Tag Archives: Faith

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 Tz’i (5th September 2023)

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1 Tz'iThe new trecena starts today, the next 13 day period may bring themes of faith, loyalty and justice. It may also be a period which initiates an amplified state of love and trust.

As we move into this new world, we sometimes need new guidance, and today the nawal Tz’i brings exactly this. It is a fresh guide that comes along to possibly take us in a new direction. Tz’i has our best interests at heart, and so it a good idea to trust this new guide, to have faith in where we are being taken. This may involve some unconditional trust as much as unconditional love.

The other side of Tz’i could represent the beginning of a time where loyalty may be tested. Our faith in the world may have been shaken, today we start to rebuild that faith as Tz’i encourages us to love each other unconditionally. This is likely to come about at the instigation of others, the combination with the number 1 suggesting that it needs a little encouragement to truly flourish.

This is a day to remember to show trust in others and encourage that faith to come out in them. With the help of the energy of the nawal Tz’i, we are able to guide each other.

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, and 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 its 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, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

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 just needs the correct nutrients and conditions to germinate and develop, just as sometimes we need encouragement to develop our ideas.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

7 Tz’i (16th August 2023)

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7 Tz'iToday we can see cycles coming to a conclusion. This is the last day before the beginning of a new ceremonial cycle and the nawal Tz’i has completed its task of lovingly guiding us through this time.

Today can be seen as a day to release one guide in order to allow another to come in. Here we see the nawal Tz’i on top of the pyramid, having accompanied us to our destination, the conclusion of our journey through the ceremonial cycle. The old guide now fades away to allow the new guide to step forward and accompany us through the next 260 days.

With the nawal Tz’i representing justice, this may be a day when legal matters come to a head. This may be related to social justice where the unethical are finally brought to task over their behaviour. Justice needs to be served to bring society into balance before the new ceremonies start. This is a day to petition the nawal Tz’i to help you finalise any outstanding legal matter should you have them. If you are in a drawn out legal process, today is the day to conclude matters.

Whilst this finality of justice will involve some ultimate judgement, it is important to remember that another property of the nawal Tz’i is unconditional love. Here we see this combined with the number that gives the ability to see in all directions, all points of view. This gives us the ability to make judgement not with a spirit of vengeance, but with the ability to view the differences unconditionally, bringing a particular fairness to the outcome.

Consequently, we can look to bring ourselves into balance today, and with the energy of Tz’i guiding us, our focus may be on bringing balance to the natural world through upholding the natural laws. It is a day to petition the nawal Tz’i for guidance in doing so.

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, and 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 its 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, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

Number Sequence.jpg
The sequence of numbers as they appear with each appearance of a nawal. Here we see that the sequence begins with 1 and ends with 7, giving 7 as a number of finality.

The number seven is the mid-point of the range of numbers. It is known as a number of death and endings, which would seem strange as it is only half way through. It is another representation of the change of state of the soul, showing half of the journey (1-6) in the mortal world and half (8-13) in the otherworld.

The numbers of the days set out as a pyramid.
The numbers of the days as they appear through the trecena. Here they can also be set out as a pyramid, reaching the peak is also the end of a journey.

If we imagine the numbers 1 through 13 as a pyramid, the number seven would be at the top. Seven is the number of balance, it gives the ability to weigh up situations and see all points of view. While this may be very noble, it may lead to indecision.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

13 Tz’i (27th July 2023)

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13 Tz'iThe nawal of guidance and faith combined with the number representing the spirit world and ancestors could be seen to create a very interesting day particularly for those feeling a little lost.

The nawal Tz’i is our faithful companion, guiding us and protecting us on our journey. It shows us the way, bearing a torch in the darkness for us to follow. It does this with the same spirit of unconditional love shown to us by our ancestors, who care only about the success of their offspring.

Days carrying the number 13 are said to be when the other world is at its closest, when we can perceive messages from that world most easily. These are seen as the best days for divination, to ask and receive messages from the unseen realms.

The day 13 Tz’i is also said to be one of the days on which the Rilaj Mam, the great grandfather, is celebrated. His post conquest equivalent, Maximon, has the day 28th October, the day of Saint Simon. Whilst there are some dark aspects attached to this Earth lord, it is also the one to whom offerings are made to keep us on the straight and narrow. This can be a potent day to make ceremonies to ask the ancestors for help to bring those with vices back to the good path, and protection for those we love from falling into vice.

It should, therefore, be no surprise that this is one of the most potent days to be on the lookout for information to guide your journey. Whilst it would be an excellent day to ask for guidance from a diviner, the guidance may come in many forms such as synchroncities, signs or omens. This is a day to fully engage your senses with the world, to ask questions of your guidance and observe what comes back to you. Watch for what stands out. This is a day to trust your higher feelings and instincts, another aspect of Tz’i, as they may be influenced by the guiding force of your ancestors.

With Tz’i representing law and order, this is a day to ask for the assistance of  the spirit world in legal matters and matters of social justice. It is the final day of the Tijax trecena, where our quest to remove imbalance may result in the restoration of order through guidance from our ancestors.

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, and 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 its 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, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

The number 13 is the final number on the pyramid. It represents the spirit world. It is said that on Halloween, 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, where both the positive and negative aspects of the nawal it is attached to come through strongly. It is a very good day for activities such as divination, however, ceremonies on 13 days are generally only carried out by the most experienced Aj Q’ij who understand how to work with that strength of energy.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

6 Tz’i (7th July 2023)

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6 Tz'iWith the nawal Tz’i representing faith and loyalty and the number 6 representing stability, events of today may go some way to stabilising your faith in your world.

As the nawal of unconditional love, Tz’i has the potential to be one of the most altruistic. It is a friendly and helpful energy, which guides and accompanies us on our journeys. Tz’i is instinctual, which is why it sometimes gets into trouble, however, it is those instincts which can also bring out its best aspect. These are also the instincts which bring loyalty through the ability to see past the current surface issue and remain faithful.

Today brings the balanced and stable number 6 together with these qualities. Sometimes life brings moments when we wonder why we are putting our energy into a situation, why we continue to support particular people or ideas. Today can be a day when a wavering doubt becomes stabilised, when your ability to trust your instincts is confirmed. It is a day when your faith in life receives input from not just the physical properties of the four directions, but the divine properties of the Heart of the Sky and Heart of the Earth.

The legal aspect of Tz’i would also suggest that this is a favourable day for matters of justice and the law. The 6 brings a solid and dependable balance, suggesting  that legal matters may be resolved in to a stable outcome. The bridging of Heaven and Earth seen within the properties of the number 6 could result in the Earthly laws being stabilised with divine justice.

The number 6 also represents the family, and 6 Tz’i helps you to remember the qualities of  loyalty and unconditional love within your family. If your faith in life or trust in your instinct has been shaken, it may be stabilised today through interaction with your family.

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, and 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 its 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, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

The number six is said to be the number of ultimate stability. It is the first of the three middle numbers of the cycle, the balance point neither too strong nor too weak. It is a day frequently used for ceremony thanks to its conducive energy. It represents the four directions with the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth. It also represents family, relating to the six qualities that nourish and hold families together – health, understanding, property, employment, friendship and actions.

The cross at the top of the central hill, Paclom, in Momostenango. Paclom is known as "the six place" and the two armed cross represents the four directions combining with the Heart of the Earth and the Heart of the Sky. This picture was taken on Wajxakib B'atz, February 2010.
The cross at the top of the central hill, Paclom, in Momostenango. Paclom is known as “the six place” and the two armed cross represents the four directions combining with the Heart of the Earth and the Heart of the Sky. This picture was taken on Wajxakib B’atz, February 2010.
Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

12 Tz’i (17th June 2023)

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12 Tz'iLife lessons may serve to enhance your sense of faith and loyalty today. This may prove useful as the high power of this day may put something irresistible right in front of you.

There are different properties associated with each number, but there are also some rules of thumb which act as constants. One of these is that the numbers from 9 to 13 are thought of as having a great deal of strength. Here we see a strong number combined with the nawal Tz’i, which has some very strong properties, giving this day the possibility to be rather spectacular for either the right or the wrong reasons.

What we have learned in our lives may have shown us where qualities like faith and loyalty get us. Sometimes we misplace them, we trust people who betray us, we give our loyalty to companies who use us. We get a few kicks along the way which are supposed to help us discern, so that the next time, we know where to place our trust. Sometimes the lessons are really harsh and make us question our faith in our life path, could we really have got it so wrong? Sometimes betrayal is of our own doing, an opportunity presents itself (or herself, or himself) which just seems too right to be wrong. Our loyalty to our commitments disappears from the thought process, then we have to deal with the consequences. Today may be a day where an situation such as this occurs.

However, the other side of this day has great potential. The strength of the energy of this day helps us to call on all of our life experience to bolster our faith in the world. The energy of the nawal Tz’i comes to restore our faith through bringing these life lessons into context. This is a day to use your life experience to bring out your ability to trust in your path, to show your loyalty and most importantly of all, to love unconditionally.

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, and 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 its 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, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

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

5 Tz’i (28th May 2023)

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5 Tz'iBoth the nawal Tz’i and the number 5 have some pretty challenging aspects to them, so today might be a bit of a rough ride. However, of course, it might also give rise to some true understanding of unconditional love.

When the nawal which represents faith, loyalty and unconditional love is combined with the number which represents hard work, it is pretty obvious that this might prove to be  testing day. Yet again we see a day with a challenging energy appear in the trecena of Kame.

The energy of the number 5 can cause a drive to rush into things without thinking and the energy of the nawal Tz’i can be impulsive and hormonally driven. This can lead to the possibility of challenging situations arising, particularly within relationships. Sometimes those we love the dearest, those we would do anything for, do things that we just can’t understand. Sometimes they betray our trust and our faith in them. Tz’i gives us the understanding of how to continue to love unconditionally, no matter what. Today Tz’i is asking you, “can you really love unconditionally?”

This does not just apply to relationships, of course. Today may throw up some “development opportunities” within the areas of faith and loyalty in general. Remember, this trecena of Kame is all about a transformation of our spirit, and it is only through testing of our faith in our path and our lives that we can see if we are ready to embrace that transformation. Tz’i is here to guide us through the darkness, provided we are willing to put in the work required from us, this is a day where we have to work on trusting our guidance.

Nawal Tz’i is also the nawal of the law and justice. This is not just the federal or district law, these are the laws of society. It is true justice. Today it may feel like obtaining justice requires hard work and injustice in the world may be highlighted. While Tz’i days are normally good days for legal matters, today it might take extra effort to get the result you are looking for.

The dog sits by the cauldron, from the Madrid Codex
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, and 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 its 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, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

The Sacred Mayan calendar is often said to be a calendar of human life, and parts of it 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 it’s five digits. It is with our hands that we work, and with what we earn for that work that 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

11 Tz’i (8th May 2023)

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11 Tz'iWith the unconditional love and loyalty carried by the nawal Tz’i combined with the uncertainty and strength of the number 11, today may prove to be a rather confusing day of split loyalties.

The nawal Tz’i can be your best friend. The energy it gives is that of the unconditional, guiding and protecting you through thick and thin. It is devotion, whether to a person or a cause. However strong it may be, the number 11 can be directionless, or try to go in all directions at once. Today that could lead to divided loyalty. It is a day when you may find yourself trying to be all things to all people. Of course this is a very noble ideal, but not only may you find it difficult to accomplish, you may find that you end up with some conflicts of interest. Your loyalty may end up spread too thinly and, as a result, fail to achieve your intended goal in any of the areas you applied it to.

The energy of the nawal Tz’i is also known for its impulsive nature, particularly when it comes to matters of a more sensual nature. When this energy is combined with the equally impulsive energy of the number 11, desires and urges may be very difficult to control. As the nawal Tz’i is also the nawal which represents our guidance, the combination with the number 11 could suggest that there may be a strong and undeniable feeling of being guided towards something. It will be important to really apply some perspective to this guidance. The strength of the drive may be irresistible, however is it really in your long term interests? Today it will be important to find a direction to focus your devotion before you apply it, and once you find that direction, keep with it. This may very well be THE day of temptations.

The dog sits by the cauldron, from the Madrid Codex
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, and 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 its 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, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

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

4 Tz’i (18th April 2023)

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4 Tz'iThe day 4 Tz’i may come as a welcome relief after the challenges faced yesterday. If those challenges caused you to lose faith in yourself or your world, here is the nawal Tz’i to restore it.

This is again rather a wonderful combination, the unconditional love and loyalty of Tz’i being grounded into the real world by the number 4.  The 4 leans very much to the practical world and gives us the solid foundation on which all physical existence is based. Its combination with Tz’i  gives a feeling of dependability, a solid and honest energy, bringing justice to the physical world. It is the unswayable loyalty that brings absolute trust to life.

It is a day when you might encounter some unusual examples of the lengths your friends will go to to help you. It is a day where you may find your faith in your journey restored and strengthened by your experiences. This of course also gives you the opportunity to act in the same manner, to go the extra mile for someone today. The “other” side of Tz’i should be calmed today, and is unlikely to raise it’s head. It is a day where the instinct serves to bring stable guidance in your journey. It is a day when the natural laws of the world are balanced, and true justice may be seen.

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, and 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 its 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, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

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 solar number. Even though it is still low, it is thought of as a good number.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

3 Tz’i (9th March 2023)

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3 Tz'iThe day 3 Tz’i may be a day where your faith in the world may be challenged and your loyalty tested by circumstances. Finding the faith within you is the key.

The energy of the nawal Tz’i does have its polarities, it often brings days which remind us of the unconditional love that can be displayed, faith in the world and in humanity, and the justice which comes to those who deserve it. However, today the opposite polarity may be more apparent, at least in the external world. The energy of the number 3 brings challenges to these values, and possibly brings out the more difficult side of Tz’i. This could be a day when the unjust appear to get away with their deeds, when your faith in the universal laws may be shaken. The energy of the day may influence to the extent that 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 and 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.

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, and 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, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

The three belt stars of Orion (known as Tortuga) Mintaka, Alnilam and Alnitab with the Orion Nebula (M42) on the right. Picture by Mark Elmy

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)

A (slightly crude) montage showing a proposed correlation between the constellation of Orion and the triadic structure of Maya pyramids. This one is "El Tigre" at the El Mirador site. Photo and montage by Mark Elmy
A (slightly crude) montage showing a proposed correlation between the constellation of Orion and the triadic structure of Maya pyramids. This one is “El Tigre” at the El Mirador site. Photo and montage by Mark Elmy

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.

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 is possibly the most troublesome of the numbers to deal with, it lacks stability. 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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

9 Tz’i (17th February 2023)

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9 Tz'i

Whilst the nawal Tz’i may have a colourful reputation, it also encompasses some of the most desirable traits we can exhibit. It is an energy of faith, loyalty, justice and guidance. Today all of those traits are brought into focus with the energy of the number 9, the energy of life and particularly the feminine aspects of it. As we move through this trecena of Iq’, highlighting changes and communication, this is a day to seek out guidance for your life path, which may come especially from women.

The day 9 Tz’i can be seen as a day about having faith in life. Sometimes in order to strengthen that faith, it may be tested. It is a day of loyalty to the women in your life and a day to show your unconditional love for them. It may also be a day to seek justice, particularly for women or issues affecting them.

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, and 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, but be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

The number nine is very special indeed. It is the number of lunations in the human gestation period and in the sacred calendar. The sacred calendar is known as a calendar of life, and it is women that give life. As such the number nine is seen as the number of life and the number of the divine feminine. It gives all that it is attached to a strong feminine presence and is a day on which women may wish to give thanks for their gifts.