Explore the Space between Light and Dark: The Aq’ab’al Trecena

Dawn is a mystical hour that happens each morning as night turns to day. It’s one of my favorite times of day, as my mind is fresh from having slept and I often feel most productive and creative in the quiet beauty of the early morning.

It’s 1 Aq’ab’al today in the sacred Mayan calendar. The next 13 days are governed by the potent energy of nahual Aq’ab’al, which is the embodiment of the first light of dawn, and it also represents conception. The main spirit animal of this nahual is the bat.

According to Mark Elmy of The Four Pillars, “The day 1 Aq’ab’al is an excellent day for starting new ventures, for getting your ideas out into the world and for receiving the encouragement we need for new projects.”

Let the light of daybreak inspire you over the next two weeks to delve into your own shadow and bright light within and to conceive a new project, new habit or a new routine to invite more mindfulness, joy and peace into your daily life.

1 Aq’ab’al – Plant seeds of intention; conceive a new project or initiative; ponder bringing an idea gradually into the light.

2 K’at – Embrace and enjoy the duality and paradox of life; choose what to release and what to carry forward, particularly in your relationship with yourself and your beloveds.

3 Kan – Meditate on wisdom teachings that resonate most with you; send gratitude to your teachers; a great day to stay home and soak up solitude if possible.

4 Kame – Bring transformation to the earth plane, taking steps to make your vision a reality; with grace and gratitude, recall that death is not to be feared, as it’s the natural and exciting end to this human life.

5 Kej – Connect with the wilderness, the four directions and the beauty of the deer. Take a walk in the forest or do a visualization of yourself strolling through a leafy green jungle. Put a bit of effort into your role as a spiritual leader.

6 Q’anil – Plant seeds of all kinds today, both literal and figurative/intentional. Follow your bliss!

7 Toj – Look around from the top of the pyramid, seeing all options with a clear perspective; make a meaningful offering or donation to a beneficial organization and pay off some debt.

8 T’zi – Celebrate the loyal and loving spirit of the dog; this is an ideal day for a ceremony or ritual focusing on unconditional love, as well as truth and justice.

9 B’atz – Honor the wisdom of women; partake in creation and appreciation of the arts; choose the current color palette of your life’s ever-evolving tapestry.

10 E – Potent day for the manifestation of your highest spiritual path in community; walk and travel mindfully; practice what your preach.

11 Aj – Wander in wonder, cultivating the strength, balance and flexibility of the corn stalk; focus on home and family

12 Ix – Reflect on the magic of earth and the myriad ways in which Mother Nature has touched, affected, and enhanced your life; every moment is a miracle.

13 Tz’i’kin – Fly high like the eagle, soaring to connect with spirit and give and receive love and gratitude from the ancestors across the veil.