Mayan Astrology: A Guide to Understanding the Ancient System
The Mayan civilization, which flourished in Mesoamerica from 2000 BCE to 1500 CE, had a deep understanding of the cosmos and its influence on human life. Part of this understanding was reflected in Mayan astrology, a complex system that connected celestial events with individual personalities and life paths. In this long-form blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of Mayan astrology, its underlying principles, and how it differs from Western astrology.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Mayan Cosmology
- The Mayan Zodiac
- The 20 Day Signs
- Astrological Readings
- Mayan Astrology vs. Western Astrology
- Conclusion
Introduction
Mayan astrology is a complex and ancient system of divination that dates back thousands of years. It’s based on the Mayan civilization’s deep understanding of the cosmos and the belief that celestial events have an impact on human life. Mayan astrology differs significantly from Western astrology, which most people are familiar with. While Western astrology focuses on the twelve zodiac signs based on the position of the sun at the time of birth, Mayan astrology has a more nuanced approach.
Mayan Cosmology
Before delving into Mayan astrology, it’s essential to understand the underlying cosmology that shapes this system. The Mayans believed in a universe composed of multiple dimensions, with the Earth occupying the middle level. Above the Earth, there were thirteen celestial realms, each associated with different deities and cosmic forces. The position of celestial bodies influenced events on Earth and affected human destinies.
The Mayan Zodiac
Unlike the Western zodiac, which is based on twelve signs, the Mayan zodiac consists of twenty glyphs, also known as “sun signs” or “day signs.” Each glyph represents a day in the sacred Mayan calendar, known as the Tzolk’in. The Tzolk’in comprises a cycle of 260 days, with each day sign having a unique combination of elemental and animal energies.
Mayan astrology assigns a specific day sign to every individual born and considers this sign to be a significant influence on their personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. The day sign is determined by combining the day of birth with a specific number from the Mayan calendar, known as the “Tonalpohualli.”
The 20 Day Signs
Here are the 20 day signs of the Mayan zodiac, along with their corresponding English translations:
| Day Sign | Translation |
|---|---|
| Imix | Crocodile |
| Ik’ | Wind |
| Ak’bal | Night |
| K’an | Seed |
| Chikchan | Snake |
| Kimi | Death |
| Manik’ | Deer |
| Lamat | Rabbit |
| Muluk | Water |
| Ok | Dog |
| Chuwen | Monkey |
| Eb’ | Grass |
| Ben | Reed |
| Ix | Jaguar |
| Men | Eagle |
| Kib’ | Owl |
| Kaban | Earth |
| Etz’nab’ | Knife |
| Kawak | Storm |
| Ajaw | Sun |
Each day sign carries its unique symbolism and influences various aspects of one’s character, destiny, and compatibility with others.
Astrological Readings
Mayan astrologers, known as “daykeepers,” interpret the significance of an individual’s day sign and birth date to provide astrological readings. These readings shed light on an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, personality traits, and life path.
Mayan astrology also includes a variation called “kin sign,” which combines the day sign and the ruling planet of the day of birth. This adds another layer of complexity to astrological readings and provides further insights into an individual’s characteristics.
Mayan astrological readings can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their purpose in life, and the challenges they may face along their journey. These readings are highly personalized and regarded as tools for self-discovery and personal growth.
Mayan Astrology vs. Western Astrology
While both Mayan astrology and Western astrology aim to provide insights into an individual’s personality and destiny, they differ significantly in their approaches and underlying principles.
Western astrology focuses on the twelve zodiac signs based on the position of the sun at the time of birth. It assigns specific traits and characteristics to individuals born under each sign. Western astrology heavily emphasizes the position of celestial bodies at the time of birth, particularly the sun, moon, and rising sign.
In contrast, Mayan astrology considers 20 day signs and combines the day of birth with the Tonalpohualli calendar. It assigns each individual a unique day sign that influences their personality and life path. Mayan astrology pays greater attention to the energies associated with each day sign and their interactions with other signs.
Another significant difference is the sense of time used in the two systems. Western astrology works with a 12-month calendar, while Mayan astrology revolves around the cyclical Tzolk’in calendar, which spans 260 days. This difference reflects diverse cultural perspectives on time measurement and how it aligns with celestial events.
Conclusion
Mayan astrology offers a unique and intricate perspective on celestial influences and their impact on human existence. Through its 20 day signs and connections to the ancient Tzolk’in calendar, Mayan astrology offers individuals a deep understanding of their personality traits, strengths, and challenges in life.
While Western astrology has gained widespread popularity, Mayan astrology provides an alternative system that may resonate with those seeking a closer connection to the ancient wisdom of the Mayan civilization. Exploring Mayan astrology can be an illuminating journey of self-discovery and personal growth, allowing individuals to navigate their lives with a newfound understanding of cosmic forces and their place within the universe.
