Happy New Deer: The Kej Trecena
As the Gregorian calendar year of 2023 ends, we are entering the trecena of Kej.
The next 13 days are imbued with the energy of Kej, which represents our connection to the wilderness, the four directions, spiritual leadership, humility, respect, power, and grace.
My word for the coming year is inspiration, in both senses of the word: (1) the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative; and (2) the drawing in of breath; inhalation. That is, I intend to place greater focus on my writing and pranayama practices this year. What’s your word or phrase for 2024?
According to The Serpent and the Jaguar by Birgitte Rasin, Kej is “the nagual of the Mayan religion, as well as the rainforest, cacao beans, and all four-footed animals. Embodying stability and balance, Kej is the nagual of the four cardinal points of the Earth and represents the four primary elements of earth, water, fire, and air. It also carries the four states of the human experience and the four colors of humanity: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual, and the colors of yellow, white, red, and black. Kej’s animal totem is the deer.”
These two weeks are about embracing our strength and reclaiming our power in a dignified, quiet, respectful manner that aligns with nature. The goal is to find the balance between discipline and freedom. This is an excellent time to go on a hike and to do some rejuvenating forest bathing.
May we remember that our own true nature is connected to the cycles of the earth, to the sun and moon, to the forests and mountains. May we encounter the balance between head (logic) and heart (feeling). May we become more ourselves—whole, full, and present in each moment of each day.
Here are the energies of the coming 13 days in the sacred Mayan Calendar:
1 Kej / December 31 – Spend today in nature to cultivate great power and energy. Plant seeds of gratitude, respect, dignity, and strength.
2 Q’anil / January 1 – Glorious day to give gratitude to your relations. Plant literal and figurative seeds, make decisions, enjoy the blooming beauty that surrounds you.
3 Toj / January 2 – Give yourself the gift of meditation today. Look inward and connect with your own water and fire elements. Cultivate gratitude for all experiences.
4 T’zi / January 3 – Ground yourself in love, truth, justice and loyalty. Bring these virtues into being in the physical realm.
5 B’atz / January 4 – Put effort into your creative endeavors. Meditate on the monkey mind. Weave the threads of time as you set your intentions for 2024.
6 E / January 5 – Start and/or end your day with your favorite invigorating spiritual practice. This is an ideal day to travel with stability and security.
7 Aj / January 6 – Look at the many options before you in regard to home and family. Cultivate both strength and flexibility, discernment and open-mindedness.
8 Ix / January 7 – Return of the jaguar medicine. Celebrate Mother Earth and do something large or small to help her out today.
9 Tz’ikin / January 8 – Spread your divine feminine wings and soar. Look at the big picture of your life. Give gratitude for the abundance that pulsates around you all the time.
10 Ajmaq / January 9 – Focus on forgiveness and ancestral wisdom at the community level. Manifest peace and sweetness into your reality today.
11 Noj / January 10 – Allow your mind to wander to unexpected places. Appreciate the power and vastness of the intellect.
12 Tijax / January 11 – Big day for letting go, editing, cutting away what no longer serves, and working toward deep healing of yourself and others.
13 Kawoq / January 12 – Connect with Grandmother Turtle. Slow down, be patient, and watch out for signs and signals from the other side of the veil.
