Tag Archives: Tzolkin

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

3 Tijax (6th March 2025)

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3 TijaxOn some days it is better to concentrate on creating beauty, peace and healing within your own home, and this is one of them. This is the day to polish the diamond within.

In some respects, the day 3 Tijax can represent blockages and obstructions in the crusade. Trying to push forward towards external goals may be more trouble than it is worth today.

It is a day where finding resolution or healing may be fraught with difficulties, possibly leading to confrontation. Tijax brings an energy of discernment. As such it can result in truly seeing the place to cut away that which is out of balance. However, today discernment may be clouded, and if the sharp, cutting energy of Tijax is employed, an error may occur. This is not the day for snap judgments regarding the outer world.

As we move through this trecena of Ajmak, working on forgiveness, we can see how this day might fit. It is very difficult to forgive and accept others if we can’t do that for ourselves. I sometimes think of Tijax days as days of surgery. In fact they are usually good days to choose for procedures. When combined with the inner focussed number 3 it suggests that we direct that finely honed discernment within.

It is a day where we might use our discernment to find where we don’t match up to our own high standards, otherwise we might become hypocritical. This is the day for inner healing, resolving internal conflicts and concentrating on what needs attention within you too. You must bring yourself into balance before working on others. Perhaps working on inner peace would be a more conducive focus. Once self acceptance is achieved, the acceptance of others will follow.

The Nawal Tijax

Sacrificial Death God 1

The nawal Tijax represents an obsidian (or flint) blade. How the blade is used depends on the intention of the person wielding it, a warrior or a surgeon. These would seem like opposite ends of the spectrum. However, where Tijax is concerned the aim is the same – healing and purification.

Tijax is the nawal of the holy warrior. In the Mayan book of creation , the Popol Vuh, the first act of the hero twins was a mission given to them by the Heart of the Sky to rid the world of the false gods Seven Macaw, Zipacna and Earthquake. By destroying the false gods, the twins brought balance to the world, and helped mankind, they brought healing to the world. They cut out that which caused disease, exactly as a surgeon would do.

Tijax is celebrated as a day of healers, particularly what could be seen as the masculine aspect of healing. It is a day of crusading, of standing up for what is right, the healer who refuses to give up on finding a cure. Tijax gives powers of discernment and refinement. Just as the surgeons scalpel cuts away disease and the warriors blade dispatches the evil, the sculptors chisel creates beauty by remodelling the base material. This is a day of alchemy, both internal and external, turning the ordinary into the divine.

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.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

2 No’j (5th March 2025)

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The energy of the nawal No’j often brings practical solutions to problems, and today the number 2 highlights polarities. This brings the ability to solve problems by understanding both sides of the issue.

How can we begin to resolve an issue if we only have information from one source? The number 2 can highlight duality. It is binary, a one or a zero. There is no fraction or space in between, it is one or the other. This can bring conflicting information, but how can an impasse be breached if both sources can be verified as true? Naturally, balance is always required for a true and long-lasting solution and today that information might come from polar opposites.

The second day of the trecena of forgiveness, the day 2 No’j, enables us to understand different points of view. No’j helps us to think things through. Its intellect and intelligence empowers our thought processes to come up with the most appropriate solution. However, if we approach problem solving from a unilateral standpoint, we may miss important issues. 2 No’j brings us the ability to encompass both. Days carrying the energy of the number 2 are always good for mediation. Here we see it particularly linked with intelligent solutions.

With the number 2 highlighting relationships, this could also be a day to resolve any friction within partnerships. One of the challenges for No’j is not to overthink situations. However, with the lower number 2 this is unlikely. If the thoughtfulness of No’j can be applied to relationships today it is likely to come up with a genius answer. This solution is likely to satisfy the needs of both parties.

The Nawal No’j

A depiction of the Earth Lord, the patron of the day Caban (N'oj). <yoastmark class= The nawal No’j is the nawal of thought, of intelligence and intellect. Within the count of days, there are two geniuses. B’atz is the creative genius, and No’j is the intellectual one. No’j is an energy of masculine, logical thought. As the problem solver, it gives ideas and solutions which work in the real world. No’j gives a different way of understanding situations, and through this ability comes innovation. It is thought, but also understanding and, indeed, knowing. As such, No’j is also a day associated with divination.

This energy is not necessarily social, it can lead to becoming absorbed into one’s work, lost in one’s thoughts. The influence of No’j can create ideas which may be very much ahead of their time. Do not be surprised if ideas you have on this day take a little time to catch on. The people you express the ideas to may need a little time to process, to see the genius within the idea. No’j is also one of the classic year-bearers or year lords. As a year bearer, it is thought to be one of the more beneficial and benign energies.

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

1 Ajmak (4th March 2025)

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1 AjmakA period of forgiveness begins today, a time of redemption and reconciliation. we can show our true humanity through forgiveness.

 

Ajmak is said to be the nawal of the human and as such it also represents human nature. Therein lies both the beauty and the problem. As humans, we don’t always see, or want to see, the consequences of our actions. We are often encouraged to “live in the moment” which can bring some of the best experiences as a human. However, the spontaneity to live in the moment is not always compatible with responsibility, at least in our modern world. We may be distracted from our responsibilities by the things that remind us how good it is to be human.

The day 1 Ajmak can represent a day of turning over a new leaf. It is a day to start a process of peace by making the first move in resolving any issues with others, particularly long-standing ones. However, this process may require some encouragement from others before it becomes realised.

With Ajmak accompanied by the number 1, we also see the internal process highlighted. We carry a seed within us, the first spark of pardon for both others and, perhaps more importantly, ourselves. Ajmak days give us the opportunity to resolve issues through forgiveness. Here there is also a suggestion to dig deep within yourself to see if there is anything you are holding onto which can now be released. It may be easier to forgive others once you have brought the sweetness into your life, by first forgiving yourself and your own actions. Today is an excellent day to start that process.

I am sorry

Please forgive me

Thank you

I love you

Nawal Ajmak

Raw honey, fresh from San Juan la Laguna by Mark Elmy

Ajmak is the nawal of pardon and forgiveness, the nawal of redemption. It is the energy of being human, of falling 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 its 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 fail to fulfil its true potential, although due to its lovable nature it is easy to forgive. One of the lessons with regard to the Ajmak energy is learning to forgive oneself.

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

13 Tz’ikin (3rd March 2025)

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13 Tz'ikinToday is a day to ask for a vision from the ancestors to help all to thrive. Keep your eyes open and be aware of visual pointers, signs and signals marking your most fortunate direction.

This is not a day to necessarily expect abundance to just drop out of thin air in front of you, although the strength of this day does not rule that out either. This type of assistance may be a gift, but may also not lead to a long-term solution. It is more a day to receive the vision of how to bring prosperity to you, your family and your community. Whilst it might be a better day than usual to buy a lottery ticket, a more sustainable plan may be to seek guidance regarding your future vision for prosperity. True prosperity is, of course, not financial.

The energy of the number 13 represents the spirit world, including our deceased ancestors. Today it brings an energy where the nawal of the visionary combines with the number representing the spirit world. On these days, it is easier to seek their counsel through some form of divination or mediumship. However, the nawal Tz’ikin may bring you directly a vision of how to prosper, acting as the messenger between the unseen world and you.

As the trecena of Aq’ab’al comes to an end, this is the day to ask for help, verbally, and particularly from your ancestors. Use your eyes to see what they show you with regards to how to develop your concepts into a vision. You may be surprised how easily the answers come to you when you look for them today.

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”. However, this is not the same as the greed of capitalist consumerism. 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.

Similarly, 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.” Thus, this energy gives an ability to create great social networks, but sometimes spends too much time trying to maintain them.

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

12 Ix (2nd March 2025)

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12 IxThis is a day to show gratitude to the Earth for all you have received in life. The day 12 Ix can be seen as gathering your life’s wisdom, wealth and experience together.

As we travel through our lives, we have a continuous and ongoing experience with the energy of the Earth. Many do not realise it, and many choose to ignore it. However, it is from the Earth that all material emerges.

Industrialised societies tend to see the Earth as an inanimate source of material wealth. Non-industrialised societies see her as a living entity with whom we can interact, and she carries the nawal Ix. So, on Ix days, prayers are offered at her places, the shrines and altars, and her ears, to ask for what we need in our world.

When we understand our relationship with Mother Earth, we enhance our abilities to interact with this world. This can be seen as wisdom, at least with regard to thriving in our Earthly world rather than just surviving. The further we move through life, the more we gather with regards to our experience. Today we celebrate what we have gathered through life about our understanding of the way the world works.

This is a day when we can draw on our life experience of how to make things work, how to draw upon our “magic” or our knowing of how to ask the Earth for what we need. We also draw on our experience of gratitude, our understanding that this is the lubricant to keep the energy moving. Our life experience helps us understand how to make the appropriate ceremonies to give thanks. It is a day to use our life experience to protect and honour mother Earth.

Nawal Ix

A dancing shaman transforms himself into a jaguar. From a late classic era vase found at Altar de Sacrificios. Source http://shortstreet.net/Maya/mayapaintedvases.htm
A dancing shaman transforms himself into a jaguar. From a late classic era vase found at Altar de Sacrificios. Source http://shortstreet.net/Maya/mayapaintedvases.htm

Ix is considered to be the most feminine of the nawales because it embodies the spirit of the Heart of the Earth. It can be seen as a representation of Mother Earth or the Maya version of Gaia. Ix is known for its nurturing energy, as it takes care of all things. However, this nurturing should not be mistaken for weakness, as Ix also embodies the power and stealth of the jaguar, which is its animal totem. The jaguar is a powerful jungle cat that moves stealthily through the darkness of the night with spots on its back representing the milky way. Ix carries the sun on its nightly journey through the underworld.

In industrialized societies, the Earth is often seen as an inanimate source of material wealth. However, non-industrialized societies view her as a living entity that we can interact with, and she carries the nawal Ix. Therefore, on Ix days, people offer prayers at her shrines and altars to ask for what they need in the world. To keep Ix healthy, it is important to approach her with a spirit of gratitude and humility. Ix is deeply connected with the natural world, where it finds its wisdom, power, and wealth. Therefore, it is a day to give thanks, remember gratitude, and engage with your magic.

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

11 Aj (1st March 2025)

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11 AjThe steadfast moved by the spontaneous could be a theme for this day. The supportive energy of Aj may bring greater harmony to the community by inspiration outside its usual boundaries.

The nawal Aj could be seen as a “safe pair of hands”. Aj days bring a focus on our homes and communities and the harmony within them. For this harmony to exist a certain amount of control is required. This may be through rules and regulations which can sometimes bring out the authoritarian side of Aj. However, Aj would argue that these rules are for the good of all, even if we feel a little restricted. Sometimes it can be difficult to get Aj to move especially when it might result in a change to the status quo. Just as Aj can represent the strength and support of the spinal column, cane or cornstalk, it can also become inflexible.

However, today might bring a surprise in these areas as the energy of the number 11 influences Aj. The 11 brings with it a changeability. It listens to its intuition and acts accordingly, sometimes moving off the logical path. Although this may seem chaotic to the external observer, innovation follows.

Bringing these two rather opposing energies together can create a very interesting situation. The energy of the 11 might persuade Aj to move from its position. Things which may normally be considered inflexible or dependable may act unpredictably. It may certainly be a day on which the “old guard” is challenged by new ideas. In order to bring harmony to the community, the phrase “because that’s how we’ve always done it” needs to be challenged. This is certainly the day on which that might happen, and it might even come from leaders themselves.

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. Above all, 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 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

8 Tz’i (26th February 2025)

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8 Tz'iGiving thanks for our guidance and our instincts may be a useful theme for today.  If legal matters are pending, a ceremony today might help move things forward.

The loyalty and trust towards ourselves and others should be celebrated today. Sometimes both may be tested. We lose our faith in something or are tempted by something out of alignment with our values. Perhaps we need to lose those things to celebrate finding them again.

It is also a day which highlights legal matters, this would be a good day to wrap up any legal proceedings, the energy of nawal Tz’i applying the wholeness of justice to the situation. It is a day to give thanks for the application of natural justice. The laws of nature must be adhered to or applied, it’s a good day to ask that the unjust are brought to account for their deeds.

While we were making a ceremony, Nana Ingrid Arevalo explained the nawal Tz’i exactly through the dog analogy. To paraphrase her words, “We go out and we leave our dog at home. We leave it for hours while we are out having fun. When we come home it greets us with its tail wagging, it is so excited to see us. We are the most important beings in its life, and it shows us its unconditional love”

To love unconditionally requires us to embrace all aspects of those we attach ourselves to. We also might not always be at our best, yet our family and true friends stand with us. This is what gives us faith in each other. Today is the day of ceremony for the nawal Tz’i. It is a day on which we can ask to be forgiven for succumbing to our vices.

The Nawal Tz’i

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 acts on instinct, disregarding reason when hormonally driven. This aspect of Tz’i is particularly bad, and when it fails, it does so dramatically, 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. 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 we can understand both loyalty and instinct through their actions. 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. However, be aware that your loyalty may be tested by temptation.

The Number Eight

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

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

7 Toj (25th February 2025)

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7 TojThe energy of the nawal of payment combined with the number of endings can leave little doubt of flavour for this day. It is a day to finalise any debts, both physical and energetic.

Life proceeds through energetic interactions. We consume energy in one form or another and then we return it, often in a different form. Even when it comes down to the air we breathe or the water we drink, there is an exchange. To come to a state of harmony within the world in which we live, balance must be achieved. In this modern world, sometimes we defer these debts, whether they are financial or not. We take something, often intending to resolve the imbalance as soon as we can. However, we may then forget these debts, especially the small ones. Individually this is not always too much of a problem, we can proceed with a small imbalance. But many small items eventually cause us to fall out of harmony. This in turn may lead to a state of disease and an illness may occur.

Toj days remind us to keep our promises, to make our payments in whatever form they might take. They might be physical or financial, or they might be words of gratitude. These simple acts help to keep us healthy. It is in our own interests to make these exchanges, to return what we have used.

With the number 7 highlighting finality, this is the day to make the final payment of any outstanding debts. If there is something which has been dragging on in your life for sometime, today is a beneficial day to resolve it.  Payments made today may give rise to a greater benefit than you realise.

Worthwhile Recipients of Your Donations

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

Bringing Water Stability to Families

A wonderful, highly active project to bring water stability to families is Water4Life Global. Jenna MacEwan and her team have been making a difference to peoples’ lives since 2018. They provide water filters to local families throughout Guatemala, thereby giving direct access to clean drinking water. Additionally, they are directly involved in action which helps to clean up the local sources of water. This is achieved through greywater treatment projects, reforestation and education. To learn more or donate, please visit: https://water4lifeglobal.org/donate/

The Midwife Project

In their words: “Our Mission is to offer safe, dignified and culturally appropriate health care to women in Guatemala by empowering indigenous midwives through education. We focus on revaluing the Mayan ancestral knowledge while integrating modern medical practices. With the creation of Holistic Clinic(s) & Birthing Center(s) as a meeting ground and model project. Our Vision is that every woman has access to humane, respected and safe birth care. The midwives and women are empowered to lead the creation of a thriving community where those who are most vulnerable have their needs met, and men support the women in creating this healthy and vibrant family and community structure.”

You can check out their site and donate here: https://www.midwifeproject.net/donate 

Konojel

I mention the Konojel program and their work in San Marcos la Laguna. They have turned from a basic, “let’s make sure bellies are full” program to one of much more social development. You can check out their programs and donate here https://konojel.org/donate

Odim

Within the village of San Pablo la Laguna, there is an organisation doing great work. They are called ODIM and specialise in medical and educational services. However, during the pandemic restrictions, they helped feed many people, but this is in addition to their regular, long-term work there. You can find out more about them through this link http://www.odimguatemala.org/donate

The Nawal Toj

The nawal Toj represents offerings and payment. It is part of the name Tojil, a Mayan god who gave fire to the people. However, this was not a gift. Tojil asked in return for a sacrifice to be made. This is a day of payment and sacrifice, a day to resolve debts, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Toj is the nawal of the sacred fire where we make offerings to burn away karmic debts. In this way we restore balance, and we bring our accounts back to zero.

It is through selfless acts that we can access the divine protection that Toj carries. Naturally, these acts might involve a sacrifice of our time or energy to strengthen our community. We can choose to act or we can choose to ignore. However, ignoring an opportunity to make a payment on a Toj day might bring the removal of the protection. We should always make our payments with an open heart. However, thanks might not be quickly forthcoming, and may not come at all. Your sacrifice could be something as simple as picking up litter in your neighbourhood. It doesn’t have to be something elaborate.

The Number Seven

If we imagine the numbers 1 through 13 as a pyramid, the number seven would be at the top. Seven is the number of balance, it gives the ability to weigh up situations and see all points of view. While this may be very noble, it may lead to indecision.

However, it is also known as a number of death and endings, which would seem strange as it is only half way through. It is another representation of the change of state of the soul, showing half of the journey (1-6) in the mortal world and half (8-13) in the otherworld. As such it can be a great number on which to finalise or end something.

7 the final step

The sequence of numbers as they appear with each appearance of a nawal. Here we see that the sequence begins with 1 and ends with 7, giving 7 as a number of finality.

Chol Q'ij - The Energies of the Days

6 Q’anil (24th February 2025)

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6 Q'anilThe prosperity and brilliance of Q’anil, and the stability of the number 6 give the potential for an excellent day which brings your crops, plans and projects to full stable maturity.

The energy of the nawal Q’anil is that of ripening. Just as our crops ripen, so do we. Our souls become brighter the more they are polished through our experiences and transformations. Today, the ripening process is blessed by the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth, inspiring the process. It could be seen almost as some kind of divine intervention or assistance to stabilise the physical journey to maturity. This is a day which brings stability to your abundance, for the benefit of yourself and your family. If you have an opportunity to get your hands dirty, working around plants should prove highly beneficial.

I see the day 6 Q’anil as a hugely positive day. The energy of Q’anil can be seen as very beneficial and the number 6 brings things into balance. If there were any cautions with Q’anil it might be excesses or intoxication, but the number 6 creates an equilibrium. It can be the perfect day to both work on, and enjoy, the fruits of your labour.

This can be a very light-hearted day of good humour and fun. Let your light shine and embrace your talents, it is time to demonstrate them to the physical world. Today they may be enhanced with a little more guidance than usual.

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 can shine anywhere. Q’anil has talent, its beautiful golden light illuminates that which it comes into contact with. People carrying Q’anil energy can light up the room with their presence. Q’anil is about achieving its 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 regard to intoxication.

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. Thus, ceremonies are often made on six days 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 principles. If the number four represents the physical world and the number 6 represents the physical world animated by the life force energy.

Thus, 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

5 Kej (23rd February 2025)

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5 KejThis is a great day to get the hard work done. You have the strength and determination of Kej attached to that which you work for. However, make sure you remember to make time to recharge with a connection to nature.

The nawal Kej brings strength and vitality which helps us to draw from the wilderness. It brings out our leadership from within us, helping to assure us of our decisions. Kej acts as a spiritual leader charging forward on behalf of its people. It is determined to bring out the best of the world for them, whether real or perceived. Kej represents the priest, with concern for more than just the physical well-being of the people it leads. It does what it does with a divine conviction, which can lead it to be a little overbearing.

Here we see it connected with the number 5 which is representative of work. As a consequence, this can be an exceptionally empowered work day as Kej comes through to bring you determination in whatever your chosen work is. However, this determination can lead to trampling over others in the drive to achieve a goal, which should be avoided. It may require a little reigning in of the pushy energy in order to avoid possible confrontation.

One way to balance the strength is through connection to the wilderness. This is a great day for working in the natural environment, the work will be blessed by Kej, helping you to tune in to what you are doing. It is likely that environmental work may take some effort to get going, but once it does you may be well rewarded. This may take some form of insight as the essence of the spiritual leader within is empowered through the natural world.

The Nawal Kej

Xbalamkiej, patron of the day Kej one of the hero twins from the Popol Vuh. From the Dresden Codex
Xbalamkiej, patron of the day Kej one of the hero twins from the Popol Vuh. From the Dresden Codex

Kej is possibly the strongest of the nawales, it is powerful, but in a different way to Kan. Kej is energetic, lively and determined. It is the nawal of nature, of the wilderness and it is this power that it draws on. The animal totem of Kej is the deer, but if you have fragile, new-born Bambi in mind, think again. This is the majestic stag, standing on the mountain surveying his domain. Whilst most nawales are not necessarily engendered, Kej is most definitely masculine. Both men and women that carry Kej as their nawal have great strength, although the men tend to hide their strength more. Kej women are particularly driven, resourceful and brave, sometimes to the point of being rather dominant. All radiate an aura of nobility, people tend to look to them to lead.

Kej is the nawal of the Mayan “religion”, a day of spiritual leaders, of shaman and of priests. It is these leaders who understand how to read the messages from the natural world, who help to keep our existence in balance with nature. It is a day to connect with the wilderness and draw the power of the natural world into you, to harmonise and replenish.

The Number Five

The Sacred Mayan calendar is said to be a calendar of human life. 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 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”.