And so begins the great cicada emergence, perfectly aligned with this K’an trecena this year. As noted in an earlier article, billions (possibly even trillions) of these noisy winged critters are about to make their presence known in a rare “double-brood invasion” across the US Midwest and Southeast.

The timing for this is intriguing as this trecena opens with One K’an, an energy tied in with the young Maya corn god who represents exuberance for life and the bounties of the earth (as does the lizard, the namesake for this trecena). Although this opens up all sorts of possibilities, the trecena overall can often manifest as a time of “testing”, as new ideas or ventures begin to take shape and the process of nurturing new endeavors begins.

In ancient Mesoamerica this trecena was seen as being under the patronage of a formidable deity known as the Itztlacoliuhqui, the God of Frost, often associated with coldness, punishment, rigidity, and even blindness, sometimes seen as representing “blindness to the implications” of what others might have to suffer through harsh treatment. This element will be one to watch during this period as the situation in Gaza would worsten even more if Israeli leaders continue their blind and reckless aggression in that region.

In the past this trecena has shed a great deal of light on what can happen when “blindness to realities” plays out, as it has highlighted many of the key issues associated with the tawdry Trumpian saga over the past few years. Indeed, some of the dumpster’s worst nightmares have manifested during this time frame, beginning back in 2018 when his ex-campaign manager was found guilty on 8 counts of tax fraud, and his former “fixer” pleaded guilty to an number of other felony charges. The Guardian called that day, the 6th day of this time frame, “momentous”, stating that: “There has never been an hour in the history of the American republic like it . . . separated by 230 miles and 60 minutes, in two courts, in two cases brought by two different prosecutors, a US president’s former longtime lawyer, Michael Cohen, and his ex-campaign manager, Paul Manafort, were found to be crooks . . .”

Then, in January of 2020, six cycles ago, this same trecena brought the start of the dumpster’s first impeachment trial, for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. One cycle after that, in October of that same year, as the world was grappling with Covid, the “super-spreader-in-chief” was either denying that there was a global health problem or making extremely dangerous claims even as hundreds of thousands of people were dying, even in his own country. And now, as the sleazy hush money trial plays out in New York, and as prosecutors in multiple states seek justice with regard to multiple other charges that he and his allies are facing, this “time of testing” period is in place once again. Indeed, this “testing” even extends to the highest level of the judiciary system in the US, as Supreme Court justices waffle over the question of presidential immunity, in a case that most see as so clear-cut that it shouldn’t have even gone that far.

While this may sound somewhat ominous, as this trecena’s “God of Frost” patron deity provides a reminder of potential jeopardies, keep in mind that he is sometimes shown holding a broom, which can be read as being representative of the idea of “sweeping clean” whatever might endanger Germination, in order for new life to emerge. The general idea with regard to this patron is to carefully nurture, but not endanger, new opportunities, because if caution is not exercised, there could be disasterous results. Note that the mythological story of this former Lord of the Dawn tells of him being turned into the God of Frost when the Sun shot an arrow back at him when he tried to engage in a shooting match with the sun. This seems like a pertinent metaphor, pertaining to the defendant in that high profile trial taking place in New York, who seems to have a knack for shooting at the sun (or trying to outshine the sun), but as Mesoamerican mythology tells us, the sun has ways of dealing with that sort of thing, and will shoot back! Ultimately, any attempt to usurp the sun will be monumentally self-defeating, as the culprit is now learning.

The second patron aligned with this time frame (shown in the trecena image above), was known as Black Smoking Mirror, representative of the mysteries of the cosmos and “the fate of the earth”. In the past many key events have happened during this period that have set trajectories for “the fate of the earth”, as when Napoléon Bonaparte proclaimed himself Emperor of France in 1804, and when Hitler acquired dictatorial powers in 1933, and then became Führer of Germany the following year. But for both of these oppressors this trecena later brought a turn of the tide, as Napoléon was exiled to Elba during this trecena in 1814, and Hitler died at his own hands during this trecena in 1945. At that time the unconditional surrender of the German forces in Italy took place near the end of the trecena, along with the surrender of German forces in Berlin. Other key events during this time frame have included the “Saturday Night Massacre” related to Watergate in 1973, Mikhail Gorbachev’s election as Secretary General of the Soviet Communist Party in 1985, and Barack Obama’s acceptance as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. presidency in 2008.

At the same time many leaders in the past have intuitively aligned themselves with that key idea of Germination that is characteristic of this period – jumping in and opening up all sorts of new possibilities. Indeed, it was two cycles ago when the DoJ’s Special Counsel Jack Smith began his federal investigations into the wrongdoings of the disgraced, twice-impeached, defeated, former “illegal” occupant of the White House. Since then Smith has been working to essentially “set the trajectory for the fate of the earth”, laying the groundwork for many of the prosecutions that are now in process.

As we move forward, keep in mind that this is a period where very “big”, very consequential, things can happen – sometimes so big that they are almost incomprehensible, often involving “high drama” related to “outrageous behaviour”.

At this point one might ask: What does one do with billions of cicadas in the neighbourhood?

When this trecena was in place four cycles ago, during the summer of 2021, major discoveries were revealed about gross atrocities that had been inflicted on indigenous children at Catholic-run residential schools in Canada; the January 6th select committee was formed in Congress to take on the very large task of investigating the insurrection attempt in the US; and 15 tax related criminal indictments, including federal fraud, conspiracy, and grand larceny, were brought against the Trump Organization and Allen Weisselberg, who then surrendered and later served prison time for crimes committed as CFO of that organization.

Three cycles ago the brutality of Russia was on full display as the Russian military unleashed a horrific bombing attack on the city of Mariupol in Ukraine. Two cycles ago a spate of major court rulings rejecting claims of executive privilege and other arguments by Trump and his allies boosted both state and federal investigations, and it became clear that many involved in election interference could no longer stave off testifying before grand juries in various cases. The multiple indictments in Georgia followed one cycle later. And now there are new indictments, this time in Arizona, and that criminal trial continues to play out in New York, with even Michael Cohen coming back into the picture as a key witness.

On the world scene, this is the time period during which Ukraine will be receiving a considerable amount of new aid, to replenish their dwindling arms, so this will undoubtedly revitalize their push-back against Russia. But the situation in Gaza continues to be dire, and it appears that an even greater global response will be needed to stop the relentless aggression that has been devastating that region. Across the US and Canada university campuses have become focal points for activism as students call for an end to civilian casualties in Gaza, and for greater humanitarian assistance in that regard.

As we move through this period, 8 Chuwen, on May 3rd, is of particular importance as this is the most auspicious festival day for K’iche’ Maya daykeepers. This is a sacred day oriented around the renewal of calendar traditions and the initiation of new daykeepers, but is also a special kind of force aligned with “weaving together” past and future to help the “new entity” (associated with the fate of the world) gain a foothold on the road of life, with that “road” being represented by the 9 Eb’ energies that come in the following day. 10 B’en, the day after that, is another key energy to watch.

As we journey through this energy sequence keep in mind that whatever happens will be “planting the seeds”, and providing the groundwork for what is to follow. This is a period when sacrifices may have to be made to make room for new growth and new life. This may well require the abandonment of old ideas in favour of something new, fresh, and life-enhancing. As this trecena holds the potential to bring forth surprises it would be a good idea to exercise caution, care, and prudence with regard to anything that one might want to “germinate” at this time. Certainly, with vigilance, anything “planted” and carefully tended at this time could easily “sprout” into something strong and robust. Coldness, recklessness, and “blindness”, on the other hand, could be very, very problematic, and it appears that there is a high likelihood that, in “some” arenas, that will continue to prevail. Here are the energies that will come into play:

1 K’an (April 26th) – an “initiating” energy associated with germination (or even the creation of new abundance), marking three cycles since President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s impassioned address to British MPs in the House of Commons, the first of many such addresses to world parliaments as he called for assistance to help defend Ukraine from Russian attacks. As this trecena opens, desperately needed military aid from the US is finally being sent to the beleaguered region, now into Day 793 of that war. There is also a strong indication that Israel will continue its attacks in southern Gaza, despite all the worldwide warnings and protests against such a move.

In New York, this is the end of the second week of the hush money trial, now taking place one cycle after the Florida hearings in the classified documents case.

Currently this is Arbor Day, when people often get together to plant trees. If you can’t do that, this would be a good day to hug a tree, or otherwise show your appreciation for them. This is the fourth day of President Biden’s Earth Week itinerary of visits nationwide by administration officials, with this day’s theme focusing on measures to promote cleaner air and healthier schools. It is also the legendary Carol Burnett’s 91st birthday.

In the US this is National Help a Horse Day, devoted to raising awareness about the need for horse rescues and sanctuaries. At this time let’s send prayers for the healing of the two beautiful horses (Vida and Quaker) who were badly injured 2 days ago, while running riderless through the streets of London after being spooked by a construction accident.

2 Chikchan (April 27th) – a “dynamic, vitality-oriented, yin-yan” type of energy associated with lifeforce, and often with “justice”, coinciding at this time with World Healing Day, which includes an amalgamation of events such as World Tai Chi and Qigong Day, World Yoga Day, World Reiki Day, and World Music Healing Day – events that will be taking place in cities in over 80 nations in order to promote global health and healing.

This is also Independent Bookstore Day, World Veterinary Day (with this year’s theme being “Veterinarians are essential health workers”) and the day of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, which will be televised live.

It has now been one cycle exactly since the first courtroom hearing in the Jan. 6th case, as U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan heard arguments on how to structure a protective order for evidence turned over by prosecutors, a common step in criminal cases. She also addressed the case’s unprecedented mix of legal and political concerns, and warned that there are limits on what the defendant can publicly say about evidence. This is one of the trials now awaiting a Supreme Court decision on the question of presidential immunity.

3 Kimi (April 28th) – the “activation of death/absolute foundations”, seen in Maya creation mythology as the day when “the first death” was “invented”, coinciding at this time with International Workers’ Memorial Day, officially recognized in about 100 countries. Flags are flown at half-mast and ceremonies of observance are held on this Day of Mourning, oriented around raising awareness regarding hazards in workplaces, and to remember those lost, injured, or made ill in connection with their workplace. It is recognized as International Workers’ Memorial Day by the International Labour Organization and the International Trade Union Confederation.

This marks six cycles exactly since January 2020 when a 35-year old man in Washington state, who had recently returned home after visiting family in Wuhan in China, became the first person in the US to be diagnosed with Covid-19. At that time the first confirmed case was reported in South Korea and China began warning the world about the coronavirus.

This same 3 Kimi energy was in place in 1918 when a U.S. public health report was released about severe cases of influenza (Spanish Flu) that had broken out at an army base in Kansas several days earlier. This became the trigger for the deadliest pandemic in human history.

In 1934 Hitler became Führer of Germany under this influence and in January of 2020 this was in place on the eve of the start of the dumpster’s first impeachment trial in the US Senate, as the rules for the trial were being discussed. This was also in place in August of 2018 at the time of the death of Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General (the world’s top diplomat for 10 years from 1997-2006) and Nobel Peace prize laureate who was well known for quietly reminding world leaders that they needed to put their duty to their citizens above their own political careers.

Currently this is the day when The Rolling Stones start their new tour, in Houston. This is also the Maya birth energy of famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera.

4 Manik’ (April 29th) – a “defining” energy associated with reciprocity and the energy of deer – a kind of harmonizing energy connected with the natural world, but there is also a strong “sacrificial” aspect to it. In combination with the solar energy of the number four this is a “double sun” type of force, as the deer was seen as an embodiment of the sun. This is the Maya birth energy of George Floyd, whose death sparked the widespread Black Lives Matter protests in the U.S. in 2020. It is also singer/songwriter Willie Nelson’s 91st birthday.

This is start of Japan’s Golden Week, which includes four national holidays within seven days. This day is Shōwa Day, which honors the birthday of Emperor Shōwa, the reigning emperor from 1926 to 1989. Shō means “shining” or “bright”, and wa means “peace”, signifying the “enlightened peace” that citizens receive.

It is also World Wish Day (Hope Without Limits), and International Dance Day, an observance of the 297th Gregorian birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, the 18th century French dancemaster and reformer of dance who is seen as the creator of the ballet d’action, a precursor to modern ballet.

5 Lamat (April 30th) – a “blessing” type of energy associated with Venus, which can serve as a beacon or herald, as it was one cycle ago when it marked the pivotal moment in history when the grand jury in Georgia investigating the dumpster’s attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss handed down a 97 page indictment that named Trump and 18 others in 41-felony counts. Over 160 separate criminal acts were listed relating to the first felony count, related to violation of the RICO Act, detailing who was involved in each act. The RICO documents stated that the defendants constituted a criminal organization (ie. a criminal racketeering enterprise). That was when it became known that there is evidence that the Trump team was behind the Georgia voting system breach.

Five Lamat was the energy in place in 1968 when Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his prophetic speech about being a “drum major for peace”. Currently this is the final day of Passover, and the 49th Gregorian anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

In Northern Europe and Scandinavia this evening is celebrated as Walpurgis Night, or “Night of the Witches”, with the lighting of bonfires and singing of folk songs to mark the arrival of spring.

6 Muluk (May 1st) – the energy of the six directions in conjunction with the purifying or shape-shifting energy of water, coinciding at this time with International Workers’ Day, known in many countries as Labour Day, which has been celebrated on May 1st since 1886, when hundreds of thousands of American trade union workers took to the streets to demand the universal adoption of the 8 hr. work day.

In some places this is recognized as Beltane, an ancient Celtic festival, still celebrated in some areas in conjunction with May Day, signifying the beginning of summer. This fits well with today’s Global Love Day, a celebration of unconditional love and compassion, still so greatly needed at this time.

This is also National Physicians’ Day in Canada, a good day to give thanks for the extraordinary work being done across the country by health care professionals.  This marks precisely six Tzolk’in cycles since the city of Wuhan, the most populous city in Central China, was first put under quarantine lockdown (in the biggest lockdown in world history at that point – January 2020) in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.

In addition this is the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the US, Jewish American Heritage Month, Older Americans Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month.

It has now been eight cycles since August of 2018 when Paul Manafort, the dumpster’s ex-campaign manager, was found guilty on 8 counts of tax fraud, and (in another court) the dumpster’s former “fixer” Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to a number of other felony charges, one of which implicated Trump as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in campaign finance violations. Both were sentenced to prison. Michael Cohen is a key witness in the hush money trial that is now in its third week.

7 Ok (May 2nd) – translating as “self-generating” love, guidance, and/or loyalty, this 7 Ok energy is coinciding at this time with the National Day of Prayer in the US, and with International Harry Potter Day, the 26th Gregorian anniversary of the fictitional Battle of Hogwarts when Harry defeated the Dark Lord and the Order of the Phoenix claimed victory.

This is the day of the Rolling Stones concert in New Orleans. It’s also the 47th Gregorian anniversary of the sudden death of Elvis Presley in 1977.

It has now been 10 cycles since the dramatic hearing before the US House Intelligence Committee in early 2017 when former FBI Director James Comey told that committee for the first time that the FBI was investigating the possible collusion between the dumpster’s campaign and Moscow – the first time a seated president had been under FBI investigation.

8 Chuwen, aka 8 Batz’ (May 3rd) a “resurrection” type of energy associated with play, creativity, and “time weaving” – a highly auspicious day for the Maya, as this is the time when K’iche’ Maya daykeepers celebrate the renewal of their sacred calendar traditions and initiate new daykeepers.

This 8th day of testimony in the hush money trial is marking 8 cycles exactly since it was reported that the National Enquirer kept a safe full of damaging “catch and kill” stories about Trump – which is exactly what was described in David Pecker’s testimony during the past week.

Now marking Day 800 of the Russia-Ukraine war, this is the Maya birth energy of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Now that the foreign aid bill has been signed in the US, and aid is on the way to Ukraine, he will have something to celebrate on this day. Happy Maya birthday President Zelenskyy! This is also World Press Freedom Day, with this year’s theme being “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis”.

9 Eb’ (May 4th) – “outward projecting stream of consciousness”, or “outward projecting road”, an energy that could also translate as “immortal healing”, coinciding with International Firefighter’s Day, a day to reflect on the dedication given by firefighters to the protection of life and property and to remember the ultimate sacrifices that many have made in the interest of helping and protecting others.

This is the UN’s offical International Anti-Bullying Day, World Labyrinth Day, and World Password Day – a good time to review your passwords, and to strengthen them if required. Many also refer to this day as “Star Wars Day” (“May the Fourth be With You”).

10 B’en (May 5th) – “foundational personal authority”; symbolic of the full authority of maize, this is a strong “pillar” type of energy representative of strength, inner power, and self determination, coinciding at this time with “Red Dress Day”, a National Day of Awareness and Action in Canada for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people (MMIWG2S).

In Japan this is Children’s Day, the final day of Japan’s Golden Week. In Mexico this is Cinco de Mayo, a holiday commemorating the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861 – 1867). In the U.S. this is National Astronaut Day. Sunset brings the beginning of ceremonies associated with Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, which continues into the following day. Given the situation relating to Gaza, it remains to be seen how this will be addressed.

In the spring of 1945 this was the energy in place when Hitler committed suicide, two days after the fascist dictator Mussolini was executed by firing squad. In 1973 this was the energy in place at the time of the “Saturday Night Massacre” related to Watergate, and six cycles ago (in January of 2020) the sham of an impeachment trial was taking place in the US after the coup attempt.

Two cycles before that, in August of 2018, the Trump administration cancelled more than $200 million in aid for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, and shortly thereafter ended funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency, the main UN program that provided assistance for Palestinian refugees. Shortly after that they cut funding to Palestinian hospitals. One might ask: what connections might be found between those cruel actions and the absolute disaster that has been unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank ever since then? How many people in that region have lost their lives because of those actions?

Four cycles ago (2021) this energy brought not only the filing of tax related criminal charges against the Trump Organization and CFO Allen Weisselberg, but also approval of the resolution to form a select committee to investigate the January 6th insurrection. Again, this seems to be a key energy to watch. Note that presidential inauguration day 2025 in the US will take place exactly one cycle after this.

11 Ix (May 6th) – “inspirational magic” in conjunction with the jaguar and the mysteries of the earth, coinciding at this time with the full day of Yom HaShoah, aka Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day, Israel’s day of commemoration for the approx. 6 million Jews who perished during the second world war’s holocaust. At 10:00 am an air raid siren generally would signal the start of two minutes of silence across the country. At that time cars would stop, and people stand at silent attention in remembrance. One of the traditions associated with this is the lighting of special yellow candles that include Star of David logos. Special celebrations are also held near the Babi Yar Holocaust Memorial park in Kyiv, Ukraine at this time. However, given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and the massive destruction and loss of life in the Israel-Gaza war, this national day of mourning will take on a whole new meaning at this time.

Four cycles ago (in 2021) this was the energy in place when 15 tax related criminal indictments, including “staggering” federal fraud, conspiracy, and grand larceny charges against the Trump Organization and CFO Allen Weisselberg were unsealed in a New York court.

Six cycles ago this was in place when the dumpster’s legal team made their final arguments in the second week of the impeachment trial (in January of 2020) – a trial where witnesses were not allowed to testify even though 75% of registered voters (bipartisan) thought testimony from witnesses should have been allowed. That was the day when Israel’s attorney-general filed a formal indictment in court against Prime Minister Netanyahu on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Currently this is the start of Teacher Appreciation week in the US, and in Canada this is the start of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week, and the Canadian Nursing Association’s National Nursing Week (to May 12th). New York’s highly opulent Met Gala, with the theme of “The Garden of Time”, takes place on this day, in conjunction with the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition.

12 Men (May 7th) – a “gathering together” type of energy associated with the high vision of the Eagle, in conjunction with the New Moon and, overnight from May 6th, the peak of the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. The day of the Russian presidential inauguration ceremony, and the start day of the 68th Eurovision competition in Malmö, Sweden.

This marks six cycles exactly since that day in January of 2020 when the head of the World Health Organization’s Health Emergencies Programme said that the “whole world needs to be on alert”. At that point entire cities in China were under shutdown but it was being downplayed in the U.S.

Currently this is the 79th Gregorian anniversary of the final signing of the unconditional documents of surrender of the German forces to the Allies in Reims, ending World War II in 1945.

13 Kib’ (May 8th) – a transformation-oriented energy aligned with the ability to “fly high”, survey, and ultimately restore order, coinciding at this time with the 79th Gregorian anniversary of VE Day, when joyous celebrations marked the end of WWII, including the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, Canada’s longest military engagement. Currently this is National Student Nurses Day and National School Nurse Day in the U.S.

Note that Kib’ is an energy that can often prompt people to think differently, with 13 Kib’ often pushing particularly hard, often compelling people to take some kind of direct action. That was certainly the case six cycles ago, at the end of January 2020, when the WHO declared a global health emergency with regard to the coronavirus outbreak, as the virus had spread across China, from the epicentre in Wuhan to at least 16 countries globally, including Thailand, France, the US and Australia.

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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.]