What goes through your mind when you see a deer grazing near the side of a road? For many there is a sense of awe, a sense of feeling blessed to have the privilege of being close to a wild animal. For many this vision of harmony with the natural world brings a sense of comfort, but others may think more along the lines of the “hunt”. And now, based on recent reports, we are learning that not only are these lovely creatures very pleasing to look at, but many have been found to be carriers of the Covid virus. What?? With so many deer living close to humans, transmissions between deer and humans are now believed to be one of the causes for the rapid spread of the disease within some places in the U.S.  So there are many different ways to think about Deer, known as Manik’ to the Maya, representative of the Sacrifice-and-Reconcilation type of energies associated with this 13-day period.

Click here for the Podcast to accompany this trecena.

As this trecena opens the energy of the first day, One Manik’ (One Deer), marks three cycles exactly since the opening of the UN’s 2019 Climate Action Summit where Greta Thunberg gave an impassioned speech and then (along with 15 other children from 12 different nations) filed a formal complaint with the United Nations against five of the world’s major countries over the climate crisis, for failing to uphold their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Now, with COP26 in Glasgow in its final two days, Greta and the world’s youth are still calling for more concerted action to deal with that crisis.

In 2019 this same One Manik’ energy brought the first ever UN High-Level Meeting (UN HLM) on Universal Health Coverage – a landmark summit where world leaders made an “historic commitment” to improve global health through the most “comprehensive international health agreement in history”. Despite these “commitments”, however, the WHO reports that currently, “at least half of the people in the world do not receive the health services they need. About 100 million people are pushed into extreme poverty each year because of out-of-pocket spending on health.” But some progress IS being made, as seen in the agreement made two days ago between the WHO and the International Organization of La Francophonie to work jointly on the development of social protections and universal access to public health services for all in the French-speaking world. This is the kind of development that often comes through within the context of this trecena, albeit this particular agreement was two days early.

While this energy was symbolized specifically as a deer in many ancient cultures, such as the Aztec, the Maya represented the energy of Manik’ as a hand holding the sun, symbolizing the idea of the warmth and nourishment of the sun being brought to Earth. This often plays out during this period, in practical terms, through situations that call for negotiation and compromise, and even – in the classical sense – a certain amount of Sacrifice and Reconcilation as people work to reach agreement over ideologies or courses of action. A considerable amount of “give-and-take” is often required in order to gain some sense of equilibrium.

As in the metaphor of the “life or death” encounter between deer and hunter, with the deer sacrificing itself to provide sustenance for the hunter, the nature of the “encounter” that requires resolution during this period is often of a “high stakes” nature, as it was in 2019 when millions of hearts and hands and voices banded together in that call for action under this trecena’s influence to address the global warming crisis. And with COP26 drawing to a close at the beginning of this time frame, the results of the work done over most of the last trecena will be presented and we will get some sense of the global plans for moving forward.

There are positive auguries for this, in that just hours before this trecena began, China and the U.S. unveiled a joint declaration that would see the world’s two biggest economies cooperate closely on the emissions cuts that scientists say are needed in the next 10 years to stay within 1.5°C. This was a remarkable turnaround to earlier hostilities that were more along the lines of those power pushes that are so much a part of the previous trecena. But, right on schedule, that changed as One Manik’ began coming into place, with China’s head of delegation announcing that they will now work to “jointly strengthen our Paris efforts and cooperation” with John Kerry, the US negotiator, adding that although China and the US have no shortage of differences, “cooperation is the only way to get this job done. This is about science, about physics . . . Every step matters.” Kerry compared this new cooperative agreement with China with the agreements by the US to reduce nuclear weapon arsenals during the cold war. “You have to look beyond differences sometimes to find a way forward.” So this is a perfect lead-in for this trecena that is all about cooperation, negotiation, and compromise, in order to move forward and “shape” what lies ahead.

Seven cycles ago, in late November of 2016, this was the trecena in place when people were frantically attempting to sort out how to move forward after the “shocking” U.S. election, with large numbers of high level firings and resignations taking place during that time.

In 1962 it was the Cuban missile crisis that had to be negotiated, with the final day of this trecena bringing the highest level of warning regarding the nuclear threat from the Soviets, as Soviet submarines in the mid-Atlantic were making their way to Cuba. It was a “game-changing” moment for President John F. Kennedy as this crisis was averted. Other crisis dissolutions that have taken place during this time frame include the dismantling of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Given the high stakes that are so often in play the pendulum sometimes swings towards “sacrifice” during this period, as it did near the end of this trecena in April of 1865 at the time of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. But often it swings more towards reconciliation.

Currently, many, many “high stakes” issues remain in play during this period, with the Covid-19 pandemic still very high on the list. When this trecena came into place last February just over 113 million coronavirus cases had been registered worldwide; including nearly 30 million in the US, where the death toll has climbed to over 500,000. One cycle before that (in June of 2020) the global number was 7 million, with over 2 million in the US, where the death toll was just over 110,000. But now the global total has climbed to over 252 million cases, and over 5 million deaths globally. The U.S. alone is rapidly heading towards 48 million cases, with over 94,000 new cases registered on Nov. 19th, the day before this current trecena began. Some 780,000 people have died from it in the U.S.

The UK and Russia both registered 30,000-40,000+ new cases per day throughout the last trecena, with Germany just surpassing 50,000 new cases per day.  Many countries are going through their fourth or fifth waves. So this thing is far from over . . . . and yet people have been fighting hammer-and-nail, and even losing their jobs – and often their lives – by digging in and not only resisting vaccinations, but refusing to adhere to even basic safety measures. The potential for “reconciliation” and even resolution in this regard is available, much more so than it was one or two cycles ago, but the “people” factor is still a major issue. People still have to decide whether they are going to be part of the problem or part of the solution – on a global basis, and far too many are choosing to be part of the problem.

As always, it is never possible to predict the exact nature of the “Sacrifice and Reconcilation” that may unfold during these 13 days, but the last time this was in place there were many indications that the seesaw was weighing in on the side of “reconciliation”. In the US, President Biden’s historic coronavirus relief package was finally approved by both houses, and millions were looking forward to receiving long awaited assistance on many levels. And now, with the passage of the infrastructure bill in the US, many are looking forward to receiving the funds needed to not only improve the nation’s infrastructure, but also to create jobs and boost the economy. Attention is also  being placed on Biden’s Build Back Better plan that includes plans to combat climate change, enhance the health care system, provide a more equitable framework for taxation, and help with many important social programs. And, of course – at the same time – addressing the massive, and deep-seated issues that have been threatening democracy itself in that country. Again, much is at stake, but progress is being made.

At this time this trecena begins with Remembrance Day, an excellent time to remember those who paid the price for freedom and those whose lives were sacrificed so that others could be free. A good time to remember that violence, hatred, and selfishness get us nowhere, and compromise is often the key to forward motion. Here are the energies that will come into play:

1 Manik’ (Nov. 11th) – aka “One Deer”, the “initiation of reciprocity”, symbolized by the Moon Goddess (the Number One) working with the Deer/Stag, the “carrier” of the sun on Earth, coinciding at this time with the 103rd Remembrance Day (the 103rd after World War I) in Canada and the Commonwealth, and Veterans’ Day in the U.S. In the UK this is the day for the opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, organized by The Poppy Factory.

In parts of Germany and in several other European countries this day is celebrated as St. Martin’s Day, traditionally a harvest feast day to commemorate the end of the agrarian year. In China this is Singles’ Day (or Double 11), a celebration for singles, generally celebrated through games, entertainment, and ecommerce shopping – now seen as the world’s biggest shopping celebration, “the number one shopping day in the world”.

One Manik’ marks three cycles exactly since the opening of the UN’s 2019 Climate Action Summit where Greta Thunberg and others filed a formal complaint with the United Nations over government failure to uphold obligations related to addressing climate change. Currently, on this second-to-last day of COP26, participants are still negotiating the terms of the draft agreement that was published the day before, as Greta and the world’s youth continue the call for urgent action on the climate change crisis. Scientists are warning that, despite the promises made by world leaders who are attempting to focus on the 1.5°C target, the need for action cannot be understated since, under current conditions, temperatures will likely rise up to 2.4°C by the end of the century.

At this point it has been nine long, gruelling cycles since the dumpster announced his candidacy for the 2016 election. And, as everyone is aware, the legacy left from his time in office is both shameful and nauseating. Congress is in the process of holding hearings to delve into the many issues that were fomented in that regard, including the Jan. 6th attack on the US Capitol, and criminal investigations are underway in several other areas, including Georgia and New York, with regard to a multitude of alleged crimes.

2 Lamat (Nov. 12th) – a “dynamic heralding” (or leadership) type of energy, on the closing day of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference Glasgow, at which time decisions and agreements based on the negotiations will likely be published.

This is day when the National Archives is due to turn over to Congress the records from the dumpster’s term as president, including its records pertaining to Jan. 6th. In Mesoamerican mythology 2 Lamat is the birth energy of an Aztec deity known as Ometochtli (Two Rabbit), associated with pulque, the fermented sap of the maguey plant. Through these connections this day was sometimes seen as being aligned with intoxication – and if those records are turned over on this day, there is no doubt that this will be an intoxicating day for many. This is also the Maya birth energy of Elvis Aaron Presley.

3 Muluk (Nov. 13th) – the “activation of water”, often a powerful “shape-shifting” type of force, on this World Kindness Day, a day that marks 18 cycles since the first inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th US president, in 2009.

This was the energy in place at the start of the Cuban missile crisis (in late October of 1962), in place at the time of the tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997, and in place 15 cycles ago when a 9.0 earthquake (the most powerful in Japan since records began) struck Japan off the coast of Sendai, NE of Tokyo, triggering a devastating tsunami. This is the Maya birth energy of both Sir Mick Jagger and Prince Louis, Diana’s grandson, who was born precisely 29 Tzolk’in cycles after the death of Diana. Sir Mick is currently on tour in the US with the Rolling Stones, with their next gig scheduled for Ford Field in Detroit on Nov. 15th (5 Chuwen). For Harry Potter fans, this would be Harry’s Maya birth energy.

Opening day for the 38th annual Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara, called the “Longest Festival in the World”.

4 Ok (Nov. 14th) – a “defining” Burner Day representative of fire (or heart-fire), an energy that can often stir the emotions as this is a “double-fire” type of force (the sun plus fire working together), seen as an energy that “runs with the fire”, coinciding at this time with Remembrance Day ceremonies in the UK, when the Queen, members of the Royal Family, political leaders, and current and ex-members of the Armed Forces join World War veterans at the Cenotaph memorial for wreath-laying and a ceremony of remembrance. This is also World Diabetes Day, with this year’s theme being: Access to Diabetes Care

5 Chuwen (Nov. 15th) – a “precision” oriented energy in combination with play or even mischief (symbolized by a monkey); this is a “timeweaver” type of energy that can bring about change through innovation, in place on the day when President Biden and President Xi of China meet in a virtual summit, with the goal of re-setting (or re-weaving) bilateral ties. This is also the day when the signing ceremony will be held for the historic, and badly needed, bipartisan infrastructure bill in the US. It is also National Philanthropy Day.

This is the 52nd Gregorian anniversary of the huge Moratorium march that took place on Nov. 15th in Washington, DC in 1969. In Mexico this is the day for the observance of Revolution Day, with the official day being Nov. 20th.

6 Eb’ (Nov. 16th) – generally a “stabilizing” type of energy aligned with “restorative vitality”, coinciding at this time with UNESCO’s International Day for Tolerance, on the 31st Gregorian anniversary of the signing into law of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. In Canada this day is commemorated by the Métis Nation as Louis Riel Day, as it is a Gregorian anniversary of Métis leader Riel’s wrongful execution in 1885. Celebrations of Métis culture now coincide with this date.

7 B’en (Nov. 17th) – a “self generating personal authority” type of energy, coinciding at this time with the peak of the Leonid meteor shower. In 1974 this was the energy in place when seven of Richard Nixon’s top aides were arraigned in court.

This was the energy in place when Confederate Army General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union Army General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in early April of 1865, signalling the “beginning of the end” of that war.

8 Ix (Nov. 18th) “Resurrecting Jaguar” – this is Santo Mundo, a special Maya day devoted to the Celebration of the Earth and its sacred mysteries, coinciding at this time with the North American Leaders’ Summit, as President Biden, Prime Minister Trudeau, and Mexico’s President Lopez Obrador meet in Washington D.C. for the first time since 2016. This will be Trudeau’s first visit to the U.S. Capital since Biden became president. This is also the UN’s World Philosophy Day, with its emphasis on highlighting the contributions of philosophical knowledge, critical thinking, and thoughtful reflection in addressing global issues.

This marks one cycle since the US House of Representatives passed the HR-1 “For the People Act”, a major voting rights and campaign finance reform package, but it was later blocked by the Senate.

This is the Maya birth energy of Kane Tanaka, the world’s oldest verified living person, who will be 119 on Jan. 2nd.

9 Men (Nov. 19th) – the “outward projection” of vision (as in the high-flying vision of the Eagle – which sometimes manifests as a “warrior” type of energy), in place at the time of the Full Beaver Moon, aka the Frost Moon (Cree), and a near-total (98%) lunar eclipse.
This is Guinness World Record Day, and well as International Men’s Day, with this year’s theme being “Better relations between men and women”.

Across Thailand this is the day for the traditional Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) and Yi Peng (sky lantern) celebrations. At this time purification rituals take place to float away bad luck while paying respect to the goddess of water. For Loy Krathong small containers containing candles, incense sticks, and flowers are floated on bodies of water to symbolize the letting go of past mistakes and negative thoughts. The purpose of Loy Krathong is to enlighten the mind and bring good fortune. Loy = “to float” and krathong = “container”.

10 Kib’ (Nov. 20th) – a “foundational restoration-of-order” type of energy, coinciding at this time with International/World/Universal Children’s Day – a day to promote the welfare of children around the world – and the International Transgender Day of Remembrance – to remember those who have been lost as a result of transphobia. It is also Revolution Day in Mexico, an anniversary of the start of the Mexican Revolution.

This is President Joe Biden’s 79th Gregorian birthday, the Maya birth energy of Eric Adams who was just elected as New York City’s new mayor, the Maya birth energy of long-time civil rights activist Andrew Young, and what would have been the 74th wedding anniverary of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

This is an energy which can fluctuate between the setting up of important foundations for a “restoration of order” (as in the setting up of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty in 1968) to the kind of massive “clean up” that was required in China in 2008 after the Szechuan earthquake.

11 Kab’an (Nov. 21st) –the energy of “change” combined with the force of evolutionary movement, exactly one cycle since the US Senate passed the $1.9tn coronavirus relief bill, clearing the way for it to be signed into law shortly thereafter.

12 Etz’nab (Nov. 22nd) – a robust “knife-edge” type of force that can bring forth powerful separation (or “sacrifice-related”) events, coinciding with the 58th Gregorian anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.  In April of 1865 this same energy was in place at the time of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Currently this marks two cycles (520 days) since the dumpster held a rally in Tulsa to try to “re-boot” his campaign. That rally was seen as one of the first “superspreader” events that he held to try to downplay (or ignore) the deadly pandemic. Fortunately, attendance was significantly smaller than expected.

In B.C. this is the deadline for BC Public Service employees to be vaccinated or they will be put on leave. It is also the date set for American federal government employees to get vaccinated against Covid, although there has been a request to delay this until Jan. 4th.

13 Kawak (Nov. 23rd) – “transformational storm”, the very intense energy that was in place at the time of the death of President Abraham Lincoln in April of 1865, following his assassination the day before. This marks one cycle since the reopening of schools in England, even though many called that reopening “reckless” and demanded the publication of scientific evidence informing the government’s decision. One of the UK government’s scientific advisers had been warning that the plan could lead to a resurgence of the coronavirus since by that time the UK had recorded well over 4 million cases of Covid-19, and over 120,000 deaths. Six months later schools were struggling to stay open in the face of increasing Covid infection rates among students. Many schools had to close, as the UK has registered consistently high numbers of new coronavirus cases – so high that they are now approaching 10 million cases, an increase of 6 million cases in just one cycle (260 days).

This day marks four cycles exactly since the Indigenous Peoples March in Washington D.C. in 2019, to bring awareness (through speeches, prayers, songs, and dances) to long term injustices against indigenous peoples in the US – injustices that can be added to the long list of grievances associated with long-term racism in many parts of the world.

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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.]