When was the last time you had a flat-out, joy-filled, bells-on-your-toes, wind-in-your-sails good time? For far too many of us over the past few years, there has been little to celebrate. But in the UK during this trecena the doors are wide open for dancing, singing, feasting, and bell ringing in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s grand Platinum Jubilee. Upfest, billed as “Europe’s largest Street Art festival”, is also returning at this time.

It is not unusual for things of an “airy” nature to become the focus of attention during this period. When this was last in place, last September, many countries were dealing with a raging 4th wave of the pandemic and numbers were soaring. In many places the pandemic was completely out-of-control, particularly in the U.S., which was registering over 200,000 new cases per day throughout this time span. By the final day of the trecena the U.S. total was over 42 million cases, with a death toll that was paralleling that of 1918’s deadly Spanish flu. With case numbers in the U.S. having more than doubled since then (to over 85 million), it appears that something like one-in-every-4 people in that country has been infected. Chronic issues such as misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and non- adherence to recommended safety protocols have all factored into the very high case numbers and death rates in that country.

Nevertheless, the rate of infection in the U.S. and in many other countries has slowed considerably in recent weeks, and people are beginning to return to some semblance of “normal” – albeit a “new normal”, with many precautions still in place. But in some regions, such as the Koreas, the rate of increase is still very high. South Korea has now registered some 18 million cases, and is ranked 8th highest in the world, while North Korea went from “not on the map” to 3 million cases within the context of the last trecena. To boot, North Korea does not have a vaccination program or other protocols in place, so strict lockdowns have been imposed. Overall it is a “powder keg” in more ways than one. Fortunately it has now been two full 260 cycles since vaccination programs really got going in a number of countries, and supplies are available to those who want them, so we can be grateful for that.

Symbolically, this is the trecena associated with Ehécatl, the “Wind/Breath/ Spirit” form of the great Feathered Serpent that was often seen as a portal to the heavens. One of the most prominent symbols associated with Ehécatl was a duck-billed mask, representative of the wind that blows in all directions. With so many late spring events happening at this time, Ehécatl can provide a good reminder that one of the most important things we can all do is to continue wearing masks whenever we are in close proximity with others – particularly in crowded situations.

The fact that Ehécatl is a variant of the great Feathered Serpent, known as Kukulcan (Quetzalcoatl), is also significant since serpentine energy has long been associated with medicine, alchemy, and the healing arts. As shown in the trecena image, the duck-billed Ehécatl represents the first day of this period, which is thought to influence all the rest.

Another overarching influence was seen, symbolically, as that of Chantico, the Goddess of Terrestrial Fire, associated with the warmth and nourishment of the hearth fire – protecting the “home fires”. As the patron of this time frame, she will be busy during this trecena helping people to protect their homes, health, and livelihoods. Associated with “high magic”, earthly treasures, and domesticity, Chantico provides the reminder that this would be an opportune time to turn towards things that can inspire and uplift, and to look for moments of “high magic”, especially close to home. If you are in the UK that will not be hard to do since “Jubilee fever” will be at a high pitch!

Note that the middle of this trecena marks the official start of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which might be something to keep an eye on as hurricanes and windy weather are common during this time frame. The last time this was in place multiple hurricanes, typhoons, and tornadoes made their appearance, which was not at all unusual for this energy frame.

Another very important facet of this period is communication, including how information is transmitted. As we all know, we are living at a time when interdependence is being highlighted like never before – the pandemic is a global issue, as is climate change, as is the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and other regional disputes. How we communicate and what we communicate can affect the trajectory of so many events. So much depends on whether lies continue to be spread, or whether truth will finally prevail. So much depends on whether integrity, morality, ethics, and empathy can overcome the rampantly destructive forces associated with the self interest, greed, and powermongering that have been blocking the advancement of so many humanitarian goals. So much depends on whether we can honour, respect, and work diplomatically with others, rather than just cave in to brutal agendas.

During this period, with hundreds still dying in the context of that horrific Russia-Ukraine war, and the implications of Russia control of the Black Sea area still unfolding, much will depend on the nature of on-going communications. Similarly, in the U.S., as the Jan. 6th committee prepares to hold public hearings early in the next trecena, the manner through which these hearings will be conducted will be critical to the trajectory of democracy in the months that follow, not only in the US, but around the world. So decisions that are currently being made in that regard will be critically important.

And here is where that third element – “Spirit” – also factors in. What is the “spirit” behind the communications? What is the intent? Is it altruistic or nefarious . . . life enhancing or destructive? Inspirational or fear based?

As this trecena begins, the U.S. is reeling from another mass shooting, the second to take place during the last trecena. This last one was the 27th school shooting, and the 212th mass shooting, in that country since the start of 2022. There will be much discussion around this during this trecena, as people once again engage in heated debates about what to do about this horrendous crisis.

So as this Ik’ trecena comes into play once again, many forces aligned with breath, spirit, communication, healing, alchemy, and even the magical arts are being activated. During this time communication will be important. If it is “solution” oriented, inspirational in tone, aligned with light, and collectively dedicated to overcoming the widespread darkness that has fomented so many issues over the past few years we would, indeed, have cause for celebration. These are the energies that are coming into play:

One Ik’ (May 25th) – the “initiation of wind/breath/spirit”, on National Tap Dance Day, which celebrates the art of tap dancing; National Missing Children’s Day, to acknowledge the many children who go missing each year; and National Senior Health and Fitness Day, in support of helping seniors to stay fit and healthy.

This is the fourth day of the 5-day World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This is where nearly 2,500 world leaders in politics, business, civil society, academia, media, and the arts are participating in the first in-person Annual Meeting in more than two years. The theme this year is “History at a Turning Point”, as participants work to find solutions to global challenges that include the ongoing pandemic, the war in Ukraine, economic issues, and climate change.

This marks two cycles since December 2020 when the U.S. Congress voted to pass the new $900 billion pandemic aid relief bill to help U.S. citizens and business to cope with the pandemic. At that point the global number of coronavirus cases was approaching 222 million, almost triple the number from one cycle earlier. Currently the global total is approaching 530 million cases, so it has more than doubled since one cycle ago, but the rate of infection appears to be slowing.

It has now been six cycles since the 2018 launch of the Never Again Movement in the U.S. to advocate for gun control, after the horrific Florida school shooting, and the beginning of nationwide rallies by students across the U.S. in a call for stricter gun regulations. Tragically, little progress has been made in this regard, and events of this nature have continued to shatter lives – at they did, with another mass shooting at a school, just hours before this current trecena began. Note that there are three special “Wear Orange” days coming up during this trecena (June 3-5) related to gun control advocacy.

This day marks two Gregorian years since the horrific death of George Floyd that triggered massive Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Minneapolis and elsewhere, as well as the push for police reforms and much greater accountability in law enforcement. The George Floyd Memorial Center now promotes this as a “Day of Enlightenment” towards that end, and hosts a variety of programs to assist with social justice efforts, to “turn tragedy into triumph” and “take hate and turn it into hope”.

This is the 61st Gregorian anniversary of the memorable day in 1961 when, before a special joint session of Congress, President Kennedy presented his call to achieve a moon landing.

2 Ak’b’al (May 26th) – a “dynamic” type of energy associated with the temple or “house” of deep esoteric mysteries, on the 125th anniversary of the first publication of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, at which time the 13th century Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire will attempt to break the world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as vampires (the current record stands at 1,039).

At the other end of the spectrum, to “balance this” (as in Two Ak’b’al), this is Ascension Day in the Christian liturgical calendar, in observance of the “ascension of Jesus” 40 days after his resurrection (observed in Eastern traditions on June 10th).

3 K’an (May 27th) – an “activation” type of energy associated with both germination and opulence, which is Queen Elizabeth II’s Maya birth energy.

In Australia, this is the start of National Reconciliation Week, which emphasizes the need for greater understanding and support for the shared histories, cultures, and achievements of the inhabitants of Australia, with this year’s theme being “Be Brave. Make Change.”

4 Chikchan (May 28th) – the “defining” of Lifeforce, a Burner Day associated with “running with the fire”, in conjunction with Quetzalcoatl’s connection with Liberation and Higher Consciousness, at the start of the George Floyd Memorial Center’s “Weekend of Enlightenment”.

In the UK this is the beginning of the Upfest Festival, Europe’s largest street art festival, involving over 400 artists from 70 countries, which is being held once again after being cancelled for past 2 years.

This was the energy in place when the 13th Amendment (the abolition of slavery) was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in January of 1865. This marks one year since the announcement of the discovery of the graves of at least 215 Indigenous children at the former Kamloops Indian residential school. Five days ago, on 12 Ajaw (May 23rd), the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc First Nation held a commemoration day to mark one year since the confirmation of that discovery.

5 Kimi (May 29th) – a “precision” type of energy associated with “absolute foundations”, coinciding with the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

This 5 Kimi energy can sometimes be seen as a “game changing” force, as it can bring things right down to the barest of essentials, prior to regeneration. But that can also mean bringing things down to “pure spirit”, which can be that “game changing” turning point. This is the day of New York’s “Half Sun on the grid” Manhattanhenge.

In 2018 the energy of 5 Kimi was in place when Democrats won back the US House of
Representatives in the midterm elections and made history with a record number of women winning seats in Congress.

6 Manik’ (May 30th) – the energy of the six directions in conjunction with the reciprocity-oriented (but sometimes “sacrificial”) energy of the deer (traditionally seen as a “carrier for the sun” on Earth), coinciding with Memorial Day in the US, and New York’s “Full Sun” Manhattanhenge.

This is the first Gregorian anniversary of the day last year when, as part of reconcilation efforts, teachers and their school communities across BC wore orange, held ceremonies, and flew flags at half mast in remembrance of the indigenous children who suffered so terribly during the dreadful decades associated with residential schools.

In 2019 this was the energy in place when the “notorious” phone conversation between the dumpster and new Ukraine president Zelenskyy took place in which Zelenskyy was pressured to investigate Hunter Biden’s involvement in Ukraine. This became a focal point for the first impeachment trial against the dumpster, on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

7 Lamat (May 31st) – “self-generating star” or beacon; a strong “heralding” type of energy, as well as a force that has been historically associated with strong winds (often tornadoes and hurricanes), and other forms of severe weather.

This is Clint Eastwood’s 92nd Gregorian birthday.

In April of 2020 this was in place when, for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus, all 50 US states were under disaster declaration as the number of cases in the U.S. climbed to over 530,000, with the death toll over 20,000. With the U.S. death toll now well over a million, that seems like eons ago.

8 Muluk (June 1st) – the “resurrection” of water; strongly aligned with rebirth and “purification”, coinciding with the beginning of National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and the official start of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. This is also the day when severe water restrictions take effect in California, as a result of the drought.

This is Children’s Day in China, and the start of LGBT Pride Month.

This is English rock musician Ronnie Wood’s 75th Gregorian birthday, one day before what would have been the 81st birthday of drummer Charlie Watts, his Rolling Stones’ band-mate.

9 Ok (June 2nd) –an “outwardly-projecting” type of energy associated with love, loyalty, and guidance that can have long lasting influence; a “double-fire” type of energy often aligned with “hearth-fire” or even “heart-fire”, coinciding at this time with the 69th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation (although she acceded to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952). This is the start of a special four-day Jubilee bank holiday weekend in the UK, with the Trooping the Colour military parade taking place in London on this day to mark the Queen’s official birthday.

More than 1,400 parading soldiers, Queen Elizabeth’s personal guards with some 240 horses, and 400 musicians will be taking part. On this day, Platinum Jubilee beacons will be lit in more than 1,500 locations across the UK, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories. For the first time, the capital cities of Commonwealth countries will also light beacons, and many countries will be honouring the Queen with special gestures such as the lighting of buildings and monuments in royal purple throughout Australia. In some places commemorative coins and stamps will be released, special performances will be staged, and special exhibitions will highlight aspects of the Queen’s life and reign.

On a completely different note, this marks two Calendar Rounds precisely (2 x 52 years less 26 days) since the 9 Ok 3 Sotz’ day in 1918 when The Times published a PUBLIC NOTICE advertisement that recommended “Formamint” tablets and “a small dose of quinine” as treatments relating to the “Spanish Influenza” Epidemic (as shown in the image near the top of the page).

10 Chuwen (June 3rd) – “foundational play”; a creative time-weaving type of force, coinciding with the second day of the Bank Holiday weekend in the UK, when a Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen’s reign will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral, honouring the Queen’s service to the U.K. and her other realms. Great Paul, the largest church bell in the country, will be rung, followed by a peal of bells.

In the U.S. this is the first of three “Wear Orange” days, the 7th National Gun Violence Awareness Day, dedicated to honouring the lives of Americans affected by gun violence. Doubtless, given the horrific mass shootings over the past couple of weeks, there will be large demonstrations on this day, and over the weekend, calling for greater gun controls.

At this point it has been three cycles since early 2020 when the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a list of criteria that needed to be in place before Covid-19 restrictions could be lifted in various countries. The dumpster’s response was to order a halt to funding for the WHO, a move which health experts immediately labelled as a “crime against humanity”, “an appalling betrayal of global solidarity”, and a “damnable” act that could cost hundreds of thousands of lives – an extreme underestimate!

11 Eb’ (June 4th) – inspirational “animating vitality”, aligned with change and new possibilities, coinciding at this time with the first day of Wear Orange Weekend, on the 103rd Gregorian anniversary of the day in 1919 when the US Congress passed the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote.

On this day there will be a Platinum Party at Buckingham Palace in London, with 22,000 members of the public attending a live concert that will be broadcast on BBC. Some of the world’s biggest stars in entertainment will be there to celebrate the most significant moments from the Queen’s seven-decade reign.

In 1917 this was the energy in place when, reportedly, the Virgin Mary made her sixth and final appearance to three children at Fatima, supposedly in front of 70,000 people. This event included the “Miracle of the Sun” during which many people saw the sun go through an unusual zigzag movement, at which time (so the story goes) many were cured of afflications.

12 B’en (June 5th) – a “dedicated” type of force aligned with personal authority, a double-Quetzalcoatl, lifeforce-oriented, type of force, coinciding at this time with Armed Forces Day in Canada, with the second day of Wear Orange Weekend, and with the UN’s World Environment Day, an important day for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment. This year Sweden is hosting this event, with the theme being “Only One Earth”, to highlightpossibilities for shifting to more sustainable, greener lifestyles.

At this time people across the UK will take part in street parties oriented around the Big Jubilee Lunch, with the day’s events to include the grand Platinum Jubilee Pageant, which will feature 5,000 people from the UK and the Commonwealth performing around the area of Buckingham Palace. The palace promises “pomp and ceremony, street arts, theatre, music, circus, costumes . . . and cutting-edge visual technology” to “tell the story of the Queen’s reign”. In January primary and secondary school children were invited to create a picture of their hopes and aspirations for the planet over the next 70 years. A selection of these were later transferred onto silk flags, which will carried by secondary school pupils in the pageant. More than 600 Jubilee Lunches will take place in more than 70 countries, and 200,000 local events are set to take place.

13 Ix (June 6th) – “transformational Jaguar” – a double transformation type of energy associated with the Jaguar and earth mysteries, coinciding with the 78th Gregorian anniversary of D-Day, when allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy during World War II in the largest land, sea, and air operation ever undertaken.

This is the opening day for the Summit of the Americas, a meeting of the leaders of the North, Central, and South American countries that constitute the Organization of American States (OAS). This summit will take place in Los Angeles.

This is 19th century poet Emily Dickinson’s Maya birth energy. Emily once said that “Hope is the thing with feathers” – and perhaps after all that partying in the UK, there might be a strong sense of hope in place at this time. Hopefully, there will be positive developments, as well, in terms of bringing that dreadful war in Ukraine to an end.

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[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.]