Tag Archives: Solar Year

0.0.13.0.0 4 Ajpu 18 Yax – A New Tun Begins (14th October 2025)

13th October 2025 Mark Elmy 4 Comments

The Gregorian date of 21st December 2012 held great significance for many people. Here in the Maya lands, a great many people had gathered to participate in ceremonies. These marked the completion of a very long cycle of time of 13 baktun in the long count calendar (1,872,000 days or 5125.26 years). It was the beginning of a new baktun within the long count calendar.

The long count calendar was used to calculate much greater cycles of time than could be recorded by the Chol Q’ij (260 days), the solar calendar (365 days) or the calendar round (52 years less 13 days). Through extension it can be used through periods of time up to thousands, and even millions, of years. In general, long count dates are given using five numbers. These numbers represent periods known as baktun, katun, tun, uinal and kin. The smallest unit is kin, which represents 1 day. The next unit, which could in a way be seen as a month, is a uinal consisting of 20 days. Moving into a larger scale, the next number represents the tun. 1 tun is made up of 18 uinal, a period of 360 days, and so is seen as a vague year. From there, the long count moves on in factors of 20. 20 tuns (7200 days) are equal to a katun, which will be 20 Gregorian years less 100 days. Finally, the greatest unit here, a baktun, a period of 20 katuns (144000 days), or roughly 394 Gregorian years. Other units extended this by further factors of 20.

Stela C at Quirigua which shows a creation date of 13.0.0.0.0 4 Ajpu 8 Kumku. Photo by Mark Elmy

Reference is made to the beginning of an age, a time of creation approximately 5125 years before 2012. This is seen on Stela C at Quirigua, which shows a date of 13 baktun, 0 katun, 0 tun, 0 uinal and 0 kin, often written 13.0.0.0.0, followed by the day 4 Ajpu (Ajaw) 8 Kumku. This correlates to a date of 13th August 3114BC, although another correlation is 11th August 3114BC. For one reason or another it became a belief that a great cycle of time consisted of 13 baktun, so the completion of a 13 baktun period was seen as having special significance. Regardless of theories or ideas with regards to that significance, the completion of a cycle such as a katun or baktun was seen as a time to be marked with ceremonies to welcome a new period. When the thirteenth baktun was completed in 2012, the corresponding long count date would have read 13.0.0.0.0 4 Ajpu 3 Kankin, although it is sometimes also represented as 0.0.0.0.0. One day later, 22nd December, would then be 0.0.0.0.1, twenty days later the first uinal is complete, giving 0.0.0.1.0 and then 360 days later, 16th December 2013, would mark the completion of the first tun, giving a long count date of 0.0.1.0.0

These periods have continued through the years in the following sequence:

Gregorian Date	Long Count Date	Chol Q'ij and Ha'ab
21/12/2012	0.0.0.0.0	4 Ajpu 3 Kankin
16/12/2013	0.0.1.0.0	13 Ajpu 18 Mak
11/12/2014	0.0.2.0.0	9 Ajpu 13 Mak
06/12/2015	0.0.3.0.0	5 Ajpu 8 Mak
30/11/2016	0.0.4.0.0	1 Ajpu 3 Mak
25/11/2017	0.0.5.0.0	10 Ajpu 18 Sej
20/11/2018	0.0.6.0.0	6 Ajpu 13 Sej
15/11/2019	0.0.7.0.0	2 Ajpu 8 Sej
09/11/2020	0.0.8.0.0	11 Ajpu 3 Sej
04/11/2021	0.0.9.0.0	7 Ajpu 18 Sak
30/10/2022	0.0.10.0.0	3 Ajpu 13 Sak
25/10/2023	0.0.11.0.0	12 Ajpu 8 Sak
19/10/2024	0.0.12.0.0	8 Ajpu 3 Sak
14/10/2025	0.0.13.0.0	4 Ajpu 18 Yax

A new period begins today. We completed the 13th tun after the beginning of the new baktun, yesterday on 3 Kawok. The new tun will always begin on an Ajpu day, and today on 4 Ajpu we mark this new tun. The long count date will become 0.0.13.0.0 (4 Ajpu 18 Yax). Once again we see the turning over of a cycle, and should be seen as a great time for a renewal. Perhaps we can understand the theme of the next tun to be carried by the properties of 4 Ajpu. I see this as a time of bringing the divine into the physical realm. I like to think of it as a time to rebuild the temples, and remember to find the holy aspect of everyday life.

If a stela was carved for today, this would be how it would look. 0.0.13.0.0 4 Ajpu 18 Yax Image created using Bob Makransky’s Mayan Astrology Program

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

13 Iq’ 0 Nabe Mam

17th February 2025 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The seating of the new Mam 13 Iq’ is a significant moment in the highland Maya solar calendar. It marks the end of the Tz’apin Q’ij, or closing days, and the end of the period of retreat. It signals a time to leave our “caves” and re-enter the real world. In some communities, this occasion is celebrated with feasting and drinking. The new Mam, who will guide us through the next revolution of the sun, is welcomed into the world.

This year is governed by the Mam 13 Iq’, which carries the energy of the day as well as the energy of the new year. The properties and benefits brought by the Nawal 13 Iq’ are discussed in my post for the day of 13 Iq’, here. The energy of this day represents the energy that we will experience throughout the year. It is a year that is likely to be focused on communication and navigating sudden and unforeseen changes. While this year could bring the chaos of the hurricane, it is also a chance for inspiration from the voices of our ancestors.

The new Mam may take some time to settle in, usually over the first 20 days. Even though the “administration” has changed, it takes time for all the promises made during the campaign to be fulfilled. Nothing in nature moves in a square wave; it’s always a gentle transition, more like a sine wave. This is the first light of dawn, and we are still experiencing a little of the cold of the night. It will not be until midday, the height of the cycle. We will then experience the fullest expression of the energy of this year lord. We can expect this to occur in around 140 days, on 3 Iq’ (June 18, 2025).

Iq’ Years

The last time we experienced a Iq’ year was 2021, which was the year 9 Iq’. That year could have been seen as drawing our breath of life. After a year which was summed up by the phrase “I can’t breath” both through respiratory illness and social issues, the breath of life returned. It lasted from 19th February 2021 through to 18th February 2022. While the changes it brought were a welcome relief from the previous year, we were still learning to adapt.

Today we welcome Mam Iq’ again and we understand we will need to communicate. This year is known to be strong, and while Iq’ represents the breath of life, it can also represent the hurricane. Iq’ is here to clean, yet the way that it moves may be too strong for many. When combined with the number 13, we might not see the changes coming until they are upon us. It is a year to learn to adapt, and the words which guide us may come from spirit. It could be a very strong year for communication, but with Iq’ years as well as Iq’ days, breath before you react.

The cycle of the year bearers repeats every 52 years. Although we don’t relive the same experiences, we may notice similarities with the last time this Mam was in office. Mam 13 Iq’ took office on March 3, 1973. This gives us a chance to learn from the past and avoid repeating past mistakes. If you are interested in major events that occurred in 1973, please click here.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

12 No’j 0 Nabe Mam – The Seating of the New Mam 12 No’j

18th February 2024 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The seating of the new Mam 12 No’j is a significant moment in the Maya solar calendar. It marks the end of the Tz’apin Q’ij, or closing days, and the end of the period of retreat. It signals a time to leave our “caves” and re-enter the real world. In some communities, this occasion is celebrated with feasting and drinking. The new Mam, who will guide us through the next revolution of the sun, is welcomed into the world.

This year is governed by the Mam 12 No’j, which carries the energy of the day as well as the energy of the new year. The properties and benefits brought by the Nawal 12 No’j are discussed in my post for the day of 12 No’j, here. The energy of this day represents the energy that we will experience throughout the year. It is a year that is likely to be focused on thought, knowledge, and how to consolidate what we already know. This could be a great year to write a book!

No’j Years

The last time we experienced a No’j year was 2020, which was the year 8 No’j. That year could have been seen as drawing on our knowledge of both the dark and the light to solve problems. It lasted from 20th February 2020 through to 18th February 2021. I think it would be said by many that was a year we will never forget. We faced something we had not faced in living history. As a result we drew on the wholeness of our knowledge to find solutions. This came at all levels as we reworked our daily lives.

Today we welcome Mam No’j in again and we understand we will need to find solutions. This year calls us to review all we have learned. We have already been given all the answers, it is just up to us now to put them into practice. Draw deeply on what you have learned and apply your knowledge.

As the philosopher George Santayana “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (The Life of Reason, 1905) It is therefore up to us to record our now, our information, our thoughts and our knowledge. This act of consolidation our knowledge gives us the opportunity to pass it on to future generations.

The cycle of the year bearers repeats every 52 years. Although we don’t relive the same experiences, we may notice similarities with the last time this Mam was in office. Mam 12 No’j took office on March 3, 1972. This gives us a chance to learn from the past and avoid repeating past mistakes. If you are interested in major events that occurred in 1972, please click here.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

10 Kej 0 Nabe Mam – The Seating of the New Mam

18th February 2022 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

The Seating of the New Mam is the moment that the Wayeb has ended, when the period of retreat has finished and we can emerge from our “cave” back into the real world. In some communities, this would be celebrated with feasting and drinking, welcoming in the new grandfather who will guide us through the next revolution of the sun.

This year is governed by the Mam 10 Kej. In addition to 10 Kej carrying the energy of the day, it is also carrying the energy of this new year. The properties and benefits brought by the nawal 10 Kej are discussed in my post for the day of 10 Kej here. The energy of this day is a representative of the energy which we will be living with for the whole year. The general feeling of this year should be about reconnection with natural world and our community.

The new Mam may take a little while to settle in. This is usually the first 20 days. Whilst it is obvious that the “administration” has changed, it takes a little time for all the promises made in the campaign to be adhered to. Nothing in nature moves in a square wave, it is always a gentle transition more akin to a sine wave. This is the first light of dawn, the day is just beginning, but we are still experiencing a little of the cold of the night. It will not be until midday, the height of the cycle that we will experience the fullest expression of the energy of this year lord. We can expect that in around 140 days or so, 13 Kej (19th June 2022).

The last time we experienced a Kej year was 2018, which was the year 6 Kej. That time around, other powerful influences meant a very strong year for many people. Kej years are known to be powerful, sometimes headstrong, as the deer or the horse show their strength and leadership. Kej is also associated with spiritual leadership and sometimes Kej will push us into situations where we have to take on that role. In order to do so, we ourselves need to be strong and connected with nature and Kej will make sure this happens. It is a year about connecting with the wilderness, the natural world. The number 10 brings about our connection with our community, the bringing together of hands, of agreements and that which binds society together. We may find that in this year it is the time for the spiritual leader to emerge from each one of us, in order to weave a better society, to be there for those around us. It will also be an important year to create agreements with the natural world.

On a grander scheme of things, the cycle of the year bearers repeats every 52 years. Of course, we do not relive exactly the same experiences, but we may see similarities with the last time this year bearer was in office. That was the year 1970, when Mam 10 Kej would have taken his seat on the Gregorian day 4th March. This gives us the opportunity to understand how to engage with the benefits of, and avoid the errors committed during, the previous incarnation of the Mam 10 Kej. For some ideas on major events of 1970 (and there were some very interesting ones for the 10 Kej year – the first “Earth day” and the beginning of the operation of the EPA to name just two), please click here.

Maya Calendar Information

The Chol Q’ij and the Macewal Q’ij

15th February 2016 Mark Elmy Leave a comment

As the Mayan new solar year approaches I have been thinking about the relationship between the Chol Q’ij, the 260 day Mayan sacred calendar, and the Macewal Q’ij, the 365 day Mayan solar calendar, or ordinary days. In the Macewal Q’ij, “new year” will occur on February 21^st in 2016, and because of the lack of an intercalary day, February 20^th from 2017 to 2020. The Macewal Q’ij consists of 18 months of 20 days, which are then followed by a period of 5 days known as Wayeb.

Each new solar year, a new year bearer (also known as Mam, grandfather, cargador or Year Lord) takes his seat. There are four year bearers in use here in Guatemala, these are Kej, E’, N’oj and Iq’. They cycle much as the days cycle; 2012 was 13 N’oj, 2013 was 1 Iq’, 2014 was 2 Kej, 2015 was 3 E’ and 2016 will be 4 N’oj. In 2017 the solar year will begin on the day 5 Iq’, so we see the same sequence of year bearers with the number increasing by 1 each time. These are the year bearers currently used by the K’iche’ people of Guatemala. Archaeologists give a slightly different count as they start their count, the Ha’ab, 40 days later. The year bearers are the same, but the number is increased by 1, making 2016 the year 5 N’oj. There is also another count which starts 13 days later, due to an extra 13 days being added in February of 2013, which changed the year bearers. This was known as the “Gran Wayeb” and while this has many logical reasons and has been adopted in some areas, I do not know many indigenous day keepers who have adopted it yet.

The Chol Q’ij consists of 260 days and is commonly seen as 20 periods of 13 days, which are sometimes referred to as trecenas. Each trecena has a different attribute depending on the days involved and their strengths. However, there is another way of counting the Chol Q’ij which co-ordinates it’s movements with that of the Macewal Q’ij; that is by counting 20 day periods. Each month of the solar year begins with a seating day, which is usually given a value of 0, and ends on a day numbered 19. Therefore, the first day of the solar year, consists of two components, and in 2016 will be 4 N’oj 0 Nab’e Mam. After 20 day have elapsed, the solar month will change and the month of Rukub Mam will start on the next N’oj day, the date 12 N’oj 0 Rukub Mam. I have compiled the dates into the table below to show the entire year.

[supsystic-tables id=’1′]

What this table shows is that the bearer of the year presides over each of the Macewal Q’ij months, moving through each of his variations. He moves through the solar year twice, once thirteen times, then the second time five times (marked with a *), then through the Wayeb. The ** on the Wayeb marks that the year bearer only takes his seat for five days, and that it is the year bearer which governed for the previous appearance of this year bearer. For example, 13 N’oj was the year bearer of the year 2012, and 1 Iq’ was the year bearer on 2013. This seems hardly a coincidence and probably relates to the “Ghost” of the previous Mam taking responsibility after the current year bearer has “died”. The Wayeb is known as a time when public ceremony should be avoided, some people do not wash or comb their hair, they may not leave the house. It is a time when the days are unsupported and misfortune may occur.

When these cycles are compared with the life cycle of the maize, possible clarity occurs. The life cycle of the maize, the sustenance and substance of the people is 260 days. If Maize was planted on 21^st February, it would be harvested on 7^th November, which incidentally also around when rainy season usually ends. The maize grows and ripens, then the plant dies and is doubled over so that it dries out. In this way we see the 260 days as a cycle of life. From the 7^th November through to 16^th February there is no rain, so new life, the new sprouting of the maize, cannot occur. This is the second period of the year bearer, the 100 days, which could be seen as a journey through the otherworld, the world of the dead. We then have the 5 days of mourning, before the new year bearer takes his seat and the cycle of life begins again.

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Iq’ Years

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No’j Years

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