Tag Archives: Dresden Codex

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 Iq’ – Venus Returns in Evening Phase (Dresden Codex)

1 Comment

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 in Evening Phase
Venus clearly visible above the horizon in Solola, Guatemala, just after sunset on 13th July 2024

At higher latitudes, the ecliptic is much closer to the southern horizon, even in the summer. If Venus is still close to the Sun in its orbit, as viewed from the Earth, it will be too close to the horizon to observe. Therefore, at latitudes such as that of Ipswich in the UK, Venus won’t really be visible just yet. In fact, it might be September before Venus will really be visible in the Western sky after sunset.

Venus would be very difficult to see at sunset from Ipswich, UK on 9th July 2024

Venus returns in evening phase
Venus would be very difficult to see at sunset from Ipswich, UK on 13th July 2024

 

 

 

 

 

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  gets lost in hedonism. This leads to his downfall and eventual exile, the rise and fall of the morning star (22nd August 2023 – 14th April 2024). The superior conjunction (14th April – 13th July 2024) 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 Appears on 1 Iq’

With the energy of 1 Iq’ combining with the reappearance of Venus, it could signal end end to the trials which began on 2 E’ (14th April 2024). 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.

In combination with 1 Iq’ this may bring about a new voice or a “breath of fresh air”. Iq’ often brings changes and represents communication. The number 1 represents birth and novelty. Is it time for a new voice to make itself heard? If we look at the cycle of Venus, it will gradually gain altitude in the West, achieving its peak on 13 Aq’ab’al (10th January 2025). It will then start to drop rapidly before once again passing into the underworld at inferior conjuntion. This will be on 4 E’ (20th March 2025), the equinox.

Venus returns in evening phase, Venus returns in morning phase

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

Superior Conjunction of Venus Begins – 2 E’ (14th April 2024)

9 Comments

According to the Dresden codex, the superior conjunction phase of Venus begins on 2 E’ (14th April 2024). Venus will cease to be a feature in our morning sky. The morning star will disappear into the underworld. It will reappear as the evening star on 1 Iq’ (13th July 2024).

The cycle of Venus was used by the ancient Maya to time many ritual practices, including war.  When Venus is seen to rise with the Sun, was seen as a particularly destructive and unsettled time.  Venus has been rising heliacally since 13 Ajmak (22nd August 2023). The period since the beginning of the heliacal rise of Venus has been a great turmoil for many.  It was at its peak brightness on September 19th 2023 (2 K’at). It reached its greatest height (western elongation) on October 23rd 2023 (10 Tijax). This could be seen as the height of its influence.

It is said that the light of the morning star illuminates that which has been hidden. This time is an exposer of cover-ups, when leaders may fall from power. It could be a time when leaders are brought to account for their deeds. Additionally, when Venus rises heliacally on an Ajmak day, the Venus deities are said to spear the rain. Has this morning star period brought drought? It would certainly seem to have been the case here in Guatemala. Hopefully, as we move into this time the rains will return, just in time for planting season.

This is a time that could be seen as a respite from the disturbing influence that Venus has. It is said that Venus represents a warrior and that his return to the darkness gives him time to make new spears. Perhaps this will also bring some calm to areas of conflict?

What’s Next?

Where the morning rise of illumination may highlight the issue externally, the evening phase represents the dark mirror of introspection. This may represent a time when we look within ourselves and ask how we ever allowed this to happen in the first place. It can be a time to look at what went wrong and see how to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. It is a time to evaluate ourselves, and the leaders of our society, a time to address our values and the values of the society we live in, and a time to redress the balance.

 

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

The Inferior Conjunction of Venus – 10 Q’anil (11th January 2022)

Leave a comment

Since the day 7 Tijax (6th May 2021) Venus has appeared in the west, in the evening sky. From November 2021 onward it became a little lower each night until it became lost in the glare of the sunset. Today, according to the Dresden Codex, is the first day of the inferior conjunction of Venus. Venus is passing between the Earth and the Sun, and as such is not visible in our night sky.

Venus as the evening star can be seen to represent the obsidian mirror, the dark mirror within us showing us the parts of our ego we would rather hide from the world. It has the power to illuminate the half truths that we occasionally tell ourselves, stripping away the false support which comes from them and in turn replacing them with truth. It is on this truth that we can then build when Venus returns as the morning star, and we can move into a time of advancement and enlightenment.

In this cycle within the codex, the first day of the inferior conjunction happens on 10 Q’anil. This can be seen as working together in order to bring out the full brilliance of community, to come to ripeness after a period of darkness.  We are preparing for a journey which will take us through to 5 Ajmak (19th January 2022).

 

The inferior conjunction of Venus has coincided with some societal upheavals including the downfall of leaders occurring during or soon after. According to Bruce Scofield in his book How to Practice Mayan Astrology:

“Newsworthy events occurring at, or just after, the inferior conjunction are often characterized by impulsive human errors the lead to a levelling or crash of some sort.”

 

 

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

Superior Conjunction of Venus Begins – 9 K’at (2nd July 2019)

4 Comments

On the day 9 K’at (2nd July 2019), according to the Dresden codex, Venus will cease to be a feature in our morning sky. The morning star will disappear to the underworld, only to reappear as the evening star on 8 Ix (30th September 2019).

The cycle of Venus was used by the ancient Maya to time many ritual practices, including war and sacrifice. The heliacal rising of Venus, when Venus is seen to rise with the Sun, was seen as a particularly destructive and unsettled time.  Venus has been rising heliacally since 7 Q’anil (8th November 2018). The period since the beginning of the heliacal rise of Venus seems to have been a great turmoil for many.  It was at its peak brightness on November 29th 2018 (2 Toj) and reached its greatest height (western elongation) on January 6th 2019 (1 Kej), which could be seen as the height of its influence.

It is said that the light of the morning star illuminates that which has been hidden, it is an exposer of cover-ups. Additionally it is said that when Venus rises heliacally on a Q’anil day, the Venus deities spear  the children. Has this morning star period seen the revelation of children being harmed? Perhaps this might refer to the coming to light of the plight of migrant children, whether on ships in the Mediterranean or in border/refugee camps.

This is a time that could be seen as a respite from the disturbing influence that Venus has. It is said that Venus represents a warrior and that his return to the darkness gives him the time to make new spears, to throw at his victims when he returns as the evening star. Appearances on both Q’anil and Ix will signify children as the victims, however the difference may be the way of expression. Where the morning rise of illumination may highlight the issue externally, the evening phase represents the dark mirror of introspection. This may represent a time when we look within ourselves and ask how we ever allowed this to happen in the first place. It can be a time to look at what went wrong and see how to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. It is a time to evaluate ourselves, and the leaders of our society, a time to address our values and the values of the society we live in, and a time to redress the balance.

Maya Calendar Information

The Inferior Conjunction of Venus – 12 Ajpu (31st October 2018)

Leave a comment

Since the day 9 Tz’i (23rd February 2018) Venus has appeared in the west, in the evening sky. From August onward it became a little lower each night until it became lost in the glare of the sunset. Today, according to the Dresden Codex, is the first day of the inferior conjunction of Venus. Venus is passing between the Earth and the Sun, and as such is not visible in our night sky.

Venus as the evening star can be seen to represent the obsidian mirror, the dark mirror within us showing us the parts of our ego we would rather hide from the world. There has been a particularly strong cycle this time around, one which takes place every 8 years. The dark mirror has been intensified by the power of the year lord, which reached its peak intensity around mid-summer, the light of the sun illuminating not only the things we wish to hide from the world, but possibly the things we wish to hide from ourselves. It has the power to illuminate the half truths that we occasionally tell ourselves, stripping away the false support which comes from them and in turn replacing them with truth. It is on this truth that we can then build when Venus returns as the morning star, and we can move into a time of advancement and enlightenment.

In this cycle within the codex, the first day of the inferior conjunction happens on 12 Ajpu. This can be seen as the day on which we use our life experience to make a judgement between what is divine and what is not.

The inferior conjunction of Venus has coincided with some societal upheavals including the downfall of leaders occurring during or soon after. According to Bruce Scofield in his book How to Practice Mayan Astrology:

“Newsworthy events occurring at, or just after, the inferior conjunction are often characterized by impulsive human errors the lead to a levelling or crash of some sort.”

 

 

Maya Calendar Information

Superior Conjunction of Venus Begins – 10 Ajpu (25th November 2017)

Leave a comment

The cycle of Venus was used by the ancient Maya to time many ritual practices, including war and sacrifice. The heliacal rising of Venus, when Venus is seen to rise with the Sun, was seen as a particularly destructive and unsettled time.  Venus has been rising heliacally since 8 K’at (3rd April 2017). The period since the beginning of the heliacal rise of Venus seems to have been a great turmoil for many.  It was at its peak brightness on April 29th 2017 (8 Tz’i) and reached its greatest height (western elongation) on June 3rd 2017 (4 Kan), which could be seen as the height of its influence.

It is said that the light of the morning star illuminates that which has been hidden, it is an exposer of cover-ups, particularly those of a sexual nature. Additionally it is said that when Venus rises heliacally on a K’at day, the Venus deities spear  the old men, the rulers and kings. Has this morning star period seen older men in powerful positions falling from grace due to sex scandals?

On the day 10 Ajpu (25th November 2017), according to the Dresden codex, Venus will cease to be a feature in our morning sky. The morning star will disappear to the underworld, only to reappear as the evening star on 9 Tz’i Kame, 23rd February 2018.

This is a time that could be seen as a respite from the disturbing influence that Venus has. It can be a time to look at what went wrong and see how to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. It is a time to evaluate ourselves, and the leaders of our society, a time to address our values and the values of the society we live in, and a time to redress the balance.

The phases of Venus 2017/2018, Starting at the inferior conjunction on 13 Ajmak (26th March 2017). By Mark Elmy
Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

10 Kame (19th July 2016) – The Return of Venus as the Evening Star

3 Comments

10 KameThe nawal Kame represents transformation, particularly spiritual transformation, and today it is coupled with the number representing community. This could give a day of profound changes in society.

The energy of Kame assists transformation from one state of being to another. If these changes are embraced they can be moved through at a determined rate. However, one way or another they will happen. If they are constantly resisted, they may become enforced changes, transformations which happen suddenly and at a rate we have no control over. The end result may be the same, but the process may seem harsher.

The number 10 is seen as representing community and the laws of society. Today could be a day of profound, possibly spiritual, change within society in general. This could also represent the support of your community to help you through your own transformation and growth. It is representative of our ability to work together to assist each other through our changes, whether they are enforced or voluntary.Venus cycle 2015 to 2017

In addition to this energy of profound change in society, today is also the day within the Dresden Codex on which Venus returns to the sky as an evening star. Astronomically speaking, Venus has been a theoretically visible for a few days now. Tonight Venus should be the first time when it is clearly visible as an evening “star” for a few minutes, appearing from the glare of the Sun, only to set a few minutes after the Sun.

According to Bruce Scofield in the book How to Practice Mayan Astrology, Venus can represent the rise and fall of leaders. They describe the rise of a great leader, seen as a bright shining light who becomes so bright he gets lost in hedonism. This leads to his downfall and eventual exile, the rise and fall of the morning star. The superior conjunction is seen as a time of judgement and redressing the balance before the leader is 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.

With the energy of 10 Kame combining with the reappearance of Venus, it could signal end end to the trials which began on 11 Ajmak (20th April) with the superior conjunction of Venus. The light travelled through the underworld as the planet Venus disappeared behind the Sun, from the point of view from Earth. Now, the light returns, in the wisdom place of the west, possibly signifying the emergence of a steadying influences as society goes through a profound change. The trials during the preceding 80 days have humbled the false leaders, and now new wisdom emerges.

Additionally, we will be under the influence of the full moon, this time falling in the western sign of Capricorn. This is also a strong emphasis on responsibility, boundaries and structure. Once again we see a stabilising influence emerging after the time of trials, although this may occur by establishing new boundaries.

Venus appearing as an evening star for the first time after its journey behind the Sun relative to the Earth (Superior Conjunction)
Venus appearing as an evening star for the first time after its journey behind the Sun relative to the Earth (Superior Conjunction)

 

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 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 people acting in harmony with each other.