes through on the divine breath supported by the qualities of the four directions – vitality, wisdom, spirit and healing.

If you have been waiting for inspiration to voice some ideas, which have been in the back of your mind for some time, today could be the day where you find sufficient energy to express them. The stability of the 4 also gives the ability to bring this inspiration into the physical world, to manifest your words into a solid reality. It is a day to get your ideas across to others, even if the ideas are rather far out, today they can be grounded and expressed easily. It is also a day to make changes, particularly in your physical world. The changing energy of the wind fills your sails and helps you move forward and the calm predictability of the number 4 puts you in control of your direction.

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 Q’ib Ixik translated as the season of smoke, of burning brushwood. Many people here in highland Guatemala burn the remains of the old corn plants and weeds on their milpa (corn field) before planting the new crop. The hills are starting to show this smoke appearing now as preparation for the new growth starts. Whilst the Gregorian year may have turned already, in the Highland solar count we still have 45 days left of the year 9 Iq’. The year bearer is getting towards the end of his period of stewardship, his energy is nearly worn out. The remains are burned and turned into the soil enriching it with the ashes of experience for the next crop.

Wind God 1

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them, but be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

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

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

10 Iq’ (16th December 2021)

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10 Iq'The day 10 Iq’ can be seen as a very sociable day with an emphasis on communication within your community. With the strength of both the number and the nawal Iq’ this could lead to some inspired words and changes.

Whilst Iq’ is known for its blustery nature, there are some combinations which really have the ability to bring out the best in it. Its combination with the number 10 is one of these. If you were ever looking for a day to hold a community meeting this would be the prime candidate. The inspiring words conveyed through the divine breath come come into contact with the number which represents community and cooperation. We could expect our oratory skills to be enhanced today, especially when we are surrounded by our family and friends. It is a great day to make speeches, and to listen to them. Communication goes both ways, so make sure you listen to what your community is telling you today, there may be something divinely inspired in its words.

If you are seeking to make changes, something which is also highlighted by Iq’, today is a day to ask for the support of your community to make them. Whether this is emotional support, or physical, today is the day to rally around friends to support them through their processes.

Despite all the positive connotations of this day, bear in mind that the wind may change and Iq’ is also a nawal that governs the angry word. With the power of the number 10 behind it, be aware of the effect your words might have. If you feel anger rising within you, pause and take a breath before you allow your words to fly.

Within the Macewal Q’ij, today again marks the beginning of a new month as we travel through the solar year. Today is the first day of Rukub Tumuxux translated as the second season of flying ants. Within this season is the winter solstice, the darkest day of the northern hemisphere, from this season, the days begin to lighten as we start to move towards the arrival of the new Mam.

Wind God 1
The wind god, from the Dresden Codex

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them, but be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

The number 10 is another number which demonstrates the connection between the sacred calendar and the human body. As five represents one hand, ten represents two hands coming together. This can be seen as the shaking of hands creating agreement between people. Ten is seen as a good number, a number of community and the laws of society, of people acting in harmony with each other.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

3 Iq’ (26th November 2021)

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3 Iq'The strong and unpredictable nature of the nawal Iq’ is combined with the uncertain and unstable 3 today, which could cause some challenges today, particularly regarding communication and changes.

3 Wind HeadThere are two ways of writing the numbers in ancient Maya glyphs. One is the dot and bar notation that you see above alongside the glyph for the nawal above. The other is the “god head” notation, where the numbers are denoted by the heads of various deities. Within this notation, the number 3 is denoted by the head of the wind god, and so we see that the day 3 Iq’ could be seen as double the potential of any other Iq’ day.

This extra power could again go either way, but whatever way it goes it is likely to be powerful. The obstructions often represented by the number 3 are connected with the nawal of communication making this a day with the potential for mixed messages to say the least. If you have anything important to communicate it would probably be best to wait for another day, as today your words may become jumbled. Whilst you might get your message across, the energy of today might even lead to your words being completely misinterpreted.

The most positive aspect would be that of divine inspiration, with words flowing like a river of flowers. You may be opening and closing your mouth, but the words may be from somewhere else. If you are looking for inspiring words today you may find that they come not from the outer world, but from your own inner voice.

It may be a day where you are inspired to make great changes, with the power of the wind god behind you. However, as the external application of the number 3 can be challenged, you may find the changes you wish to make in the world rather difficult to achieve today. Once again, the inner world is the place to make the changes, it is a day to make the changes within in order to affect external change. As the number 3 can represent the home, this would be a wonderful day to make these changes within your home. If there was ever a day for a “Spring clean”, this is it, allowing the breath of fresh air to cleanse the atmosphere of your home.

 

We are now heading into the darkest time of the year, here in the Northern Hemisphere and in our second step towards that time we move into a month known as Nab’e Tumuxux, the first season of flying ants.

wind-god-2

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them, but be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

Iq’ is the fourth of the classic Year Bearers, or Year Lords. It gives rise to unpredictable, strong years.

M42, The Orion Nebula, or Smoky Fire. Photo by Mark Elmy

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

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

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

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 is possibly the most troublesome of the numbers to deal with, it lacks stability. 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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

9 Iq’ (6th November 2021)

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9 Iq'The breath of life combines with the number of life on this auspicious day. However, this may not necessarily make it the easiest of days to navigate. It has the possibility for big life changes.

With Iq’ representing communication, in particular the inspiring, divine word, or flower word, we can always expect the spoken word to be highlighted on an Iq’ day. Today we see those qualities in association with the number that represents life and the divine feminine. This is a day to ask for the counsel of women, to listen to what the women in your life have to say and to draw inspiration from their words.

Changes in the wind are what bring the change from dry to wet, and wet to dry season, here in Guatemala. The change in the wind brings life and here we see this doubled. When life becomes stagnant, decay sets in. Change is what enlivens us, although many of us may try to resist it. Today is a day to breathe the sacred breath and allow the life change to happen. The wind is bringing novelty into your life, are you ready to embrace the adventure that comes with new discovery?

Wind God 1
The wind god, patron of the nawal Iq’, from the Dresden Codex.

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them, but be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

Iq’ is the fourth of the classic Year Bearers, or Year Lords. It gives rise to unpredictable, strong years. This year is the year 9 Iq’.

The number nine is very special indeed. It is the number of lunations in the human gestation period and in the sacred calendar. The sacred calendar is known as a calendar of life, and it is women that give life. As such the number nine is seen as the number of life and the number of the divine feminine. It gives all that it is attached to a strong feminine presence and is a day on which women may wish to give thanks for their gifts.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 Iq’ (17th October 2021)

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2 Iq'The day 2 Iq’ could give rise to some unexpectedly powerful communication. As the number 2 is connected with duality and Iq’ is an unpredictable nawal, this has both light and dark potentials.

In its lightest aspect, Iq’ can represent the breath of life itself, the divine inspiration which flows through you, creating beautiful words. It may represent the charming words with which you empower your lover, another interpretation of the number 2. It could represent the words of strength that come at the right moment to inspire selfless acts of kindness amongst those around you.

The other side of Iq’ can be dark and vengeful, destroying and cutting down those in its path with barbed words. Whilst the number 2 is relatively gentle, and may take the sting out of some of these words, it is still possible that unintentional damage may be caused.

This could be seen as a day of diplomacy, where the energy of the number 2 combined with the nawal Iq’ brings the words to bridge the differences between opposing views.

Today it may be especially necessary to take a breath, step back from the situation and think before you speak. Are your words encouraging, do they inspire or do they cut? You have the power of both aspects in your voice today. How will you choose to use it?

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 Pariche translated as the season of blankets. The rainy season is coming to an end and the nights begin to grow colder as the ripened corn begins to die back. The next time that the nawal Iq’ will appear will be as 9 Iq’ the second appearance of the bearer of this year, the Mam, in the traditional societies of highland Guatemala. We have been under the influence of the Mam 9 Iq’ for 240 days (since 19th February 2021). Have the voices of the women been heard? Has the Mam 9 Iq’ blown life changes into your path?

The Wind God, depicted in the Dresden Codex
The Wind God, depicted in the Dresden Codex

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them, but be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

Iq’ is the fourth of the classic Year Bearers, or Year Lords. It gives rise to unpredictable, strong years.

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.