The Tzolkin Count of the Mayan Calendar

20 March // by Julie // Ramblings // No Comments

The Mayan Calendar is a system of different calendars used by the Maya civilization, and is still in use today in some remote highlands of Guatemala and Oaxaca, Mexico. Small cycles of 13 days (trecena) and 20 days (veintena) are the main components of the 260-day Tzolkin Count and the 365-day Haab.

The 260 cycle is found many places in nature. It is 9 cycles of the Moon, as well as the 9-month gestation period for humans. It is the interval between Venus rising as an evening star and its rising as a morning star. It is also the interval between planting and harvesting of certain types of corn, which is a staple crop in the areas where the Tzolkin Count was used.

The Tzolkin Count repeats the veintena, a sequence of 20 glyphs or signs, while the trecena cycles through its 13 tones, for a total of 260 days. The first day is 1-Imix, followed by 2-Ik, 3-Akbal, etc. until the thirteenth day 13-Ben. The trecena then starts over again, while the veintena continues on, so 1-IX, 2-Men, and so on until the last day of the veintena, 7-Ahau, where it starts at the beginning, as the trecena continues, so 8-IMIX. After 260 days, every combination of trecena-veintena has been exhausted, and a new Tzolkin Count begins.

Each sign has a specific energy/meaning, much like the more familiar Western signs of the Zodiac, ie Aries, Taurus, etc. The following is a quick glimpse into the 20 signs in order:

IMIX
(Alligator)
East

Individuals born under this day sign are creative, take initiative, are nurturing and protective of their loved ones.

IK
(Wind)
North

Powerful communicators are born under this day sign, wielding great imagination, they are as much dreamer as planner.

AKBAL
(Night)

West

Shamans and keepers of family or community tradition are often born under this sign; artistic inspiration guides them to solutions and new concepts in the old ways.

KAN
(Seed)
South

Advocates of truth and liberators from the past are found among the sensuos seed planters of this day sign.

CHICCAN

(Serpent)

East

Powerful personalities that hear innate wisdom, these individuals are willing to “go with the flow” – but don’t corner the serpent!

CIMI

(Death)

North

Disciplined, ordered, and gentle, individuals born under this sign are considered especially lucky, and are instinctually skilled at helping others through any of life’s transitions.

MANIK
(Deer)
West

Peaceful but powerful, those born under this sign are compassionate, skilled and hardworking. They often have the ability to see the spiritual connection between all things.

LAMAT

(Rabbit)

South

Forever associated with fertility, multiplication and luck, people born under the sign of the rabbit have the ability to create abundance even in harsh environs.

MULUC
(Water)
East

Water people are intense, profound and deeply emotional. Intelligent and often psychic, they can evoke powerful responses from those that come in contact with them.

(Dog)

North

Protective and loyal, individuals born under this sign are team players with fierce courage but also an innate sense of fun.

CHUEN

(Monkey)

West

Creative individuals with talents in many areas are born under this sign. They are curious and fun, yet are abale to pull together many different ideas into the big picture.

EB
(Road)
South

Devoted and hardworking, individuals born under this sign are concerned about the community, often taking care of those less fortunate.

BEN

(Reed)

East

With an air of authority and wisdom, individuals born under this sign are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, and possess negotiating skills to instill peace and harmony.

IX
(Jaguar)
North

Earthy and strong, individuals born under this sign often possess intelligence along with the ability to see the unseen, and are often healers.

MEN

(Eagle)

West

Technical and detail-oriented, individuals born under hthis sign are extremely ambitious and freedom-loving.

CIB
(Owl or Vulture)
South

The strong, silent type, individuals born under this sign are introspective and insightful, and will help and defend others in their community and family.