It seems that we have a bit of a conundrum this time, as it is difficult to find the sun (in the literal sense) when much of the Northern hemisphere is grappling with severe snowstorms and bone-chilling winter weather. However, this trecena often places more emphasis on creativity rather than on the sun specifically, so that is something to keep in mind. Bear in mind, as well, that solar activity itself seems to be increasing, as seen on New Year’s Eve when an X5 solar flare, the strongest X-class solar flare since 2017, sent a CME towards Earth, that created spectacular auroras several days later. The last time this trecena was in place there were several CMEs, as the sun heads towards a solar maximum next year.

Traditionally, this trecena was always been welcomed as a time for celebration. Indeed, in the realm of the Classic Maya, the very first day, One Ajaw, was observed as a highly festive “day of flowers”, during which dancers, singers, song-writers, drummers, storytellers, artists, orators, feast makers, gift-givers, banner-bearers, and flower-bedecked revelers would have been fully engaged in welcoming in the auspicious and joyful One Ajaw (or “One Flower”), representative of the initiation of “Full Sun” or “Full Enlightenment”. It was seen as a day to extol the virtues of creativity in all its diverse forms. As this trecena begins this time, however, many will only be able to dream of flowers and sunshine, both of which will be in short supply. And instead of traditional celebrations, for hundreds of thousands it will be global protest demonstrations calling for ceasefires.

The patron, or overseer, of this trecena was known as Old Coyote, the God of Dance, who was integrally connected to the arts, particularly music and dance. Although referred to as an “old, old” deity, he was often depicted as an exuberant partygoer, but was also revered for his worldly wisdom, astuteness, benevolence, and even shapeshifting abilities. He provides a good reminder that often much can be accomplished through a little “fancy dancing” – but this time the fancy dancing will be highly cause oriented, and for those dealing with the challenges of winter, ice and snow-dancing could be the name of the game.

It is not unusual to see events associated with the arts taking place during this trecena, particularly within the first few days, as happened three cycles ago with the grand ceremonial reopening of the 3,000 year old Avenue of Sphinxes in the city of Luxor, as Egypt set out to revive an ancient tradition. In an extravagant ceremony, beautifully attired singers, dancers, and musicians made their way down the ancient Sphinx-lined walkway, once named “The Path of God,” that connects the Temples of Karnak in the north with Luxor in the south.

Last spring, when it was much sunnier and warmer than it is this time through, this trecena began with lead-up events and preparations relating to the lavish coronation of a new king in England, with the coronation taking place on the ninth day. As always, the coronation was a resplendent pageant, complete with a 260-year old fairy tale gold coach, gorgeous Windsor Greys bedecked in glamorous red and gold trappings, and thousands of regally attired guards, troops, and horsemen.

Currently this trecena will bring the formal abdication of Queen Margrethe of Denmark, after 52 years as a monarch, and the coronation of her son Frederik, the swearing in of a new president in Guatemala, and a highly consequential presidential election in Taiwan.

When this trecena was in place in March of 2021, not long after President Biden took office, millions of Americans were “dancing for joy” as Biden signed his Covid relief bill into law and people learned that they would be receiving Covid-19 stimulus relief cheques from the federal government, along with other benefits. During that period the US reached Biden’s 100 million vaccinations goal and millions of others worldwide were celebrating as they received their first immunizations against the coronavirus. That was also the time frame that brought several important confirmations for President Biden’s cabinet, including that of Judge Merrick Garland as the US Attorney-General, and Deb Haaland as Joe Biden’s Interior Secretary, in an historic vote that made her the first Native American Cabinet secretary in US history.

Two cycles ago (in August of 2022) President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, the landmark legislation designed to curb inflation, reduce healthcare costs, cut energy costs, and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. It was a time for great celebration as this was the signature legislation of his first term in office.

On the “other” front, the last time this trecena was in place things were heating up on the prosecution front with regard to the multiply-indicted “former guy”, as many overlapping legal proceedings were underway. The civil trial brought by E. Jean Carroll against the dumpster for sexual abuse and defamation came to a close during this time frame, with the conclusion being that he was found liable on 9 charges, and fined $5 million. But then he went out and defamed her again, so once again this trecena is bringing another defamation trial against him, brought again by Ms. Carroll, so there is a strong possibility that he will  be required to pay even more.

As this trecena opens a decision is pending from a US Court of Appeals on the question of “presidential immunity”, with that decision having enormous implications with regard to other legal proceedings, some of which have been on pause, awaiting the outcome of this appeal. The question of “eligibility” is also being examined, as two states have already disqualified him from being on ballots, on the basis of 14th Amendment rulings.

So it is likely that this trecena will shed much “light” on the US legal system during this current period. The hush money case in New York, the Jan. 6th insurrection case, the Georgia case, and the documents case are all tied in with this “immunity” question.

Keep in mind that in the past this Ajaw trecena has ushered in many events of great significance, including the establishment of a camp at Veracruz by Hernán Cortés and his men in 1519 as they were embarking on their conquest of the Aztec Empire; the adoption of the U.S. constitution in 1787; Napoléon Bonaparte’s defeat at the monumental Battle of Waterloo in 1815; the discovery of gold in the Klondike, in 1896; the opening of Sun Records, that gave birth to Rock ‘n’ Roll, in 1950; the putting into operation of the first computer produced for commercial use, in 1951; the averting of the outbreak of WWIII during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962; and the massive March on the Pentagon demonstration in 1967 to protest the US involvement in the Vietnam war.

Events related to the sun or “the bringing forth of light” often show up during this period as well, as we could see in 2017 when this solar-oriented trecena not only brought forth a particularly strong solar flare, but also touched off “the greatest show in astronomy” during that summer. It was an event that signalled “a new era in astronomy”, when the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (Ligo) system detected simultaneously for the first time both light and the ripple of gravitational waves, thought to be from the collision of two neutron stars, as hundreds of astronomers on all seven continents began focusing their instruments on data collection about this distant event (in both space and time). This was seen as “a new Rosetta Stone for Astronomy”. Currently this trecena will likely see a lot of discussion about the newly discovered cosmic megastructure that “challenges theories of the universe”.

As we go through this period it is likely that, indeed, there will be some “fancy dancing”. But hopefully there will also be much to celebrate –“fingers crossed”! Here are the energies that are coming into play:

1 Ajaw (Jan. 13th) – the “initiation of Full Sun/Enlightenment”, the traditional Maya celebrational “Day of Flowers”. Through its association with the heliacal rising of Venus as the Morning Star, One Ajaw was referred to, traditionally, as the Sacred Day of Venus, an important “marker” day in the Classical Long Count calendar. Currently, this coincides with the waxing crescent moon reaching perigee – its closest point to Earth, in its elliptical orbit. “Earthshine” (a glow on the dark side of the moon, reflected from Earth) will also be visible at this time.

This day marks four Gregorian years since the WHO reported a Covid-19 case in Thailand, the first outside China. In March of 2020 this was the energy in place when Italy’s first nationwide lockdown began, when the entire country was put under quarantine. This was also the energy in place in 1815 when Napoléon Bonaparte was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo, which marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars. A good time to celebrate the fact that brutal dictators DO get defeated, eventually.

At this time hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather in London to take part in protest rallies against the war in Gaza. This is expected to be part of a global day of action involving at least 30 countries. Instead of marking the day with flowers and dance, it will be placards, banners, and megaphones that will be brought into play.

2 Imix (Jan. 14th) – a dynamic “balancing” type of energy often aligned with “world-making”, coinciding at this time with Taiwan’s presidential election, under China’s threat to “reunify” Taiwan with China. This is the day when Bernardo Arevalo is scheduled to be sworn in as Guatemala’s new president, and the day when 83-year old Queen Margrethe of Denmark will formally abdicate the throne, after being Denmark’s monarch for 52 years, to be replaced by her son Frederik. The last time a Danish monarch abdicated was in 1146.

Officially, this marks 100 days since the hostage taking situation that started Israel-Hamas war.

It has now been two cycles exactly since Democrats in the US House of Representatives passed the monumental Inflation Reduction Act – the sweeping $740bn tax, healthcare, and climate change legislation that lowered healthcare costs for millions of Americans and provides for significant climate change action. This is President Biden’s Maya birth energy, now marking four cycles since the US House of Representatives voted to pass the revised, and highly consequential, Covid-19 relief bill.

In one “resistant” community in Wales that is still celebrating according to the old Julian calendar, this is Hen Galan: Welsh New Year.

3 Ik’ (Jan. 15th) – the “activation” of Wind/Breath/Spirit, coinciding with Blue Monday, often thought of as “the most depressing day of the year”, calculating in such factors as weather conditions, debt levels, and low motivation levels at this time of the year. Given the extreme weather conditions and many other factors, such as the on-going wars in so many areas, many will be able to relate to this year’s “blueness”.

Tied in with this, this is the opening day for the 54th World Economic Annual Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Just five days earlier this group published a report that painted “a grim picture” as it warned about the strong possibility of “global catastrophes” over the coming years from extreme weather events, artificial intelligence and cybercrime. In the US the Iowa Democractic and Republican caucuses take place at this time, kicking off the primary elections season. Officially, this marks 100 days since the hostage taking situation that started Israel-Hamas war.

However, in India this is a highly auspicious day, as this is the first day of India’s Makar Sankranti festival, a Hindu astrological “holy phase of transition” event that marks the end of winter solstice period and the return of the sun – and light – and wisdom.

One of the main activities during this festival is kite flying by day to send prayers to the Lord Sun, and the flying of stunning sky lanterns by night, in order to send hopes and aspirations skyward. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu worshippers flock to the Ganges River, and other rivers, at this time to bathe in its holy waters.

This marks four cycles since President Biden signed the historic $1.9tn coronavirus relief bill into law early in 2021.

4 Ak’b’al (Jan. 16th) – a “defining” day associated with night, darkness, dreaming, and the subconscious. Sometimes referred to as “House”, this is also associated with earth-oriented mystery, secrecy, abundance, and even sorcery. This is the start day for the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial against Trump (on Dec. 13th a US court of appeals ruled against his claim of immunity in this regard). She has already won one civil trial against him, where she was awarded $5 million, and in this current case she will likely be awarded more. It was just over one cycle ago when the last E. Jean Carroll trial against him began.

This Hope Tuesday (the day after Blue Monday), coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the U.S., and the eighth National Day of Racial Healing in the U.S., which will feature events across the country that will focus on building the relationships necessary “to create a more just and equitable world”.

5 K’an (Jan. 17th) – a “blessing” type of energy associated with youthful vitality and prosperity, that, without caution, can also vere towards “recklessness”. The last time this was in place thousands of Hollywood TV and movie screenwriters (Writers Guild of America) went on strike.

On that same day Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, widely seen as the godfather of artificial intelligence (AI) quit his job, warning about the growing dangers from developments in the field. Eight days later (on 13 Eb’, the last day of this trecena) an article published in the journal BMJ Global Health said that doctors and public health professionals from the UK, US, Australia, Costa Rica and Malaysia were warning that AI could harm the health of millions and pose an existential threat to humanity. They called for a halt to the development of artificial general intelligence until it is regulated.

Currrently this is US House Speaker Mike Johnson’s New Fire birthday, 13 days before his 52nd. This could be a year of dramatic change for him, as often happens with one’s “New Fire”.

Back in 1815 this was in place when Napoléon Bonaparte abdicated for the second time, before being shipped off into his final exile a few months later. Currently this is the Catholic Feast Day of St. Anthony the Abbot, often commemorated with “Blessing of Domestic Animals” ceremonies.

6 Chikchan (Jan. 18th) – “Lifeforce Everywhere” – a structuring type of energy associated with Lifeforce, the Arts, and Higher Knowledge, coinciding at this time with the Buddhist oriented Laba Festival, or lunar Bohdi day, when memorial ceremonies are held to pray to ancestors and deities for good fortune.

Two cycles ago President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act under this influence, the signature legislation of his first term in office. That was the day when the US Dept of Education announced that it will cancel nearly $4 billion worth of federal student loans for 208,000 borrowers. Five years ago, when this energy was in place, a Ukrainian court found former President Viktor Yanukovych guilty of high treason and sentenced him in absentia to 13 years in prison over attempts to quash a 2014 pro-Western uprising.

7 Kimi (Jan. 19th) – “self-generating death” or “self-generating foundations”, a “return to Source” type of force that can draw attention to “absolute foundations”, on the final day of the World Economic Summit in Davos, Switzerland.

This marks three cycles since the publication of David Cay Johnston’s meticulously researched The Big Cheat – which shed light on years of eye-popping financial misdeeds (aka “fleecing” and “lifelong grifting”, as the Pulitzer-Prize-winning author put it) by the dumpster and his family.

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln delivered The Gettysburg Address under this 7 Kimi influence, with this speech being given at the dedication of a cemetary for the more than 7500 men who died in the Battle of Gettysburg. That battle is now seen as a critical civil war turning point as that was when southern forces began their retreat. This particular address was seen as a point of resolve, that those who died “shall not have died in vain”, that there would be “a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”. It was a point of light in the midst of a great darkness, and yet the battle to preserve that freedom still rages on. This also provides a reminder of what this trecena is about – a chance to “return to light”, to “enlighten”.

Currently this day marks the completion of President Biden’s third year in office as the US President. This is also the start date for International Green Week 2024 in Berlin (to Jan. 28th) which features the Grüne Wochen traditional trade fair, one of Germany’s best-known events. Founded in 1926 this is seen as the leading international trade fair for food, agriculture and horticulture. It runs until Jan. 28th.

8 Manik’ (Jan. 20th) – the Day of the Lord Deer in Maya tradition, a “resurrection” type of energy aligned with sacrifice and reciprocity, which could be seen as a “doubly harmonious” type of influence, representative of a doubling of solar energy. There is a strong “fire/heat” aspect to this energy, tying in with the mythological link to the ancestral lineage of the Quiché Maya. In that legend this was seen as the day in the Tzolk’in when one of the ancestral forefathers left the people a “bundle of flames” as a reminder of his continuing presence. Two cycles ago when this was in place the sun spewed forth twin coronal mass ejections.

Last May when this was in place the WHO declared that the public health emergency of international concern regarding Covid-19 was officially over, but they still warned that it continued to be a global health threat. That was a huge relief in the UK as there was a lot going on at that time, on the eve of the coronation of King Charles III. It is highly unlikely that he would be aware that his parents, Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, were married under this influence in late November in 1947.

This is former US astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s 94th Gregorian birthday. He is the last surviving crew member of the Apollo 11 lunar mission, and one of the first two people to walk on the Moon. Last year, on his 93rd birthday, he was honoured as a Living Legend of Aviation and got married for the fourth time.

9 Lamat (Jan. 21st) – an “outwardly projecting” type of energy associated with Venus and the idea of leadership, as was in place last May at the time of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. More than 850 community and charity representatives attended the coronation, to mingle with the royals, heads of state, politicians, peers and diplomats at Westminster Abbey. That was the day when 93-year-old former US astronaut Buzz Aldrin was named honorary brigadier general in the US Air Force. Currently this is the unstoppable Chita Rivera’s 91st Gregorian birthday. She was the original “Anita” in Broadway’s West Side Story.

10 Muluk (Jan. 22nd) – “foundational water”, often a powerful “shape-shifting” force, marking one cycle since the sun emitted a long-duration M1.5-class solar flare directly at Earth. Three days later the high levels of radiation associated with that event caused minor shortwave radio blackouts on Earth, and triggered supercharged aurora displays.

Currently this marks the completion of ten cycles (2600 days) since the CIA revealed their conclusion that Russia had intervened to help the dumpster win the 2016 election.

11 Ok (Jan. 23rd) – “inspirational love (or guidance)” – an “extinguishing” Burner Day
representative of heart, love, fire, and passion, at the time of the New Hampshire Democractic and Republican caucuses. This is the Maya birth energy of Terry Fox, the young Canadian who sparked a movement, beginning in 1980, to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Over $900 million has been raised to date by the Terry Fox Foundation.

12 Chuwen (Jan. 24th) – “dedicated” play; a “timeweaver” type of energy than can have a kind of “anything is possible” aspect to it, coinciding at this time with the UN’s sixth International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. The theme for 2024 is “learning for lasting peace”. As mentioned on their site, there are still hundreds of millions of children and adolescents globally who cannot read or write or do basic math, and over 760 million adults who are illiterate, so the need for strengthening education systems and for global rebalancing is great.

This was the energy in place 6 long cycles ago (in 2019) when retired US Navy Adm. William McRaven, former head of Special Operations Command (the group that oversaw the 2011 raid in which bin Laden was killed), delivered a fierce criticism of Trump in an opinion in the New York Times titled “Our Republic is Under Attack From the President”, in which he warned that the dumpster’s policies were a stain on the US and its values. With reference to Trump, McRaven’s statement included this: “A good leader sets the example for others to follow. A good leader always puts the welfare of others before himself or herself. Your leadership, however, has shown little of these qualities. Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage, and, worst of all, divided us as a nation.”

The fact that, precisely one cycle ago, Trump was found guilty of rape (in the first case brought to trial by E. Jean Carroll) adds to the overall argument made by Adm. McRaven. Moreover, given that the defamation case against the dumpster, also brought to trial by Ms. Carroll just 8 days ago, will be either on-going at this time, or perhaps just concluding, it seems that even the Maya calendar is shedding light on the nature of the dumpster’s highly questionable character.

All of this can be seen as a sharp contrast to the nature of, and accomplishments associated with, the Biden administration, which has already shown what can be achieved by an experienced and accomplished leader. Although even here, Biden’s position on various actions being taken in the Middle East is seen as problematic by many. Currently this is Day 700 of the Russia-Ukraine war.

13 Eb’ (Jan. 25th) – “transformational vitality”; a powerful stream-of-consciousness type of energy reflective of intense vibrancy at the end of this “sun-oriented” time frame, a vitality that can sometimes “let loose”, often with intense weather systems, coinciding with the Full Wolf Moon, the first full moon of 2024, and with the opening of Québec’s Winter Carnival.

Two cycles ago this energy was in place when the US announced a further $2.98bn in aid for Ukraine. The last time it was in place the journal BMJ Global Health published an article in which doctors and public health professionals from five different countries warned that AI could harm the health of millions and pose an existential threat to humanity, as they called for a halt to the development of artificial general intelligence until it is regulated.

This is the day when Peter Navarro, the dumpster’s former trade advisor, is due to be sentenced after being convicted last September of contempt of Congress, and after losing his appeal for a new trial..

Currently this is Robbie Burns’ Day, the 265th anniversary of the birth of much loved Scottish poet Robbie Burns. It is also President Zelenskyy’s 46th Gregorian birthday.

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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.]