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

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 Kawok (3rd September 2025)

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2 KawokSometimes it takes a little self-sacrifice to birth the new into the world. That may certainly be the case today. Duality arises from division, and here separation occurs as the new life emerges from the old.

Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex
Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex

Kawok represents the birth process in all its glory, the emergence of the new hope, new life into the world even through both the ecstatic and the traumatic. Whilst the birth process may be painful, the result is one of the most important, if not the most important, part of life itself.

The number two represents the duality of existence. This reproduction cannot happen in unity. Duality, with all its difficulties, is a necessary part of life. Neither one aspect or the other is better than the other, which is what can lead to indecision. Each side is complementary to the other, the masculine brings balance to the feminine.

Today both sides or polarities can be called on to bring the new into the world. This is the day to ask for the new emergence, the new life created by two equal and opposite forces enlivening the world.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

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 Aztlander Magazine Article and Presentation

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For the past few years I have been receiving both The Aztlander and the Institute of Maya Studies magazines. I have also had the pleasure of attending many live presentations by some of the foremost people in the fields of archaeology, archeoastronomy, anthropology and linguistics. These excellent programs have greatly expanded my understanding and knowledge. I would highly recommend subscribing to the IMS magazine, and signing up for The Aztlander.

To request free monthly issues of The Aztlander: Magazine of the Americas (and/or to make a donation) contact editor Jim Reed at: [email protected]

If you would like to subscribe to the IMS, here’s the link https://www.instituteofmayastudies.org/

In early spring of this year, Jim Reed, the editor in chief of The Aztlander magazine approached me to ask if I would like to make a presentation and submit an article. He suggested an article on the El Mirador trek, something I have a great passion about. We first talked about it before I went to El Mirador in March, so this project has been with me for some time. I actually already had an article published in the April edition of The Aztlander while I was at El Mirador.

Jim gave me the date of September 22nd 2025 for my presentation, and told me that my article would be published in the September edition of The Aztlander magazine. September 22nd is my Gregorian birthday, and what better celebration could there be than making a presentation about my passion?

It is with great pleasure that I share this link to The Aztlander Magazine with you https://publuu.com/flip-book/288247/2107713

My article begins on page 10 of the September 2025 edition, but as you will see, the whole magazine is fascinating and well worth reading.

My presentation will take place at 8pm ET on September 22nd 2025, here is the Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84027561067

I would love for you to join me on this journey!

 

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

The Tijax Trecena (2nd – 14th September 2025)

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The Tijax trecena presents an opportunity to release what is causing an imbalance in life to promote healing, to cut through to our truth. It could be an excellent time for cleansing, a time of refinement as we polish our inner diamond.

You’ll find the YouTube link at the bottom of this page. However, I am now making these recordings available as a podcast! You can find it on Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts and Deezer too!

The Junajpu Journey

Are you feeling ready for a transformative journey? Ready to find your inner hero and overcome your fears? I am currently organising a transformative retreat for the Trecena of Ajpu in March 2026. This is currently filling up. You can find the information about the Junajpu journey here: https://thefourpillars.net/the-junajpu-journey/

Calendar Workshop

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

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/

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

Here’s the link for the Tijax trecena video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/zx0V1mpgznY

[https://youtu.be/zx0V1mpgznY]

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 Tijax (2nd September 2025)

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1 TijaxToday the healing begins with purification. The Kawok trecena saw your rebirth. With E’ you started a journey which led you to Kan where you were blessed with wisdom. Yesterday you received the knowledge of the ancestors, now it’s time to put it to work

Up until now, the preparations were being made. Now it is time to begin to put your abilities to use. After all, they may be given freely, but there is a point to having them.

Tijax brings with it a tenacity, a desire to bring balance to the world. It does so through healing division, sometimes by trimming to create balance, other times by dispatching the disharmonious. Tijax is on a “mission from God” to create a better world, and today this mission begins.

We are coming to some interesting points in the calendar, in particular Wajxakib (8) B’atz and Kajib (4) Ajpu. Both are very important days with regards to creation, and 1 Tijax helps to set the scene. It is almost like the first cleansing, the idea or plan to begin cutting away the old growth to allow the new field to be planted.

Take a fresh look at what needs to be healed or removed in order to bring harmony into your life. It may even require a little outside assistance, whether in the form of encouragement or just advice on where cuts can be made. Today is the beginning of the healing process.

The Nawal Tijax

Sacrificial Death God 1

The nawal Tijax represents an obsidian (or flint) blade. How the blade is used depends on the intention of the person wielding it, a warrior or a surgeon. These would seem like opposite ends of the spectrum. However, where Tijax is concerned the aim is the same – healing and purification.

Tijax is the nawal of the holy warrior. In the Mayan book of creation , the Popol Vuh, the first act of the hero twins was a mission given to them by the Heart of the Sky to rid the world of the false gods Seven Macaw, Zipacna and Earthquake. By destroying the false gods, the twins brought balance to the world, and helped mankind, they brought healing to the world. They cut out that which caused disease, exactly as a surgeon would do.

Tijax is celebrated as a day of healers, particularly what could be seen as the masculine aspect of healing. It is a day of crusading, of standing up for what is right, the healer who refuses to give up on finding a cure. Tijax gives powers of discernment and refinement. Just as the surgeons scalpel cuts away disease and the warriors blade dispatches the evil, the sculptors chisel creates beauty by remodelling the base material. This is a day of alchemy, both internal and external, turning the ordinary into the divine.

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 No’j (1st September 2025)

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13 N'ojThis should be a very interesting day for anyone involved with ancestral knowledge. If there is a problem in your life that you know one of your ancestors would be able to solve, today is the day to ask for their help.

The nawal of the brain and mind combines with the number of the spirit world today. This day has the potential for true genius. No’j is usually known for its grounded ideas, the practicality with which knowledge is applied to problem-solving. However, the strength of the number 13 may give rise to at least a leap of faith within this process. This is a day when the answers being sought after may come through the whispers of the ancestors. They help you to piece together the information you have. This is certainly not to say this is a bad thing. It’s just that it may be rather difficult to give any logical working  other than “it just came to me.”

The Nawal No’j

A depiction of the Earth Lord, the patron of the day Caban (N'oj). <yoastmark class=

The nawal No’j is the nawal of thought, of intelligence and intellect. Within the count of days, there are two geniuses. B’atz is the creative genius, and No’j is the intellectual one. No’j is an energy of masculine, logical thought. As the problem solver, it gives ideas and solutions which work in the real world. No’j gives a different way of understanding situations, and through this ability comes innovation. It is thought, but also understanding and, indeed, knowing. As such, No’j is also a day associated with divination.

This energy is not necessarily social, it can lead to becoming absorbed into one’s work, lost in one’s thoughts. The influence of No’j can create ideas which may be very much ahead of their time. Do not be surprised if ideas you have on this day take a little time to catch on. The people you express the ideas to may need a little time to process, to see the genius within the idea. No’j is also one of the classic year-bearers or year lords. As a year bearer, it is thought to be one of the more beneficial and benign energies.

The Number Thirteen

The number 13 is the final number. It represents the spirit world. It is said that on Samhain, the veil between the worlds is the thinnest. However within the sacred calendar, this thinning happens every 13 days. This connection with the spirit world creates a powerful day. Both the positive and negative aspects of the day come through strongly. It is a very good day for activities such as divinations. Ceremonies on 13 days are best left to experienced Aj Q’ijab who understand how to work with that energy.

 

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

12 Ajmak (31st August 2025)

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12 AjmakToday can be a day of absolving past indiscretions, and helping others to release theirs. It is a day to embrace yourself for all you are, and everything that has shaped you throughout your life, a day of acceptance of the human nature of us all. This may give rise to some form of life review. You may find that your past experiences help you to understand how to bring the sweetness back to life today.

When the day Ajmak is called during ceremony, it is referred to as the nawal of redemption and it is seen here combined with the number representing all of life’s experiences bundled together. This can be understood as having an energy of both redeeming and asking for redemption for the past in this lifetime. Every day, we hopefully grow a little wiser and understand our less-wise decisions and actions of the past. At the time we made those decisions, we often acted on the best information we had, with our best intentions. However, looking back the result may not have been a choice we would make now.

We can use our past experience to understand why others around us may have committed errors, perhaps they are errors we too have committed in our past. Understanding this can help us to forgive them and in turn help us to release any residual burdens we carry. Allow any bitterness about past events to leave so that the sweetness can come in.

I’m sorry

Please forgive me

Thank you 

I love you

Nawal Ajmak

Raw honey, fresh from San Juan la Laguna by Mark Elmy

Ajmak is the nawal of pardon and forgiveness, the nawal of redemption. It is the energy of being human, of falling and getting back up again and giving those chances to others.

When the creators fashioned the four first men, the Bacab’ob, they created them as equals. These four first humans had superhuman abilities, including the ability to see through space and time. As equals were not desired, the gods smoked the mirror of perception, giving us our human set of senses. When we lost the ability to see through time, we lost the ability to see the true consequences of our actions and thus we needed to start asking for forgiveness. Sometimes even well-meaning actions can cause problems at a later date. Ajmak represents this ability to forgive others, the ability to forgive ourselves and the ability to accept forgiveness.

Ajmak is a sensual energy, which creates some of the reasons for its needing to be forgiven. It is kind and very lovable, but irresponsible. It can be a very talented energy, with great ideas. However, it can also be very easily distracted, especially by anything that makes it feel nice. This often leads Ajmak to fail to fulfil its true potential, although due to its lovable nature it is easy to forgive. One of the lessons with regard to the Ajmak energy is learning to forgive oneself.

The Number 12

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

11 Tz’ikin (30th August 2025)

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11 Tz'ikinThe energy of Tz’ikin may bring too many distractions. However, these distractions may be inspirations, possibly prosperous ones. Even if they are not of instant interest, they may be something to come back to later on. After all, Tz’ikin is the nawal of the visionary.

The vision given by the nawal Tz’ikin may be extremely strong today, but the high number 11 may lead to a lack of focus. This is a day to see the bigger picture in life.

The energy of Tz’ikin is also extremely sociable, and while this can be very useful, it sometimes leads to a great deal of acquaintances without very much substance within the relationships. As Tz’ikin is known for its vocal ability, this can give rise to a great deal of chatter. You may find something truly valuable within seemingly light conversation. Once again, the energy of the day suggests that today might be a very interesting day to meet new people. They may become an important part of life further on in time.

This is a day of great potential, even if that potential is initially more confusing than immediately useful. This is not a day to focus on details. A breadth of vision may lead you to the eventual perfection of your ideas.

Nawal Tz’ikin

Bat Falcon sitting on top of Temple 216 at Yaxha. Photo by Mark Elmy

Nawal Tz’ikin is the nawal of prosperity, which sometimes seems odd to people seeking “higher knowledge”. However, this is not the same as the greed of capitalist consumerism. If your family is starving, you are more likely to fall off the road, perhaps into dishonesty or criminal activity. By asking nawal Tz’ikin for prosperity in your life, you are more likely to be able to help others. You can be more constructive within your community. That is not to say that your own input will not be necessary, just that your hard work will pay off.

Tz’ikin has the ability to give visions, it helps people to see the bigger picture within life. It also helps people to focus on details. It has grand aspirations and helps people to rise to the top of their abilities.

Similarly, just as Tz’ikin can focus, its broad vision can occasionally cause distraction. Sometimes, just when it is heading towards its goal it can be distracted by something “shiny.” Thus, this energy gives an ability to create great social networks, but sometimes spends too much time trying to maintain them.

The Number 11

The number 11 is a high and odd number. This gives it some rather challenging properties, although it can come good in the end. Imagine you visit Ireland and are transfixed by the green of the hills. Then you go to Morocco and are awed by the red of the buildings. Then you go to the Caribbean and are moved by the turquoise sea. You return home and paint a beautiful picture using those colours. When you were in Ireland you didn’t know you were going to paint that masterpiece. You may not have even known why you were there.  This is how 11 works. You are sure you need to be doing something, but unsure why. You are collecting experience through many wanderings.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

10 Ix (29th August 2025)

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10 IxToday is a great day for a community project for Mother Earth. Join forces with those close to you to make this happen and demonstrate your gratitude.

The nawal representing the Earth combines with the number representing community and cooperation. This is a day to connect with others to show your gratitude to her. Perhaps you could show your gratitude to the Earth by clearing up your neighbourhood, repairing some of the imbalances.

Our environment suffers a great deal just through our existence. While many of us care about the planet we live on, we also have to deal with the issues created by those who don’t. However, we are not powerless, especially when we join together.

Industrialised societies tend to see the Earth as an inanimate source of material wealth. Non-industrialised societies see her as a living entity with whom we can interact, and she carries the nawal Ix. So, it is on Ix days that prayers are offered at her places, the shrines and altars, her ears, to ask for what we need in our world.

When we consider the spirit of the Earth, we realise that she keeps on giving, keeping us alive. We throw trash, we live unsustainably, we keep taking. Ix days give us the opportunity to give back by showing that we care about her.

The nawal Ix also helps us understand our potential – the “magic” that flows through us, our ability to engage with that higher side of existence. Showing gratitude to the Earth engages us with our true potential. Additionally, working with your community today may help remind you of the magical experiences that come through that channel. She will repay your efforts tenfold.

Nawal Ix

A dancing shaman transforms himself into a jaguar. From a late classic era vase found at Altar de Sacrificios. Source http://shortstreet.net/Maya/mayapaintedvases.htm
A dancing shaman transforms himself into a jaguar. From a late classic era vase found at Altar de Sacrificios. Source http://shortstreet.net/Maya/mayapaintedvases.htm

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

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

The Number Ten

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 acting in harmony.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

9 Aj (28th August 2025)

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9 AjThis could be seen as a day of female leadership. It is a day to look to the mothers and the grandmothers, for their support and guidance.

Aj represents several properties associated with masculine energy within traditional societies. These include leadership, strength and courage, the typical qualities of the wise old grandfather. However, today these qualities are combined with the number of the divine feminine, and of life itself.

The energy of nawal Aj is seen as a benevolent and helpful energy, after all, it represents the sustenance of society. When that energy combines with the feminine compassion and nurture of the number 9, it can be seen that this day has a very pleasant potential.

The number 9 also brings an independent streak. It represents the divine feminine and this energy is also strong. After all, it is the representation of life itself. With this strength and independence combining with the nawal of the spinal column, this can be seen as a day where the energy supports you to stand up for yourself. The additional feminine properties of the nine soften this beautifully to give a compassionate, yet self assured energy. It is a day to nurture the leader within.

The Nawal Aj

The Temple of the Foliated Cross, Palenque
The Temple of the Foliated Cross. This small temple houses one of the most remarkable and beautiful friezes, the Foliated Cross. Together with those of the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Cross, this forms an architectural version of a codex. It shows both mythic and historical accounts of the ruling dynasty. The three temples together form the cross group, the sacred heart of Palenque. Picture by Mark Elmy

The nawal Aj is related to many things which generally revolve around leadership on an earthly level. It is also known as the cornstalk, sometimes the staff of life. It represents the spinal column within the body, which allows us to stand tall, proud and brave. As the cornstalk, it has its roots in the Earth, and its head in the sky.

If we wish to lead in a just manner, we should cultivate our connection with the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth. Aj is an authority, it is gentle, yet noble. It works quietly for the community it leads. It does not seek the limelight. This is a day that seeks sustenance for its people, that keeps everything in its rightful place. It is a day when we ask for the courage and bravery to stand up straight and tall, to do the right thing.

The Number Nine

The number nine 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. It is a day on which women may wish to give thanks for their gifts.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

8 E’ (27th August 2025)

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8 E' Today physical travel and life path may integrate. This is the day of the sacred journey, the day of the pilgrimage. The whole path may be revealed, in all senses.

E’ days are usually considered fortunate, especially for travel and today it is combined with the number of wholeness. E’ is empowered by the strength, wisdom, spirit and abundance of the masculine and feminine aspects of four directions. It contains the beginning and the end of the journey, representing the constant cycling of the path.

Today should be an excellent day to start a physical journey of special significance, the day of the ceremonial journey. It is a day to give thanks for all the experiences on your journey. These have helped to enrich and inspire your mind, body and soul. It is also a day on which ceremonies are made to ask for the path ahead to be cleared from obstructions.  We can ask for a smooth road for our journeys. In this way the days carrying the number 8 bridge the final energy of the 7 and the initialising energy of the 1, bringing together both past and future journeys.

It is from your journey that you derive your wisdom and your story, and it is these things that you can pass on to the next generation to help them along their life path. Today is a celebration of all we have learned in life.

The Nawal E’

Footprints on the road
Footprints mark the road, from the Dresden Codex

Nawal E’ represents the journey of discovery, the life path in both its physical and spiritual aspects. E’ is the explorer, it craves novelty. It inspires travel to understand different cultures and ways of life, it is a seeker of experience. It can be a thrill seeker, and sometimes will take risks to understand what it is examining. Whilst it gains experience and understanding through physical travel, E’ also drives us to explore our inner world, helping us to understand our own minds and hearts, and those of others. E’ sometimes creates a restlessness. A desire to find new things within the world means that E’ finds it difficult to sit still.

E’ can sometimes cause us to explore simply for the sake of exploration. We seek the new experience because it is there. This can give rise to a lack of direction, aimless wandering. However, even in its wanderings E’ is discovering. It may not know exactly where it is going, but it will when it gets there. In it’s best aspect, E’ seeks out knowledge and experience in order to form an understanding which brings wisdom. E’ enjoys sharing the wisdom gained with its peers, for the enrichment of the community.

The Number Eight

The number 8 is considered to be several wholeness. It can be seen as birth (1) and death (7) combined to represent the whole cycle of the soul. Also, it can be seen as the point where the four first men who raised the sky from the sea were joined by their wives and the world became whole. The eighth day of the trecena is the most common day for ceremonies to be made. Therefore, it is still in the balanced range of numbers and is an even number, which is also considered fortunate. This wholeness represents every aspect of the energy of the day with which it is coupled. It is the wholeness of the nawal that is addressed in the ceremony.