Awesome and enchanting – but fearsome and unpredictable – the Jaguar is not to be trifled with!

The same can be said about this Jaguar-oriented Ix trecena, with its emphasis often on significant transformation from one state of being to another. This is a period during which people are often “called to battle” to deal with things of an earthly nature in the interest of regaining stability after the “chaos of birth” that is often associated with the previous trecena. It begins with the “initiation” of the energy of the Jaguar which was associated, traditionally, with power, mystery, stealth, adaptability, high magic and even mastery over things of an unseen nature. This was thought of as a “warrior” type of power related to things of the earth, and it is not unusual to see a lot of “political maneuvering” going on during this period, reflective of the Jaguar’s significance as a major symbol of authority in Maya mythology.

During this period the “unseen” often plays an important role, and like the jaguar that can “sneak up” and dispatch its prey with one deadly pounce, unforeseen events can sometimes sneak up and change trajectories in highly significant ways. Two cycles (520 days) ago, in May of 2020, as this trecena began coming in we were staring into the teeth of the Covid-19 beast, with over five million covid cases registered wordwide, with the US death toll having exceeded 100,000. At that time there were no vaccines, health care systems were under severe stress due to lack of proper equipment to handle the rapidly increasing case numbers, and world leaders were either trying to downplay it (as in the dumpster and his counterpart in Brazil) or flailing around in their efforts to find cures. At that time many were coming to the realization that, in addition to the disease itself, there were large numbers of people who seemed to be unwilling to help themselves or others in the fight against this disease – a realization that the political and social virus that had long been threatening various populations through erosions of ethics, morality, rationality, values, and even common decency, was also beginning to threaten not only heath care and social systems, but democracy itself.

Fueling the fire, just as this trecena was coming into place, just hours after the murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, at the hands of a police officer, was the fact that the dumpster sent out a warning on social media that looters in Minneapolis (who were reacting to the news of that senseless death) would be shot. As we are now learning though investigations into Facebook, this set off an enormous amount of hate speech and incendary misinformation that basically “set fire” to an already deeply divided country. Massive protests broke out across the US as people expressed their outrage, with a complete collapse of social distancing. People were turning themselves into “jaguar warriors”, ferociously heading into “battle” to defend their position, on one side or the other.

But this was not the first time that the dumpster had attempted to “set fire” to the country during this trecena, as four cycles before that, in July of 2017, the dumpster had burned through such a revolting set of actions that the Observer was prompted to publish an article titled: ‘The president is a pyromaniac’: the week Trump set fire to the White House. And this was not the first time that the Jaguar had bared its teeth during this trecena as this was the trecena in place in 2016 when it coincided with the four-day lead-up to the 2016 election, the election itself, and the many days of massive anti-Trump protest demonstrations that followed. The crucial day during that time frame was 5 Etz’nab’, a “knife edge” type of force that holds the potential to bring things to a definitive conclusion, or to foment earth-shaking transformations.

Indeed, in addition to that disastrous election, many significant events “fateful” to nations have occurred under this 5 Etz’nab’ influence, including the official surrender of Japan at the end of World War II in 1945, the massive “Mobilization Peace” demonstrations in Washington, D.C in 1969 where hundreds of thousands protested against the Vietnam War, the attempted assassination of President Nixon in 1974, and the assassination of Lebanese cabinet minister (Minister of Industry) Pierre Gemayel in 2006.

In world history the very first day of this trecena has often been a pivotal turning point in terms of the fate of nations, as seen during the French Revolution in the 18th century when some of the most significant events of that era took place under that “initiation of transformation” influence of One Ix. In the summer of 1973 that same energy brought the news about President Richard Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate scandal.

The trecena as a whole has brought forth the start of the Russian Revolution in 1917, the start of the London Blitz in 1940, the massive Tibetan uprising against Chinese aggression in Llasa that began under this influence in 1959, the start of coalition air strikes against terrorist groups in Syria, major climate change rallies, and the historic Scottish referendum vote that resulted in Scotland remaining as part of the UK. Not surprisingly, events associated with both of the dumpster’s impeachment trials have unfolded during this time frame.

In 2016 the Paris Climate Change Agreement officially became international law on One Ix at the same time as things were fluctuating so dramatically in the last few days leading up to the US presidential election. Three cycles ago (in September of 2019) this trecena brought the start of the Global Week for Future youth climate action strike, with an estimated 4 million students, encompassing more than 150 countries, participating in this worldwide walkout. The trecena concluded with the UN’s two-day Youth Climate Summit, with Greta Thunberg participating as a key speaker. And now, as this trecena gets underway we find world leaders gathering again, this time in Glasgow for COP26, to engage in high level discussions concerning how to get on with the badly needed implementation of action to curtail the kinds of climate change disasters that have unfolded over recent years. Again we are seeing strong echoes from the past in line with these forces.

As we forge ahead through this period we will be working under the auspices of Quetzalcóatl, the life-force (and justice) oriented “twin” to the Jaguar, who serves as the patron energy for these thirteen days. As seen in the past, this is an energy combination that can bring forth high drama and head-spinning change.

And there is a great deal at stake at this time, with much on the agenda including the continuing battle against Covid, the G20 summit in Rome, the Climate Change summit in Glasgow, Truth and Reconciliation efforts in Canada, the Jan. 6th hearings in Washington, the fight for abortion rights and voting rights, the push to pass President Biden’s major bills in Washington despite the obstructionism, the fight for democracy itself, and on and on . . . .

As always there is a strong need for people to continue being “jaguar warriors” at this time, hopefully on the side of working to make the planet a better, rather than a more divisive, place. Certainly those who are stepping up to the plate for these important meetings have a great deal of work cut out for them. As events unfold it is likely that we will hear about major proposals for important shifts that will need to take place.

But we also have opportunities for play and for things of a more spiritual and esoteric nature during this period, which will involve events such as Hallowe’en, the Day of the Dead, and Diwali. These is still a need for some modification due to the pandemic, but such events always help to bring some light and colour into the darkish time of the year.

As we go through this period keep in mind that the Jaguar (the metaphor for the forces in play at this time) was seen as a master of navigation, a creature of great strength and agility that had dominion over the “tangle” of the underworld. Through its emphasis on high magic and even mastery over things of an unseen nature, the Jaguar was a peerless survivor, lord of the earthly domain and emblematic of authority, rulership, and ultimate triumph. By working with the Jaguar-oriented nature of this time frame it may be possible to push through and find new ways to deal with many of the major issues that have been plaguing the world over the past few cycles. No doubt there will be many important transformative events that will take place at this time, of global significance. Individually we can help with this process by working closely with the energies in constructive ways. Seven Ajaw, the mid-point of this trecena, on Nov. 4th, is an ideal time to take a deep breath and “pump up” those positive vibes. During this period here are the energies that will be in play:

One Ix (Oct. 29th) – the initiation of the Jaguar’s power of transformation, on the day when President Biden meets with Pope Francis, the first time since 1963 a Roman Catholic U.S. leader has met with the Pope at the Vatican. As the global number of registered Covid-19 cases is rapidly approaching 250 million cases, with the global covid-related death toll reaching 5 million as of this day, ending the pandemic will be one of the most important topics on the agenda for discussion.

This opening of this transformation-oriented trecena comes in just two days before the start of COP 26, the critically important climate change conference in Glasgow, which runs through the rest of this trecena. As of this day it has been seven cycles exactly since Nov. 4th, 2016 when the Paris Climate Change Agreement officially became international law, and exactly twelve cycles since Justin Trudeau won the leadership of Canada’s Federal Liberal party with 80% support in 2013. Prime Minister Trudeau’s new cabinet was sworn in three days ago, following the last election.

On this first day of the Jaguar trecena Jeffrey Clark, the first dumpster administration official to comply with a congressional subpoena, was to testify before the Jan. 6th committee in the US Congress but this was postponed for one week (to 8 Imix). This testimony could be a huge step forward for Democrats as they attempt to determine efforts made by the dumpster, his advisors, and Republican members of Congress to overturn the results of the 2020 election. As it happens, the dumpster’s second impeachment trial was in session during this same trecena when it was in place last February. Similarly, this same One Ix energy was in place 68 cycles ago, in 1973, when The Washington Post published the blockbuster story about Richard Nixon having prior knowledge of the Watergate conspiracy and that he was deeply involved in the coverup.

As of this day it has been 90 cycles since Russia’s Pravda published a small story about the launch of Sputnik 1 the day before, in October of 1957, which was picked up by media around the world, sparking “the space race” and fueling US cold war paranoia. This One Ix 12 Sak day also marks three Calendar Rounds (3 x 52years) since the One Ix 12 Sak day in 1865 when the 13th Amendment in the US (the formal abolition of slavery) was ratified by 27 of the then-36 states.

2 Men (Oct. 30th) the “generation” of the Eagle’s “higher vision”, in place at the start of the two-day G20 summit in Rome where it is expected that delegates (world leaders who represent the 20 nations that account for 80% of the world GDP and 75% of global trade) will focus on climate change, the global economic recovery, world food shortages, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

On a lighter note, this is the day of the ceremony for artists being inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame this year, with this year’s inductees including Jay-Z, Tina Turner, Carole King, and Foo Fighters.

Five cycles ago this energy was in place when the FBI raided the home, office and hotel room of lawyer Michael Cohen, who subsequently became the first member of the dumpster’s inner circle to be jailed (for lying to Congress, campaign finance violations, and tax evasion).

3 Kib’ (Oct. 31st) – an activation energy often associated with the “restoration of order”, coinciding at this time with Hallowe’en, and with the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain, marking the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. This is the 8th global celebration of the UN’s World Cities Day, with this year’s theme being “Adapting Cities for Climate Resilience”. . . . . This year’s event will be co-hosted by Egypt, and will take place in the ancient city of Luxor.

At the same time the UN’s 26th Climate Change Conference (COP 26) is opening in Glasgow, Scotland, as world leaders gather to continue working on ways to fulfill promises made at COP21 under the Paris Agreement where countries pledged to collectively cut their greenhouse emissions enough to keep the planet from heating up more than 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), compared with pre-industrial times. Since a recent global analysis has revealed that all sectors of society have been failing to meet the targets set in 2016, this is a major global challenge. More than 190 world leaders are expected to attend this summit, including US President Biden and former President Barack Obama.

On this day a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch a Crew Dragon spacecraft from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as NASA astronauts Raja Chari and Thomas Marshburn, European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer, and NASA mission specialist Kayla Barron begin a six-month expedition on the International Space Station. The Crew Dragon will return to a splashdown at sea.

This day marks one Calendar Round (52 years) since the “March Against Death” demonstrations in Washington D.C. in 1969, when more than 46,000 people, each carrying a placard with the name of an American soldier killed in the Vietnam war, walked in single file past the White House and deposited the placards in coffins, in a demonstration that took two days to complete, prior to a larger rally immediately thereafter to protest against the continuing war.

It has now been three cycles exactly since the fall of 2019 when the House Judiciary Committee in the US held its first formal hearing on whether to recommend a formal impeachment inquiry with regard to the dumpster’s abuse of power and obstruction of Congress with regard to the Ukraine scandal, and one cycle since his highly controversial acquittal by Republicans (on a technicality) during the unprecedented second impeachment trial, held this past February.

4 Kab’an (Nov. 1st) – a “defining” energy associated with evolutionary movement – the powerful energy carved into the centre of the Aztec Sun Stone, an energy that often brings forth highly dramatic events. At this time this coincides with All Saints’ Day and Dia de los Inocentes – the part of Mexico’s Day of the Dead festival that focuses on remembrances for the young who have died. The final day of the celebration is the next day. Marigolds are prominent at this time in Mexico.

This is also the beginning of Native-American heritage month, Métis Proclamation Day, and the start of the 26th RNCI Red Nation International Film Festival (The Authentic Voice of American Indian and Indigenous Cinema), which runs from Nov. 1-30. Other events of importance include the opening of the Youth Summit component of the UN Climate Change Conference, the US Supreme Court hearing with regard to the Texas abortion law, and the opening of US-Canada and US-Mexico borders to fully vaccinated travellers.

5 Etz’nab’ (Nov. 2nd) – a “pin pointing” type of energy symbolized by “flint”, coinciding at this time with Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico and in many other areas, particularly throughout Latin American communities. It is also All Soul’s Day, the third component of the Christian observances of Allhollowtide (the “time to remember the dead”), that includes All Saints’ Eve (Hallowe’en), All Saints’ Day and All Soul’s Day. Feliz Día de los Muertos!

In addition this is the first of five days of Diwali, the highly popular Hindu festival of light that celebrates the victory of “light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”. On this first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, the goddess Lakshmi is the focus of much attention. As a goddess of prosperity, good fortune, wisdom, light, and spiritual rejuvenation, Lakshmi is one of the principal deities to preside over this “Day of Fortune”. Lord Dhanwantari, a Hindu deity associated with Ayurvedic medicine is also honoured at this time.

As 5 Etz’nab’ is a “knife edge” type of force that can be quite dazzling and attention-getting, this energy has a tendency to bring forth highly consequential events that can bring things to a definitive conclusion, as it did in 1945 with the official surrender of Japan at the end of World War II.

This can signal definitive change, as happened seven cycles ago, in 2016, when this “shock and awe” energy fomented the “death of America” as journalist/historian Neal Gabler put it, at the time of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, often referred to as “the groan heard ‘round the world”, as people reacted with horror and disbelief and global stock markets went into a tailspin. As Gabler wrote in his article titled Farewell, America, published two days after that election, “America died [on that day] not with a bang or whimper, but at its own hand via electoral suicide. We the people chose a man who has shredded our values, our morals, our compassion, our tolerance, our decency, our sense of common purpose, our very identity – all things that, however tenuously, made a nation out of a country”. And that shredding has continued ever since, as countless books and endless reports have pointed out. The shredding has been so pervasive that the traditional Republican party is no longer recognizable, having been taken over by obstructionists, proponents of the Big Lie, and conspiracy theorists whose disinformation campaigns have been at the centre of the attacks on democracy. Prior to the Jan. 6th insurrection, the 5 Etz’nab’ day that came in on May 31st of last year was particularly dramatic in this regard as that was when the US was in complete meltdown, in a state of crisis from coast to coast. That was the day when Facebook employees staged a rebellion over Mark Zuckerberg’s refusal to act against the dumpster, expressing their dissatisfaction on social media in a rare public display of dissent.

Currently this is the day of the New York mayoral election, and of Virginia’s hotly contested gubernatorial election, to elect the next governor of Virginia.

This day also marks one Calendar Round (52 years) since the 1969 “Mobilization Peace” (aka Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, aka Moratorium March on Washington) demonstrations where between 500,000 – 600,000 people protested the Vietnam War in Washington, D.C. (the largest single anti-war protest in U.S. history at that time).

6 Kawak (Nov. 3rd) – a “storm everywhere” force; an energy that often has more to do with the triggering of a “storm of compassion or emotion” than a weather related event, as has been seen often during the past few cycles. The Six Kawak day on June 1st of last year was particularly stormy as that was the “flashpoint” day of outrage when military police used teargas, rubber bullets, and flash grenades to clear a path through peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters so that the dumpster could stage a particularly sick and revulsive photo op in front of St. John’s Lafayette church. With regard to that stunt, political commentator Richard Wolffe wrote in The Guardian that this stunt marked the dumpster’s mad emperor stage and it was “terrifying to behold.” It was seen as a major “breaking point” in terms of democracy in the U.S., basically foreshadowing the Jan. 6th insurrection.

Fortunately this time this energy coincides with the second day of Diwali, known as Naraka Chaturdasi (Day of Knowledge), associated with the triumph of good over evil. In India beautiful rangolis made of materials such as coloured rice, sand, or flower petals are often made at this time.  This is also the start of the Tihar Festival of Lights (similar to Diwali) in Nepal.

7 Ajaw (Nov. 4th) – “self generating” full sun, traditionally a great Aztec feast day devoted to Xochipilli, the “Flower Prince”, the god of flowers, games, music, and dance. With the sun frequently symbolized as a four-petalled flower there is a strong solar aspect to this in conjunction with fertility and maize. In terms of the Maya Calendar this is a Tun Shift day, as the Long Count clicks over to 13.0.9.0.0 Right in tune with these energies conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall and others are offering a four-day Activating Hope Summit, beginning on this day, which can be found here: Activating Hope

This is the fifth Gregorian anniversary of the historic day in 2016 when the Paris Climate Change Agreement officially came into effect as an international law, and the signing was deemed to be “irreversibile”. With COP26 still in session the challenge of implementing the goals that have been set is still very much the focus of international attention.

This is the third (and most significant) of the five days of Diwali, a time when festival lanterns and lights are set out everywhere to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of happiness, wealth, and good fortune into homes and other buildings. Lord Ganesha is also honoured at this time. And, as this is Children’s Day in India, this special day for increasing awareness of the rights, care, and education of children will tie in well. This is also the second day of the Tihar Festival in Nepal, known as the Kukur Puja, the “Day of the Dogs” when dogs are decked out with garlands, given special treats, and thanked for their faithful service, including their service in helping to provide a safe passage for departed souls on their journey to Heaven. A good day to celebrate your own Kukur Tihar with any four legged friend who specializes in bringing joy to the world.

8 Imix (Nov. 5th) – the “resurrection” of birth, coinciding at this time with UN’s World Tsunami Awareness Day, part of a campaign to invest in resilient infrastructures, early warning systems, and education to help alleviate tsunami risks. In the UK this is Guy Fawkes day (and Bonfire Night), in remembrance of the “Gunpowder Plot” of 1605 when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Palace of Westminster during England’s state opening of Parliament.

In India this is the fourth day of Diwali, known as Annakut (the Hindu New Year), celebrated in Northern India as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of thunder and rain. Food will be piled high in temples as offerings are made to Krishna. This is the third day of the Tihar Festival in Nepal.

In the U.S. this is the day of the memorial service for General Colin Powell, a retired army general and former U.S. Secretary of State, at the Washington National Cathedral. It is also the new date for Jeffrey Clark, the first dumpster administration official to comply with a congressional subpoena, to testify before the Jan. 6th committee.

9 Ik’ (Nov. 6th) – the “outward projection” of wind, breath, spirit – the calendrical daysign of Ehécatl/Quetzalcóatl, the “feathered serpent” traditionally seen in Mesoamerican cultures as being symbolic of spirit, breath, culture, the arts, justice, and things of a life-giving nature; this is a very important energy both mythologically and historically. Symbolic of far-reaching communication, 9 Ik’ is also representative of the winds that can “blow” in multiple directions to bring about change. Tornadoes have often manifested under this influence, as well as major protest rallies – as in the massive demonstrations being held in Glasgow and around the world on this day to demand more action on the climate crisis.

In 1961 this was the energy in place when U.S. astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. was carried into suborbital flight aboard Mercury Freedom 7, becoming the first U.S. astronaut to travel into space (in a 15 min. flight). When this energy was in place in 1996 Shannon Lucid became the first female astronaut to crew a space station.

It has now been four cycles since the inauguration of Bolsonaro (the “Trump of the Tropics”) as the 38th president of Brazil at the beginning of 2019, amid wide-spread protests. However, due to the horrendous situation caused by his downplaying of the pandemic as Covid-19 cases in that country rapidly escalated (to over 606,000 deaths at last count), a Brazilian commission has just recommended that Bolsonaro be charged with nine crimes, including misue of public funds, charlatanism, and crimes against humanity. The case could be sent to the International Criminal Court.

Currently this is the UN’s International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. It is also the final day of Diwali.

10 Ak’b’al (Nov. 7th) – a combination of the foundational energy of “Source” (the number 10) in conjunction with “darkness”, as in the Temple associated with deep esoteric mysteries. At this time this energy coincides with the ending of Daylight Savings Time. One cycle since Texas was declared a state of disaster after a ferocious winter storm severely damaged the power grid, leaving millions without power during frigid weather.

11 K’an (Nov. 8th) – an “inspirational” type of energy associated with youthful vitality, coinciding with the opening day for ICFP 2021: The International Conference on Family Planning, in Pattaya City, Thailand.

It has been three cycles exactly since the start of the Global Week for Future climate action strike in 2019 when an estimated four million students, encompassing more than 150 countries, participated in a worldwide walkout, at the start of a week of climate change actions. One cycle before that, in early 2019, Nancy Pelosi was sworn in as Speaker of the US House of Representatives, and more than 100 women were sworn in when Democrats took over control of the House.

In 1968 this energy was in place at the time of the Poor People’s March on Washington, when a multiracial crowd of impoverished Americans gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Coretta Scott King, the widow of Martin Luther King, Jr., was the keynote speaker at the rally.

12 Chikchan (Nov. 9th) – “dedicated” lifeforce – a powerful force that represents a doubling of the intensity of the lifeforce-oriented Quetzalcóatl energy – a type of influence that can significantly draw people into action for a common cause. In 1974 this was the energy in place when a federal grand jury indicted seven of President Nixon’s aides on charges of conspiracy related to Watergate, when Nixon was named as an unindicted co-conspirator, which led to his impeachment process.

13 Kimi (Nov. 10th) – “transformational death” (or “transformational foundations”) – a powerful “return to Source” type of force that can often pack a huge punch, as seen in the intense weather systems and even volcanoes that have occurred in the past under this influence. In 1917 (two Calendar Rounds ago) this was in place at the time of the Halifax Explosion, a disaster that destroyed much of Halifax when a French cargo ship laden with high explosives collided with a Norwegian ship in the city’s harbour.

Two cycles ago (in 2020) this was in place when New Zealand lifted all Covid-19 restrictions after that country was declared “virus-free”. Currently this is coinciding with UNESCO’s World Science day for Peace and Development, with this year’s theme being “Building climate-ready communities”.

13 Kimi was the energy in place when a memorial service was held in Minneapolis last year for George Floyd, whose “murder by police” became a flashpoint for the massive peaceful protests, the destructive rioting, and the “shredding” of the national fabric of the US (as several commentators put it) by the dumpster and his cronies.

Four cycles ago (early 2019) The New York Times ran a scathing article by opinion columnist David Leonhardt titled “The People vs. D. J. Dump”, and subtitled “He is demonstrably unfit for office. What are we waiting for?” It was a 3000 word summation that highlighted the pressing need to remove the dumpster from office. Whole categories of issues were identified as reasons why he should be removed. The writer thought that waiting it out until 2020 would be too dangerous. As he put it, “The cost of removing a president from office is smaller than the cost of allowing this president to remain.” And since he was allowed to remain, and allowed to spread the monstrous lie about “winning” the 2020 election, even though no proof has ever been found – – – and Republicans have been doing everything in their power to corrupt voting rights ever since – – – the implications of not heeding Leonhardt’s warning at that time have been playing out ever since.

In Mesoamerican mythology it was often thought that the fate of the world tied in with the whims of the Jaguar. Seven cycles ago, in November, 2016, this Jaguar-related trecena brought the monster into power, and despite all the horrors that have unfolded since then, the monster is still trying to hold onto that, corrupting millions of people in the process. But despite all the deaths and violence, the appalling incompetence, the huge string of lawsuits against him, the shredding of decency and ethics, and the attempted demolition of democracy itself, he is still out there, continuing to orchestrate corruption. Perhaps THIS time through this trecena, the Jaguar will finally say “enough is enough”. Perhaps this time through the Jaguar will begin to rein this in so that the process of rebuilding, after so many years of obstruction and destruction, can finally gain some traction.

13 Kimi can be an explosive, “big deal” kind of energy, and coming in towards the end of many high level events during this period this energy is likely to carry some important developments. Let’s hope they are aligned with the kind of forward motion that is needed to suffle those dark forces away.

******************************

[Please note that the brief descriptions of the days provided above are only “thumbnail sketches”. Much greater detail can be found in Manual for the Soul: A Guide to the Energies of Life.]