Tag Archives: Midwife

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

1 Kawok (7th November 2024) – Samhain 22.12 UTC

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1 KawokToday marks the beginning of our rebirth process. Kame has transformed us, with Tijax finally cutting away all that was holding us back. Now, Kawok is here to soothe us and wash away any debris.

Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex
Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex

We have gone through the inner alchemy and transformation of the Kame trecena and are now emerging as fresh and newborn. The trecena of Kawok acts as a midwife, assisting us in our birth into a new phase of life.

The energy of the nawal Kawok gently guides us through our rebirth process and into the world. This healing feminine energy brings compassion to our experience of rebirth, creating a graceful and beautiful transition.

Both Kawok and the number 1 have strong connections with birth and new life. As a representation of potential, the number 1 may require some assistance in realizing our opportunities. Kawok is there for us, ready to hold our hand and guide us firmly as we take our first steps into our new world. She represents the healing woman and the wisdom of the grandmothers.

Today, we may seek out the women who support us through our process of rebirth or reinvention. The compassion and wisdom shown to us by the women around us help us move forward into new areas. This day marks the very beginning of a new life or a new direction, with all the potential to be whatever we choose it to be.

Samhain

Today marks the astronomical cross quarter day of Samhain. This point of the year is exactly midway between the Equinox and the Solstice. Samhain was considered the first day of winter in the Celtic calendar. It is seen as the death of the Sun god, the sun descending into the underworld, where it will remain until Imbolc (Feb 3rd 2025).

Many people celebrate Samhain on 31st October. However, it is important to remember that Gregorian calendar dates did not exist for the ancients. To me, it is far more important to connect to solar and celestial events rather than a certain day of a Catholic calendar.

It is well known that the Maya were expert astronomers.  Much of their timekeeping was based on archaeoastronomical alignments. It would be unsurprising to find this day marked by their structures too. In Guatemala this day corresponds with the acronychal rising of the Pleiades, this important star cluster rising on the eastern horizon at sunset. It is possible that this event was taken as an important indicator of the beginning of the dry season by ancient Maya astronomers.

Regardless of the hemisphere and whether it is seen as the beginning of winter or the beginning of summer, there is a particular alignment which is happening, which is said to be an opening of portals to the otherworld. Perhaps rather than just seeing it as where the sun shines on the Earth, we could think of it as how the sun interacts with our magnetosphere. This in turn could be the reason as to why the veil is seen as being so thin at this time.

Today we see Samhain in combination with the day 1 Kawok. It could be seen as both a day for remembrance of our ancestors and to celebrate our descendants.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

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

7 Kawok (18th October 2024)

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7 KawokThe end of the storm or finalising the birth process. Both of these events can be a cause for celebration. Kawok brings us the energy and resilience to make it happen.

Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex
Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex

Like all things, the nawal Kawok seems to have two faces, one benevolent and one malevolent. However, this is just our perception and our experience. If our house gets flooded in a great storm, we may feel like cursing the rain. If we live in a desert, the rain falling may seem like a miracle, new life falling from the sky. The rain would fall whether we were there or not. If there were no rain, there would be no life.

Just as in the natural world, the rain brings new life, and the storms within our lives also bring the potential for new growth. Today, with nawal Kawok combined with the number 7, it is very much our choice to deal with the storms we see going on around us.

Sometimes we have to endure storms within our lives, and sometimes we lend our umbrellas to our families and friends as we help them to endure their storms. Today we have the opportunity to finally heal and decisively wash away the obstacles to growth, to allow the flow to take us towards novelty within our lives. This could be seen with the finality of the number 7 representing one final push to bring new energy into our lives. Of course, we can resist it if we wish. However, we might find that the current is too strong and that resistance only causes exhaustion. The new life is coming in on its own schedule. Allow the rain to heal you, to cleanse you and to soothe you. You can then emerge into the novelty of life.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

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.

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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

13 Kawok (28th September 2024)

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13 KawokHealing comes from another realm today. If something is blocking your growth, ask for the assistance of spirit to wash it away.

 

This is potentially one of the most turbulent days within the sacred count of days, but my own experience of these days has rarely seen that aspect. It has usually fully embraced the new birth aspect.

Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex
Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex

The day of the storm sent from the spirit world could be one interpretation of the combination of the nawal Kawok with the number 13. It certainly has the power to be intimidating. The ultimate day of the rain god where all might be washed away by the flood, where all is destroyed.

However, new creation can only happen where there is space for new growth, and if everything is covered with the outworn, the new growth cannot emerge. Here the spirit world lends a hand in the birth process, bringing its strength to the delivery. In fact we might consider that which comes in to the world today to have been birthed from spirit.

As such we can see an auspicious nature of the energy of today. This does not necessarily mean it will be a gentle day. If there is anything hanging around that you should have cleaned up, you might find yourself pushed into confronting it for clearance today. The debris of many years may be washed away. The process may bring some fleeting pain, the end result will be worth it.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

6 Kawok (8th September 2024)

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6 KawokThe stability of the number 6 helps to balance the storm’s energy to bring new growth. Today could prove to be very beneficial for bringing the new into the world.

Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex
Chak sends the fire serpent (lightning) from the sky, from the Dresden Codex

Even looking at the destructive aspect of Kawok, this day could be beneficial. The stability of the 6 would suggest that it is a day when the storms are quelled, when the force of the torrent is sufficient to wash away the debris without destroying the useful.

It is a day when the new born receives the blessings from all around. This will apply to new life, in all its guises, and to new projects. The energy of this day could be hugely supportive of the ideas that you brought into being on the day 4 No’j. It is the day to flesh out new things, to physically bring them into the world. It is a wonderful “launch day” for the physical aspect of your plan.

Just as this day represents midwives, we can also see it as a representation of female healers in general, or those who heal the feminine. Today we celebrate their abilities to soothe the emotions, to bring calm to life’s storms. They may do this through traditional healing channels such as energy work or massage, but also through counselling or music.

If you need to calm your emotions, or bring healing to a situation, this could be a very good day to do it. Allow Kawok to wash away emotions that are  no longer necessary to hold on to, and allow the new to emerge into the world. Use the supportive and stable energy of the day to calm the troubled waters.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

The Number Six

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. Six days are frequently used for ceremony thanks to their conducive energy.

The number 6 carries the qualities of the number 4, but has an extra axis. If we think of the number four representing the cardinal points, the number six adds a vertical axis to these. It brings in the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth. The number six has the stability of the number four embellished by the masculine and feminine principals. If the number four represents the physical world and the number 6 represents the physical world animated by the life force energy.

It also represents family, relating to the six qualities which hold families together – health, understanding, property, employment, friendship and actions.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

12 Kawok (19th August 2024)

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12 KawokYou have the life experience to heal anything standing between you and your rebirth today. The energy is conducive to clearing the obstructions and inducing your new growth. It can be easy if we allow it to be, or painful if we resist.

The number of life experience, combined with Kawok, gives the opportunity to finally wash away “stubborn stains” from the past. Should you allow the process to happen it can lead to rebirth.

I have an image of the nawal Kawok as a wise and loving, but firm, midwife. She has seen many new children brought into this world and knows what she is talking about. She is here to assist with the birth process. At this point there is no going back, there is only one way and that is to move past the pain to allow the new life to emerge. She is here to comfort and encourage, and occasionally to push you forwards when the process feels too hard. The flow that she brings cannot be stopped, if resistance is encountered the storm intensifies until her waters wash away the obstruction. It is, therefore, better to heed her advice, grit your teeth, and move through the process before the full power of the storm is unleashed.

This is the penultimate day of the trecena of ripening, and some would say the penultimate day of a cycle of 260 days. As 13 Ajpu is such an important day that is being birthed, it is the most experienced of midwives which is called upon in 12 Kawok. Here the analogy is that of bringing together all of your life experience in order to birth into being your own true ripeness.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

The Number 12

The number 12 is the penultimate number. In some ways it can be seen as the last Earthly number, the number 13 representing the spirit world. We travelled through the mortal world with 1 through 6, then the other world with 7 through 12. In this way 12 can be seen as a point of bringing all of the experiences into one bundle for presentation to the spirit world as we step into 13. As such, the number 12 brings a wealth of experience into one place, it is rather like writing an autobiography. It is totality, all that is, brought together.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

5 Kawok (30th July 2024)

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5 KawokSometimes we just have to work through the storm. The number 5 always suggests that hard work will be rewarded. This is a day to work on your renovation. The effort you invest clears your path to the new, whatever the storm brings.

Kawok energy is known for its softness and compassion, even in its storm aspect. Kawok energy can be seen as “tough love” caring yet determined. It is the guiding hand, keeping the boat steady as the storm rages all around it. It brings an energy of helping each other through the storms of life. Whilst Kawok has a connection to Chak, the rain god, it also has a connection to Ixchel, she of the rainbows. She is grandmother, and it is this caring energy of a grandmother which is manifested through Kawok. She is the goddess of medicine, and a midwife goddess, fulfilling the other aspects associated with Kawok.

Kawok helps us navigate through our problems by washing away the things we no longer need in our lives. Nothing can resist the strength of her current as it clears our path of debris. This can seem destructive, but it is purely to allow the new growth, the new birth to emerge.

The day 5 Kawok is a day to focus your energies on bringing new growth into your world. Whether it truly is bringing a new life into the world, or a project you have been working on, the energy of today is conducive with working to clear the way to allow its smooth passage from the darkness into the light. That is not to say that this process will be entirely free of resistance, some work may be required to ensure a safe arrival, but the results should be worth the effort.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

The Number Five

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

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

11 Kawok (10th July 2024)

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11 KawokThe energy of 11 Kawok may be wildly and unpredictably stormy. This is all part of the birthing process and can lead to a powerfully creative day.

The day 11 Kawok may bring many strong opportunities for the emergence of new growth into the world. The strong and vital will weather the storm, that which is worn out might not.

Following the powerful group healing of 10 Tijax, the 11 Kawok day is even stronger. Kawok certainly has both a healing, compassionate face and a destructive face. The rather turbulent and unpredictable energy of the number 11 may result in the strong expression of either and possibly both faces. This could certainly give rise to a rollercoaster day of ups and downs. When faced with this type of potential, it is even more important than usual to remain grounded and focused, like a ship’s captain guiding the vessel towards its destination. Fix your focus on what you choose to achieve, and allow yourself to alter course according to the conditions you encounter. This way you can make it to the new ground and new life on the opposite shore. Allow that which is no longer necessary to be washed away.

The unpredictable nature of the energy of the number 11 can provide fertile ground for innovation. The energy of the number 11 changes its direction intuitively, not following a logical path. But it is this spontonateity that brings out true creativity. Often leaps forward in any discipline come from not following the logical path. Here, seeing it with the nawal Kawok, it has a powerful, dramatic energy of healing and rebirth. The combination suggests a powerful birthing process. We may emerge a little bruised and sore, but teh new life has entered the world.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

The Number 11

The number 11 is a high and odd number. This gives it some rather challenging properties, although it can come good in the end. Imagine you visit Ireland and are transfixed by the green of the hills. Then you go to Morocco and are awed by the red of the buildings. Then you go to the Caribbean and are moved by the turquoise sea. You return home and paint a beautiful picture using those colours. When you were in Ireland you didn’t know you were going to paint that masterpiece. You may not have even known why you were there.  This is how 11 works. You are sure you need to be doing something, but unsure why. You are collecting experience through many wanderings.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

4 Kawok (20th June 2024) – Solstice 20:50 UTC

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4 KawokThis is a perfect day to birth something into the material world. If there is something that you have been gestating or working on it is a great day for its physical delivery.

The energy of 4 Kawok helps to stabilise the newborn into the world. This is a very practical day on which to get things moving, perhaps even with some tough love.

The energy of Kawok certainly has power to it, as the hard rain or the wild storm. However, sometimes this energy is needed to break through tough obstacles. Kawok energy helps us to do just that. It brings forth the energy of the flood, washing away the things that impede our progress. Of course, the degree to which we engage with the energy will determine its destructive power. It is certainly not something for a high-numbered day. This could lead to undesired and avoidable situations where the power of the storm is more destructive than healing.

However, today is different. The number 4 brings stability to this stormy energy, directing it towards the Earthly realm. This is a day to breakthrough physical obstructions in order to bring new growth into your life. This can be achieved with compassion, coming from the energy of the female healer, bringing stability to your new ideas, projects or direction.

Solstice

Today marks the June solstice. In the northern hemisphere this is the longest day. However, it is also the day on which the day on which the Sun’s energy is strongest. For many people this is the day when the sun is at its highest in the sky. As the Chol Q’ij is particularly concerned with the Sun, the energy of the solstice may also enhance the qualities of todays nawal. If you plan to make ceremony, a great focus might be to ask for the energy of the Sun to help you birth something into this world. Particularly in the north, this could truly be a day for something to see the first light of day.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

The Number Four

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

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

10 Kawok (31st May 2024)

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10 Kawok This can be seen as a particular day of caring and healing within our communities. This is a day to both offer and ask for a helping hand to steady the passage through the storms of life. This nurtures new life and growth both personally and within your community.

Kawok energy is known for compassion, even in its storm aspect, when this may manifest as “tough love”. She is the guiding hand, keeping the boat steady as the storm rages all around it. She brings the energy of helping each other through the storms of life with compassion and love. Whilst Kawok has a connection to Chak, the rain god, it also has a connection to Ixchel, the grandmother midwife. It is this caring energy of the grandmother which is manifested through Kawok.

Kawok helps us navigate through our problems by washing away the things we no longer need in our lives. Nothing can resist the strength of her current as it clears our path of debris. This can seem destructive, but it is purely to allow the new growth, the new birth to emerge.

Today we see this energy combined with the energy of the number 10. This can represent two hands coming together in friendship and cooperation. It can represent community and, as agreement through shaking of hands, the offer a hand to those in need. It is a friendly and helpful energy. We see this within the Tz’i trecena, and once again this shows us an essence of unconditional love for those around us. We hold their hand as we pass through our storms, providing mutual emotional support. Compassion and understanding bring healing to our communities and allow the newly born to emerge and flourish.

The Midwife Project

While I am not affiliated or associated with this project, I know some of the people involved and believe it to be an excellent initiative. I feel that today is a perfect day to give them a mention. What better day could there be to lend a helping hand to a community midwife program?

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 

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

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 Kawok (11th May 2024)

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3 KawokWithin the Maya calendars we see a microcosm reflection of life and creation cycles. The day 3 Kawok can represent the birth process of a new era, which may involve both pain and joy.

Within the Maya cross, the day 3 Kawok represents the future of the day Wajxakib (8) B’atz. Kawok represents the midwife’s energy and the birth process. Today is particularly strong as what it is birthing is the day 4 Ajpu. This is the day of the creation of a new world, and 3 Kawok is the midwife who brings it forth.

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 seen in many Maya homes supporting the tortilla griddle. The stones are the stars Alnitak, Saiph and Rigel in the constellation we call Orion. The Smoky Fireplace is the Great Orion Nebula (M42)

M42, The Orion Nebula. Photo by Mark Elmy

Another creation story is that the goddess Ixchel tipped over the water jar and caused a great flood which washed away the old world. If the new world comes into being on 4 Ajpu, 3 Kawok represents that great flood, washing away the old society which no longer serves. Here we see the storm aspect of the day Kawok strongly highlighted. This may not be the easiest of days to negotiate, especially if you are trying to hold on to what is being washed away. Perhaps it is time to let go and ride the wave instead.

The energy of the number 3 also represents the internal process. This is a day to call on the energy of the nawal Kawok to wash away your internal obstacles to the emergence of new growth in your life.

The Nawal Kawok

Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex
Ixchel empties the water jar, washing away the old world in order to bring in the new. From the Dresden Codex

While most healing roles do not seem to be gender specific, one is. Both women and men may be healers, prayer makers, herbalists and diviners, only women will become midwives. Kawok is the energy of the midwife. It helps to clear the obstructions from the birth process, in some ways it actually represents the birth process. Kawok brings the new into the world. In the Mayan cross, Kawok, the birth process finishes the sequence which starts with Aq’ab’al (conception) and moves through B’atz (gestation.) In the sequence of the calendar, Kawok precedes Ajpu. Ajpu represents the resurrection of the maize lord, also the creation of the world. Kawok creates the conditions for that to happen, the rain which brings forth the sprouting of the maize.

In its storm aspect, Kawok can be destructive, although it is a destruction which allows a new creation to happen. Kawok energy can give rise to some tempestuous situations, it can be a day which can give people a rough ride, although this may be for the eventual good. It is a day to ask for the gentle rain to bless your crops, and for the harsh rain to stop. It is a day which washes away the old and outworn in life, so that the new growth, life and divinity may emerge.

The Number Three

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 lacks stability and can represent 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.