Tag Archives: Power

8 Kan 3 Wayeb – The Fourth Day of Wayeb

The fourth day of introspection during the Wayeb is associated with definition, and in this solar cycle it is combined with the energy of a day which has some very profound meanings.

We have passed through the three previous days and identified where we are. This time has you helped to identify your strengths and your weaknesses, and asked of you to accept all this as a part of who you are.  Now with the experience, knowledge and understanding of yourself, it is time to start charting your course for the coming year of 10 Kej.

The number 8 is associated with wholeness, it can be seen as the combination of the number 1 (birth, beginnings, potential) with the number 7 (death, endings, finality.) It can be seen as all things in perfect balance, the acceptance of darkness within the light and light within the darkness. As we see it here  associated with the nawal Kan, representing wisdom, power and teachers, it can be understood to be the bringing together of all aspects in order to bring about true wisdom. As the fourth day of Wayeb focusses on definition, a focus for today could be to define our wisdom by drawing on the wholeness of what we have learned from our teachers. This may include the harsh lessons as well as  inspiring ones, as true wisdom brings everything into balance. It is a perfect day to define what brings out our light and dark sides, and how we can integrate both to truly understand ourselves.

Another representation of Pawahtuun, the god of the Wayeb, this time from the Paris Codex. From http://digital.library.northwestern.edu/codex/page6.html

8 Kan (17th February 2022)

  • 8 KanThe day 8 Kan has a potential to show both the positive and negative aspects of the nawal Kan in their entirety. This may lead to some rather interesting revelations.
An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ''A Study of Maya Art'' by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}
An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ”A Study of Maya Art” by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}

Whenever dealing with a serpent, caution should be advised and despite the balanced number attached here, the energy of this day may be rather dramatic. Power, and particularly power over others maybe a strong theme of today. The number 8 allows us to experience both the beginning and the end, the dark and the light, that make up this power, ultimately resulting in balance. The energy of Kan has the possibility of giving a day of political chicanery, of manipulation and illusion. The combination with the number 8, today gives us a real opportunity to engage with our wisdom to see behind this illusion, to see things as they truly are. It is a day when we may learn from both the positive and negative results of the application of power. This may lead to understanding how we can use the wisdom derived to empower our communities as well as ourselves.

The eighth day of the trecena can also be seen as a day of ceremony, a day to celebrate the qualities of the nawal with which it is associated. Kan has the ability to impart wisdom, and to empower, so is seen as a day of our teachers. Therefore, this day can be seen as a day of ceremony to celebrate the teachers in our life.

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
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.

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 become whole. It 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.

New Video – The Trecena of Kan (28th January – 9th February 2022)

The Trecena of Kan gives us new opportunities to learn, to discover new wisdom and to begin to empower ourselves and others.

Within the village of San Pablo la Laguna, there is an organisation doing great work. They are called ODIM and are specialising in medical and educational services. 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 https://tinyurl.com/yb4l3rux

My 2022 calendar is now available. The calendar shows the days of the Chol Q’ij, formatted onto the Gregorian calendar. This year it is available electronically as a pdf in both English and Spanish. Printed versions, in English, are now available locally here in Guatemala, from Nectar, Palo Santo and Lava Love Cacao in San Marcos. See this link for more detail https://thefourpillars.net/?page_id=6093

1 Kan (28th January 2022)

1 KanThe cycle of the trecenas turns again and our life story unfolds before our eyes. Kawok trecena births us, we take our first steps in the E’ trecena and now wisdom begins to grow within us during the Kan trecena.

An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ''A Study of Maya Art'' by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}
An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ”A Study of Maya Art” by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}

Today is a day to see our potential wisdom and potential power. It gives us a glimpse of what we can attain should we follow a particular direction in life. The energy of the nawal Kan has the power to enlighten, it also has the power to destroy. How we use its energy is our decision.

Perhaps today you will see something that shows you where the use or abuse of power might take you, a potential resonance in your life. You may be encouraged to use your power, a situation challenging you to choose between the light and the dark side. It is your choice of how to react, and how you react will lead to wisdom, even if it is of the “I’m never doing that again” variety. It may give you the first understanding of your true power.

Equally, you may get an idea of the wisdom you may attain. It may be that others see that in you more than you see it in yourself, and their encouragement helps you to develop further. This is a reciprocal arrangement and you may also find that your encouragement of others empowers them.  Today is the day to see the possibilities that arise when you engage with the lightning in your blood.


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.

The number 1 is representative of the seed, of unity. It represents birth and beginnings. It is a low and odd number, which usually represents something challenging. However, the seed can grow into a mighty tree, it is full of potential. It just needs the correct nutrients and conditions to germinate and develop, just as sometimes we need encouragement to develop our ideas.

7 Kan (8th January 2022)

7 KanThe combination of the number representing endings and death, with the nawal Kan representing power and wisdom could signify coming to a conclusion about the wisdom that the correct application of power brings.

An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ''A Study of Maya Art'' by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}
An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ”A Study of Maya Art” by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}

The energy that flows through us brings us power. How we choose to use power is up to us, but the energy of today would suggest that whatever we have been using it for will finally reveal its wisdom to us. If we were using it to heal and connect our community, it may reveal one type of wisdom. If we have been using its power to manipulate and distract, it may reveal a different type of wisdom. Today we reach the pinnacle of our power, and learn whatever lesson our use of it has brought to us.

From our vantage point at the top of the pyramid, we are able to see in all directions.  This is a day which may bring the end to a certain illusion or manipulation, particularly by those who use their power to deceive, as we are able to see past what they are showing us.

With the number 7 being in the middle of the range we can also understand this day as being one on which power, together with its use and abuse, is very much held in equilibrium with the wisdom it brings. Maybe you have learned through experience, that there is a way you have been using your power that no longer serves you. Equally, it may be that you know if you choose to use your energy in a particular way, it brings peace to your family and community. Today you may have to make a choice between the dark, self-serving side of Kan, and the bright selfless side of Kan. You have the ability to tap into the wisdom you have gained from your experiences so far to guide your decision. In which way will you choose to engage your power?

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.

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.

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

The number seven is the mid-point of the range of numbers, as we would see them,  but it is also known as a number of death and endings. This which would seem strange as it is only half way through the journey. However, another representation of the change of state of the soul, showing half of the journey (1-7) in the mortal world and half (8-13) in the other world. 7 Is the final number that appears in the bottom row before we move to the top row, suggesting the transition between realms. The numbers 1 and 7 embrace all other numbers as they appear in the sequence of nawales, and thus give a suggestion of beginnings and endings.

Number Sequence.jpg

6 Kan (29th November 2021)

6 KanWith Kan representing power, and the wisdom which comes from the correct application of it, today could be a good day to call on the power of heaven and Earth to bring wisdom to the physical world.

An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Deity, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ''A Study of Maya Art'' by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}
An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Deity, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ”A Study of Maya Art” by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}

Kan is a very strong nawal, it is the raw energy of the lightning, and the power associated with that. It the lightning in our blood, our life force energy. Raw energy without direction can be a dangerous thing, causing destruction, and its strength may be too much for us to handle. It has the potential to be exactly the absolute power which corrupts absolutely. However, today we see it combined with the number of ultimate stability, the number 6. This gives us a chance to understand and harness the energy and to truly use it to achieve wisdom for our families and communities. With the 6 representing the four directions, together with the Heart of the Earth and the Heart of the Sky, we can understand that we have the potential to draw both power and wisdom from each of these points. We can do so in a balanced way, using it to bring harmony to the world around us.

The day 6 Kan is a day on which we can draw on the energy from all directions to gain the wisdom to see through illusions of power, our own or those of others. It is a day to address the balance of power in our world, and to bring stability to it.


Kan is one of the more powerful nawales and it represents just that – power. It is connected to serpents, and serpent symbology 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.

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

12 Kan (9th November 2021)

12 KanThe energy of the day 12 Kan gives an opportunity to bring together all the wisdom you have accumulated through your life into one place.

The same could be said about the power you have accumulated. This could be an excellent day which brings out your true wisdom, something with which you can really help those around you to flourish. It is a day on which you may use the wisdom that you have developed through life to see through illusions.

One of the virtues of the nawal Kan is as a teacher and here we see the opportunity for the energy of this day to fulfil its highest aspect. This is the perfect day to empower others through your life experiences.

It is a strong, powerful day where you might feel the lightning you have cultured through your life moving through your body. It is very tempting to use this energy, just be aware of what you are putting your energy into. The strength of this day should mean that a little energy will go a long way, and an uncontrolled release of energy may cause harm. Be aware of the seductive power of the use of energy, ensure that you are the one in control, and use it wisely and for the empowerment of all.


An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ''A Study of Maya Art'' by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}
An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ”A Study of Maya Art” by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}

Kan is one of the more powerful nawales and it represents just that – power. It is connected to serpents, and serpent symbology 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.

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.

5 Kan (20th October 2021)

5 KanThe day 5 Kan may see an opportunity to gain wisdom, but this may not come without some hard work. It may take some use of power, or the challenges that come from it, to bring out the true wisdom.

As we continue to move through the trecena of Imox, we now see the first sign of sentient life. Kan, representing the lightning in the blood, the life force energy, appears and brings this life force to the new embryo. This can be thought of as a spark of life being received by the vessel, the cluster of cells. This is not to say that it was not part of life before, but now that it has implanted in the womb, it is fully ready to be empowered. This process happens time and time again throughout our lives, empowering us, enlivening us and ultimately bringing us wisdom.

Today, the combination with the energy of the number 5 suggests that the ability to capture that spark of life may require a little work. Perhaps this work can be thought of as the effort put into spinning a dynamo, charging the capacitor to create the spark which in turn empowers us and those around us. The energy of the number 5 often focuses our attention on those around us more than ourselves, which when it comes to the energy of Kan may actually be rather a blessing. This could be seen as using your power for the good of all around you, one of the ultimate benevolent faces of Kan. However, despite the power to do so, it may be important to remember to keep some of this life force energy for yourself. Perhaps, setting the boundaries on how much of your energy you can safely give away to others is part of the wisdom brought by the energy of this day. Allow the energy to flow through you, rather than from you, by connecting to the Heart of the Sky, Junrakan, at the beginning of the day.

The other aspect of the number five represents blockages, and that what it is attached to becomes hard work. It may represent some challenge to your energy today, a power struggle where you lose sight of your wisdom. This may lead to you possibly being manipulated or seduced. If a challenge to your power arises, remain calm and avoid excessive use of force. Overt displays of power rarely achieve the desired effect and often demonstrate a lack of wisdom. Remember that the ultimate example of this nawal is that of the wise protector.

An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ''A Study of Maya Art'' by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}
An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ”A Study of Maya Art” by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}

Kan is one of the more powerful nawales and it represents just that – power. It is connected to serpents, and serpent symbology 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.

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

11 Kan (30th September 2021)

11 KanToday sees the energy of the powerful and wise nawal Kan combined with the strong, meandering energy of the number 11. This is a day where the importance of correctly directing your energy may be highlighted.

11 Kan is a high numbered, and therefore high powered, day combined with a powerful nawal. So much power without definite direction can cause big problems. It is an unpredictable day, when surprising, powerful events may happen. It is possible that these events will eventually bring wisdom, although they may also cause damage along the way. Imagine a bottle rocket without the stick to balance it. It can fly off in any direction without warning, but with a great deal of force. Whilst it may be difficult to focus, it is essential to set a firm direction and put your energy into that. That way it is possible that you can truly derive the wisdom from the day rather than be carried along on the wild ride. If you happen to see the rocket heading in your direction, don’t wait around to see what happens, get out of the way.

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
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.

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.

4 Kan (10th September 2021)

4 KanToday the powerful and wise energy of the nawal Kan is tempered by the earthy and stable energy of the number 4. This can be one of the most favourable Kan days with an extremely useful energy.

Sometimes Kan days are difficult to negotiate. The power of this nawal can lead to occasional misjudgements of its application. Sometimes more energy than required is used to resolve a situation, which may cause further problems. However, today that is unlikely to be the case. The number 4 is considered to be on the calmer side of the trecena, between 1 and 5, sometimes thought of as the weaker side. However, it has very material properties which can bring the earth wisdom of Kan into the everyday realm, bringing the body lightning very much into the body. This could be seen as an Earth magic day, using primal energy to create physical stability, it can very much relate to the four sky serpents bringing the energy from the sky to the Earth, a day when the vision serpents may bring wisdom from the Heart of the Sky.

Due to the favourable and stable qualities associated with the number 4, the use of either power or wisdom to resolve an issue may work out well on this day.  It is important to remember the strength of this nawal and that a little goes a long way – don’t overdo it. If in doubt, choose wisdom over power.

The energy of Kan can manipulate through the illusions it creates, however, it is also the energy of Kan that helps us to see through the illusions created by others. Today stable, down-to-Earth wisdom may identify areas when we are being subjected to the illusions or manipulation of others, particularly those in power, or trying to have power over us. This common sense can be used to break through these illusions in order to bring empowerment to the many rather than the few.

An ancestor brings wisdom through the vision serpent. Feathered Serpent Diety, detail of Classic Maya lintel at Yaxchilan, from ''A Study of Maya Art'' by Herbert Spinden, 1913 {{PD-US}}


Kan is one of the more powerful nawales and it represents just that – power. It is connected to serpents, and serpent symbology 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 it’s most positive aspect, the energy of Kan brings great wisdom; in it’s 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 it’s power, and a very sexy power it is too, holding it’s prey in an almost hypnotic grip with it’s 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.

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