A Brief Overview Of Mayan Astrology

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Many different forms of astrology have arisen around the world, and across a huge range of cultures. Mayan astrology is based on Mesoamerican astrology, and focuses largely on cycles of time. Western astrology concerns itself largely with space, and the measurement of planets and stars; usually emphasizing spacial aspects.

Cycles Of Time

In Mayan astrology, much of the emphasis is on time, and of the cyclical calenders mapped by the Mayans. The Mayan calendar contains a total of 260 days, based on two interacting cycles; a 20 day cycle, and a 13 day cycle. The calendar is called the tzolkin.

The first cycle is the 20 day cycle, repeating endlessly, like our cycles of months and weeks. Each day of this cycle has a symbolic name, and what day you were born on in this cycle, determines your day sign, which is significant in Mayan astrology. Each day-sign has different qualities attributed to it, in much the same way as Western zodiac signs, but using different symbols, and a different outlook.

The second cycle of time is 13 days long, and each day in this cycle has a number attached to it. This cycle is known as Trecenas. The number relates to the day-sign, with a number being attached to the day sign that falls on that day. For example, if the day sign is crocodile, and the number of the Trecenas cycle is one, then a Mayan astrology reading may say that you are a crocodile-1.

The numbers have different meanings and traits associated with them, and may be roughly equivalent to the influence of the moon in Western astrology. They denote a person’s deeper subconscious traits, instincts and yearnings. The Trecenas cycle has also been used to predict celestial events, such as lunar eclipses.

The Four Directions

Each sign also has a specific direction associated with it. Western astrology includes elements, which each have their own specific way of being. Similarly, each day sign in Mayan astrology has a direction associated with it, and each direction has a way of being. For example, East signifies initiative, North the mind, West relationships, and South emotions. This is stripped down to say the least, but gives an idea of how directions relate loosely as elemental equivalents.

The interaction of the 20 day cycle, and the 13 day cycle form the 260 day Mayan calendar, tzolkin. They also form the basis of Mayan astrology, which as you can see, is heavily based on time. By knowing your birthday you can work out your day-sign, which represents your core personality traits,  and the number associated with it, which represents subconscious traits and desires.

There are other cycles in Mayan astrology, such as the nine day “Lords of the Night” cycle, which attributes a certain Underworld deity to your astrology, and the 584 day cycle of Venus which helps to predict events on Earth. Mayan astrology is a complex system, but one which we can study and enjoy as an alternative to Western astrology.