The Mayan Zodiac Symbols and Names
The Mayan Zodiac Symbols is an astrology system created by the ancient Mayans that is based in astronomical calculations.
The Mayan astrology signs above have been overlaid with the traditional zodiac to show their correlation. But, ladies and gentlemen, before we get into the Mayan Astrology Symbols, we’re going to delve into a short description of the Mayan calendar system and some common misperceptions about it. This will help you get the most out of your Mayan astrology sign.
The Mayans used three calendar systems: The Long Count, the Tzolkin and the Haab. The Long Count calendar system calculated times and dates according to astronomical events. Historians have narrowed down the start date of the Long Count to approximately 5,000 years ago, September 6th 3114 BC. The end date of the Mayan Long Count calendar is September 21st 2012.
The Mayans also used the Tzolkin calendar, which is 260 days, the same amount of time that a pregnancy lasts. The Mayan Tzolkin calendar has 20 days signs combined with the numbers 1 through 13. It does not equal out to a full calendar year, and as such is not readily available for astrological purposes. The modern Dreamspell calendar system by Jose Arguelles is based on the Tzolkin calendar, however, it is not known what purpose the Tzolkin calendar held for ancient Mayans, and his Dreamspell is a modern rendition which he has created his own meanings for.
The Haab calendar is the only Mayan calendar that follows a standard (approximately) 365 day year. It is the one used for Mayan Zodiac astrology, and the one referenced below for each Maya Zodiac Symbol. The Haab has 18 months, each with 20 days, and a final 19th month that consists of 5 “nameless days” at the end.
The Mayan Astrology Signs are divided into 19 zodiac signs in an astrological system that was developed by ancient Mayans. There is a lot of mystery surrounding Mayan astrology that persists to this day. The exact meanings of the astrology signs is unclear. Many modern interpretations have been offered, however not many of them are based on research into Mayan culture and the symbolism used by them. What is known is that the Haab Calendar used 19 Mayan astrology signs to represent the movement of the days throughout the year. Many of the meanings and symbolism are based on aspects important to their culture; weather, the jaguar, the four directions, and astronomy. Modern Mayan people have not provided further meaning into the symbolism of the signs, so there are a lot of different interpretations available. I have included the classic Mayan astrology signs, dates, and meanings… along with a personal interpretation based on the symbolism known to each sign.
Ch’en: January 2nd to January 21st
Meaning: Black Storm, Black Sky, Moon, One Flower, West
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the Ch’en sign are people of the night. The hours past dusk and before the first light are power times for you. Tap into this time of quiet energy to develop yourself fully. You have a natural affinity for moon energies. Consider wearing moonstone to increase your connection with lunar energies. Your cardinal direction is the West and facing Westward during meditation can be very beneficial for you.
Yax: January 22nd to February 10th
Meaning: Green Storm, Venus, Two Flower, South
Mayan Astrology Interpretation: Those born in the Yax sign have an affinity for those born in the Yaxk’in sign. Venus is your ruling planet and by nature you are gentle and loving. Tap into your peace-keeping abilities to bring harmony to those around you. It is a great gift to be a peace-keeper in these times and you can do much good in the world. Your cardinal direction is the South.
Sac: February 11th to March 2nd
Meaning: White Storm, Frog, Frog Constellation, Three Flower, North
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the Sac sign have an affinity for the day hours. Early morning is a power time for you. Make sure to allow time for reflection in the early hours of the day because great wisdom can come to you during this time. Your cardinal direction is the north. The frog is a power animal for you. The meaning of frog is their adaptability and comfort with change. Frogs can make a quick and effortless jump from one stage of consciousness to the next. Embrace the changes that come into your life. Your power is in change.
Keh: March 3rd to March 22nd
Meaning: Red Storm, Trees, Deer, East
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the Keh sign have an affinity for nature and natural balance. You can help restore natural order to our planet by your example. You have the energy of fire and red is a power color for you. Embrace this powerful force and let your fiery nature be known. Meditation in forests will help you develop your natural power. Your cardinal direction is east and your totem animal is the gentle, noble “people” of the woods… deer.
Mak: March 23rd to April 11th
Meaning: Enclosed, Cover, God of Number 3
Mayan Zodiac Symbols Interpretation: Those born in the Mak sign are under one of the largest mysteries of the Mayan astrology signs. The meaning for your sign is less clearly defined than for any other. Mak is a mystery and that makes you a mystery as well. You do best when you keep some of yourself back from others. The words describing your sign are cover and enclosed, once again referring to something that is “under cover” or hidden away. Like the bear, spend time in reflection and meditation. If you allow yourself this personal time away from others you can discover the mysteries of existence. Your power number is 3, which has numerous references in symbolism throughout time. 3 is considered the number of divinity, balance and completion.
K’ank’in: April 12th to May 1st
Meaning: Earth, Dog, Yellow, Underworld, Yellow Sun
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the K’ank’in sign are people of the earth and the sun. You have an affinity for both the planet beneath your foot and for the strong solar energies of the sun. Spend time under the solar rays meditating for there is wisdom for you. Spend time as well in and on the earth. If possible, meditate in a cave, or at least visit a cave and experience the calm tranquility of being in the womb of the earth mother. Your totem animal is the dog, specifically the yellow dog. Dogs are well known for their loyalty, but a less known meaning of this animal totem is their incredible inner strength.
Muwan: May 2nd to May 21st
Meaning: Owl, Moan Bird, God of Rain and Clouds, Fire
Mayan Astrology Interpretation: Those born in the Muwan sign have an affinity for fire and water. Embrace these two elements. Especially during thunderstorms when both fire and water are present in the forms of rain and lightning. Storms are power times for you. Your animal totem is the Owl, also known by Mayans as the moan bird. Owls have the ability of vision. They are seers who can detect the truth around them.
Pax: May 22nd to June 10th
Meaning: Planting Time, Puma, Steam, Arrow, Drum
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the Pax sign have the animal totem Jaguar. Jaguars were very important to Mayan culture. They represent leadership. Your personal strength is as a leader of people. Embrace this strength. You also have the straight-forward nature of an arrow and the steady strength of a drumbeat. Use the drum in your life. It will bring you stability and balance. Your element is steam, a mix between earth, water, and fire. Steam rises from the earth through heat. Combine these three elements together in your life.
Kayab: June 11th to June 30th
Meaning: Turtle, Moon Goddess, One God
Mayan Zodiac Symbols Interpretation: Those born in the Kayab sign have a natural affinity for the moon and spiritual endeavors. You most likely find yourself searching for the deeper meaning in everyday occurrences. The turtle is your animal totem. Turtles have deep signfigance as the carriers of ancient wisdoms and the carriers of the earth.
Kumk’u: July 1st to July 20th
Meaning: Grain, Crocodile, Conch over Maize, Two Lord, Dark, Itzamnas gods of rain and plants
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the Kumk’u sign have a dualistic nature. Most likely you are often seeing opposite perspectives clearly and honoring the wisdom that both perspectives offer. Your animal totem is the crocodile. Crocodiles have the gift of survival, timing and patience. Crocodiles are one of only a few reptile species that survived past the Mesozoic period when most reptiles and dinosaurs went extinct. Tap into the power of longevity and stability. You do not embrace change, and yet change occurs all around you without affecting you. This is a tremendous gift.
Wayeb: July 21st to July 25th
Meaning: Unlucky Days, The Earth God, Specter, the Missing Days (short 5 day month)
Mayan Zodiac Symbols Interpretation: Those born in the Wayeb sign are the anomoly in the Mayan astrology signs. The Wayeb span of time is only 5 days out of the year, in contrast to the 20 day span that all of the other Mayan zodiac symbols have. During the Wayeb days, ancient Mayans felt the natural balance was affected. It was a time when other forces came into play, similar to the pagan concept of Samhain when ghosts walk the earth. Being born in this sign does not mean you are unlucky though. It means you likely have a strong connection to the other worlds and other realms. Embrace this. You have an affinity for extra-sensory perception, esp, and walk between this world and the next.
Pop: July 26th to August 14th
Meaning: Jaguar, Chief, Leader, Soft Earth
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the Pop sign are leaders. Both Jaguar and Chief refer to positions of power in ancient Maya. You can bring clear vision and direction to those around you while remaining sensitive to their needs. Your gift is at the forefront guiding others around you. You have an affinity for the earth and doing grounding meditations will enhance your gifts.
Wo: August 15th to September 3rd
Meaning: Black Sky, Black Jaguar, Black Storm, Nightime, Frog, Two Soft Earth
Mayan Zodiac Symbols Interpretation: Those born in the sign of Wo share similarities with those born in Che’n and Sac signs. Similar to Che’n you can gain much wisdom from the hours after dusk and before the first rays of sun. As with the Sac sign, you share the frog animal totem. Through frog you can easily shift from one level of consciousness to the other. You are likely a mystical person who searches for hidden wisdoms and mysteries.
Sip: September 4th to September 23rd
Symbol Meaning: Red Conjunction, Red Sky, Red Storm, Deer, Stag
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the sign of Sip have a strong affinity for the element of fire and air. Your power animal is the deer, more specifically the stag. The deer is a symbol of grace and connection with the forest. The staf is the noble leader of these forest people. Embrace the energies of grace and nobleness in your life. Red is your power color.
Sotz: September 24th to October 13th
Meaning: Bat, Fish, Two Moss, Beginning of Winter
Mayan Zodiac Symbols Interpretation: Those born in the sign of Sotz have two animal totems the bat and the fish. Interestingly one has the ability to move freely through the air and the other through water. Air and water are your elements. The bat is known for it’s association with the earth mother. It’s natural state is to return to the womb of the earth mother every day for rest. Bats are highly sensitive creatures and your strengths from them are intuition, sensitivity, and the ability to see through illusion. The fish represents the subconscious and depth. Your fish totem combines with your bat totem to provide you with a deep intuition that is not available to most people.
Sec: October 14th to November 2nd
Meanings: Sky and Earth
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the sign of Sec are very specifically associated with two elements: earth and sky (wind, air). You most likely have a fascination with the sky and are interested in all things from above. Air is the element of mental energies and earth is the element of practicality. Between these two you have the gift of examining any situation and discovering the most effective solution. This is a great gift and you can assist the world through your grounded perceptions.
Xul: November 3rd to November 22nd
Meanings: Dog with suntail, Bird Days, Dog God
Mayan Zodiac Symbols Interpretation: Those born in the sign of Xul are closely associated with the animal totem dog. The dog was an important animal to the Mayans, who believed that dogs guided people to the next life after they passed from this one. As a result, people born in this sign have the traditional animal totem traits of dog; loyalty, strength, dedication. They also have a strong connection to the next life, and can help those around them release fears of death and passing.
Yaxk’in: November 23rd to December 12th
Meaning: New Sun, Sun God, Red Clouds, Green
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the sign of Yaxk’in have a connection with the Mayan Sun God Ah Kin. He provided protection against darkness, drought and disease. Those born in this sign are natural healers. You may find you have an affinity for healing those around you, whether with soothing words or as a healing practitioner. This sign also has one downfall which is doubt. Ah Kin was known as the bringer of doubt and indecision. Learn to trust in your decisions and the decisions of those around you.
Mol: December 13th to January 1st
Meaning: Water, Clouds Gather, Jaguar, Gathering
Mayan Astrology Signs Interpretation: Those born in the sign of Mol are associated with the cardinal element of water. They are said to be able to “make the rains come”. Pay close attention to how weather patterns make you feel, for your power times are associated with water and rainfall. Your animal totem is the Jaguar. The Jaguar was a power animal for the Mayans, and represented the mysteries of the shamans and the strength of leaders. You have an affinity for both these roles and your life can take you on the path of a spiritual leader.
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