Tag Archives: Sacrifice

2 Kame (19th March 2024)

2 KameToday’s energy may bring an evaluation of choices, a decision on facing a fear. As we are moving in the Kan trecena, embracing the change may result in the growth of both wisdom and power.

The combination of the nawal of death and the number which represents self-sacrifice sounds rather ominous. However, today could give rise to a fortuitous breakthrough.

The nawal Kame may mean death, but it pertains to the changes we go through in our mortal bodies. Those transformations bring out our better selves. It relates to the moments when we go through an experience that helps us evolve. Sometimes this can be very strong. For example, a near-death experience makes us re-evaluate our place in the world and how we conduct ourselves.

It could be that a choice today is an opportunity to advance on your life path. This may seem like something as fearsome as death, a great challenge to overcome. It is your choice as to whether to accept the challenge or not. This is also a day to recognise the self-sacrifice made by our ancestors, and the wisdom which has come to us as a result.

This choice my seem rather binary in its nature. There is no maybe today, it is yes or no. Do it or do not. Will you face the challenge or avoid it (again?) This could be a very important day to grasp the nettle.

Nawal Kame

Kame relates to death, which often makes people nervous. However, this nawal is seen as an extremely positive day. Birth is the gateway into the mortal life, death the gateway into the eternal. In many shamanistic traditions, the initiate goes through several death experiences during training. This can be through the use of particular herbs, or sometimes through accident or illness. In these experiences the density of the mortal realm falls away and the greater understanding emerges. It can often be described as a spiritual transformation. In the Popul Vuh, the Mayan book of creation, the Hero Twins descend to the underworld, Xibalba, to confront the Lords of Death. They pass the many challenges set for them, but eventually end up being tricked by the Lord of Death. Instead of giving in, the Hero Twins choose to sacrifice themselves.

They give instructions to a pair of seers to convince the Lords of Death to grind the Twins’ bones to dust and throw the dust in the river. Everything went according to plan and five days later the twins appeared as catfish in the river. They then transformed into vagabond “magicians”. In this way we see a literal transformation from the crusader (Tijax) through death (Kame) to the higher self (Ix). This is the potential of the Kame day, to face ones fears and attain a higher perspective, to advance the journey of your soul. This is also a day to remember your ancestors and friends that have passed into the other realm, to remember what they taught you, and to thank them for their wisdom that helped you to grow.

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.

3 Toj (2nd January 2024)

3 TojAs the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” By going within today, you may find other ways in which you can be of service to the world.

Days carrying the number 3 can seem challenging, especially if the focus is outwards. The inner world holds the strength of 3 days, and when combined with the nawal Toj, it suggests looking within to serve.

In principle, making offerings to pay off our debts is a good thing. We give something back to the community that sustains us through the sacrifice of our time, our energy or our resources. The wheel turns, we give and take, and usually end up in balance. However, today is a day where the wheel may have become stuck. It may seem today that nothing is good enough. The sacrifices or payments made today may be challenged, blocked or obstructed. Ceremonies made today may have unintended consequences, or may just fail to give the desired result. It is just a day to do something else. Service to your community may be ineffective, you might find the work you do undone soon afterwards. It is a day to tread carefully, avoid making debts and leave the payment for another day.

Days which carry the number 3 highlight inner work, both within the home and within the self. This is a day to avoid external transactions and focus on what you owe to yourself. Take some time to give yourself what you need, replenish what has been spent and acknowledge what you owe to your spirit.

The Nawal Toj

The nawal Toj represents offerings and payment. It is part of the name Tojil, a Mayan god who gave fire to the people. However, this was not a gift. Tojil asked in return for a sacrifice to be made. This is a day of payment and sacrifice, a day to resolve debts, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Toj is the nawal of the sacred fire where we make offerings to burn away karmic debts. In this way we restore balance, and we bring our accounts back to zero.

Toj carries with it a form of divine protection, which is enhanced through selfless acts. These acts might involve a sacrifice of our time or energy to strengthen our community. We can choose to act or we can choose to ignore. However, ignoring an opportunity to make a payment on a Toj day might bring the removal of the protection. Payment should be made with an open heart, thanks might not be quickly forthcoming, and may not come at all. Your sacrifice could be something as simple as picking up litter in your neighbourhood, it doesn’t have to be something elaborate.

How and Where can I make an Offering?

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

Odim

Within the villages of San Pablo and San Juan la Laguna, there is an organisation doing great work. They have special programs for the education of new mothers which significantly reduce the incidence of infant malnutrition. They are called ODIM and 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

Konojel

I would like to 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/

Popol Jay

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

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 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 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.

1 Toj (14th October 2023) – Solar Eclipse

1 TojThe day 1 Toj is a day to begin to restore the balance in life. If there is a debt, either financial or energetic, which has been weighing heavily for some time, today is a day to start to do something about it.

Following on from the possibility of receiving the great bounty on 13 Q’anil, finishing up the trecena of Ajmak, we move into the trecena of Toj. Sometimes the trecena may have a theme such as creativity (B’atz) or unconditional love (Tz’i), sometimes it will be a little tougher, such as forgiveness (Ajmak) or payment (Toj.) It is not that these things are bad, they are just a little less inviting, the “work” aspect of life, but necessary work it is.

Today is the day to start this process of rebalancing. It is a day to begin the repayment of outstanding debts. This may be financial, it may be through work, or it may be through charitable means. Perhaps you might like to help the people of San Pablo la Laguna, through this link https://tinyurl.com/yb4l3rux

Much can be achieved with a selfless act, a random act of kindness towards no one in particular. Today an act such as this may begin to bring harmony, possibly even where you never expected it.

Solar Eclipse

Solar eclipses and their timing are something which have been studied by the Maya for many centuries. Documents such as the Dresden Codex show eclipse tables using mathematics to calculate when the possibility of a solar or lunar eclipse can occur. Of course, the covering of the face of the sun, darkness occurring in the middle of the day is a hugely dramatic experience both then and now. The cutting off of teh energy source for our panet would have very serious consequences if it went on for longer. It is interesting for this to occur on a Toj day, a day of ceremony, a day of payment. Perhaps this is a good day to be making a ceremony or payment to give thanks for that which brings us life itself and brings energy into our lives.

 

Life proceeds through energetic interactions. We consume energy in one form or another and then we return it, often in a different form. Even when it comes down to the air we breathe or the water we drink, there is some form of exchange going on. To come to a state of harmony within the world that we live, balance must be achieved. In this modern world, sometimes we defer these debts, whether they are financial or not. We take something, often with the intention of resolving the imbalance as soon as we can, but then end up forgetting these debts, especially the small. Individually this is not always too much of a problem, we can proceed with a small imbalance, but many small items eventually cause us to fall out of harmony. This in turn may lead to a state of disease and an illness may occur.

Toj days remind us to keep our promises, to make our payments in whatever form they might take. They might be physical or financial, or they might be words of gratitude, whether to our physical providers or to our environment. These simple acts help to keep us healthy, it is in our own interests to make these exchanges, to return what we have used.

The nawal Toj represents offerings and payment. It is part of the name Tojil, a Mayan god who gave fire to the people, although this was not a free gift. Tojil asked in return for sacrifice to be made. This is a day of payment and sacrifice, a day to resolve debts, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Toj is the nawal of the sacred fire, and it is to the fire that we make offerings in order to burn away what would commonly be known as karmic debts. In this way we restore balance, we bring our accounts back to zero.

Toj carries with it a form of divine protection, which is enhanced through selfless acts. These acts might involve a sacrifice of our time or energy in order to strengthen our community. We can choose to act or we can choose to ignore, but be aware – ignoring an opportunity to make a payment on a Toj day might bring a ill fortune, the removal of the protection. Payment should be made with an open heart, thanks might not be quickly forthcoming, and may not come at all. Your sacrifice could be something as simple as picking up litter in your neighbourhood, it doesn’t have to be something elaborate.

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 just needs the correct nutrients and conditions to germinate and develop, just as sometimes we need encouragement to develop our ideas.

7 Toj (24th September 2023)

7 TojThe energy of the nawal of payment combined with the number of endings can leave little doubt of flavour for this day. It is a day to finalise any debts, both physical and energetic.

Life proceeds through energetic interactions. We consume energy in one form or another and then we return it, often in a different form. Even when it comes down to the air we breathe or the water we drink, there is some form of exchange going on. To come to a state of harmony within the world that we live, balance must be achieved. In this modern world, sometimes we defer these debts, whether they are financial or not. We take something, often with the intention of resolving the imbalance as soon as we can, but then end up forgetting these debts, especially the small. Individually this is not always too much of a problem,we can proceed with a small imbalance, but many small items eventually cause us to fall out of harmony. This in turn may lead to a state of disease and an illness may occur.

Toj days remind us to keep our promises, to make our payments in whatever form they might take. They might be physical or financial, or they might be words of gratitude, whether to our physical providers or to our environment. These simple acts help to keep us healthy, it is in our own interests to make these exchanges, to return what we have used.

With the number 7 highlighting finality, this is the day to make the final payment of any outstanding debts, whether they are in this world or another. If there is something which has been dragging on in your life for sometime, today is a beneficial day to resolve it. It could even be a day to comb through your affairs and search for anything you may have forgotten. Payments made today may give rise to a greater benefit than you realise.

Here are some ideas of where you might like to make an offering today. When I mention programs, it is because I personally know the people involved and can vouch that your donations will actually go towards helping the people for which they are intended. During my trecena video 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/

Within the village of San Pablo la Laguna, there is an organisation doing great work. They are called ODIM and are specialising in medical and educational services. During the pandemic restrictions, they helped feed many people, but this is in addition to their regular, long term work there. You can find out more about them through this link http://www.odimguatemala.org/donate

Popol Jay is an ancient name to define the House of the Council of Elders, among the Maya of Guatemala. These were places of wisdom where sacred knowledge about medicine, the calendars, music, spiritual practice and more was kept and passed to future generations. All were burnt down during the Conquest and subsequent Colonization periods. Today, the Q’eqchi’ Maya Council of Elders Releb’aal Saq’e has joined forces with many supporters to rebuild the Popol Jay of the North, in the lowlands of the Petén region, heart of the Maya culture of the Classic Period. The Elders have worked hard to acquire land and co-design this Center of Knowledge to share ancient wisdom with the World. To donate to the Elders of Peten to fund the Popol Jay, please use this link https://tinyurl.com/8s7vkvr

 

The nawal Toj represents offerings and payment. It is part of the name Tojil, a Mayan god who gave fire to the people, although this was not a free gift. Tojil asked in return for sacrifice to be made. This is a day of payment and sacrifice, a day to resolve debts, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Toj is the nawal of the sacred fire, and it is to the fire that we make offerings in order to burn away what would commonly be known as karmic debts. In this way we restore balance, we bring our accounts back to zero.

Toj carries with it a form of divine protection, which is enhanced through selfless acts. These acts might involve a sacrifice of our time or energy in order to strengthen our community. We can choose to act or we can choose to ignore, but be aware – ignoring an opportunity to make a payment on a Toj day might bring a ill fortune, the removal of the protection. Payment should be made with an open heart, thanks might not be quickly forthcoming, and may not come at all. Your sacrifice could be  something as simple as picking up litter in your neighbourhood, it doesn’t have to be something elaborate.

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.

The number seven is the mid-point of the range of numbers. It is 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.

The numbers of the days set out as a pyramid.
The numbers of the days as they appear through the trecena. Here they can also be set out as a pyramid, reaching the peak is also the end of a journey.

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.

6 Toj (15th August 2023)

6 TojAs the nawal Toj represents offerings , it also represents debts. Here we see the two coming into balance. This is a day to bring stability by ensuring payments are made.

The number 6 is seen as representing the six values of the family. At least three of those can be directly related to finances – property, employment and actions. Issues with any of those may lead to incurring debts which put the family out of balance and cause disharmony in the home.

Today is a day to focus on familiar debts in particular, to bring harmony to the family by paying off anything which is outstanding. Additionally this is a potent day to make some forward payment, to get yourself in credit in preparation for future events. Whilst this is all phrased in a financial way, it is of course just an expression of what is happening on an energetic level.

When we make fire ceremonies, we do not offer money to the fire. We make offerings of flowers, incense and candles, but more importantly, we make offerings of our words and our time. These are the most valuable payments we can make, our life breath and our life energy. They are the most precious resources at your disposal to bring stability to your family. These resources can be used in a ceremonial way, or they can just be used within your family. This is the day to repay the goodwill shown within your family through your words and your deeds. This brings balance into your home, it keeps everything healthy on both the physical and energetic levels. After all, they will be empowered by the four directions, the Heart of the Earth and the Heart of the Sky.


 

The nawal Toj represents offerings and payment. It is part of the name Tojil, a Mayan god who gave fire to the people, although this was not a free gift. Tojil asked in return for sacrifice to be made. This is a day of payment and sacrifice, a day to resolve debts, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Toj is the nawal of the sacred fire, and it is to the fire that we make offerings in order to burn away what would commonly be known as karmic debts. In this way we restore balance, we bring our accounts back to zero.

Toj carries with it a form of divine protection, which is enhanced through selfless acts. These acts might involve a sacrifice of our time or energy in order to strengthen our community. We can choose to act or we can choose to ignore, but be aware – ignoring an opportunity to make a payment on a Toj day might bring a ill fortune, the removal of the protection. Payment should be made with an open heart, thanks might not be quickly forthcoming, and may not come at all. Your sacrifice could be  something as simple as picking up litter in your neighbourhood, it doesn’t have to be something elaborate.

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.

5 Toj (6th July 2023)

5 TojThe day 5 Toj is another day where the number and the nawal represent the same idea. Both are seen as representatives of the sacred fire and through the fire we make payments to keep our lives in balance.

The energy of 5 Toj would strongly suggest the payment of debts being achieved through work. Of course, this is the way that debts are resolved, either financially or through trade. It is a day of service, a day to ensure the goodwill of those around you through your work. However, today there is a special significance to this. Whilst the work may be hard, on 5 days in particular, the result is directly proportional to the effort involved. This would suggest that putting all your energy, your focus and your love into your service today will really go a long way to resolving any debts which need clearing. This will also stand you in good stead for your future, helping to keep you healthy and in balance.

If you have outstanding payments to be made, this is the day to make them.

Wajxakib B'atz Fire Ceremony by Jay Rasmussen

Wajxakib B’atz Fire Ceremony by Jay Rasmussen


The nawal Toj represents offerings and payment. It is part of the name Tojil, a Mayan god who gave fire to the people, although this was not a free gift. Tojil asked in return for sacrifice to be made. This is a day of payment and sacrifice, a day to resolve debts, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Toj is the nawal of the sacred fire, and it is to the fire that we make offerings in order to burn away what would commonly be known as karmic debts. In this way we restore balance, we bring our accounts back to zero.

Toj carries with it a form of divine protection, which is enhanced through selfless acts. These acts might involve a sacrifice of our time or energy in order to strengthen our community. We can choose to act or we can choose to ignore, but be aware – ignoring an opportunity to make a payment on a Toj day might bring a ill fortune, the removal of the protection. Payment should be made with an open heart, thanks might not be quickly forthcoming, and may not come at all. Your sacrifice could be  something as simple as picking up litter in your neighbourhood, it doesn’t have to be something elaborate.

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”.

2 Kame (3rd July 2023)

2 KameThe combination of the nawal of death and the number which represents self sacrifice sounds rather ominous, but today could actually give rise to a fortuitous breakthrough.

The nawal Kame may mean death, but it pertains to the changes we go through, in our mortal bodies, that bring out our better self. It relates to the moments where we go through an experience that takes us to the next level. Sometimes this can be very strong, an event where we have a near death experience for example makes us re-evaluate our place in the world and how we conduct ourselves. This is an extreme, but obviously it is not always like this.

The number 2 represents duality and can be indecisive. This could represent that an opportunity to go through a great change, one that advances you on your life path, is in front of you. It may seem like something as fearsome as death, a great challenge to overcome. It is your choice as to whether to accept the challenge or not. The energy of 2 Kame may bring a day for evaluating a choice, possibly a decision on whether or not to face something you fear. As we are moving in the Kan trecena, it would suggest that the outcome of embracing the change would be growth in both wisdom and power. This is also a day to recognise the self-sacrifice made by our ancestors, and the wisdom which has come to us as a result.

With the number 2 also representing relationships, today can be seen as a day on which you may experience a profound change, something which feels like it reaches you at a soul level, as a result of an interaction with a partner. This can be an understanding of the self sacrifice that someone will make on your behalf, or the sacrifice of your time and energy that you make on behalf of someone dear to you. Either of these may give rise to you moving towards a higher expression of yourself, engaging with your inner hero.


Kame relates to death, which often makes people nervous. However, this nawal is seen as an extremely positive day. Birth is the gateway into the mortal life, death the gateway into the eternal. In many shamanistic traditions, the initiate goes through several death experiences during training. This can be through the use of particular herbs, or sometimes through accident or illness. In these experiences the density of the mortal realm falls away and the greater understanding emerges. It can often be described as a spiritual transformation. In the Popul Vuh, the Mayan book of creation, the Hero Twins descend to the underworld, Xibalba, to confront the Lords of Death. They pass the many challenges set for them, but eventually end up being tricked by the Lord of Death. Instead of giving in, the Hero Twins choose to sacrifice themselves. They give instructions to a pair of seers to convince the Lords of Death to grind the Twins’ bones to dust and throw the dust in the river. Everything went according to plan and five days later the twins appeared as catfish in the river, then transformed into vagabond “magicians”. In this way we see a literal transformation from the crusader (Tijax) through death (Kame) to the higher self (Ix). This is the potential of the Kame day, to face ones fears and attain a higher perspective, to advance the journey of your soul. This is also a day to remember your ancestors and friends that have passed into the other realm, to remember what they taught you, and to thank them for their wisdom that helped you to grow.

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.

3 Toj (17th April 2023)

3 TojDays carrying the number 3 can seem challenging, especially is the focus is outwards. The strength of 3 days is found in the inner world, and combined with the nawal Toj, would suggest looking within to serve.

In principle, making offerings to pay off our debts is a good thing. We give something back to the community that sustains us through the sacrifice of our time, our energy or our resources. The wheel turns, we give and take, and usually end up in balance. However, today is a day where the wheel may have become stuck. It may seem today that nothing is good enough. The sacrifices or payments made today may be challenged, blocked or obstructed. Ceremonies made today may have unintended consequences, or may just fail to give the desired result. It is just a day to do something else. Service to your community may be ineffective, you might find the work you do undone soon afterwards. It is a day to tread carefully, avoid making debts and leave the payment for another day.

Days which carry the number 3 highlight inner work, both within the home and within the self. This is a day to avoid the external transactions and focus on what you owe to yourself. Take some time to give yourself what you need, to replenish what has been spent and acknowledge what you owe to your own spirit. As the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” By going within today, you may find other ways in which you can be of service to the world.


The nawal Toj represents offerings and payment. It is part of the name Tojil, a Mayan god who gave fire to the people, although this was not a free gift. Tojil asked in return for sacrifice to be made. This is a day of payment and sacrifice, a day to resolve debts, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Toj is the nawal of the sacred fire, and it is to the fire that we make offerings in order to burn away what would commonly be known as karmic debts. In this way we restore balance, we bring our accounts back to zero.

Toj carries with it a form of divine protection, which is enhanced through selfless acts. These acts might involve a sacrifice of our time or energy in order to strengthen our community. We can choose to act or we can choose to ignore, but be aware – ignoring an opportunity to make a payment on a Toj day might bring a ill fortune, the removal of the protection. Payment should be made with an open heart, thanks might not be quickly forthcoming, and may not come at all. Your sacrifice could be  something as simple as picking up litter in your neighbourhood, it doesn’t have to be something elaborate.

M42 (and M43) The Orion Nebula

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.

8 Toj 2 Wayeb – The Third Day of Wayeb

The third day of Wayeb focuses on acceptance. When we combine this with the day 8 Toj, we can understand that it can be about accepting any debts we need to be cleared in order to move forwards.

8 Toj is a highly ceremonial day, and here falling in Wayeb is particularly interesting. 8 Toj could be seen as the ceremony of ceremony. It is a great day to make a ceremony to clear all debts, but here in the middle of Wayeb we can see it as really clearing out any lingering energies from the year 10 Kej. It is a great day to be finalising any payments so that you can move into the next solar year free of any burdens. As the third day of Wayeb represents acceptance, this could signify that maybe some of these debts may be things you didn’t want to accept. Maybe you feel that there are things which are not “officially” your responsibility to pay, but you can see the benefit to all should someone step in and pay them. This could be an excellent opportunity to create some goodwill before we move into the energy of the new solar year.

Pawahtuun2

1 Toj (27th January 2023)

1 TojThe day 1 Toj is a day to begin to restore the balance in life. If there is a debt, either financial or energetic, which has been weighing heavily for some time, today is a day to start to do something about it.

Following on from the possibility of receiving the great bounty on 13 Q’anil, finishing up the trecena of Ajmak, we move into the trecena of Toj. Sometimes the trecena may have a theme such as creativity (B’atz) or unconditional love (Tz’i), sometimes it will be a little tougher, such as forgiveness (Ajmak) or payment (Toj.) It is not that these things are bad, they are just a little less inviting, the “work” aspect of life, but necessary work it is.

Today is the day to start this process of rebalancing. It is a day to begin the repayment of outstanding debts. This may be financial, it may be through work, or it may be through charitable means. Perhaps you might like to help the people of San Pablo la Laguna, through this link https://tinyurl.com/yb4l3rux

Much can be achieved with a selfless act, a random act of kindness towards no one in particular. Today an act such as this may begin to bring harmony, possibly even where you never expected it.

Life proceeds through energetic interactions. We consume energy in one form or another and then we return it, often in a different form. Even when it comes down to the air we breathe or the water we drink, there is some form of exchange going on. To come to a state of harmony within the world that we live, balance must be achieved. In this modern world, sometimes we defer these debts, whether they are financial or not. We take something, often with the intention of resolving the imbalance as soon as we can, but then end up forgetting these debts, especially the small. Individually this is not always too much of a problem, we can proceed with a small imbalance, but many small items eventually cause us to fall out of harmony. This in turn may lead to a state of disease and an illness may occur.

Toj days remind us to keep our promises, to make our payments in whatever form they might take. They might be physical or financial, or they might be words of gratitude, whether to our physical providers or to our environment. These simple acts help to keep us healthy, it is in our own interests to make these exchanges, to return what we have used.

The nawal Toj represents offerings and payment. It is part of the name Tojil, a Mayan god who gave fire to the people, although this was not a free gift. Tojil asked in return for sacrifice to be made. This is a day of payment and sacrifice, a day to resolve debts, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Toj is the nawal of the sacred fire, and it is to the fire that we make offerings in order to burn away what would commonly be known as karmic debts. In this way we restore balance, we bring our accounts back to zero.

Toj carries with it a form of divine protection, which is enhanced through selfless acts. These acts might involve a sacrifice of our time or energy in order to strengthen our community. We can choose to act or we can choose to ignore, but be aware – ignoring an opportunity to make a payment on a Toj day might bring a ill fortune, the removal of the protection. Payment should be made with an open heart, thanks might not be quickly forthcoming, and may not come at all. Your sacrifice could be something as simple as picking up litter in your neighbourhood, it doesn’t have to be something elaborate.

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 just needs the correct nutrients and conditions to germinate and develop, just as sometimes we need encouragement to develop our ideas.