Toj reminds us that the ideal foundation for giving is gratefulness. When we recall the simple beauty of the moment, give thanks for both the ease and the challenges of our lives (both of which are blessings), and make offerings from the abundant bounty of our hearts, we are living in the spirit of Toj.

Every day is an opportunity to cultivate love and practice forgiveness and gratitude, especially in the coming 13 days of the sacred Mayan calendar.

It’s 1 Aq’ab’al today in the sacred Mayan calendar. The next 13 days are governed by the potent energy of nahual Aq’ab’al, which is the embodiment of the first light of dawn, and it also represents conception. The main spirit animal of this nahual is the bat.

According to Mayan day keepers, these days are good for examining our concepts of and beliefs around (material and spiritual) law and authority, fidelity, order, accuracy, and sexuality.

These 13 days are about working with the innate intelligence mind, cultivating creativity and asking for clarity and understanding. Here’s to intelligence, the power, presence and protection of nature, and cultivating wisdom with the intention of inner growth, from a place of mindfulness.

According to the Mayan cosmovision, the 13-day period that begins tomorrow is ideal for cooperation, community, networking, connections and remembering the truth of interdependence. These are the days to remember that everyone’s destiny is bound up together. These days are superb for exploring our freedom and embodying our purpose.

“When we engage in what we are naturally suited to do, our work takes on the quality of play, and it is play that stimulates creativity.” ~ Linda Naiman

The Maya view time as both linear and cyclical. Intricate mathematics are woven into their calendar systems that stretch into infinity. Time is both now and forever.

Tijax translates to “obsidian blade” and “sacrifice” in the Mayan language. The black crystal, obsidian, is razor sharp yet delicate. It cuts through to the core, shearing away delusion, illusion, and disease.

This is the nahual of suffering and healing alike, and it represents both the warrior and the healer. It can be a challenging, double-edged sword kind of a day. Equally, Tijax days tend to illuminate the truth and encourage powerful healing.

Aho Mitakuye Oyasin – all my relations.

I honor you in this circle of life with me today.

I am grateful for this opportunity to acknowledge you in this prayer.

To the Creator, for the ultimate gift of life, I thank you.