Category Archives: Chol Q’ij – The Energies of the Days

3 Kan (21st February 2025)

20th February 2025 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

Today may prove to be an excellent day for introspective searching, finding and listening to your inner wisdom. It is a day to look for empowerment within, nurture it and bring it into your home.

However, the number 3 can also represent challenges. It can be seen as unstable and is not necessarily the easiest number to work with. When combined with the energy of the nawal Kan, this may be rather problematic. It may be a day of power struggles, of challenges to wisdom. It could be a day on which big decisions are best avoided as wise decision-making may be obstructed.

This is certainly not a day to attempt to use power to push through any obstacles. Even if it worked, the consequences may be undesirable. However, everyone will experience the same issue. You may start to see behind any hypnotic facades that have been projected towards you by those trying to deceive you or hold power over you.

The power of Kan can be very seductive and illusory. Sometimes these can be our own creations. These may be about ourselves or others. Is the world and our place in it really what it seems or are we empowering a seductive illusion. Maybe this is something we use to have power over others, consciously or unconsciously? 3 Kan may ask us to look to the illusions we hold within and find the wisdom to see through them.

A positive way to work with the energy of this day may be to direct the power and wisdom of Kan internally, both towards the home of your body and the home of your soul. With Kan representing teachers, this is truly a day to look for the teacher within.

The Nawal Kan

Lady Xoc demonstrates the correct direction of energy — Lady Xoc pierces her tongue and receives wisdom for her people from her ancestor emerging from the mouth of the vision serpent. From http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/maya-lintels.htm

Kan is one of the more powerful nawales and it represents just that – power. It is connected to serpents, and serpent symbolism is very strong in Maya mythology. In the past, lightning was referred to as sky serpents, and what is seen in the outer world is reflected by the inner world. The power of Kan comes from something which is referred to as itz or coyopa, the lightning in the blood. This is the power which may also be known as Ki, Chi, Prana, kundalini or “the force”. It is life force energy. Kundalini is a sanskrit word actually meaning coiled, like a snake.

Training must be undertaken when working with any of these energies, in order to understand how to use them. In its most positive aspect, the energy of Kan brings great wisdom; in its negative aspect, great destruction. A lack of understanding or control of this power can lead to undesirable consequences. The dark side of Kan can seduce with its power, holding its prey in an almost hypnotic grip with its allure. therefore, it can become the ultimate ego trap.

However, it is also said that the feathered serpent Q’uq’umatz brought wisdom, through the sciences of astronomy and agriculture, to the ancient Maya. Here we see the positive aspect of Kan, where the ability to work with the body lightning brings great wisdom. People born on a Kan day can become some of the greatest healers or psychics. However, they can also become the darkest sorcerers and manipulators.

The Number Three

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 K’at (20th February 2025)

19th February 2025 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

Sometimes we must make stark choices between what to embrace and what to release. With the nawal K’at representing attachment and the number two representing duality, this may come into sharp contrast today.

The energy of the nawal K’at is usually seen as rather favourable, particularly concerning collecting things. When these are the things that sustain us, this is highly beneficial. However, it is also the nawal of prisons, burdens and ensnarement, where we become ensnared in the nets of others. Whilst all the energies of the days have both beneficial and challenging aspects, K’at can be particularly extreme.

The number 2 is said to represent duality and polarity, and here we see it combined with those aspects of K’at. We also get to see from opposing points of view. The nawal K’at helps us to gather these different points of view, which can give a more rounded idea of situations, which may in turn result in abundance and sustenance for all involved.

The day 2 K’at could also be seen as rather binary in its nature. K’at days are often good days to declutter our lives. With the binary nature of the 2 this could be very decisive. There is no “maybe” pile, just yes or no. It could be a great day for this clearing, although rather ruthless.

With the number 2 is also said to represent lovers, relationships and self-sacrifice, those areas may be highlighted by the energy of K’at today. This may be a day to look at the sacrifices you make in life and what they represent to you. Are you viewing something which brings you abundance as a burden? Is it time to cut the net and release it?

The Nawal K’at

K’at signifies a net and represents gathering together or bundling. In the Western Highlands of Guatemala, to this day many crops are harvested and carried in nets – oranges, lemons, avocados to name but a few. Through this we see one of the positive meanings of this nawal, that of abundance and harvest. K’at is a great day to draw things together. This could mean gathering your harvest, collecting ideas for your projects, or inviting people to a social event. It is a day of prosperity and the bounty which comes from the Earth, a day of gardeners and merchants.

However, K’at also has its more challenging side. An abundant crop will fill the net, but it will also slow you down. K’at is also the nawal of prisons and burdens, as the net which gathers, can also ensnare us. When candles are purchased for the fire ceremonies, they come in bundles held together by little strings. When the nawal K’at is addressed during the fire ceremony, these strings are put in to the fire, with offerings, to ask K’at to help us release ourselves from our burdens, from the ties which bind us. These ties can also be seen as excessive attachment to material things.

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 Aq’ab’al (19th February – 3rd March 2025)

18th February 2025 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

Somewhere in the darkness, light begins to make its presence known. This is the beginning of beginnings, it is the first spark of the fire. The first spark needs tending, and gentle use of breath and material to grow it into the fire it will become. The spark may represent a new idea that you have, but this is the first thought of this idea. It is something that comes in the waking moment, fresh from the dream world. It has started to emerge into this world but is still uncertain, hidden and yet to take form. This is the moment where it needs support and tending, just as the spark or the newborn needs care and attention. This is where the input and encouragement of family, friends and community can help that spark to become the fire, or that newborn to grow.

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 12 pm to 4 pm (Guatemala time, UTC -6) from 17th – 21st March 2025. There are currently spaces available. For more information, please go to https://thefourpillars.net/?page_id=1120.

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. 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

You can find the Aq’ab’al trecena video here:

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 Aq’ab’al (19th February 2025)

18th February 2025 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The day 1 Aq’ab’al is an excellent day for starting new ventures, for getting your ideas out into the world and for receiving the encouragement we need for new concepts.

When we consider the nawal Aq’ab’al as the dawning of the new day, the energy of 1 Aq’ab’al can be seen as the very first moment of realisation that a new day is coming. It is far from light it is only just distinguishable. Somewhere in the darkness, light begins to make its presence known. This is the beginning of beginnings, it is the first spark of the fire. The first spark needs tending, gentle use of breath and material in order to grow it into the fire it will become.

The spark may represent a new idea that you have, but this is the first thought of this idea. It is something that comes in the waking moment, fresh from the dream world. It has started to emerge into this world but is still uncertain, hidden and yet to take much form. This is the moment where it needs support and tending, just as the spark, or the newborn needs care and attention. This is where the input and encouragement of family, friends and community can help that spark to become the fire, or that newborn to grow.

Aq’ab’al can also represent relationships, so this day may be the first glimmer of something new, or the rekindling of an existing relationship in order to start a new “day.” Either way, this should be a rather joyful day of new possibilities.

New Cycles

Today again marks an interesting milestone for me, and for my site. I began writing about the energies of the days on 1 Aq’ab’al, 19th November 2015. I have now completed 13 cycles of the sacred calendar, 3380 days, posting pretty much every single day! Sometimes this has proved a challenge when I’m trekking to El Mirador or suchlike, but I do my best to be consistent. I guess this will be the case when I make the Mirador trek again in March this year! Thank you for reading my work, thank you for the encouragement which you have given, the support and all your kind words.

The Nawal Aq’ab’al

The word aq’ab is translated as dark. The suffix -al changes the meaning slightly, alluding transtition and the dawning of the day. It is the time between darkness and light, night and day. Probably our best way to translate it would be as twilight. Birth is the beginning of the mortal journey. Aq’ab’al is just the beginning of the day and of things which are not yet fully formed.

In Santiago Atitlan one day, a friend explained to me the different parts of a weaving on a backstrap loom. Aq’ab’al is the warp (the vertical threads), B’atz is the weft (the horizontal threads) which creates the whole cloth. The newly woven cloth is Kawok. In order for the weaver to create, first she has an idea in her head or a dream. She sets out the dream on her loom by setting up the warp. The design has passed from being just an idea, to the beginnings of a woven reality. Thus, concept requires creative input before it becomes whole. Aq’ab’al can also represent conception. The fertilised egg is far from ready to be born, but has passed from the dream or spirit world into the physical.

Aq’ab’al days are great days for the start of new things, particularly new relationships – Aq’ab’al has a strong affinity with marriage. Also it is a perfect day for starting new projects. It is the time to bring them into the world of light from the world of dreams and ideas.

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 Iq’ 0 Nabe Mam

17th February 2025 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The seating of the new Mam 13 Iq’ is a significant moment in the highland Maya solar calendar. It marks the end of the Tz’apin Q’ij, or closing days, and the end of the period of retreat. It signals a time to leave our “caves” and re-enter the real world. In some communities, this occasion is celebrated with feasting and drinking. The new Mam, who will guide us through the next revolution of the sun, is welcomed into the world.

This year is governed by the Mam 13 Iq’, which carries the energy of the day as well as the energy of the new year. The properties and benefits brought by the Nawal 13 Iq’ are discussed in my post for the day of 13 Iq’, here. The energy of this day represents the energy that we will experience throughout the year. It is a year that is likely to be focused on communication and navigating sudden and unforeseen changes. While this year could bring the chaos of the hurricane, it is also a chance for inspiration from the voices of our ancestors.

The new Mam may take some time to settle in, usually over the first 20 days. Even though the “administration” has changed, it takes time for all the promises made during the campaign to be fulfilled. Nothing in nature moves in a square wave; it’s always a gentle transition, more like a sine wave. This is the first light of dawn, and we are still experiencing a little of the cold of the night. It will not be until midday, the height of the cycle. We will then experience the fullest expression of the energy of this year lord. We can expect this to occur in around 140 days, on 3 Iq’ (June 18, 2025).

Iq’ Years

The last time we experienced a Iq’ year was 2021, which was the year 9 Iq’. That year could have been seen as drawing our breath of life. After a year which was summed up by the phrase “I can’t breath” both through respiratory illness and social issues, the breath of life returned. It lasted from 19th February 2021 through to 18th February 2022. While the changes it brought were a welcome relief from the previous year, we were still learning to adapt.

Today we welcome Mam Iq’ again and we understand we will need to communicate. This year is known to be strong, and while Iq’ represents the breath of life, it can also represent the hurricane. Iq’ is here to clean, yet the way that it moves may be too strong for many. When combined with the number 13, we might not see the changes coming until they are upon us. It is a year to learn to adapt, and the words which guide us may come from spirit. It could be a very strong year for communication, but with Iq’ years as well as Iq’ days, breath before you react.

The cycle of the year bearers repeats every 52 years. Although we don’t relive the same experiences, we may notice similarities with the last time this Mam was in office. Mam 13 Iq’ took office on March 3, 1973. This gives us a chance to learn from the past and avoid repeating past mistakes. If you are interested in major events that occurred in 1973, please click here.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

13 Iq’ (18th February 2025)

17th February 2025 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

This may be a day when important messages come through loud and clear, from this world or the other. The question will then be whether we choose to listen.

The energy of the nawal Iq’ is strong and can be unpredictable. It can bring change into our lives. This may be sudden and unexpected, changing our direction or blowing something at us without warning. When this energy is combined with the number 13, the strongest of the numbers, this may result in great changes. The power of the spirit world may be behind them.

Iq’ days are great days on which to make announcements, as your words are empowered and carry more weight. If you have something big to say, today would be an excellent day for it. It is important to recognise the extra force with which your words may arrive today. One of the shadows of Iq’ is anger and today angry words may be far more destructive than you intended. Whilst it is important to express yourself, this is certainly a day count to ten before you react. Today words may carry the energy of a hurricane with them.

Today is a powerful day to receive important messages from the spirit world or from your ancestors. This would be an excellent day to ask questions of the ancestors, through divination or a medium. However, the strength of this day may mean that the messages come through whether you are asking or not. It is important to be alert for these, although it is likely that they will be so obvious that you will not miss them.

The Nawal Iq’

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. However, 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 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

New Video – The Mam 13 Iq’

17th February 2025 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The bearer of the new solar cycle, which begins on 18th February 2025, is the Mam 13 Iq’. The Iq’ energy may bring a blustery year of strong, unforeseen changes, so it’s a good time to get ourselves prepared. It will be important to remember to stay grounded and breathe before we react, as our words may be more powerful than expected. Seeking counsel from the words of the ancestors may provide the best guidance.

You will find my written detail about my ideas of the energy of this year here https://thefourpillars.net/mam-13-iq/