Tag Archives: Partnership

2 Aj (6th March 2024)

5th March 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

Is there a way to bring harmony by embracing both sides or points of view? The wise leader would find it and use it to strengthen the community as a whole.

Today the nawal Aj brings harmony to our home, our relationships and our community. However, the number 2 highlights duality suggesting we may need to make a choice about something which challenges this.

The nawal Aj represents the cornstalk which joins the Heart of the Sky to the Heart of the Earth. It is this connection which helps Aj to sustain the home and community through its masculine aspect of authority and feminine aspect of compassion. Today it is combined with the number 2, enhancing this ability to draw on both sides of the polarity and strengthening this connection. It connects the mother with the father to bring harmony into the home.

The fairness and honesty of Aj may help you to make a decision which will help to bring harmony into your life, and the life of those around you. With the nawal Aj representing physical (rather than spiritual) leadership, this may be a good day to assess the pros and cons of leaders.

The Nawal Aj

The Temple of the Foliated Cross, Palenque — The Temple of the Foliated Cross. This small temple houses one of the most remarkable and beautiful friezes, the Foliated Cross. Together with those of the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Cross, this forms an architectural version of a codex. It shows both mythic and historical accounts of the ruling dynasty. The three temples together form the cross group, the sacred heart of Palenque. Picture by Mark Elmy

The nawal Aj is related to many things which generally revolve around leadership on an earthly level. It is also known as the cornstalk, sometimes the staff of life. It represents the spinal column within the body, which allows us to stand tall, proud and brave. As the cornstalk, it has its roots in the Earth, and its head in the sky.

If we wish to lead in a just manner, we should cultivate our connection with the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth. Aj is an authority, it is gentle, yet noble. It works quietly for the community it leads. It does not seek the limelight. This is a day that seeks sustenance for its people, that keeps everything in its rightful place. It is a day when we ask for the courage and bravery to stand up straight and tall, to do the right thing.

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

2 Q’anil (1st January 2024)

31st December 2023 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

This day may bring up the duality of the process of growth. Coming to ripeness requires an input of energy, and this involves a degree of self-sacrifice.

Q’anil days are generally known for their pleasant energy, and this should certainly be one of them. It is a day of abundance, a day of illumination and the associated number 2 highlights relationships.

Q’anil is also known for its love of intoxication. This is perhaps the only downside of the energy of today. This could be a day where sensuality can carry you away, you might get lost with your lover. Whilst this might not be a bad thing, it may be a distraction from a more pressing issue.

In general, today is a day when it is possible for you to gain abundance through your self sacrifice. Spend some time tending your seeds, whether they are physical or metaphorical, and you will reap the benefits. Equally spending time and energy tending your relationship may lead to you and your partner having the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful golden energy of Q’anil.

The Nawal Q’anil

Nawal Q’anil represents the ripening of the seed, the crop coming to maturity. The K’iché word Q’an means yellow, and the -il suffix is rather like the English -ing. Q’anil represents the golden head of maize at its perfection of ripeness, ready to be picked. In the Mayan creation story, humans were fashioned from maize dough, we are Ixim Achi, the people of the corn. Q’anil also represents human beings coming to their greatest point of perfection, their ripeness.

It is in the fields and gardens that Q’anil’s light shines particularly brightly, it is the nawal of farmers, gardeners and herbalists. But just as it is at home around plants, Q’anil has the possibility to shine anywhere. Q’anil has talent, its beautiful golden light illuminates that which it comes into contact with, Q’anil people light up the room with their presence. Q’anil is about achieving full potential, and this relates to all of our activities. It does have an affinity to the arts, but in general is a day of bounty for all life projects.

However, when an energy is so fertile and prosperous, life can become too easy. Q’anil also appreciates the rewards of its talent – sometimes a little too much. Q’anil is prone to overindulge in the sensual, in particular with regards to intoxication.

The Number Two

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 Tz’ikin (19th December 2023)

18th December 2023 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

Is a day to see and resolve duality for the prosperity of all. There are many ways that the day 2 Tz’ikin can be interpreted. Most are positive as both Tz’ikin the energy of 2 have beneficial properties.

2 Tz’ikin is a day that brings focus to relationships. It may help to see and understand elements of self-sacrifice required within a relationship in order to bring prosperity. Tz’ikin has a rather light hearted nature, and gives the ability to see the bigger picture. It helps us to put our sacrifices into perspective and see the benefits they bring. In matters of business, a partnership formed today should be rather beneficial, co-operation bringing the vision into reality.

However, there are other much higher aspects associated with the nawal Tz’ikin. It is true that Tz’ikin days are used for prosperity, but really what do we mean by prosperity? Of course, we could see the surface level of financial matters and Tz’ikin days are said to be good for business. However, the prosperity that the nawal Tz’ikin guides us to is on a deeper level. It brings us the visions which help our environment, families and communities to thrive, which help them to truly prosper and multiply.

Here, the combination with the energy of the 2 perhaps helps us to see both sides of the story. Both the number 2 and the nawal Tz’ikin can act as mediators, occasionally sitting on the fence, but generally able to resolve situations. It is when we can see the issues through the eyes of others that we can understand their point of view. This is not to say that we have to abandon our own causes, but by seeing the views of “the opposition” we can arrive at a resolution which brings prosperity to all.

Nawal Tz’ikin

Bat Falcon sitting on top of Temple 216 at Yaxha. Photo by Mark Elmy

Nawal Tz’ikin is the nawal of prosperity, which sometimes seems odd to people seeking “higher knowledge”. It is not quite seen the same here. If your family is starving, you are more likely to fall off the road, perhaps into dishonesty or criminal activity. By asking nawal Tz’ikin for prosperity in your life, you are more likely to be able to help others. You can be more constructive within your community. That is not to say that your own input will not be necessary, just that your hard work will pay off.

Tz’ikin has the ability to give visions, it helps people to see the bigger picture within life. It also helps people to focus on details. It has grand aspirations and helps people to rise to the top of their abilities.

Just as Tz’ikin can focus, its broad vision can occasionally cause distraction. Sometimes, just when it is heading towards its goal it can be distracted by something “shiny.” This energy gives an ability to create great social networks, but sometimes spends too much time trying to maintain them.

The Number Two

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 Ajmak (10th November 2023)

9th November 2023 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The day 2 Ajmak empowers the ability to forgive and be forgiven, particularly in connection with lovers or relationships. This is make the choice to heal wounds and ask forgiveness.

We get these wounds by falling over, and Ajmak days sometimes bring the opportunity for us to make mistakes. What seems like a good idea at the time can often look very different with hindsight. The way we choose to deal with our mistakes is highlighted today. Sometimes we hide things. We protest our innocence. We try to get away with things and then we get caught. This can often cause a greater grievance than the initial error created. The number 2 also represents self sacrifice. This suggests that today we can acknowledge our errors and ask forgiveness. By choosing to act voluntarily we initiate the forgiveness process. This in itself can bring goodwill.

The polarity of the number 2 can bring things out in sharp contrast. It is our decision, and it may be very obvious where our choice can be made. Do we wish to hold on to a burden of guilt, blame or shame, or do we wish to free ourselves. Today, the choice is yours and is ready to be made.

I’m sorry

Please forgive me

Thank you

I love you

On day 2 Ajmak we can ask forgiveness for our conduct within relationships should we need to. This may include forgiveness for not just current, but previous partners. It is a day to free yourself from the burden of past events and move forward. Whether you have something to ask forgiveness for or not, it is an excellent day to give flowers (or chocolate) to your lover and bring the sweetness of humanity into your relationship.

Nawal Ajmak

Ajmak is the nawal of pardon and forgiveness, the nawal of redemption. It is the energy of being human, of falling down and getting back up again, and giving those chances to others.

When the creators fashioned the four first men, the Bacab’ob, they created them as equals. These four first humans had superhuman abilities, including the ability to see through space and time. As equals were not desired, the gods smoked the mirror of perception, giving us our human set of senses. When we lost the ability to see through time, we lost the ability to see the true consequences of our actions and thus we needed to start asking for forgiveness. Sometimes even well meaning actions can cause problems at a later date. Ajmak represents this ability to forgive others, the ability to forgive ourselves and the ability to accept forgiveness.

Ajmak is a sensual energy, which creates some of the reasons for it’s needing to be forgiven. It is kind and very lovable, but irresponsible. It can be a very talented energy, with great ideas. However it can also be very easily distracted, especially by anything that makes it feel nice. This often leads Ajmak to failing to fulfil it’s true potential, although due to it’s lovable nature it is easy to forgive. One of the lessons with regards to the Ajmak energy is learning to forgive oneself.

The Number Two

The number 2 is representative of duality, of polarity. Although it is a low number it has surprising strength as 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

2 Tz’i (15th October 2023)

14th October 2023 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The day 2 Tz’i can be seen as a day which is very strongly linked to trust, fidelity and loyalty within relationships. Whilst it may be true that trust and fidelity issues may become apparent on this day, it may also bring out the best sides of these qualities.

There are many aspects highlighted today by both the energy of the nawal Tz’i and the number 2. Some of these are positive, but there is also scope for a great deal of betrayal. This can be an issue with both the Tz’i aspects of infidelity and the indecisive nature associated with the number 2. It may lead to some confusion between loyalty and instinct, throwing out some possibly difficult choices. Similarly, the same could be said regarding the law, that today more than others, the laws of society may seem a little more open to interpretation than usual. The issue is not just the potentially fickle nature of the energy, it is the unpredictable application.

However, there are also some really good positive aspects to Tz’i days and the energy of the number 2 focuses them on to relationships. This may be a day where you experience a higher than usual demonstration of faith and loyalty from your partner. It is a day to look to them for guidance, and have faith in where they lead you. It is a day to sacrifice the needs of the self, a day to embrace the other with unconditional love.

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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 K’at (19th September 2023)

18th September 2023 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

With the nawal K’at representing both abundance and burdens and the energy of the number two representing duality, today could be a day to make stark decisions about what to embrace and what to release from the net.

The energy of the nawal K’at is usually seen as rather favourable, particularly when it comes to collecting things. When these are the things that sustain us, this is of course highly beneficial. However, it is bundling, bringing things together and holding them tightly in one place. For this reason it is also the nawal of prisons, burdens and ensnarement, where we become ensnared in the nets of others. Whilst all the energies of the days have both beneficial and challenging aspects, K’at can be particularly extreme.

The number 2 is said to represent duality and polarity, and here we see it combined with those aspects of K’at. The number 2 is also said to represent lovers, relationships and self sacrifice, and it is those areas that the energy of K’at which may be highlighted today. This may be a day to look at the sacrifices you make in life and what they represent to you. Are you viewing something which brings you abundance as a burden? Is it time to cut the net and release it?

With the dualistic aspects of the energy of the number 2, we also get to see from opposing points of view. The nawal K’at helps us to gather these different points of view, which can give a more rounded idea of situations, which may in turn result in abundance and sustenance for all involved.

As we move through the trecena of Aq’ab’al, which does have its romantic aspects, this could be a day to focus on your lover and to truly hold them close. Alternatively, if you are looking for a new love, this might be a good day to see who you are drawn to and who is drawn to you.

Blood Moon, mother of the Hero Twins being sent away from Xibalba after becoming pregnant. She goes to see Ixmucane, Mother of Jun Junajpu and Wucub Junajpu and is set a challenge to fill a net with corn. which she achieves and is taken in as family. She is seen here holding the K'at glyph in her hands. From The Dresden Codex. — Blood Moon, mother of the Hero Twins being sent away from Xibalba after becoming pregnant. She goes to see Ixmucane, Mother of Jun Junajpu and Wucub Junajpu and is set a challenge to fill a net with corn. which she achieves and is taken in as family. She is seen here holding the K’at glyph in her hands. From The Dresden Codex.

K’at signifies a net and represents gathering together or bundling. Here, in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, to this day many crops are harvested and carried in nets – oranges, lemons, avocados to name but a few. Through this we see one of the positive meanings of this nawal, that of abundance and harvest. K’at is a great day to draw things together, whether this means gathering in your crops, collecting ideas and opinions for your projects, or inviting people to a social event. It is a day of prosperity and the bounty which comes from the Earth, a day of gardeners, but also of merchants.

The nawal K’at is associated with Ixq’ik, Blood Moon, who was magically impregnated in Xibalba (the underworld) by the spirit of Jun Junajpu. Jun Junajpu and his brother Wucub Junajpu were summoned by the Lords of Death to Xibalba to face the challenges after they disturbed the Lords by playing the ball game too noisily. Unfortunately this first pair of heroes went unprepared and were tricked and sacrificed by the Lords of Death. After their deaths, the head of Jun Junajpu was hung in a calabash tree, where it eventually blended in with the wizened fruit on the tree. However, it was known to speak and the news of this dis-incarnate voice in the tree reached Blood Moon. She decided to go an visit the tree where she was asked to hold out her hand. The head spat into her hand and she became impregnated with the Hero Twins, Junajpu and Xbalamque. She was banished from Xibalba and went to meet the mother of Jun Junajpu and Wucub Junajpu, Ixmucane. At first Ixmucane did not accept that Blood Moon was carrying her grandchildren, and set a task to fill a net with corn from the garden. When Blood Moon arrived, there was only one stalk, but by pulling the corn silk, the plant magically produced an abundant harvest and Blood Moon was accepted as telling the truth.

However, K’at also has it’s more challenging side. An abundant crop will fill the net, but it will also slow you down. K’at is also the nawal of prisons and burdens, as the net which gathers, can also ensnare us. When candles are purchased for the fire ceremonies, they come in bundles held together by little strings. When the nawal K’at is addressed during the fire ceremony, these strings are put in to the fire, with offerings, to ask K’at to help us release ourselves from our burdens, from the ties which bind us. These ties can also be seen as excessive attachment to material things.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 B’atz (6th September 2023)

5th September 2023 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The energy of the master artisan, the nawal B’atz, combines with the number of polarities and duality today. This can be seen as a day of weaving different energies together to create beauty.

If there is a nawal with the energy to inspire us to create beauty, it is the nawal B’atz. It brings the energy to create, and what it creates, it usually does so with great talent. It is the weaver, not just of the everyday material, but of reality itself. Today it is combined with the number 2, representing opposing principles. They may be male and female, light and dark, horizontal and vertical, fire and water, but today comes the opportunity to create something exquisite from them.

This could also be seen as creation through the combination of the right brain and left brain working together, the artistic and the logical. This may take a little sacrifice, perhaps not all of the original inspiration fits into the structure, or the original structure has to change in order to accommodate the artistic. In whichever way it is put together, it is possible that the end result will truly be marvel.

This could also be seen as a rather romantic day. B’atz is another marriage day, the weaving together of two people, and here we see it combined with the number which also represents lovers and relationships. It is an auspicious day to begin to weave something beautiful together with another person. After all, this is also the trecena of Tz’i, the nawal of unconditional love.

There are two nawales which bestow incredible talents, one of which is B’atz, the creative genius, the other No’j, the intellectual genius. B’atz is the nawal of artisans and of weavers, but this is not just creation and weaving on the Earthly level. B’atz weaves the threads of time together to create reality. B’atz is the nawal of the sacred calendar, which could be considered to be the fabric created from these individual threads of time. If B’atz is clever enough to weave time into order, then of course it is clever enough to create more down to Earth trinkets. B’atz is the master artisan, creating whatever it chooses, at will. It is just as comfortable painting, as it is playing music or writing. The arts come naturally to this nawal. However, this can lead to issues when B’atz has to deal with those less talented than itself. This can lead to a certain arrogance around those who fail to achieve their standard of excellence.

Their talent draws attention, which is something B’atz craves. It is the nawal of the born entertainer, who can sing, dance and play all at once. This nawal is the life and soul of the party, it also makes excellent teachers, who hold the attention of students through entertaining them. It is a particularly fun loving nawal that feeds on the adoration of the crowd that it pleases.

It is a day to create, especially within the fields of the arts. It is also a day to weave your reality the way you see fit. Where Aq’ab’al was the conception, B’atz is the gestation. Now is the time to incorporate what you wish into the pattern before it is birthed.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 Kan (11th August 2023)

10th August 2023 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

With the nawal Kan representing power and wisdom, and the number 2 representing relationships we may be looking to our partners for the answers today. This may be a day of empowerment through love.

The power of the nawal Kan may be slightly muted by the rather low number 2 today. However, the number 2 represents duality, and here we might see both faces of the nawal Kan. One face is wise and noble, the other dark and manipulative. It is our choice which to embrace, each is equally available, but the consequences will be ours to deal with.

The energy of 2 Kan gives us the chance to gain wisdom from the duality of the world. It may be that the dark side of serpent energy has been employed to manipulate and seduce, its hypnotic ability pulling the unwary into its illusion. The number 2 makes it possible to see both sides, the truth and the falsehood, dispelling the illusion. It is time to see them for what they are and learn from them.

From the perspective of the K’at trecena, the newly planted seed is endowed with the spark of life from both the masculine and the feminine energies. This is the day to draw on both the Heart of the Earth and the Heart of the Sky to energise your new seeding.

The nawal Kan highlights the life force energy that flows through us, and here we see it in combination with the number of relationships. It suggests that the energy of today may help to bring our a deeper wisdom through sharing our life force energy with our partner.

Possibly the highest and most noble aspect which could be seen on this day is from the association of the number 2 with self-sacrifice, and the energy of the nawal Kan bringing wisdom and empowerment. The picture below shows a Maya royal, Lady Xoc, performing a rite of self sacrifice in order to receive wisdom from a vision serpent. This could be a day on which selfless giving of our life force energy may result in receipt of a worthwhile return of knowledge or wisdom.

Lady Xoc pierces her tongue and receives wisdom for her people from her ancestor emerging from the mouth of the vision serpent. From http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/maya-lintels.htm

Kan is one of the more powerful nawales and it represents just that – power. It is connected to serpents, and serpent symbolism is very strong in Maya mythology. In the past, lightning was referred to as sky serpents, and what is seen in the outer world is reflected by the inner world. The power of Kan comes from something which is referred to as itz or coyopa, the lightning in the blood. This is the power which may also be known as Ki, Chi, Prana, kundalini or “the force”. It is life force energy. Kundalini is a sanskrit word actually meaning coiled, like a snake. When working with any of these energies, training must be undertaken in order to understand how to use them. In its most positive aspect, the energy of Kan brings great wisdom; in its negative aspect, great destruction. A lack of understanding or control of this power can lead to undesirable consequences. The dark side of Kan can seduce with its power, and a very sexy power it is too, holding its prey in an almost hypnotic grip with its allure. It can become the ultimate ego trap.

However, it is also said that the feathered serpent Q’uq’umatz (also known as Kulkulkan or Quetzalcoatl) brought wisdom, through the sciences of astronomy and agriculture, to the ancient Maya. Here we see the positive aspect of Kan, where the ability to work with the body lightning brings great wisdom. People born on a Kan day can become some of the greatest healers or psychics, or they can become the darkest sorcerers and manipulators.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 E’ (29th July 2023)

28th July 2023 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The nawal E’ represents our journey of exploration through our lives, and when coupled with the number representing duality, could bring a day of big choices regarding future direction.

The nawal E’ often drives people to test the boundaries or take chances, after all, without a little leap of faith we don’t really live. We step out onto our path, whether is is a physical journey, spiritual path, relationship or even career in order to experience and grow. We don’t necessarily know the route we will take on that journey, and sometimes we might not know exactly our destination, or the destination changes as we journey. The important thing is that we move, as there is no life without movement.

The energy of 2 E’ may give an indecisive nature when it comes to your future path, and may even be possible that there are two clear options. The influence of E’ will inspire to move forward, not wishing to wait, which could create an inner dilemma between the hesitant energy of the 2 and the bold energy of E’.

Which path to take may also be influence by the other meanings of the number 2, relationships and self sacrifice. This is a day where the most productive and enlightening course of action is truly selfless. Allow you relationships to guide you towards your decision, which may involve a little sacrifice on your part. However, the good fortune associated with road would suggest a favourable outcome. If in doubt, let love decide your path.

Footprints mark the road, from the Dresden Codex

Nawal E’ represents the journey of discovery, the life path in both its physical and spiritual aspects. E’ is the explorer, it craves novelty. It inspires travel to understand different cultures and ways of life, it is a seeker of experience. It can be a thrill seeker, and sometimes will take risks to understand what it is examining. Whilst it gains experience and understanding through physical travel, E’ also drives us to explore our inner world, helping us to understand our own minds and hearts, and those of others. E’ sometimes creates a restlessness, the desire to find new things within the world means that E’ finds it difficult to sit still.

E’ can sometimes cause us to explore simply for the sake of exploration, we seek the new experience because it is there. This can give rise to a lack of direction, aimless wandering. However, even in its wanderings E’ is discovering. It may not know exactly where it is going, but it will when it gets there. In it’s best aspect, E’ seeks out knowledge and experience in order to form an understanding which brings wisdom. E’ enjoys sharing the wisdom gained with its peers, for the enrichment of the community.

E’ is another of the classic carriers of the year, or year lords. It is said that E’ years tend to be some of the more gentle and favourable years. E’ is seen as a good natured nawal. E’ days are considered to be good days on which to travel and explore, whether that be externally or internally. It is a day to find or remember your path, a day to ask for your path to be cleared of obstructions, and a day to ask for guidance and protection on your path.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 Aj (20th June 2023)

19th June 2023 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

Today the nawal Aj brings harmony to our home, our relationship or our community. However, the number 2 highlights duality suggesting we may need to make a choice about something which challenges this.

Aj is also known for its fairness. Traditional leaders of the community are valued for their ability to make wise decisions. Before politics, village elders would be sought after to sort out disputes, their experience, authority and compassion guiding them. In this they would have to make a choice, a judgement between two sides. This is also something we can see in the energy of today. This is a good day for decision making as both aspects of a situation may be highlighted. The fairness and honesty of Aj may help you to make a decision which will help to bring harmony into your life, and the life of those around you. With the nawal Aj representing physical (rather than spiritual) leadership, this may be a good day to assess the pros and cons of leaders. Is there a way to bring harmony by embracing both sides or points of view? The wise leader would find it and use it to strengthen the community as a whole.

The Temple of the Foliated Cross. This small and unassuming temple houses one of the most remarkable and beautiful friezes, the Foliated Cross, the featured image of this article. Together with those of the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Cross, this forms an architectural version of a codex, showing both mythic and historical accounts of the ruling dynasty. The three temples together form the cross group, the sacred heart of the beautiful site of Palenque. Picture by Mark Elmy

The nawal Aj is related to many things which generally revolve around leadership on an earthly level. It is sometimes known as the cornstalk, sometimes the staff of life. It represents the spinal column within the body, that which allows us to stand tall, proud and brave. As the cornstalk, it has its roots in the Earth, and its head in the sky. As we are the people of maize, if we wish to lead in a just manner, we should cultivate our connection with the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth.

This is a picture of the carving at the top of one of my favourite Mayan temples, the Temple of the Foliated Cross on the site of Palenque (Bàakʼ) in Chiapas, Mexico. At the top of the tablet you see a bird, which represents the Heart of the Sky, the face with the large rectangular (crossed) eyes at the base of the cross represents the Heart of the Earth. The foliated cross is a stylised maize plant with the heads of humans emerging. This is Aj bringing life to the world. It is the central pillar, that which supports life. It is represented by the staffs carried by the elders of Mayan communities to this day.

Aj is an authority, it is gentle, yet noble. It works quietly for the community it leads. It does not seek the limelight. This is a day that seeks sustenance for its people, that keeps everything in its rightful place. It is a day where we ask for the courage and bravery to stand up straight and tall, to do the right thing.

The Nawal Aj

The Number Two

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The Nawal Q’anil

The Number Two

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Nawal Tz’ikin

The Number Two

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Nawal Ajmak

The Number Two

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