Tag Archives: Dresden Codex

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

The Heliacal Rise of Venus, 7 Ajpu (29th October 2026)

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Today Venus returns to the morning sky. If you go out before sunrise today, you may be rewarded with a fleeting glimpse of Venus. Venus will briefly appear on the eastern horizon, just before disappearing into the Sun’s glare.

Heliacal rise of Venus
Heliacal rise of Venus, October 29th 2026, screenshot from Stellarium

The cycle of Venus was of great importance to the ancient Maya, and often used to time ritual activities including warfare and sacrifices. This depended on whether it happened in the dry season or rainy season. Venus was generally seen to have an unsettling influence, particularly during the time of the heliacal rising of Venus.

Today we enter that period of potential turbulence, the first rising of Venus as the Morning Star. This is said to be the time when the influence of Venus “spears” certain victims. Although these victims are often leaders, this turmoil is affecting all of us on the planet. That said, whoever holds “high position” would do well to avoid rushing into impassioned decisions  or judgement during the first few days of the Morning Star.

The Dresden Codex

Heliacal Rise of Venus on Ajpu Day

Here is the particular page in the Dresden Codex which refers to the heliacal rise of Venus on an Ajpu day. In the top left hand portion of the page, you can see the glyphs E’, Iq’, E’ and then Ajpu. These positions relate to superior conjunction, rise as evening “star”, inferior conjunction and then rise as morning “star”.

 

 

In the page pertaining to this Venus event, the top panel (above) shows the Corn god standing before the Death god (Kisin or Ah Puch). These are the Lords of the Heliacal rise. The Venus warrior in the second panel  spears the victim in the lower panel. The victim in this panel is said to be Tzul, a foreigner.

It is interesting to note that the panels are arranged so that the final date is the heliacal rise. If the figures on the left are seen as presiding over a period, does that period begin with the disappearance of the morning star? For example, this fifth page began on 10 E’ (15th November 2025) with beginning of the superior conjunction phase. It continues for 584 days until the beginning of the next superior conjunction on 9 Ajmak (22nd June 2027). Could it be seen that the Maize lord and Kisin have been governing this time from November 2025 through to October 2026? Perhaps the time as the evening star could be seen as the gestation for what is birthed as the morning star. When the morning star rises, that which has been hidden in the darkness emerges?

The last time that Venus would have gone through the heliacal rise in the Autumn would have been 2018. Perhaps we can get an insight into possible events by looking at the events between 31st October of 2018 and 24th June 2019.

 

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

The Inferior Conjunction of Venus Begins – 12 E’ (21st October 2026)

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Since the day 9 Iq’ (13th February 2026) Venus has appeared in the west, in the evening sky. From 15th August 2026 Venus appeared a little lower each evening until it became lost in the glare of the sunset. Today, according to the Dresden Codex, the inferior conjunction of Venus begins. This happens when Venus is passing between the Earth and the Sun, and as such is not visible in our night sky. The period of the inferior conjunction takes 8 days. The actual inferior conjunction, when Venus is directly between the Earth and the Sun occurring on 3 Ajmak (25th October 2026)

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 12 E’. This could be seen as a day to use our life experience to guide our way forward after a period of darkness.  We are preparing for a journey which will take us through to 7 Ajpu (29th October 2026).

The inferior conjunction of Venus has coincided with some societal upheavals. This includes 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 that lead to a levelling or crash of some sort.”

 

 

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

Superior Conjunction of Venus Begins – 1 Ajmak (19th November 2025)

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According to the Dresden codex, the superior conjunction phase of Venus begins on 1 Ajmak (19th November 2025). 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 13 Kame (17th February 2026).

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 12 Ajpu (28th March 2025). You can see my post about it here https://thefourpillars.net/heliacal-rise-of-venus/

Venus was at its peak brightness on April 27th 2025 (3 Tz’i). It reached its greatest western elongation on May 31st 2025 (11 K’at). 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 exposes cover-ups, and leaders may fall from power. It could be a time when leaders are brought to account for their deeds. When Venus rises heliacally on an Ajpu day, the Venus deities are said to spear the foreigner. In this period the Venus deities are the death lord and the corn lord. The death lord is carrying and Aq’ab’al glyph on his forehead. Has this morning star period brought an assault on foreigners? As we look the world over we see that this has been a theme this year and, in my opinion, particularly since late March. As Venus returns to the underworld, will those Venus lords lose their power?

This is a time that could be seen as a respite from the disturbing influence that Venus has. 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

Aztlander Live Presentation – 22nd September 2025

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The Aztlander Magazine did me the honour of requesting an article from me, which was published at the beginning of September. However, this was only part of the honour.

I will be reaching an important milestone in many ways on 22nd September 2025. Not only will it be my 54th birthday, but I will also be making a public presentation, over Zoom, about the El Mirador trek.

In the presentation I will talk about the elements of astronomy and archaeoastronomy which guided my timing for the journey. Then I’ll take you along with me, through photos and video footage from the trek. We’ll be visiting preclassic Maya sites and watching sunsets, and sunrises, from the tops of pyramids deep in the jungle.

I will be giving the presentation at 8pm EST on 22nd September. The event is free and public, here is the Zoom link to join https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84027561067

If you would like to read the original article, you can find it here: https://publuu.com/flip-book/288247/2107713

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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