Mayan Astrology
What is it? What’s your Mayan astrology sign?
Almost every major ancient civilisation that has existed on planet Earth back to the year dot has come to
gaze with wonder at the star patterns of the night sky and ponder their possible meaning. The wiser and
more learned peoples studied the movement of the heavenly orbs and after years of observance were able
to predict certain cycles and zodiacal events and then note their correlation to events here on earth.
The Chinese worked with a cycle of twelve animals, dedicating a whole year to one animal’s personality.
The Indians worked with fixed stars, the Romans interwove their myths with the planets and so gave
personalities to each member of the solar system. The Celts, the Australian Aboriginals, the Red American
Indian, various Asian cultures all had a form of astrology based on observation of star movement.
So it can be no surprise that the ancient peoples of the Mesoamerican region, namely the Olmec, Maya,
Toltec and Aztec communities, also had their version of astrology.
The biggest single difference between what is known today as Mayan Astrology and the astrology of many
other cultures, is that the notion of time, rather than space, forms the basis for their tradition. Most other
astrology systems are based on the movement and consequential interaction of the planets (spatial).
Western astrology, based on the Mesopotamian system, which was later highly modified by the Greeks,
uses some idea of time but again is mostly based planetary interaction.
Mayan astrology, on the other hand, is totally based on time formulas. The Maya are well known for their
mathematical genius and calendar systems. The sacred 260 day astrological calendar, which is based on
twenty cycles of thirteen day signs (20 x 13 = 260) originated well over 3,000 years ago, is still used by
current day Maya. They name this calendar - the Tzoltin.
The twenty day signs are just like our seven week days. They are named in honour of deities and they
keep repeating in sequence. Whereas we are familiar with the concept of a new week starting once all
seven days have completed one cycle, the Maya start a new “week” after thirteen days into a 20 day cycle
with each block of thirteen days called a Trecena.
The major principles of Mayan Astrology are:
The Day Sign
The twenty days signs are solar in nature. In western astrology everyone born between 21 March and 21
April is known as having an Aries type personality. In Mayan astrology your personality comes from the
day on which you were born.
The Trecena
Every thirteen days a new Trecena starts and each Trecena is known by the day sign that ruled at its
beginning. In the sequence of 20 day signs, the first sign is Imix and so the first Trecena is named 1-Imix.
The 14th sign (which would begin the next Trecena) is Ix and the Trecena is named 1-Ix. This will
continue through the entire 260 day calendar with each of the 20 day signs having a turn at beginning a
new Trecena. The twenty blocks of thirteen days are lunar in nature.
The Lord of the Night
These Lords of the Night or Gods of the Underworld describe the unseen, unconscious and possible hidden
motivations contained within the personality. There is a repeating sequence of nine Lords.
The Year
The Mayan calendar contains fifty two solar year cycles. Each year has its own specific characteristic,
much like the Chinese who name their years after the twelve animals eg the Year of the Rat. The solar
year into which you are born will also have a bearing on your personality.
Venus
The cycle of the planet Venus is divided into four main periods. Your particular birth phase will offer
insight into the role you will play in society.
Much of the Mayan/Aztec astrology knowledge was destroyed by the Spanish friars who arrived in the
Mesoamerican region in 1517. As a result there is not a great deal of information regarding the Lord of
the Night, likewise the influence of the Year and Venus cycles on personality.
Just as Western astrology uses modes (cardinal, fixed, mutable) and elements (fire earth air water) to
further define the unique character of the individual, likewise then Mayan astrology uses the four
directions of north, south, east and west to enhance personality classification.
Typically those born with a north direction are intelligent and critical, the south direction people are
emotional and reactive, east direction denotes initiation and force and the west direction is co-operative
and compromising.
Again, just as Western astrology uses various symbols to augment a zodiac sign (Aries the Ram, Taurus the
Bull, Gemini the Twins etc) so too with Mayan astrology you will notice each day sign has an associated
symbol or totem which helps decipher the sign.
One of the clear advantages of time based astrology is that only a date of birth is needed to draw up an
entire astrological reading! This is totally opposite to Western astrology which relies heavily on an
accurate birth time, date and place to draw up a natal chart.
There is only one qualifier to that statement. Those who are working with Mayan astrology are suggesting
the sunset might be a more accurate day divider rather than the usual midnight point. This is supported
by the observance that many Aztec and Maya rituals are performed at sunset implying this to be an
important point of change. So for those who are born after sunset, it is proposed that you look at the
following day sign as indicative of your personality.
Below are tables to assist you in calculating your Mayan day sign.
1. Find your year of birth in the first table (**please note if you were born in January or February of
ANY year please use the previous year to calculate your day sign accurately**)
2. Find your month and day in the second table
3. Add the results of #1 and #2 – if your sum is greater than 260, then subtract 260.
4. Look up your corresponding number in the lower part of the rows in the Sacred Calendar. The
numbers in parenthesis indicate your Cosmic Tone which is an additional indicator of personality
not referred to in this article.
Here follows a description of the twenty day signs including the symbol and direction associated with the sign:
Imix – pronounced ee-MISH
Alligator.
East
The glyph can be seen as a mother’s nipple or as a ceiba tree which symbolises growth from deep
within the earth.
As the first day sign Imix shows initiative, is energetic and creative, but can be rigid. As with Aries, the first sign in
Western astrology, Imix types can be aggressive and assertive.
Ik – pronounced eek
Wind
North
The “T” shape of the glyph had associations with a god of rains as well as wind. Rain is needed
for the seed to grow and the suggestion is this what the Maya intended – “coming to life”.
Wind denotes “air” – fast moving air and air types are those who expend their energies on mental activity. There
are many personality traits of the Mayan Ik that resonate with the Western Gemini. They are clever, multifaceted,
great communicators and are full of good ideas.
Akbal – pronounced ahk-BAL
Hearth
West
Darkness and night are strong features of this day sign and the glyph depicts what may rise up
out of the depths of the night.
Being concerned with the hearth, or the heart, this sign holds many qualities similar to the Western Cancer. This
personality type is about protecting the home and those who live in it. Akbal types are thoughtful and conservative.
Kan – pronounced kahn
Lizard
South
Kan suggest corn and ripeness. The glyph is often found in the codices near the offerings of food
which evokes an image that this personality type was involved with sustaining life.
Personality traits of the Kan hint of the Leo/Aquarius axis in Western astrology. This day sign is active, dynamic,
sexual and influential. They love the social whirl, they are involved in creative or performance based occuptations
and exhibit (often successful) leadership skills.
Chicchan – pronounced chee-CHAHN
Serpent
East
The glyph shows the head and scales of a serpent and the sign is linked to a serpent god.
Serpents are well known in many mythologies as having magical powers. Chicchan people have the choice to use
their power for good or for evil. This type is also quite charasmatic.
Cimi – pronounced kee-MEE
Death
North
This glyph holds the likeness of a death skull or for some it represents an owl, an omen of death.
The other concept associated with Cimi is the underworld.
The Western sign of Pisces is probably the closest we get to understanding this sign. The Cimi are soft natured,
polite, place others before themselves, have a strong faith and in many cases work as healers – often as spiritual
healers. Their downfall is that they may overdo their concern for others to the point of martyrdom.
Manik – pronounced mah-NEEK
Deer
West
The glyph for this day sign does not give away any real clues as to the personality type of those
born under its influence. The glyph would appear to be a closed hand – thumb and forefinger
clasped as in meditation.
Most of us think of deer as sweet, gentle, placid and peaceful animals and these qualities are typical of Manik types.
But these types also have the ability to be the powerful stag displaying characteristics of dominance and mental
prowness.
Lamat – pronounced la-MAHT
Rabbit
South
The Mayan word Lamat actually refers to the planet Venus and the glyph was representative of
Venus itself. For the Mayans, though, Venus included the concept of drunkedness.
Here the image of the rabbit says it all. Lamat types are energetic, busy, nervous, quick and playful. They have
active minds that enjoy the challenge of debate, a good argument and deal making. Rabbits are also associated with
a sense of “pure luck”.
Muluc – pronounced moo-LUKE
Water
East
Belonging to the image of water, the glyph for Muluc may be representative of a fish or a duck.
Muluc is also associated with jade, another symbol attached to water and this association brings
in the blue/green colour of the sign
This is a difficult sign to be born under as it is highly emotional. Water people struggle to contain their strong and
sometimes powerful emotions. Others find them difficult to understand. They are highly intuitive and can have
psychic abilities.
Oc – pronounced oke
Dog
North
This glyph is one of the more obvious depictions of the day signs. Sometimes dog is shown
carrying a torch, as in bringing fire to humans or with his ear torn, denoting his loyalty.
Dog people carry all the characteristics of their totem animal – loyalty, good natured,
companionship and helpful. These people are seen as warm, alert, brave and team players. Their downfall is their
strong sense of sexulaity which may find them to be unfaithful in relationship.
Chuen – pronounced chew-EN
Monkey
West
The Quiche Maya called this day sign, BATZ which refers to a monkey, but in particular a
howling monkey.
These people are highly creative, usually found working in the arts and crafts professions. Just like monkeys, the
Chuen can be practical jokers. They love the limelight, they are clever, make great leaders and have an ability to
juggle several tasks at once. Their “downfall”, like Dog before them, is their unfaithfulness.
Eb – pronounced abe
Road or Grass
South
The glyph holds the symbols for water and death, which has been translated to mean mildew.
The Quiche Maya, who translate the word to mean tooth, hold Eb days as favourable for getting
good advice.
This is a compassionate sign. Eb people, who are naturally sensitive and easily hurt by rejection or criticism, usually
devote their lives to the welfare of the poor, sick and elderly. These people are easy to like, devoted and hard
working. They need to learn to let go of feelings of anger and resentment.
Ben – pronounced bane
Cane
East
A difficult glyph to decipher. Some suggestions are that it symbolises the corn stalks or a woven
mat of reeds or man’s relationship to vegetation.
This sign relates closely to the Western sign of Capricorn. Ben types are knowledgeable, accomplished and
competent. They make great leaders and are revered by many. They will fight for moral and ethical justice. The
shadow side of Ben is a mental rigidity and a tendency to argue.
Ix - pronounced eesh
Jaguar
North
The Quiche Maya word for Ix is Balam meaning Jaguar. The glyph most likely represents the
spots of this cat.
The Jaguar is an animal of the night and therefore is comfortable with the dark. This gives them clairvoyant
abilities. Ix peoples are also known as prophets. They are private, sensitive and intelligent. But also like the cat that
represents them, they can be aggressive and enjoy a fight. They also have a tendency to just show up in people’s
lives and disappear again as quickly.
Men – pronounced mane
Eagle
West
The word Men is a root word for the verb “to make” or “to do”. The glyph is often associated
with an old moon deity, who uses an eagle claw as her symbol.
Eagles carry with them a soaring energy. They may have high aspirations, be ambitious and seek power. They have
a keen sense of detail, are interested in technical and scientific fields, can be perfectionists and bend rules to suit
themselves. Their challenge is to keep their high aspirations in check so that they don’t fall from a great height.
Cib – pronounced keeb
Owl
South
The glyph is indicative of the idea that the dead return to the earth – sometimes in the form of
insects. Thus the glyph may symbolise an insect shell.
The characteristics of this day sign include wisdom, depth, realism, pragmatism. Often it relates to lives filled with
karmic challenges. Cib peoples can be authoritative and appear to remain aloof; they are actually quite sensitive
and fear rejection.
Caban – pronounced ka-BANE
Earth or earthquake
East
The glyph portrays the idea of a strand of hair that may come from a young moon goddess who is
also the goddess of Earth.
Unlike the Western concept of Earth, which has a sensory and tangible focus, this Mayan day sign is quite
intellectual, rational, clever but also practical. They want understanding through the intellect. The Caban day in
the twenty day cycle is considered good for matchmaking, medicine and commerce.
Etz’nab – pronounced ets-NOB
Flint
North
The design of this glyph may indicate the crossing of blades or Knives. It is a symbol that was
frequently found on the tips of spears.
Flint or knife people can become obsessive about right and wrong, truth and falsehood, good and evil. They have
been known to be opinionated and stubborn in the way they look at life. They desire harmonious relationships but
tend to remain self sufficient within a relationship. Anger and conflict suppressed to the point where it is only ever
expressed in a volatile manner. Life is about extremes.
Caucac pronounced cow-AHK
Rainstorm
West
The Guatemalan name for this day means turtle an animal which is closely linked with rain, as
well as frog who together are depicted as coming down with the rain.
The key characteristic of these people is their youthfulness. They are fun people to deal with, are often found
working with children, they make great teachers. Their natural instinct is to nurture and protect – many then go
on to become doctors and healers.
Ahau pronounced ah-HAW
Light
South
It is suggested that the glyph is representative of a four petaled flower – though it can also be
seen as a face. To the Maya the flower is a symbol of the lord or the sun and this was its day.
As with Pisces, the last sign of the Western zodiac, the Ahau day sign is artistic, creative, dreamy, romantic,
visionary but also unrealistic and idealistic. They find it difficult to live in a world that doesn’t see the same beauty
and potential they do and so face many disappointments in life.
Placed over the top of your day sign interpretation should be the meaning of your relevant Trecena. Unfortunately
space requirements don’t allow for the relevant tables needed to work out your own personal trecena but should
you be interested in knowing more about your individual Mayan astrology chart and full interpretation, please go to
an authority on this subject: Bruce Scofield at http://www.onereed.com.
It is hoped that this extremely brief synopsis of Mayan astrology has piqued your interest in a subject that is
centuries old and that is one of the very few ancient practices left untarnished by so called modern man.