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

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 Kej 0 Nabe Mam – The New Solar Cycle Begins

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The seating of the new Mam 1 Kej 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. 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 1 Kej, which carries the energy of the day as well as the energy of the new year. The properties and benefits brought by the Nawal 1 Kej are discussed in my post for the day of 1 Kej, here. The energy of this day represents the energy that we will experience throughout the year. While Kej years have a reputation for being strong and possibly “bullish” years, I feel the combination with the number 1 will tame the deer energy a little.

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 4 Kej (June 18, 2026).

The Year 1 Kej

The last time we experienced a Kej year was 2022, which was the year 10 Kej. Kej years are known to be powerful, sometimes headstrong, as the deer or the horse show their strength and leadership. Kej is also associated with spiritual leadership and sometimes Kej will push us into situations where we have to take on that role. In order to do so, we ourselves need to be strong and connected with nature and Kej will make sure this happens. It is a year about connecting with the wilderness, the natural world.

Our focus may have shifted as we have been distracted by political theatre and modern technology. As successive scandals emerge, each one seemingly more obscene than its predecessor, we cannot help but pay attention. AI has become more accessible in all its forms. Chat bots take the place of human interaction in an increasingly divided and lonely society. Artists and creatives increasingly find themselves replaced by AI, as society creates “perfect” images of itself, each mask becoming more lifelike than the last. The illusion becomes more and more pervasive until the line between true and false becomes so blurred we can no longer discern it. To do this, data centres equal the energy consumption of small countries and take the natural resources away from the local people. As you may have guessed, I do not use AI in my work!

A Reconnection with Nature

With Kej’s strong emphasis on the natural world, and the number 1 may representing novelty, perhaps a renaissance is due. Only after consuming the artificial for so long can the pendulum swing, and humanity reach a turning point. Our connection with nature, our study of natural cycles and patterns, truly connects us with our world. We have to start this reboot somewhere and 1 Kej would be a prime example of when that might happen. Humanity looks up from their screens to true beauty and power of nature. In doing so we remember how to live on our planet, and the importance of caring for it.

The 52-Year Cycle

On a grander scheme of things, the cycle of the year bearers repeats every 52 years. Of course, we do not relive exactly the same experiences, but we may see similarities with the last time this year bearer was in office. That was the year 1974, when Mam 1 Kej would have taken his seat on the Gregorian day 3rd March. This gives us the opportunity to understand how to engage with the benefits of, and avoid the errors committed during, the previous incarnation of the Mam 1 Kej.

There were some very interesting events in the last the 1 Kej year – the resignations of many world leaders including the US president Richard Nixon (over the Watergate scandal), the UK Prime Minister Edward Heath, the Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, the Portuguese Prime Minister Marcello Caetano and West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. Perhaps this is a year of renewal of leadership?

 

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 Kej (18th February 2026)

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1 KejA reconnection with nature could be a good theme for this day and the entire thirteen day period it begins. It is a time to be guided and inspired by the power of the natural world.

With the potential represented by the number 1 and the power of the natural world represented by Kej, this should prove to be a very interesting day. Nature does not have polarities, it just is. Our judgement creates these polarities. We may judge nature as harsh and unforgiving, or inspiring and beautiful. Much will depend on our experience and the depth of our connection with nature. The wilderness can tell us many things, but we have to connect with it to understand them.

Here we have the potential to draw strength from the natural world should we choose to. If you have the opportunity, take a walk in the wild woods, embrace the elements and feel the power of nature. Always remember this is a two way street. Just as the wilderness can empower you, it needs your love and protection too. 1 Kej may be an excellent day to start a conservation or protection program for your local environment. Look after her and she will look after you.

It is a day where encouragement from others can bring great strength and determination. This applies to your actions too, it is a great day to share a few words to empower others.

The Nawal Kej

Xbalamkiej, patron of the day Kej one of the hero twins from the Popol Vuh. From the Dresden Codex
Xbalamkiej, patron of the day Kej one of the hero twins from the Popol Vuh. From the Dresden Codex

Kej is possibly the strongest of the nawales, it is powerful, but in a different way to Kan. Kej is energetic, lively and determined. It is the nawal of nature, of the wilderness and it is this power that it draws on. The animal totem of Kej is the deer, but if you have fragile, new-born Bambi in mind, think again. This is the majestic stag, standing on the mountain surveying his domain. Whilst most nawales are not necessarily engendered, Kej is most definitely masculine. Both men and women that carry Kej as their nawal have great strength, although the men tend to hide their strength more. Kej women are particularly driven, resourceful and brave, sometimes to the point of being rather dominant. All radiate an aura of nobility, people tend to look to them to lead.

Kej is the nawal of the Mayan “religion”, a day of spiritual leaders, of shaman and of priests. It is these leaders who understand how to read the messages from the natural world, who help to keep our existence in balance with nature. It is a day to connect with the wilderness and draw the power of the natural world into you, to harmonise and replenish.

The Number One

The number 1 is representative of the seed, of unity. It represents birth and beginnings. It is a low and odd number, which usually represents something challenging. However, the seed can grow into a mighty tree, it is full of potential. It needs the correct nutrients and conditions to germinate and develop its potential. We also may need encouragement to develop our ideas.

 

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

13 Kame (17th February 2026) – Venus Returns as an Evening Planet and Solar Eclipse

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13 KamePowerful messages from the ancestors may be received today. It is a day of connection to them through both the nawal and the number, as both can be seen as related to the spirit world.

Today could almost be seen as an energetic equivalent of what the western world might know as Samhain. On both Kame days and days carrying the number 13, the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. This is an extremely strong day for divination and particularly for mediumship.

With this closeness of the other world, it is also possible to draw upon the strength and wisdom of our ancestors. Kame encourages us to face our fears, and today we have some extra force or guidance to overcome them. As the number is so high these may be some of our deepest fears, they could also be fears passed on through generations.

This may be a day of extremely strong changes, possible revelations. The power of the spirit world is driving your transformations today. You might find that events of today have a massive impact on your own life path and development. Be careful not to judge them too quickly. You may need to be flexible as these changes have a great deal of power behind them, resistance is futile, and acceptance of the changes should lead you towards your higher aspect.

Venus Returns as an Evening Planet

According to the Dresden Codex, Venus returns in its evening phase today. Tonight should be the first time when Venus is clearly visible in the Western sky for a few minutes after sunset. Those with good eyesight will see Venus appear from the glare of the Sun. It will then set a few minutes after the Sun.

However, this will partially depend on the latitude of the observer. The ecliptic (the path of the sun and the planets) is almost vertical at low latitudes. At the latitudes of Guatemala and the Yucatan, Venus has been theoretically visible for a few days now. It should be clearly above the horizon approximately half an hour after sunset.

Venus Returns as Evening Planet

Venus Meanings

According to Bruce Scofield in the book How to Practice Mayan Astrology, Venus represents the rise and fall of leaders. They describe the rise of a great leader, seen as a bright shining light but who gets lost in hedonism. This leads to their downfall and eventual exile, the rise and fall of the morning star (28th March 2025 – 19th November 2025). The superior conjunction (19th November 2025 – 17th February 2026) is seen as a time of judgement and redressing the balance. The leader is then born again, this time humble, mortal and obeying the laws of society as the evening star. Eventually he is sacrificed, the inferior conjunction, and once again is born as the rising light in the world.

Venus Reappears on 13 Kame

With the energy of 13 Kame combining with the reappearance of Venus, it could signal end end to the trials which began on 12 Ajpu (28th March 2025). The light travelled through the underworld as the planet Venus disappeared behind the Sun. Now, the light returns, in the wisdom place of the west. This possibly signifies the emergence of a steadying influences as society goes through a profound change. The trials during the preceding 90 days should have humbled the false leaders.

If we look at the cycle of Venus, it will gradually gain altitude in the West, achieving its peak on 10 Kan (15th August 2026). It will then start to drop rapidly before once again passing into the underworld at inferior conjunction. This will be on 3 Ajmak (25th October 2026)

In combination with 13 Kame this may bring about a strong presence of the ancestors during this time.  Iq’ often brings changes and represents communication. It may also bring about great challenges and ask us to face our greatest fears. It will be a time to rely on the counsel of the ancestors to understand how to get through those challenges. The last time we went through this configuration with Venus appearing as the evening planet on a Kame day, was in 2018. Perhaps if we look back at the events of 2018, specifically between mid-February and late-October, we might get an understanding of what this period might have in store for us.

Solar Eclipse

The maximum point of eclipse will occur at 09:56 UTC, and will be visible over Antarctica. Eclipses were very significant to the Maya. The picture below is from the eclipse tables of the Dresden codex, where calculations show when eclipses (both lunar and solar) will take place. In general, most references to eclipses, either lunar or solar, tend to be rather negative in nature. They are seen as a war in the heavens. There is some evidence that wars between different classic era city states occurred directly after solar eclipses.

During solar eclipses, the moon is so angry with the sun that she bites him. It is also seen as  either an ant or a jaguar who is said to have bitten the eclipsed celestial object. This can be particularly apparent with partial eclipses, the bite mark on the sun being very much how leaf-cutter ants make circular holes on leaves. The people sometimes make a great deal of noise (usually by banging on pots and pans) to drive away the animals attacking the sun or moon.

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 the energy source for our planet would have very serious consequences if it went on for longer.

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, 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 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

13 Kame 4 Tz’apin Q’ij – The Final Closing Day (17th February 2026)

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The fifth and final closing day completes these days of introspection and retreat. Whilst this is the day when we can see the dawn of the new year coming, it may also be the most difficult day. It is the day when we start the process of emergence from the chrysalis.

The energy of the day 13 Kame may bring great challenges and possibly great revelations. Kame as the nawal of death and the ancestors puts us in touch with them. This is exacerbated by the powerful number 13, representing the 13 major joints of the body, symbolising the body lightning that connects us with the ancestors. It turns everything up to the maximum, the positive aspects and the challenges. It is a day to hold our nerve and seek the guidance of the ancestors to overcome our fears and challenges. However, Kame is also the transformer. I like to call it “the soul alchemist”. One way or another it will transform us and take us to the next level.

The final closing day crystallises the process we have been through. Here we understand that it is about what we wish to carry into the new year. It gives us an opportunity to face our greatest fears. Once we have identified them, we can overcome them and transform into a higher state to move into the new solar year.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

12 Kan 3 Tz’apin Q’ij – The Fourth Closing Day (16th February 2026)

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The fourth closing day during the period of Tz’apin Q’ij is associated with definition. In this solar cycle, it is combined with the energy of a day which has some very profound meanings.

We have passed through the three previous days and identified where we are. This time has you helped to identify your strengths and your weaknesses, and asked you to accept this as a part of what you carry with you?  Now with the experience, wisdom and understanding of yourself, it is time to start charting your course for the coming year of 1 Kej.

The energy of 12 Kan brings with it a review of your experiences and the wisdom you both draw and share from them. Holding back our life experience can provoke missed opportunities to empower others. Ignoring our life experience is not a wise thing to do and may lead to our own illusions and greater challenges.

Today we combine that with the energy of the fourth closing day, that of definition. It is time to define our life experience so that we can really tap into the life experience it brings. In our time of introspection and retreat we have space to do this.

 

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

12 Kan (16th February 2026)

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12 KanGather your wisdom to see past the illusions and empower those around you. Kan, as the teacher, does just this and today the wisdom required may be your life experience.

This could be an excellent day to bring out your true wisdom.  Perhaps you can help those around you to flourish by sharing what you carry. One of the virtues of the nawal Kan is as a teacher. Here we see the opportunity for the energy of this day to fulfil its highest aspect. This is the perfect day to empower others by sharing your life experiences.

It is a strong, powerful day where you might feel the energy of life moving through your body. It is very tempting to use this energy, just be aware of what you are putting your energy into. The strength of this day means that a little energy will go a long way. Thus, an uncontrolled release of energy may cause harm. Be aware of the seductive power of the use of energy. Ensure that you are the one in control, and use it wisely and for the empowerment of all.

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.

When working with any of these energies, training must be undertaken 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, and a very sexy power it is too, holding its prey in an almost hypnotic grip with its allure. 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. They can also become the darkest sorcerers and manipulators.

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 K’at (15th February 2026)

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11 K'atSome things go together logically, and some things don’t. However, although they don’t logically go together, we might have the intuition to bundle them together anyway. Space may need to be made to accommodate this, but it may bring innovation. Be prepared to do some editing at a later date, to cut away the excess before setting out on the journey.

As the energy of the number 11 has strength without direction, and the nawal K’at seeks to bind, this could prove to be a rather hectic day. You might even end up feeling like you have tied yourself up in a knot.

The animal associated with the nawal K’at is the spider, she who sits within her woven net. If caught in a spider’s web, one must consider carefully the course of action. Erratic movement trying to escape the web may lead to becoming even more entangled. Worse they may attract the attention of the spider, even if it seems the correct move to make. This could be a representation of today.

Think carefully about your direction before making your moves, as there may be many possibilities in front of you. What consequence does each possibility bring? Ensure that you do not become to bound to something which ultimately holds you back.

It may be difficult to work out what you need to carry with you on your journey, there are so many possibilities, and each one may have its own sense of importance. Maybe it is OK to carry these for a while, but make sure you understand when to lighten the load a little. A lack of sense of direction may lead to becoming overburdened, using a little discernment could see you lightening your load.

The Nawal K’at

Blood Moon, mother of the Hero Twins being sent away from Xibalba after becoming pregnant. <yoastmark class=

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 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

11 K’at 2 Tz’apin Q’ij – The Third Closing Day (15th February 2026)

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The third closing day focuses on acceptance. If you are using these 5 days to close the solar year, it is a good day to understand what you choose to accept from the previous solar year. It is also a day which might highlight what you cannot accept. What will you hold on to and what will you release?

This might be a perfect combination with the nawal 11 K’at. K’at invites us to examine what we carry in our net, using our intuition to keep or discard what is no longer relevant. This particular combination with the number 11 brings an intuitive approach to what needs to be released and what can go forward into the next year. The intuitive approach may not be logical.

On this day of acceptance it may be necessary to accept that some things which it might be logical to take forward my have to be intuitively released. The reverse may also be true. It may seem logical to release something you picked up in the past 360 days, but intuitively you may need to accept it into your bundle for the coming days too.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

10 Aq’ab’al 1 Tz’apin Q’ij – The Second Closing Day

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The second closing day of the period is said to represent recognition of yourself, during your introspective period. On this day of Aq’ab’al, this could help us to recognise what is dawning within.

Aq’ab’al can be seen as bringing things to light, to reveal what has been hiding in the darkness. Of course, if something is hiding within us, it is easy to ignore it, to pretend it isn’t there. Just don’t go looking for it and you won’t find it. But then along comes Aq’ab’al and illuminates the darkest corners, sending the rats scurrying. Of course, it is not just negative issues. Some of the concepts we might be holding within may be exceptionally positive. Perhaps we might even feel they are too grand. we hide them away in the darkness because if they were to see the light of day things would never be the same again.

If we they bring these understandings together with this day of introspection we find some interesting reflections. As we finish up this solar year, this day of introspection may ask us to recognise the potential within ourselves, and what we might need to reveal. With the brightest light of the dawn Aq’ab’al reveals the new concepts within, and here those concepts are related to society. What concepts do you hold within you that you’re trying to keep away from the light of society? Perhaps there are some pent-up emotions, related to the events of the past 360 days, which have been held down deep inside for fear of how society might judge.

Today is a day to release them. It’s time to illuminate them for what they are. That’s the only way to change societies values.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

10 Aq’ab’al (14th February 2026)

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10-aqabalYou may need to overcome outdated societal norms to express new concepts for your community. Novelty cannot be achieved by repeating the same patterns. Sometimes to change the pattern, you have to push the boundaries. Today this might be required, and the help of others may be needed to achieve it.

The combination of the nawal of new concepts with the number of community brings about the possibility of bringing a new light to the world through cooperation. Whilst our individuality certainly serves a purpose, we can usually achieve bigger and more complicated tasks when we work as a group. The energy of today brings a great opportunity to do just that.

There may be something that you have been dreaming of, something that you are trying to bring into the physical world. Today is the day to seek the assistance of the people within your community to make it happen. Both Aq’ab’al and the energy of the number 10 are seen as rather positive energies. This would be expected from the number of cooperation and the nawal of conception. It is the day to join with your community and bring your communal idea into physical reality.

If there were any cautions to go with the energy of 10 Aq’ab’al, it would only be that Aq’ab’al can sometimes become a little stuck in its ways. One meaning of Aq’ab’al is house (from the house of darkness in the Popol Vuh) and one of the essences of Aq’ab’al can be the stability given by fixed shelter. Additionally, the energy of the number 10 can also be seen as representing the laws of society. Perhaps by coming together with others this resistance to change can be overcome through a new concept.

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 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.