Tag Archives: Chol Q’ij

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

Observation of the Solar Zenith in Highland Guatemala

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Solar Zenith

It may be the latitude of my country of birth that gives me such an interest in the skies of Guatemala. How different the skies can look in the tropics is almost inconceivable. I am originally from 52o North. Having been a skywatcher since I was young, I was used to seeing Orion standing proudly in the winter sky. Now, having lived in Guatemala for 16 years, I am accustomed to seeing him reclining as if in a hammock. It was in Guatemala that I was able to see Mercury clearly for the first time, with the inclination of the ecliptic giving sufficient altitude above the horizon to evade the Sun’s glare.

However, the solar zenith transit is a more unique experience, one that is alien to my birth country. This transit is, of course, what defines the latitude of the tropics. The sun reaches a zenith angle of 90o at solar noon. Solar noon could be defined as the point where the sun is at 90o on the ecliptic, the path that it follows through the sky each day. Whilst this would be thought to be 12:00 pm, the exact location and time of year within a time zone will change this slightly. For instance, in my case, solar noon in San Pablo la Laguna can vary between 12:02 pm and 12:19 pm.

On the equator, the solar zenith angle reaches 90o on the equinoxes, therefore twice per year. On the Tropic of Cancer, the Sun will reach 90o on only one occasion, the June solstice, and on the Tropic of Capricorn on the December solstice. As we travel from the equator to the Tropic of Cancer, the solar zenith dates change, becoming closer together from the equinox dates towards the June solstice.

Calendar Connection

Of course, what intrigued me, living here in the Maya lands, are the dates of the solar zenith transits here at 14°44’N / 91°17’W. The solar zenith tends to fall on April 29th and August 12th. If one is earlier, so is the other, preserving 105 days between the dates where the sun is in the north at midday (something which makes garden planning quite a challenge!) This period will also mean that on the opposite side of the year, for example, from August 12th 2025, to April 29th 2026, will sum to 260 days. Both the dates of August 12th and the 260-day period are of interest as they reflect very closely the 260-day Chol Q’ij, and the date is a very close approximation to the GMT calculation of the beginning of the fourth era, 11th August 3114 BCE.

The April zenith transit occurs 40 days after the spring equinox, therefore carrying the same day name within the sacred calendar. In 2025, this will be E’ (Eb) – 4 E’ on the equinox and 5 E’ on the zenith day. The June solstice will fall 53 days later (2 cycles of the sacred calendar and one trecena or 4 trecenas plus 1 day) on the day 6 Kan. The second solar zenith occurs 52 days (4 trecenas) after the June solstice, which will be the day 6 No’j

Observation of the Solar Zenith

Zenith tubes have been found at Xochicalco and Monte Alban, indicating that Mesoamerican peoples were certainly aware of the solar zenith.

Experimentation

Part of my philosophy of life is “How can we expect to understand something if we don’t experience it ourselves?” I feel that we must sit under the skies as the ancients once did. So, I decided to make my investigation of the solar zenith by setting up a solar zenith tube in my garden to observe the zenith passage of the Sun myself. These stills are taken from a video I made of my solar zenith observation, which can be seen here https://youtu.be/HxlmSN9rwdo

For the experiment, I used a photographic tripod which has a long centre column with a hole running through it. The centre column is around 300mm in length and the hole is around 5mm in diameter. This is the sort of ratio required to ensure that the direct light of the sun will only be projected when the sun is truly at its zenith. To ensure this, I used a digital level to position the centre column exactly vertical, 90o on the east-west axis (ecliptic) and 90o on the north-south axis (meridian).

As the point of zenith approached, a little dot of light began to appear under the tripod. However, at 12:08 pm, I observed a brilliant point of light emerging on the ground, signifying that the Sun was directly overhead. There was a very obvious difference in the quality of light when the Sun was directly at its zenith.

What Does it Mean?

Perhaps one of the questions which could be asked is why the zenith observation would be so important.

Perhaps it could be seen in a way of the energy of the Heart of the Sky entering the Heart of the Earth, bringing fertility? This leads me to the second part of my experiment. Testing the idea of the corn growing season.

For many years, I had heard that the 260 days of the sacred calendar refer to the planting and harvest of corn. I understand from some of my friends here that there are some cultivars which would be planted around the 12th of February to be harvested around the 29th of October. These are rather similar to the dates of the solar nadir and also give the dates of the sunrise azimuth of 104o.

However, many agronomists question this length of corn growth, as it seems far removed from the general length of time from planting to harvest of the corn. Once again, I decided to make my experiment to confirm. In this initial investigation, I used corn from the market. My corn was ripe 80 days after planting. It struck me that the way corn is used in this area is not like that which I would see in my birth country, corn on the cob, but more to be doubled, and dried on the stem. If the solar zenith dates are used as a guideline for planting, they align rather well with the usual weather patterns in highland Guatemala.

The first solar zenith transit date of 29th April coincides with the onset of the rainy season. Usually, May and June are very warm, wet months, ideal for corn growth. This continues through to around 23rd July, 85 days after the solar zenith when another astronomical phenomenon occurs. The heliacal rise of Sirius.

Canicular

While I have not directly heard of the observation of Sirius in Maya astronomy, it does indirectly leave its mark in Guatemalan culture as the basis for the Canicular. Canicular is the dry period in the middle of the rainy season. As it is during the hotter part of the year, it is certainly noticeable. If the corn was ripe at 85 days after a zenith planting, this would be an ideal time to double the stems over and allow the corn to dry for 2 weeks before harvest. That would then take us to 99 days after the first solar zenith, giving us 6 days to prepare the field for the second planting of corn before the second zenith. Once again, the Heart of the Sky impregnates the Heart of the Earth on the second Zenith.

Once we pass the second zenith, the rains begin to come back, with September and October being the wettest months of the year. If we are to look at the timing from the perspective of the solar zenith, we would find that 85 days after August 12th is November 5th. This is usually the time of year when the rains cease and the dry season begins. It again would be an ideal time to be doubling over the corn ready for harvest 2 weeks later.

As the August zenith is 260 days before the April zenith, whatever day of the sacred calendar the second zenith occurred on would be repeated in the following April. For example, in 2025, August 12th will fall on 6 No’j (Caban), as will April 29th 2026.

By following the rhythm of the sacred calendar and the timing of the solar zenith transits, 2 crops of corn can be grown in one season. This maximises the efficiency of the land and enables the people to thrive. It nourishes human hearts through the connection between the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

5 E’ (29th April 2025) – Solar Zenith (15N)

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This should be a good day to put work on your life path. It could be particularly good if a journey is aligned with your work.

 

I tend to think of E’ days as rather beneficial days. They can represent exploration in its many guises; physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Sometimes they may also represent a combination of a physical journey that may bring knowledge or a spiritual experience. However, every journey requires an input of energy and today this is highlighted. How much do you want to go on that journey? How much energy are you prepared to invest? These questions may come up today.

As the number 5 can also represent rushing into things, there may be an element of frustration with the journey taking longer than expected. This day we might feel that we wish we could just teleport to the destination! It may also come up against some unforeseen obstacles. To overcome these obstacles will once again require our energetic input. The reward will be a great advancement on your path.

Solar Zenith

Here in Guatemala, at 15 degrees north of the equator, we experience this phenomenon two time per year. The Solar Zenith Transit is when the Sun crosses the hypothetical North – South line (the Meridian) at 90 degrees.

Many Maya sites have structures that mark the zenith transit, often zenith tubes. One possible reason that the zenith transit was so important was because of the planting of maize. I go into this in more depth here: https://thefourpillars.net/Observation of the Solar Zenith/

This year the Solar Zenith Transit in April falls on the same day as is indicated on the Nebra Sky disk. The crescent moon is in conjunction with the Pleiades as they follow the sun down into the Earth at sunset. This would seem like an extremely potent planting day! For more information about this, please check out my Trecena Q’anil video which you can find on this page https://thefourpillars.net/the-trecena-of-qanil-2/

The Nawal E’

Footprints
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 Five

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

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

4 B’atz (28th April 2025)

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4 B'atzThe day 4 B’atz is a wonderful day to materialise your creativity. It can be a light-hearted fun day, a day to embrace the creative joy in life and ground it into the world around you.

As the creative genius of nawales, the energy of B’atz certainly brings the ability to bring that extra sparkle to whatever it touches. As both entertainer and performer, it can hold attention and create something impressive for all around. Today, we see it connected with the very down-to-earth, practical energy of the number 4. However, far from this practicality taking the shine off the energy of the nawal B’atz, it is more about the nawal B’atz bringing its shine to the mundane world. This is the day to bring out the beauty within the everyday world, to weave true creative beauty in the most physical of worlds.

It is a day that brings stability to your creations and your art forms. If there is an idea that you have been sitting on for a little while, waiting for the right time to bring it out in the open, today is the day to bring it into physical reality. This is the day to decorate the world, to weave your beauty into your physical surroundings.

The Nawal B’atz

Images of weaving using a backstrap loom, from the Madrid Codex

There are two nawales which bestow genius talents, one of which is B’atz, the other being No’j. B’atz is the nawal of artisans and of weavers. This is not just creation and weaving on the Earthly level. It weaves the threads of time together to create reality. B’atz is the nawal of the sacred calendar. The calendar could be considered to be the fabric created from these individual threads of time.

If B’atz is clever enough to weave time into order, it is clever enough to create more down to Earth trinkets. B’atz is the master artisan, creating whatever it chooses, at will. It is just as comfortable painting, as it is playing music or writing. The arts come naturally to this nawal. However, this can lead to issues when B’atz has to deal with those less talented than itself. This can lead to a certain arrogance around those who fail to achieve their standard of excellence.

Their talent draws attention, which is something B’atz craves. It is the nawal of the born entertainer, who can sing, dance and play all at once. This nawal is the life and soul of the party, it also makes excellent teachers, who hold the attention of students through entertaining them. It is a particularly fun loving nawal that feeds on the adoration of the crowd that it pleases.

B’atz is a day to create, especially within the fields of the arts. It is also a day to weave your reality the way you see fit. Where Aq’ab’al was the conception, B’atz is the gestation.

The Number Four

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

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

3 Tz’i (27th April 2025)

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3 Tz'iFaith in yourself is the key on a day when your faith in the world may be challenged. Your loyalty may be tested by circumstances beyond your control or understanding.

The energy of the nawal Tz’i has its polarities. It often brings days which remind us of the unconditional love that can be displayed, faith in the world and in humanity. Days when justice comes to those who deserve it. However, the energy of the number 3 may bring challenges to these values. It can possibly bring out the more difficult side of Tz’i. This could be a day when the unjust appear to get away with their deeds. Your faith in the universal laws may be shaken. You may find yourself let down or betrayed by those you trust. Equally, you may find yourself acting disloyally.

It is a day when authority, represented by Tz’i, may be challenged. This can be a double-edged sword depending on whether you are the challenger or the authority. Whilst these challenges may be hard, the true power of Tz’i is the connection with unconditional love. This may be a day where you have to grit your teeth and have faith to continue, but it may also be a day when the true solution is to approach the challenge with an open heart and mind.

If those around you act without integrity, giving as good as you get only draws you into that energy. If the external world begins to fall apart, there is only one constant to which you can turn. That is the one within you. Focus on the unconditional love that you hold, on your faith in humanity, and extend this into your home. Remember to love yourself unconditionally too!

The Nawal Tz’i

The dog sits by the cauldron, from the Madrid Codex

Tz’i is possibly the nawal with the most colourful reputation. Some describe it as the nawal of “sex, drugs and rock and roll” and it has the possibility to live up to that label. One of the functions an Aj Q’ij (Mayan spiritual guide) performs is divination, usually using red seeds called Tz’ite. If a question is asked about a relationship and Tz’i comes up in the reading, it is seen as a sign of  infidelity. Tz’i is instinctual, and closes its ears to reason when it gets an idea, particularly when it is hormonally driven. This is the worst possible aspect of Tz’i and when it falls down, it does so spectacularly, which is why it tends to be remembered for those events.

However, what is sometimes forgotten is the other side of Tz’i, which is the side more frequently displayed. Just as Tz’i can represent infidelity, it also represents faith and loyalty. Just as it can be the trouble maker, it also represents law. It is the nawal of police, lawyers and judges. Tz’i is unwavering faith, unconditional loyalty. The totem animal of Tz’i is the dog, and through the actions of dogs we can understand both the loyalty aspect, and the instinctual. Tz’i is also the guide and protector on life’s path, ensuring that it’s charge travels safely. It is a day when your faith or loyalty may be tested,  where your instincts are stimulated. The positive traits of this day give rise to to some of the greatest displays of friendship. However, be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

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 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)

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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

New Calendar Page – May 2025

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This quick link takes you to the May 2025 calendar page. As usual, you can see the days of the Chol Q’ij plotted onto the Gregorian month and the many major astronomical events of May 2025! Click here to navigate to the page.

May 2025

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 5th – Friday 9th May 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/

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/

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 Toj (26th April 2025)

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service through self-sacrifice This day could be seen as a day of service through ceremony or self-sacrifice. Give freely and unconditionally, even if the recipient is unaware of your actions.

The nawal Toj can act as a barometer of our energy. If we fall out of harmony the nawal Toj brings us a message, sometimes through sickness, to remind us that we have debts to pay. These debts may be a stagnation of energy, where we have taken something without exchange. They may be resolved through simple acts within our community which keep us healthy and keep the cycle of energy moving. In this way, Toj can be seen as one kind of healing day. Healing may come through our selfless actions, or through our offerings within ceremony.

The number two highlights polarities. It can represent relationships, but in another way, also the polarised qualities of the nawal it is attached to. This generally makes the days carrying the number 2 stronger than would be expected. The polarities of Toj may be both paying back and collecting debts. Collection of debts may not be the most pleasant of activities, but it allows others a channel to bring themselves back into balance. This could be a day to remind others of what may be owed, as well as paying our own debts. We keep the wheel of energy turning and as a result keep ourselves and others healthy.

On the most pleasant side of this energy, it could be a great day to do something special on behalf of someone you love, especially to restore balance in a relationship. That said, especially today, random acts of kindness towards your family, community or even complete strangers may go a long way to paying off karmic debts you might have incurred.

Worthwhile Recipients of Your Donations

When I mention programs within my videos, it is because I personally know the people involved. I feel that your donations will truly 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 grey water 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 make a donation 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 are specialising in medical and educational services. During the pandemic restrictions, they helped feed many people. However, 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

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 was kept. Medicine, the calendars, music, spiritual practice and more was 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. It is 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://www.popoljay.org.gt/donaciones

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, 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 where we make offerings to burn away 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. However, 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 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

1 Q’anil (25th April 2025)

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1 Q'anilToday is an excellent day to begin planting your next harvest. It brings a new opportunity to ripen your crops and projects, to bring them to abundant brilliance.

It could be said that both the number 1 and the nawal Q’anil have some very strong links to seeds. The glyph of Q’anil is often drawn in sugar on the ceremonial fireplace as the foundation for the sacred fire. The seed represents both the beginning and the end. It is from which the plant grows, and what the plant ultimately leaves behind. It represents the whole cycle, from birth to death, and what happens in between, is maturing.

The seed is the ultimate goal of the ripening process, passing on the spark of life. Days carrying the number 1 mark the beginning of a process. Here that is the maturing process bringing the abundance of the harvest. One planted seed becomes many offspring.
This is the day to begin to bring things to finalisation. If there are projects that need a little more input to finish, this is certainly a day to for it. It can also be seen as planting the new seed for the future, or even preparing the ground for a future project.

Therefore, the day 1 Q’anil can be seen as the beginning of the finalisation of our projects, a time when that which we have been patiently tending is getting close to the point where we can reap our abundance from it. It can also be seen as the day on which we plant the new seeds that we wish to bring to maturity, as a time when you may introduce a new brilliance into your life, the seed of an idea that allows you to truly shine.

Ripening ceremony

Another way to look at this cycle is through the cycle of ceremonies. Ceremonies are often performed on the “1” day, the first day of the trecena. They are also often performed 20 days later on the “8” day of the same nawal. The day 1 Q’anil sets up a 20 day path to the day 8 Q’anil, the day where we give thanks for our ripening, for our crops and our abundant harvest. During ceremonies, I am often calling on the energy of each of the other 19 nawales to bring its properties to the process which is associated with the nawal of the “1” day. For example, the 20 day period which begins 1 Q’anil will end on the day 7 Kej.

So I might ask that nawal Toj blesses the maturing crop with good health in return for an offering, or that the nawal B’atz brings its creative genius to the ripening process, and so on until I have invoked all 19 of the other nawales, and reached the nawal Kej. This is like energetically weaving a path, and asking for the support of each of the nawales along that path.

During this time another path will start, the trecena of 1 Imox will start during the 20 day period between 1 Q’anil and 8 Q’anil. There is always more than one path occurring at any time. The 20 days from 8 Q’anil (celebration of ripening) will take us to 1 Kej (new connection to the natural world), again laying an energetic path to take us to next line of the weaving we are creating.

The Nawal Q’anil

Nawal Q’anil represents the ripening of the seed, the crop coming to maturity. The K’iché word Q’an means yellow, and the -il suffix is rather like the English -ing. Q’anil represents the golden head of maize at its perfection of ripeness, ready to be picked. In the Mayan creation story, humans were fashioned from maize dough, we are Ixim Achi, the people of the corn. The maize in this part of the world has a 260 day growth season between planting (conception) and harvest (birth.) This connects maize with both the sacred calendar and with the period of human gestation.

It is in the fields and gardens that Q’anil’s light shines particularly brightly, it is the nawal of farmers, gardeners and herbalists. But just as it is at home around plants, Q’anil has the possibility to shine anywhere. Q’anil has talent, its beautiful golden light illuminates that which it comes into contact with, Q’anil people light up the room with their presence. Q’anil is about achieving full potential, and this relates to all of our activities. It does have an affinity to the arts, but in general is a day of bounty for all life projects.

However, when an energy is so fertile and prosperous, life can become too easy. Q’anil also appreciates the rewards of its talent – sometimes a little too much. Q’anil is prone to overindulge in the sensual, in particular with regards to intoxication.

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 Kej (24th April 2025)

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13 KejThis is a day to connect with your wilderness spirit. Energise yourself in the life force of the natural world, as the ancestors communicate through nature.

The combination of the nawal Kej representing strength with the number 13 can bring about an extremely powerful day. Kej can tend to ride roughshod over anything or anyone that stands in its way, and today it has the power of the spirit world behind it. It can be a great day for achieving your goals, although remember to exercise temperance when dealing with those who you may perceive as obstructing your path. A little force goes a long way today.

That said the other aspect of this day can be truly enlightening. The connection of Kej to the wilderness and the strength of spirit in 13 could give rise to an epiphany should you choose to connect with nature today. It is a day to find your answers during a walk in the woods.

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

The Nawal Kej

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 a 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 who 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, shamans and 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 13

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 divination. Ceremonies on 13 days are best left to experienced Aj Q’ijab who understands how to work with that strength of energy.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

12 Kame (23rd April 2025)

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12 KameToday may bring the opportunity of a spiritual transformation through experience. It is possible the reason for challenging life experiences may be understood today.

The energy of the Kame provokes us to face the greatest challenges on our lives. Facing these trials promotes our development. We have two options, we either tackle the issue or we avoid it. If choose avoidance we are just postponing the inevitable. It will come around again, perhaps next time we will have the strength or understanding to deal with it.

Of course, the other option is to take a breath, summon our courage and face the adversity head on. Embrace that which frightens us and overcome it. Doing so helps us to progress on more than just the physical level, it can provoke profound change.

Facing our challenges will always be a noble exploit, but doing so without preparation would be foolhardy. Today’s energy allows us to collect our life experience and all we have learned. This allows us to understand how these experiences have transformed ourselves. This way we can enter the trials with confidence and understanding. We know how to overcome each obstacle in our path. This mirrors the story of the hero twins in the Popol Vuh. Their father and uncle descended into Xibalba having been summoned by the Lords of Death. They were unprepared and failed the challenges set for them. The twins used their experience and understanding to overcome each challenge set for them. Eventually through their own sacrifice they evolved into a higher state of being.

Therefore, use today to gather the experience and understanding from your life and apply them to the challenges in your path. It is a day to go fearlessly, but wisely, into your challenges and transform yourself towards your higher state.

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 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 Kan (22nd April 2025)

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11 KanUndirected power can cause big problems. Understanding the importance of the conscious direction of energy will be the key today.

11 Kan is a high-numbered, and therefore high-powered, day combined with a powerful nawal. It could be an unpredictable day, when surprising, powerful events may happen. These events may eventually bring wisdom, although they may also cause damage along the way. Imagine a bottle rocket without a stick to balance it. It can fly off in any direction without warning but with a great deal of force.

Whilst it may be difficult to focus, it is essential to set a firm direction and put your energy into that. That way it is possible that you can truly derive the wisdom from the day rather than be carried along on the wild ride. If you happen to see the rocket heading in your direction, don’t wait around to see what happens, get out of the way.

Of course, we sometimes gain new insights by taking an illogical route. This exposes us to ideas and understandings we might not normally have encountered. The wisdom and empowerment which come today may be exactly as a result of this. Maybe you will find it by taking a different, unusual or unexpected route.

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 (also known as Kulkulkan or Quetzalcoatl) 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, or they can become the darkest sorcerers and manipulators.

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.