Tzolkin Journey
The Awakened Pilgrim Returning to Eden

Symbolism: The Mayan name, Imix (ee-MISH) or Imox, is a word that the authors believe refers to the earth god and consequently to Earth itself. The Mayan glyph for the day has been compared to a woman’s nipple, a symbol of nourishment. Imix also has connections with the ceiba tree, a giant tree usually found growing in the old town plazas, that symbolizes growth from deep within the earth (from its core, to be exact).

Personality: Imix types are often constantly at work, usually trying to maintain the integrity of their world. They are energetic, rigid, creative, and initiating. They have intense emotional power and a need to be deeply involved in whatever they do, a need that must be used creatively or it may become a source of problems in relationships. Imix types have strong nurturing instincts, are quite sensitive, and require privacy. They are not always comfortable sharing feelings. They are protective and dominating in a parental way and often struggle psychologically with the voice of an internalized critical parent. Persons born under Imix can be assertive and even aggressive in some ways. Many feel rejected by their families or parents, and in compensation, seek group friendships that make up for this loss. Some become founders of businesses, organizations or associations. They relate to the world around them through their feelings and not their intellect. This causes them to be quite reactive to any changes taking place around them, and they often rush in to keep the “dam from breaking,” so-to-speak. This reactive nature is probably behind their tendency to initiate activities. They are often found breaking new ground or starting projects from scratch. When motivated, the Imix type will work incessantly until emotional security has been restored and stabilized. When they do achieve emotional security, however, they may become extremely lazy and even lethargic.

Challenge: To accept themselves completely and to become free from feelings of rejection by parents or other authority figures; to join with others on terms that are shared by the others; to refrain from being judgmental.

Solution: Founding a business or creating a home. Learning to be independent.

Symbolism: The Mayan name Ik (eek) means wind, breath, and life, suggesting a concept like “the breath of life.” The glyph for this day-sign, which usually included a “T” design, had associations with a god of rains as well as wind. Rains are needed to germinate seeds and stimulate life, and this “coming to life” may be the meaning the Maya intended.

Personality: Ik types are communicative, mental, agile, clever, and multifaceted. They have a tendency to do many things, to be a “jack of all trades but master of none.” They tend to be idealistic and romantic, fashion-conscious or artistic, and somewhat non-committal or indecisive. They seem to have problems with issues of responsibility, obligation, and commitment, these being their greatest challenges. Ik types are thinking constantly, and this characteristic intrudes upon their awareness of the intense emotional realities within and around them. To others, they seem very much alive and alert. To themselves, they feel confused and uncertain as to the specific information on which they should act. Learning, speaking, reading, and other forms of mental communication appeal to them. Not a few Ik have tried their hand at writing in one form or another. A conversation with one born on this day-sign is always interesting and stimulating. However, breadth, not depth, is their forte. Wind types are clever and very intelligent when it comes to learning. They enjoy playing many roles in life but do not seek out leadership positions, in fact, service seems to come more easily to them.

Challenge: To deal with fears about responsibility and obligations; to accept commitments; to learn to be decisive.

Solution: To seek education; to gain mastery of language and verbal expression.

Symbolism: Akbal (ahk-BAL) is the Mayan name for this day-sign, which means darkness or night. Another Mayan name for this day-sign is Uotan, meaning heart, which had associations with Earth gods and the drum. The glyph for Akbal may signify an animal of the underworld, perhaps the jaguar.

Personality: Akbal types are often powerful and tend to project an imposing or attractive presence on the world around them. Their personal power may be exerted in subtle ways, but it is always something others must contend with. In many cases, this power is completely legitimate, as when the person is a teacher, leader, or healer. They are logical, organized, and capable of deep thought, but they tend to be conservative in many matters. Patience, endurance, and hard work seem to come naturally to those born under the day-sign Akbal. Security, both mental and physical, is a major issue for those born under this day-sign. The physical security that a home, house, building, or other structure represents may be a focus in life, or the emotional security that family ties offer may draw intense interest. Science and math, or other systems of knowledge (including occultism, magic, and astrology), often interest the Akbal-born because those subjects aid the person in organizing practical matters of life. Traditions appeal to them and they have a great respect for history. Those born under Akbal take a structural approach to life. The more organized their lives are, the more they will feel secure and in control. If it takes ten years or more to achieve a goal of organization, then Akbal people will tough it out. Because Akbal types work so hard on seeing and understanding things in specific ways, they can develop mental inertia. As a result, a change for them requires a near overhaul of the logical framework that they have constructed, and they may resist such changes. Outsiders may see this characteristic as reliability and constancy, others may see it as stubbornness.

Challenge: Mental rigidity and problems with sharing; loss of control.

Solution: Becoming a builder of systems; stabilizing the foundations of whatever is done.

Symbolism: The Maya called this day Kan (kahn), which suggests corn and ripeness. The highly stylized glyph for the day does not offer much of a clue, though young maize plants are shown growing from the Kan glyph in the codices. The Kan glyph, often painted yellow, is also found in the codices near offerings of food, which suggests that corn, the most important food of the Maya, was simply a reference to that which sustains life.

Personality: Kan types are ready for life in the social world and are often interested in leadership and performance. They are active, dynamic, sexual, and influential. They hold themselves to high standards. Self-esteem is important to them, and they are often attracted to attention-getting activities. Persons born under Kan will often be found doing work that is creative or performance-oriented. It is a day-sign of leadership, or at least leadership where a personal performance is necessary. What is noteworthy is that these people thoroughly enjoy such situations, and they are generally very competent, and sometimes outstanding, at what they do. They often have a reputation for being different or deviating from the status quo. They have a strong drive toward independence and freedom from entanglements. Those born under the day-sign Kan are usually quite individualistic. They will compromise only under extreme pressure, and they may harbor resentment if forced to comply. Kan types often attract attention by being different, but they may be too involved in their own interests to be seriously concerned about what other people think of them. This allows them to eventually become extremely individualized and highly specialized persons. These people generally lead creative and productive lives and maintain stable, though usually somewhat unconventional, relationships with those of the opposite sex. Sexuality and relations with the opposite sex, however, can be a challenge for them as they sometimes struggle with self-esteen issues. Down deep, Kan people are very serious about the quality of their lives.

Challenge: To become a balanced individual; to become comfortable with the world of attraction and courtship.

Solution: Engaging in activities in which performance is evaluated; sweating the details.

Symbolism: To the Maya, Chicchan (chee-CHAHN) suggested the celestial serpents, located at the four quarters and linked to rainfall. The glyph itself suggests the head or scales of a snake, and in the codices, it is linked to a serpent god.

Personality: Chicchan is a strong-willed, powerful, and charismatic day-sign. Chicchan types can be quite dramatic and are usually regarded by others as having “sex appeal.” They are quite intelligent and usually well informed, but tend to become fanatical about one subject or another. Death and sex fascinate them, and they can become obsessive about these matters. The emotional power of those born under this sign is remarkable. They are often found prancing around one stage or another or attracting attention indirectly by lurking suspiciously in the shadows. Leadership comes naturally to them in part due to their ability to grab and hold the attention of others. They are quite strong physically and mentally, and are capable of living under very stressful conditions. On the other hand, failure to nurture themselves adequately is a common weakness of these types. Natives of Chicchan are intelligent but also extremist in many ways. They have strong emotions or personal powers that affect others deeply. They have such strong emotional reactions that they sometimes explode with anger, causing great upheavals in relationships. When these powerful emotional energies are harnessed, Chicchan types can be quite constructive and creative, pouring out products or performances without any apparent rest. Indeed, they are capable of saving the world.

Challenge: To experience powerful transformations consciously; to generate energy for the benefit of all involved.

Solution: To seek to learn and to develop a deep understanding of life.

Symbolism: Cimi (kee-MEE), the Mayan word for this day, comes from the root word for death. The glyph for the day is clearly a skull, the skull of the death god. The owl, a night bird as well as an omen of death, was also linked to this day, as was the underworld.

Personality: Cimi types tend to be security conscious, materialistic, sacrificing, accepting of change, and helpful. They are not often confident leaders and will more often comfortably accept a secondary role or position. Tradition appeals to them, and since they have a strong faith, so does religion. Often those born under this sign are unsure of where their life is headed, and faith or instinct are all they can go on. They are materialistic, very concerned with domestic security, and may have an interest in real estate, or perhaps work with homes or houses in some way. They have an interest and concern for the community and politics and are concerned with what is happening in the world or their neighborhood. They like to feel that they can do something about it. They cooperate well with others and rarely allow their egos to get in the way of progress toward the collective goals in which they believe. Those Cimi who make politics a career will often associate themselves with powerful allies, even with those more powerful than themselves. Cimi types take all kinds of responsibilities very seriously. Obligations to others, and a sense of duty, tend to dominate their lives. Because Cimi types are usually polite and hesitant to speak their true feelings, they tend to give in to others more often than may be necessary or even reasonable.

Challenge: To have faith; not to be a victim; not to feel obliged to make too many sacrifices.

Solution: To become truly useful to society and the world around them.

Symbolism: The Mayan name for this day, Manik (mah-NEEK), does not translate easily and is, unfortunately, not useful as a clue to the symbolism of this day-sign. The glyph itself, which appears to be a hand in a grasping position, is not suggestive of anything in particular either.

Personality: The Manik type is peaceful, generous, cooperative, artistic, and inspiring. While they are generally placid people, they can also be very bold in speaking up for what they feel to be right. They can be mentally powerful and, as one would expect, are not easily convinced or swayed from their intellectual positions. Manik people need companionship. For these natives, community and family are of great importance, but so is their freedom to follow their nomadic instincts. Manik is a sign of participation in the community. Those born under it are often deeply involved with family traditions, and in some cases, socio-political traditions. Family or community may be such a strong issue that crucial life decisions are often based completely on these elements. Manik types are also very sensual, artistic, and even eccentric. Their aesthetic sense is usually highly developed, and they often dabble in one or another of the arts. Those born on this day-sign are very sensual and sexually inclined, yet are also quite intuitive and very sensitive to the needs and concerns of other beings.

Challenge: To be free, independent and secure in relationships.

Solution: To accept and be comfortable with their own individuality, no matter what strange characteristics it may entail.

Symbolism: The Mayan word Lamat (la-MAHT) referred to the planet Venus, the “great star.” The glyph for this day was the sign for the planet Venus itself, and in some variations is a celestial dragon with markings signifying Venus. Drunkenness is suggested by this symbolism also, because the Mayan conception of Venus included the notion of inebriation.

Personality: Lamat is energetic, busy, nervous, quick, and playful. Those born under it are moving constantly and are always busy with something. They are intelligent, but somewhat paranoid, and can at times be self-destructive. They usually appreciate a good fight. Lamat is a sign of cleverness, games, and competition, and it produces people with active minds who must always be doing something. Intellectual challenges such as debating, arguing, and deal-making appeal to them. Many are drawn into the business world where competitiveness and cleverness are assets. They also have a great need for physical activity and are sometimes known for their nervous bodily movements. Some exercise; others dance. But all Lamats need to keep moving about. These are people who can do enormous amounts of work in very little time and not seem to be tired for it. They have a great fondness for music and humor, but they can also be argumentative, working against their own best interests at times. Many born on Lamat are performers or entertainers. They can be quite egocentric, but they are not as confident of their abilities as one would think. Their capacity for subtlety of mind causes them to be interested in details, mysteries, intelligence-gathering work, psychology, and the occult. They tend to be suspicious of every new person they meet, though once they know you they can be very loyal friends.

Challenge: To keep themselves under control so as to be able to finish things.

Solution: To carefully select friends and lovers and to avoid extremes and excesses.

Symbolism: The Mayan name for this day, Muluc (moo-LUKE) appears to refer to water, though it may also refer to jade, a symbol for water, suggesting that it was precious, as well as green and blue. The glyph itself is probably that of the head of a fish.

Personality: Muluc is emotional, imaginative, psychic, romantic, and fantasy prone. Some born on Muluc have a natural flair for the public life as a performer—and they can be capable of transferring their strong emotions to the audience. Many become successful performers or artists, while others associate themselves indirectly with show business or romantic lifestyles. Persons born under this sign struggle with powerful emotions and urges, and they have the ability to dominate others by expressing their strong feelings. In some cases, these people are very deep emotionally, have a strong sexual nature, or are interested in things that are sometimes considered normal in primitive societies but uncouth in modern life. Their strong feelings often lead to compulsive and addictive behaviors, or on the positive side, they lead toward the emotion-driven achievement of goals. People born under this day-sign are inclined to take risks, which can sometimes lead to great success and unforeseen opportunities. They are great dreamers and are sometimes psychic. For many, this intense connection with the subconscious manifests as creative, artistic ability and vision. This day-sign has an extremist quality that can lead to great success—these people are not moderates. Muluc confers a strong and independent mind that can solve problems intuitively. They may have problems with responsibilities, however, a characteristic that is traceable to their childhood experiences. With good parental role models, they will find success later in life more easily.

Challenge: To handle self-control and responsibility issues.

Solution: To seek consistency and persistence, which will help to control and focus the emotions and support leadership endeavors.

Symbolism: The Mayan name for this day-sign, Oc (oke) means dog. In the codices, the dog is often shown holding a torch, perhaps referring to the Mayan myth in which the dog brings fire to humans. In some depictions of this day-sign, the dog’s ear is emphasized by its being torn-off, mangled, or diseased. The dog, one of the most loyal of domesticated animals, was probably used to symbolize guidance, loyalty, and companionship—probable themes of this sign.

Personality: Oc is a cooperative, loyal, and helpful day-sign. Consistency and commitment characterize persons born under it. They have a strong group instinct and will stick by their allies in times of trouble. They are good team players, usually very creative, and strive patiently to fill authoritative positions. They instinctively know where they and others stand in the social ranking of any given situation, and this understanding allows them to be patient and to wait their turn for leadership. They know how to inspire loyalty in others because they have such a good understanding of it themselves. They also like to roam, but not too far from their territory. Oc enjoy short-distance travel—what they can do with a car or a boat. They enjoy monitoring their territory and have a strong interest in their neighborhoods. They require much variety in life and find the arts, especially music, rewarding. They approach their art form as a craft to be learned and mastered, and they are often technique-conscious. They may also be creative in the social and political arenas. Their father, or a father figure, often makes a strong impression on them, and they may either benefit through him or struggle over power issues and independence. For Oc, life is about achieving emotional maturity, and it is often through understanding the father, and authority in general, that this goal is achieved.

Challenge: Lack of emotional maturity; father-related/authority issues.

Solution: To learn patience followed by acceptance of direction from others, when it is needed.

Symbolism: The Mayan name for this day-sign, Chuen (chew-EN) translates as artisan or craftsman. Among the Quiche Maya, the name for this day is Batz, which is the term for monkey, particularly howling monkey. The glyphs for the sign are very stylized, though some appear to show the head of a monkey. Like the Aztecs, the Maya linked this sign with the arts and the crafts.

Personality: Chuen types are frequently attention-getting, artistic, clever, and demonstrative. They are often found working, or at least interested, in the performing or communicative arts. They seek attention from others and are quick learners, interested in everything around them. Actors, artists, musicians, designers, and writers make up an unusually large percentage of people born on this day. They also make good teachers and salespersons. It is the cultivation and development of the personality that is the core issue for Chuen. Although they are socially active, they often struggle in close intimate relationships, needing the contact but wishing for more variety. They enjoy “playing the field,” which is just another way of getting attention. This distance in relationships may be appealing to others, and it adds to the mystery of their character. Their sexual drives are strong and motivate them toward relationships, but commitment is their greatest challenge. Chuen is communicative and curious, like a monkey, and people born under this sign learn at a fast pace. Mentally, they can handle details, but they excel at generalities. Leadership positions come naturally. By nature, they are not followers and therefore the choice is either independence or leadership. This need to be the center of attention may be a response to a deep social insecurity.

Challenge: To stay with one thing long enough to become good at it; to actualize their creative potentials in ways that are not debilitating to themselves and that won’t result in distancing them from close companions.

Solution: To apply creativity; to be artistic and to explore the secrets of nature.

Symbolism: Eb (abe) does not translate easily. The glyph combines the symbols for death and water, which has led some to conclude that it symbolized harmful rains and mildew. E, the Quiche Maya name for Eb, means tooth, and in their tradition the day is considered favorable for getting good advice and for praying.

Personality: The Eb type tends to be relaxed, courteous, practical, careful, and helpful. They tend to be pleasant people who enjoy good company and who best relate to others casually. They are generous and giving persons who usually expect nothing in return. Relationships are very important to them and are often the centerpiece of their lives. This need conditions them to make sacrifices for others. Eb types are often perceived as ambitious and hard-working. They are intensely practical, they know how to solve problems, they don’t hesitate to get going when needed, and they do good work. They will compete with others, but prefer peace to conflict. Persons born under Eb may appear easy-going and compromising, but they are also easily distressed and are known to hide deep hurts and feelings. Eb types are often quite sensitive, are sometimes emotionally fragile, and are easily hurt by rejection or criticism. They tend to hold on to feelings of anger and resentment and often use hard work as a means to constructively ventilate those feelings. While they are slow to get going, Eb people are quite persistent and will finish a job or achieve a goal. They are very practical and capable of solving problems; many become designers or engineers of some kind. In general, this is a conservative day-sign that seeks peace with the world.

Challenge: To avoid poisoning themselves by suppressing anger.

Solution: To let others know how they feel.

Symbolism: To the Maya, this day-sign, Ben (bane) appears to have symbolized the development of both the maize plant and man. The word Ben does not seem to refer to any particular plant or deity. Some researchers have thought that the sign probably referred to the standing corn stalk—as opposed to ripe corn—or perhaps to a reed or cane. The glyph is highly stylized, though in some variants a link with vegetation appears to be present. Some people have suggested that the glyph refers to a mat made of reeds, representing a kind of weaving.

Personality: Ben types are often popular, knowledgeable, accomplished, and competent, with strong opinions. They are often highly regarded by others for their talent or expertise. In some cases they are simply way ahead of their competitors, or have made their mark on the field in which they work. In other cases, it is just a matter of general competency—the ability to excel at whatever it is they decide to do. They are fighters for moral or ethical principles and are quick to take on challenges. At worst, they are opinionated. These people will “stick to their guns” when under fire, keep a “stiff upper lip” when in trouble and, like a reed or cane stalk, remain firm in tense situations. They can be intellectually rigid and prone to argue, however. These people have a militant side, and although they don’t deliberately seek conflict, they seem to thrive in it. Persons born under Ben are usually popular and social, having deep knowledge of human nature. For some, this quality brings them well-deserved fame; for others, it brings respect and recognition from their peers. Although Ben types have enemies, even their enemies respect Ben’s successful ways. People born under the Ben sign are ambitious and clear about their goals and intentions.

Challenge: Being opinionated or holding rigid attitudes.

Solution: To understand human nature; to apply social skills.

Symbolism: The Mayan name for this day, Ix (eesh), probably refers to the earth god or to a magician. The Quiche Maya name, Balam, definitely means jaguar throughout the Mayan region. The connection here is that the jaguar is an animal of the underworld, of the earth. The Mayan glyph is stylized, but it appears to show the spots of this animal.

Personality: Ix types can be private, sensitive, intelligent, and psychic. They have an inborn sense of strategy and make good planners and investigators. Ix types may be aggressive but they will generally avoid direct confrontations. They will fight to make a point, though they usually do so in somewhat indirect ways. Some are cryptic communicators. They are not fearful of becoming entangled with other people’s lives. Ix types tend to become deeply involved with others on many levels, and they will base their security needs on these relationships. When things turn sour, they find themselves caught up in a network of ties and obligations that are difficult to throw off easily and quickly. This tendency leaves a lot of unfinished business and opportunities to process what has happened, which may yield deep spiritual insights. Ix types make good healers and consultants. They are inclined to be concerned with religion or spirituality, and they often display various kinds of psychic abilities. They are very sensitive in general and can read people intuitively. When this psychic ability is combined with their tendency to become deeply involved in human relationships, what emerges is essentially an identity as doctor or counselor. At their very best, Ix types are healers and confessors and as such provide a necessary service to humanity.

Challenge: To sort out complex and entangled human relationships; to purify one’s social life.

Solution: To develop healing and counseling skills.

Symbolism: The Maya called this day Men (mane), the root word for the verb “to make” or “to do.” The glyph for the day is that of a head with dots in a line behind the eyes, which has been suggested to be evidence that the sign represented the old moon deity. This goddess is drawn with a headdress and shield of eagle feathers. An eagle’s claw is also her symbol. This Mayan goddess was the patroness of weaving and other female activities. In this case, however, the day-sign’s symbolism doesn’t match the personality type very well.

Personality: Men types are independent, ambitious, and escapist. They can be scientific, technically inclined, critical, and exacting, and they frequently have an interest, or background, in philosophy, science, or the more technical aspects of their chosen field. Men types are usually a bit ahead of their time in their thinking, and they tend to be experimental in many areas of life. They are perfectionists with exacting, critical minds that require challenges. Making plans and layouts is particularly appealing to them. Persons born under this sign are typically perfectionists capable of handling much detail. Men types are often unconventional in significant ways; they have their own set of rules in life that develop from their own unique perspective on things. They can be driven, yet they also enjoy a good escape now and then. They would probably just take off for parts unknown, but they usually have complex relationship entanglements to handle, so they don’t. On a more positive level, many Men types are concerned with making the world a better place, and they only appear to be escapist to others. Those born under Men are usually popular and well-liked, which is interesting since they are the ones who tend to frequently bend the rules as understood by others. They will compete when necessary, and can be very serious about such things, but they usually try to avoid it. Competition with themselves is more their style and is perhaps the basis of their personal ambitions.

Challenge: To create a lifestyle that offers both freedom and companionship.

Solution: To gain a deeper knowledge of human nature.

Symbolism: This day-sign, called Cib (keeb) by the Maya, appears to refer to a small insect, possibly the bee. The Bacabs (the personified four directions in Mayan cosmology) were bee keepers. The Maya held a general belief that the dead return to the earth in the form of insects. The glyph itself probably represents a shell, a symbol worn by some of the Bacabs. Jaguar features appear in some of the glyphs, as well, suggesting darkness and night.

Personality: Cib is a serious, wise, deep, realistic, and pragmatic day-sign. Some Cib types are philosophical about life, others sing the blues. These people have a sense of limits and fatality that makes them seem ultra-realistic and pragmatic. They know nonsense when they see it but will give credit where it is due. Some are hardened to life, and most are status conscious and have very high standards. Most have an excellent sense of judgment, are extremely competent at what they do, yet are critical of how others do the same thing. Some have a tendency to downplay the apparent feelings of others. Although they have to work hard in life, or they may be deprived in some way, they still make progress. They tend to ask, Why should others be held to a different standard? Cib types are sensitive to authority and hierarchy, often driven to seek high positions, and they sometimes become the victims of those already so positioned. Those born under Cib are acutely conscious of their social or political status at any given moment. For most Cib types, this characteristic means that they are self-conscious when around people who can judge them in some way, and they fear rejection. Although most Cib types maintain their authority and high position relative to others, many are victims. They face the authority issues that are central to this day-sign from the other side. Some are simply taken advantage of; some are even beaten and abused. In certain cases, this abuse is more a social issue, in which the majority rejects what the Cib type believes in. It is in giving advice that many Cib types excel. Their challenges in life, and their acute awareness of what works and what doesn’t in society, give them the ability to make good judgments for others.

Challenge: To overcome self-consciousness and personal insecurities.

Solution: To excel in one’s career.

Symbolism: The Mayan name for this day, Caban (ka-BANE) means Earth, and there are associations of this day with earthquakes. The Mayan glyph of the day includes a curving line that may represent a lock of hair of the young moon goddess, who is also the goddess of Earth. The Maya considered this day good for matchmaking, medicine, and commerce.

Personality: Caban types are mentally active, rationalizing, clever but practical. They tend to believe that the world is ultimately reducible to logic and that rational solutions are the only solutions. They can be brilliant engineers or strategists who pioneer new solutions to stubborn problems. For some, however, this capacity to rationalize everything they perceive leads to inaccurate judgments and poor choices. Caban types are usually liberal and progressive. Their intense thinking often leads to views that are based on abstractions or unrealized ideals. Many Caban personalities have a great sense of humor. This may be due to the sharpness of their minds and their ability to make practical use of their insights into human nature. Strong convictions are found in those born under this day-sign. They are fiercely independent and stubborn persons who can’t stand being told what to do, and they frequently pay the price for this trait in their close relationships. As leaders, they are usually regarded as progressive and possibly a bit threatening to followers of the status quo. Caban types tend to seek out leadership positions or solo positions, possibly because they know how hard it is for them to follow the path of another.

Challenge: To hold one’s life together according to a reasonable plan.

Solution: To become more flexible, tolerant, and patient.

Symbolism: The Mayan name Etz’nab (ets-NOB) translates as something like “knife” or “sharp implement.” The glyph for the sign may indicate a blade, and the same design was frequently found depicted on the tips of spears.

Personality: Those born under Etz’nab are social, but also often practical, mechanically inclined, and well coordinated. Family life, parties, group events, love affairs, and partnerships can become very important, and sometimes even obsessive, to those born under this day-sign. They simply can’t help being excited when around others. Their ideas about how relationships should be maintained may be in direct conflict with their own needs, which they tend to downplay and, on some level, they are angry about this trait. For the most part, they are polite, compromising, and self-sacrificing people, but when pushed, they tend to have hot tempers. While they will avoid a conflict by repressing their feelings for a time, when finally pushed too far, they will explode with pent-up rage, or at least say things that others wouldn’t expect them to say. They are often extremely interested in the more technical aspects of what they do, and they have a good head for detail. They are adept at solving mechanical problems, working with tools or even mastering finger coordination for a musical instrument. These are people who thoroughly enjoy sharing a discussion on some technical subject with others. The great weakness of those born under Etz’nab is their vanity. They can be very self-absorbed both in their work and in regard to their appearance. The great strength of this day-sign is the level of personal sacrifice it bestows. Etz’nab people, for whatever psychological reason, will put their own interests aside in order to meet the needs of others who, hopefully, appreciate such gestures.

Challenge: The tendency to choose self-interest over self-sacrifice or to solve other people’s problems.

Solution: To share and to let others take leadership.

Symbolism: The Mayan name for this day was Cauac (cow-AHK), which means storm, thunder, and rain. The glyph appears to contain clouds and symbols that also appear on drawings of the celestial dragons, which bring rains and storms. The Guatemalan name for this day, Ayotl, means turtle. The day-sign is linked with rain as this animal, as well as the frog, are depicted as coming down with the rain.

Personality: Positively, Cauac is a youthful, restless, friendly, helpful, and compassionate day-sign. Such people are multifaceted and often accomplished in several areas. One of the most obvious characteristics of this friendly day-sign is their youthfulness. Cauac people often choose careers that involve them with children, or they may occasionally just act like children. Those born under this sign are often mentally active and talkative. They are good learners and often become teachers or counselors. A concern for the welfare of others, especially the public, is common in those born under Cauac. They have a strong intuition and can improvise when in a tight spot. Cauac types are more inclined to imitate than to innovate. They respect tradition and the forms created by those who came before them, whether in art, science, or business. Those born under Cauac generally have an interest in the deeper meanings of life. Many are drawn to the study or practice of religion, spirituality, or philosophy. They are often found working in the medical or psychological fields. The cleansing and healing process has a special importance for those born under this day-sign. Many born under Cauac become doctors or healers of some sort. Their natural instincts to protect and nurture, combined with excellent intuition, technical aptitude, and a mind capable of grasping details, makes them well-suited for such work.

Challenge: To develop the ability to teach and to heal.

Solution: To study under a master.

Symbolism: The Mayan name for this day-sign was Ahau (ah-HAW), which means lord or chief. The glyph for the day is sometimes a four-petaled flower though it also appears as a face. To the Maya, the flower was a symbol of the lord or sun, and this was its day.

Personality: Ahau types are loving, devoted, artistic, dreamy, and romantic. They can be loyal friends and lovers, but often suffer in relationships because of unrealistic expectations. They are extremely devoted to others, including friends and lovers, and are hurt badly when they are left for another. Ahau types have a beautiful vision of what life, and most importantly what life with another, can be. In some cases, an obsession with the future and with some kind of ultimate perfection generates illusions, fuels unrealistic expectations, and brings about disappointments. In other cases, Ahau types will live a life dedicated to an ideal, and they will accomplish much, sometimes changing the world in the process. Art and beauty draw the interest of those born under this day-sign. Many become successful artists, writers, or craftspeople who produce decorative, aesthetically pleasing products. Ahau types are generally intelligent and hard-working, but they can also be stubborn and uncompromising. One major problem is their unwillingness to compromise their ideals. Ahau types are determined people who would rather not participate than have to accept a less-than-perfect situation. Ahau is a sign that needs to combine realism and idealism, and when this compromise is able to be made, their doors will open to a more perfect world.

Challenge: To handle disappointments due to unrealistic expectations; to accept a world that is not up to their hopes and wishes; to tolerate unfairness in others.

Solution: To keep life simple and to appreciate the little things. TWO THE MOON AND THE TRECENA Contained within the 260-day astrological calendar used by the Maya are twenty blocks of thirteen days called trecenas. They indicate general qualities of the personality similar to those described by the moon in Western astrology. These qualities are receptivity, reaction, instinctive response, and emotional connections with family, community, and society at large. The moon played an important role in mythology and folklore in ancient Mexico. In the West, the moon has long been associated with the feminine aspects of life, and this relationship was also true for the Maya. For example, the Mayan moon was linked with the goddess Ix Chel, “Lady Rainbow,” who was the wife of Itzam, the supreme god. She was a goddess of the woman’s world of weaving, childbirth, and healing. The moon also played an important role in ancient Mayan astrology. Mayan astrologers no doubt noticed how quickly the moon moves through the stars across the night sky. In one day the moon’s position relative to the background stars moves as far as the sun’s in thirteen days. It takes the moon about twenty-seven to twenty-eight days to pass through the 360 degrees of the zodiac. At that rate, it covers about thirteen degrees of the zodiac in one day. The sun moves at the rate of about one degree of the zodiac per day, so it takes about thirteen days to cover the same distance as the moon does in a single day. The moon also cycles with the sun thirteen times in one year. From new moon to new moon is about twnety-nine days, and roughly thirteen of these cycles match the yearly cycle of the sun through the zodiac. These are two major reasons why the number thirteen came to be the most powerful number in ancient Mexican astrology. The Mayan tzolkin had twenty “weeks” of thirteen days, a total of 260 days. The twenty thirteen-day weeks, known in Spanish as the trecenas (meaning thirteenths), appear to be lunar in nature. They represent the time taken for the sun to match the moon’s daily travel. Ancient codices and inscriptions indicated that each of the twenty thirteen-day periods had a specific meaning that was generated by the named solar day (the day-sign) that began the period. These “first days” are numbered 1, followed by the name of the day. Like the day-signs, each of these periods was ruled by a specific deity. The trecenas appear to correlate with the public trends of the world. News events, both local and global, tend to reflect the nature of whatever thirteen-day period is currently active. For example, when the period called 1-Ben occurs, people with strong and rigid opinions make news. During 1-Cib, a sign of politics, we often hear stories of complex political maneuvering in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. Close observers will notice that persons described by a specific thirteen-day period will often make news during its thirteen-day span of influence. Also, certain kinds of activities tend to proliferate, or at least become public knowledge, in some trecena periods but not in others. Ancient Mesoamerican astrologers used this astrological calendar when choosing the best times to do things, a process called electional astrology in the West. The trecena not only offers a description of current trends, but also serves as an index of personality. A birth occurring during a thirteen-day period is strongly influenced by that trecena. In fact, this effect was one of the main interpretations of the trecenas in ancient Mexico. These thirteen-day periods were indicators of character and destiny that also said something about a person’s connection to family, community, or even nation. The order of the trecenas does not follow that of the twenty day-signs. For example, thirteen days after the beginning of the trecena called 1-Imix, the day-sign Ix begins the next trecena and is the next to have the number 1 as a prefix. Another thirteen signs ahead (using the day-sign sequence as a continuous loop) is Manik, which will begin the next trecena and have the number 1 as its prefix. You can see how all twenty day-signs cycle as trecenas through the 260 days of the astrological calendar by turning to table 1. A birth will always occur within one of these thirteen-day trecenas. This placement means that each birth is designated not only by a day-sign, but also by its position within a thirteen-day period. For example, the day 3-Ben is the third day in the trecena that began with the day 1-Chuen. A person born on the third day of the trecena 1-Chuen has Ben as their day-sign. Ben describes the solar or dominant personality, which in this case would be strong, dominating, intellectual, and crusading. But lurking beneath the dominant personality are the more instinctive (lunar) behavior patterns described by Chuen. Subconsciously, a person born under this combination would seek attention and adulation. The combination, a sign of the East (Ben) and one of the West (Chuen), might also produce a person torn between self-interest and compromise, and that person might find resolution in dramatic performances that meet the needs of others. The harnessing of self-interest and aggressiveness to the need for attention and contact with others through a career or recreational activity would appear to be a practical resolution of this conflict.