Tag Archives: Iq’

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

10 Iq’ (25th March 2026)

Leave a comment

10 Iq' An emphasis on cooperative communication could make this a very sociable, chatty day. The strength of both the number and the nawal Iq’ could lead to some inspired words and changes.

Whilst Iq’ is known for its blustery nature, there are some combinations which really can bring out the best in it. Its combination with the number 10 is one of these. If you were ever looking for a day to hold a community meeting this would be the prime candidate. The inspiring words conveyed through the divine breath come into contact with the number which represents community and cooperation. We could expect our oratory skills to be enhanced today, especially when we are surrounded by our family and friends. It is a great day to make speeches and to listen to them. Communication goes both ways, so make sure you listen to what your community tells you today, there may be something divinely inspired in its words.

Despite all the positive connotations of this day, bear in mind that the wind may change and Iq’ is also a nawal that governs the angry word. With the power of the number 10 behind it, be aware of the effect your words might have. If you feel anger rising within you, pause and take a breath before you allow your words to fly.

If you are seeking to make changes, ask for the support of your community today to make them. This may be emotional or physical support. Today is the day to rally around friends and share words to support them through their processes.

The Nawal Iq’

Wind God 1

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them. However, be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

The Number Ten

The number 10 is another number which demonstrates the connection between the sacred calendar and the human body. As five represents one hand, ten represents two hands coming together. This can be seen as the shaking of hands creating agreement between people. Ten is seen as a good number, a number of community and the laws of society, of acting in harmony.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

3 Iq’ (5th March 2026)

Leave a comment

3 Iq'Listen to your inner voice for inspiring words today as you may find that they do not come from the outer world. The strong and unpredictable nature of the day could cause some challenges regarding communication and changes.

There are two ways of writing numbers in Maya glyphs. One is the dot and bar notation that you see alongside the glyph for the nawal above. The other is where the numbers are denoted by the heads of various deities. Within this notation, the number 3 is denoted by the head of the wind god. Thus, the day 3 Iq’ may be seen as having double the potential of another Iq’ day.

This extra power could again go either way, but whatever way it goes it is likely to be powerful. The obstructions associated with the number 3 make give this day the potential for mixed messages to say the least. If you have anything important to communicate it may probably be best to wait, as today your words may become jumbled. Whilst you might get your message across, the energy of today might even lead to your words being misinterpreted.

Today you may be inspired to make changes, with the power of the wind god behind you. However, as the external expression can be challenged, you may find your desired changes rather difficult to achieve today. Once again, the inner world is the place to make the changes. It is a day to make the changes within in order to affect external change. As the number 3 can represent the home, this would be a perfect day to make these changes within your home. Thus, If there was ever a day for a “Spring clean”, this is it. Allow the breath of fresh air to cleanse your home.

 

This day, 3 Iq’, represents the beginning of a new month within the solar calendar. The month of Rukab’ Pach is associated with the second season of hen hatching. It marks the time of the year in the northern hemisphere, where the sun is present for the longest period, the growing season is at its greatest potential. Sometimes we can look as cycles as learning and then implementation, often the first or upwards part can be the learning part. If we apply this to the idea of the year lords, perhaps it is the first 140 days that we are learning to adjust to the energy of the new Mam, and here we have reached the pinnacle. It is time to “hatch out” the lesson and use the fullness of the solar energy to propel us forward in our new work.

The Nawal Iq’

Wind God 1

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them. However, be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

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 stones 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 Orion Nebula
The Orion Nebula 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 dilemmas. 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 yourself.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

9 Iq’ (13th February 2026)

Leave a comment

Inhale the breath of life and allow the changes to happen. The wind is bringing novelty into your life, are you ready to embrace the adventure that comes with new discoveries?

The breath of life combines with the number of life on this auspicious day. However, this may not necessarily make it the easiest of days to navigate. It has the possibility for big life changes. With Iq’ representing communication, in particular the inspiring, divine word, or flower word, we can always expect the spoken word to be highlighted on an Iq’ day. Today we see those qualities in association with the number that represents life and the divine feminine. This is a day to ask for the counsel of women, to listen to what the women in your life have to say and to draw inspiration from their words.

Changes in the wind are what bring the change from dry to wet, and wet to dry season, here in Guatemala. The change in the wind brings life and here we see this doubled. When life becomes stagnant, decay sets in. Change is what enlivens us, although many of us may try to resist it.

Veintena Tz’apin Q’ij

Today we move into the final five days of the solar year, called Tz’apin Q’ij. These are important days within the calendar and will be covered in their own individual posts. You can see the post about the first day of Tz’apin Q’ij  here

The Nawal Iq’

Wind God 1

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them. However, be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

The Number Nine

The number nine 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. It is a day on which women may wish to give thanks for their gifts.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 Iq’ (24th January 2026)

Leave a comment

2 Iq'How will you use your words today? Communication may be highly polarised. Do your words unite or divide, create or destroy? The power of both aspects is in the breath and, therefore, the voice today.

This could be seen as a day of diplomacy, where the energy of the number 2 combined with the nawal Iq’ brings the words to bridge the differences between opposing views. What will you create with your words?

In the Popol Vuh, the act of creation happens when Sovereign Plumed Serpent and Hunrakan, the Heart of the Sky, joined their words and thoughts. This suggests that once they had spoken, the dawn of life was conceived. Once again, we see a story of creation starting with the ocean (1 Imox) and here being developed by the words (2 Iq’)

The day 2 Iq’ could give rise to some unexpectedly powerful communication. The number 2 brings polarities and Iq’ is an unpredictable nawal, this has both light and dark potentials.
In its lightest aspect, Iq’ can represent the breath of life itself, the divine inspiration which flows through you, creating beautiful words. It may represent the charming words with which you empower your lover, another interpretation of the number 2. It could represent the words of strength that come at the right moment to inspire selfless acts of kindness amongst those around you.

The other side of Iq’ can be dark and vengeful, destroying and cutting down those in its path with barbed words. Whilst the number 2 is relatively gentle, and may take the sting out of some of these words, it is still possible that unintentional damage may be caused. Today it may be especially necessary to take a breath, step back from a situation and think before you speak.

Veintena Uchum

In February 2025 we started the Mayan solar year on the day 13 Iq’. It has been 340 days since the start of the year 13 Iq’. We are entering the eighteenth, and final, full 20 day period of the solar year, or Macewal Q’ij, on the day 2 Iq’. Today is the first day of Uchum known as the season of second sowing. The seeds which are planted receive the final blessings of the old Mam 13 Iq’ in his last breath before his final appearance as 9 Iq’, the herald of the Tz’apin Q’ij, the five directionless days at the end of the solar year.

The Nawal Iq’

Wind God 1

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them. However, be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

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

8 Iq’ (4th January 2026)

Leave a comment

8 IqNew and old words combine to bring the whole message. The nawal Iq’ governs communication and change and today it is combined with the number of wholeness, the number 8.

The eighth day of the trecena is the most widely recognised day of ceremony, and the ceremonies today are to give thanks for the many qualities attributed to the nawal Iq’. First and foremost, they are for the breath of life. It is the nawal Iq’ which breathes life into us. The celebration of nawal Iq’ is a celebration of life itself. Offerings are made to give thanks for every breath taken.

It is also a day to recognise what the passing of the breath of life through our throats brings, that is communication. Iq’ days are wordy, days to receive and transmit messages, especially when they are of deeper meaning. These are days when your words are empowered by the divine breath, sometimes you might not even recognise the words you utter. They are messages for others, not from you but through you. These messages bring change and therefore life, and today is a day to show gratitude for them.

The day 8 Iq’ can be seen as a day of communication, where inspiration may come to you in a truly useful, practical way. It can also be a day where challenging subjects that need to be discussed may be communicated in such a way that the point gets across without conflict. Changes might happen, but they happen with a particular grace and ease that helps to embrace life rather than turn it upside down. The effect of these changes will wholly depend on your attitude towards them.

Ventena Q’ib Ixik

Today marks the beginning of a new month as we travel through  the Macewal Q’ij, the solar, agricultural or civil calendar.  Today is the first day of Q’ib Ixik which relates to the season of smoke, of burning brushwood. Many people here in highland Guatemala burn the remains of the old corn plants and weeds on their corn field before planting the new crop. The hills are starting to show this smoke appearing now as preparation for the new growth starts. Whilst the Gregorian year may have turned already, in the Highland solar count we still have 45 days left of the year 13 Iq’. The Mam or year bearer is getting towards the end of his period of stewardship, his energy is nearly worn out. The remains are burned and turned into the soil enriching it with the ashes of experience for the next crop.

The Nawal Iq’

Wind God 1

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we can create, and manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It can blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised by Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them. However, be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance to change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

The Number Eight

The number 8 is considered to be a number of wholeness. It can be seen as birth (1) and death (7) combined to represent the whole cycle of the soul. It can also be seen as the point where the four first men who raised the sky from the sea were joined by their wives and the world became whole. The eighth day of the trecena is the most common day for ceremonies to be made. It is still in the balanced range of numbers and is an even number, which is also considered fortunate. As this wholeness represents every aspect of the energy of the day with which it is coupled. It is the wholeness of the nawal that is addressed in ceremony.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

[Updated] New Video – The Iq’ Trecena (15th – 27th December 2025)

Leave a comment

My apologies for a second posting. It was brought to my attention that the original video contained an error and a glitch. I have updated it to correct the titling error for 6 Kej and remove the audio glitch during 7 Q’anil. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The Iq’ trecena is a time to breathe life into something new. It may be a time of turbulence as the old pattern or path makes way for the new arrival. Hold on to your hats, this could be a bit of a wild ride!

Other Media

You’ll find the YouTube link at the bottom of this page. However, I am now making these recordings available as a podcast! You can find it on Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox and iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts and Deezer too!

For those of you who prefer a short format daily video, you can also find the trecena video divided into 13 shorter versions on TikTok. You can find me here https://www.tiktok.com/@mark.elmy or as @mark.elmy on the app.

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/

Calendar Workshop

If you would like to dive deeper into the sacred calendar, I will be running a workshop via Zoom from 11 am to 3 pm (Guatemala time, UTC -6) from 12th – 16th  January 2026. There are currently spaces available. For more information, please go to https://thefourpillars.net/maya-calendar-workshop/

The Jun E’ Journey

Are you feeling ready for a new adventure? Perhaps some time trekking intentionally in the jungle of northern Guatemala would satisfy your need for a disconnection from the modern world. The JunAjpu journey has filled up, but I was approached to see if it would be possible to make another journey in spring of 2026. I checked the calendar and found another auspicious trecena, the trecena of E’, would fall within the trekking period. The Jun E’ journey will take place between April 23rd and May 4th 2026. For more information, please visit https://thefourpillars.net/the-jun-e-journey/

1 Kej / 2026 Calendar

My 2026 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/2026-calendar/

Printed versions, in English, are available locally in Guatemala in San Marcos La Laguna at Lava Love Cacao and Palo Santo and in San Juan la Laguna at the candle shop of Nana Maria Feliciana, opposite Banrural, across from the flete parking. . They will also soon be available in the USA through Soul Lift Cacao through this link https://soulliftcacao.com/

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/

Great Programs to Support!

When I mention programs within my videos, it is because I know the people involved and can vouch that your donations will go towards helping the people for which they are intended.

Water4Life Global – 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 greywater 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 donate 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 specialise in medical and educational services. However, during the pandemic restrictions, they helped feed many people, but 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

Here’s the link for the Iq’ trecena video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/HFCAKllhqXk

[https://youtu.be/HFCAKllhqXk]

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 Iq’ (15th December 2025)

Leave a comment

1 Iq'Like a breath of fresh air, new communication begins today. Inspiring words can be like seeds which may take some time to take root. It is a day to plant the ideas of changes, but actual effects may take some time.

This is a day for potential of movement. Make a new start today as the cleansing energy of the nawal Iq’ blows away the dust and cobwebs. The energy behind this movement may need nurturing, some encouragement and support, possibly through inspiring words. Likewise, maybe the angry words associated with Iq’ are tempered today, a little more gentle. 

Today is the beginning of the trecena of Iq’, which may have several properties all tied together with quality of movement. This can include inspiration and communication through the movement of breath and change of state through movement. We could also view qualities of the trecena of Iq’ as a microcosm of the year lord of Iq’. Iq’ years are known for the sudden changes that may occur. This may bring anger or upset to those who are unready or unwilling to change. The strength of Iq’ is such that the changes cannot be avoided. They can embraced or resisted, but will go ahead regardless. Of course, embracing them is really the way to proceed. This trecena may require a degree of flexibility in order to get the most out of it. Now is the time for inspired movement and change.

Another phrase that could be very applicable today is “a breath of fresh air”. The new breath which invigorates and inspires us is present today. It may also bring new words to your lips. Today is a great day for the first words of new conversations.

Veintena Rukub Tumuxux

Within the Macewal Q’ij, today again marks the beginning of a new month as we travel through the solar year. Today is the first day of Rukub Tumuxux translated as the second season of flying ants. Within this season is the winter solstice, the darkest day of the northern hemisphere, from this season, the days begin to lighten as we start to move towards the arrival of the new Mam.

The Nawal Iq’

Wind God 1

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them. However, be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

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

New Video – The Iq’ Trecena (15th – 27th December 2025)

Leave a comment

[Update to remove audio glitch during 7 Q’anil]

The Iq’ trecena is a time to breathe life into something new. It may be a time of turbulence as the old pattern or path makes way for the new arrival. Hold on to your hats, this could be a bit of a wild ride!

Other Media

You’ll find the YouTube link at the bottom of this page. However, I am now making these recordings available as a podcast! You can find it on Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox and iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts and Deezer too!

For those of you who prefer a short format daily video, you can also find the trecena video divided into 13 shorter versions on TikTok. You can find me here https://www.tiktok.com/@mark.elmy or as @mark.elmy on the app.

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/

Calendar Workshop

If you would like to dive deeper into the sacred calendar, I will be running a workshop via Zoom from 11 am to 3 pm (Guatemala time, UTC -6) from 12th – 16th  January 2026. There are currently spaces available. For more information, please go to https://thefourpillars.net/maya-calendar-workshop/

The Jun E’ Journey

Are you feeling ready for a new adventure? Perhaps some time trekking intentionally in the jungle of northern Guatemala would satisfy your need for a disconnection from the modern world. The JunAjpu journey has filled up, but I was approached to see if it would be possible to make another journey in spring of 2026. I checked the calendar and found another auspicious trecena, the trecena of E’, would fall within the trekking period. The Jun E’ journey will take place between April 23rd and May 4th 2026. For more information, please visit https://thefourpillars.net/the-jun-e-journey/

1 Kej / 2026 Calendar

My 2026 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/2026-calendar/

Printed versions, in English, are available locally in Guatemala in San Marcos La Laguna at Lava Love Cacao and Palo Santo and in San Juan la Laguna at the candle shop of Nana Maria Feliciana, opposite Banrural, across from the flete parking. . They will also soon be available in the USA through Soul Lift Cacao through this link https://soulliftcacao.com/

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/

Great Programs to Support!

When I mention programs within my videos, it is because I know the people involved and can vouch that your donations will go towards helping the people for which they are intended.

Water4Life Global – 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 greywater 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 donate 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 specialise in medical and educational services. However, during the pandemic restrictions, they helped feed many people, but 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

Here’s the link for the Iq’ trecena video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/HFCAKllhqXk

[https://youtu.be/HFCAKllhqXk]

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

7 Iq’ (25th November 2025)

Leave a comment

7 Iq This may be an excellent day to wrap up any ongoing conversations, discussions or negotiations you may have been having. However, be aware of the words you choose. Their finality may lead to the burning of some bridges you may later have to rebuild. It is difficult not to use the phrase “the final word” in relation to the energy of this day.

Once again the nawal Iq’ brings a strong energy of change and communication to the day. However, today its combination with the number of balance may lead to some indecision.

The day 7 Iq’ is a day when you find yourself easily able to communicate at many different levels. It is a balanced day that might not find the full inspiring force of Iq’, but is unlikely to find great anger either. Today should bring balanced, firm, but fair communication. It could be a good day to finalise changes that you may have been considering.

The energy of nawal Iq’ brings changes, often unexpected, sometimes dramatic. One of the great challenges with the energy of Iq’ is its unpredictable nature. Today this nature is embellished by the indecisive nature of the number 7. It may present many opportunities for powerful changes. Your challenge will be to decide as to which one to embrace.

We can also look at this day from the perspective of the trecena of Ajmak. This could be an excellent day for having conversations around forgiveness. It enables us to have a final conversation about something and move on by giving an opportunity to choose the correct words to make this happen.

Veintena Nabe Tumuxux

We are now heading into the darkest time of the year, here in the Northern Hemisphere and in our second step towards that time we move into a month known as Nab’e Tumuxux, which is associated with the first season of flying ants.

The Nawal Iq’

Wind God 1

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them. However, be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

The Number Seven

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.

However, it is also 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. As such it can be a great number on which to finalise or end something.

7 the final step

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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

13 Iq’ (5th November 2025) – The Return on the Mam

Leave a comment

13 Iq'On this special day of the return of the Mam, important messages come through loud and clear, from this world or the other. The question will then be whether we choose to listen.

The energy of the nawal Iq’ is strong and can be unpredictable. It can bring change into our lives. This may be sudden and unexpected, changing our direction or blowing something at us without warning. When this energy is combined with the number 13, the strongest of the numbers, this may result in great changes. The power of the spirit world may be behind them.

Iq’ days are great days on which to make announcements, as your words are empowered and carry more weight. If you have something big to say, today would be an excellent day for it. It is important to recognise the extra force with which your words may arrive today. One of the shadows of Iq’ is anger and today angry words may be far more destructive than you intended. Whilst it is important to express yourself, this is certainly a day count to ten before you react. Today words may carry the energy of a hurricane with them.

Today is a powerful day to receive important messages from the spirit world or from your ancestors. This would be an excellent day to ask questions of the ancestors, through divination or a medium. However, the strength of this day may mean that the messages come through whether you are asking or not. It is important to be alert for these, although it is likely that they will be so obvious that you will not miss them.

Veintena Takaxepual – Return of the Mam

 

Within the solar calendar, today marks the beginning of a new month as we travel through the solar year. Today is the first day of Takaxepual known as the season of first sowing. It is 260 days since the Mam 13 Iq’ took his seat, you can read more about that here. This should mark the point in the year where the rain ceases to fall and we move into the dry months before the new Mam, 1 Kej, takes his seat in 105 days time.

It is particularly interesting that this takes place just before astronomical cross quarter day of Samhain (November 7th, 03:51 UTC). This point of the year is exactly midway (45 days) between the Equinox and the Solstice. It was considered the first day of winter in the Celtic calendar. It is seen as the death of the Sun god. The sun descends into the underworld where it will remain until Imbolc (Feb 3rd 2026 19:45 UTC). Regardless of the hemisphere there is a particular alignment which is happening. It is said to be an opening of portals to the otherworld.

This could suggest that the power of the Mam 13 Iq’ will go through a change at this point of the year, the original strength diminished after being used throughout the growing season. The year lord could be seen as having done his work and now enters a period of retirement, so perhaps the intensity this year lord has been demonstrating may be softened. As this Mam carries the intensity and chaos of the hurricane, it may bring some welcome relief.

The Nawal Iq’

Wind God 1

Nawal Iq’ is another strong nawal. It represents communication and particularly divine inspiration. It is the wind, the breath of life, that which brings the change in seasons.

The communication brought by Iq’ can be enlightening and inspiring. It is the breath of the divine which flows through us all, in fact the word for soul is Saq Iq’ – white breath. When our breath stops, our divine essence leaves our physical body. When we engage ourselves with the divine breath we are able to create, to manifest with our words, to inspire those around us. However, Iq’ also has a destructive side. It has the ability to blow like a hurricane and may level everything before it. It is the angry words which cut down everything in their path.

Hurricane is one of the few English words which is actually derived from a Mayan word- Junrakan, meaning “one footed”. Junrakan is another name for the Heart of the Sky, one of the creator deities. Once again it seems that certain patterns follow through the sequence of the nawales which are interrelated. Imox, the female creative principle, or egg, is fertilised be Iq’, the male principle. Their combination results in Aq’ab’al, the conception and a change in the state, bringing the dream into reality.

Iq’ is a day of communication, a day of inspiration. It can be a great day to express yourself through written or particularly verbal means. It is also a day on which changes happen. You can either embrace those changes or resist them. However, be aware that the wind blows forcefully and resistance of change requires a great deal of energy. Embracing change helps you to learn to dance like a leaf in the wind.

The Number Thirteen

The number 13 is the final number. It represents the spirit world. It is said that on Samhain, the veil between the worlds is the thinnest. However within the sacred calendar, this thinning happens every 13 days. This connection with the spirit world creates a powerful day. Both the positive and negative aspects of the day come through strongly. It is a very good day for activities such as divinations. Ceremonies on 13 days are best left to experienced Aj Q’ijab who understand how to work with that energy.