This energy, represented by the deer who has a leg in each of the four directions, invites us to find balance in our being, to return to a simple and harmonious life, and to become attuned to nature. Under the influence of Julajuj [11], we are in a moment of learning and growth. –Denise Barrios
Pronunciation: “Kehgh” Direction: East Sacred Animal: Deer, Stag, Horse Energy Places: Forests, Mountains Colors: Beige, Yellow, Red, Black, White Body Parts: Arms, Feet Yucatec:: Manik’ Mexica: Mazatl
Kej Glyph: The glyph represents a closed hand creating a circuit of energy that charges the four cardinal points, as represented by the four fingers, boosted by the thumb. –Carlos Barrios
Kej: Embodying stability and balance, Kej is the nawal of the four cardinal points of the Earth and represents the four primary elements of earth, water, fire, and air. It also carries the four states of the human experience and the four colors of humanity: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual, and the colors of yellow, white, red, and black.
On Kej days, the Maya pray for harmony throughout the natural world and among all human beings–these are propitious days to ask for strength to avoid betrayal and handle the difficulties in our lives. –Brigitte Rasine
Diana’s Observations:
Kej, the nawal of tenacity and determination, moves in many directions today, propelled by the branching energy of Power 11. Representing the mighty four-legged stag, Kej embodies the equilibrium of journey along the winding road of life. Faced with the testing, dividing, and multiplying energy of 11, its force stretches and pulls from different points. On 11 Kej, strength and purpose may split into multiple channels, creating either balance or imbalance, depending on how consciously its power is guided.
As a catalyst for expansion and distribution within the intellectual No’j Trecena, 11 Kej magnifies the mind’s power to focus, arrange, and multiply clarification. This energy can manifest as directive strength or stubbornness—pushing us towards organizing meaningful goals or tempting us to deflect responsibility. When consciously harnessed, the spiritual force of 11 Kej spreads resilience, disperses solutions, and allocates strength to areas in need, helping restore balance and wholeness where vulnerability exists.
As the nawal of the four supports and cardinal directions, Kej teaches that balance across all areas of life is essential for the free flow of creative insight and clear direction. The unpredictability introduced by 11—reflecting both change and expansion—reveal which of the four states of existence require greater attention and realignment. This is a powerful day to embrace responsibility and due diligence, whether through pausing to reflect and renew, or through focused effort to advance important plans. The wandering energy of 11 can also guide us to unexpected places where clarity and solutions hide, offering revelation precisely where we least expected to find it.
11 Kej within the guidance of No’j invites us to honor both discipline and flexibility, balancing determination with surrendered curiosity. When the force of distribution meets the insight of No’j and the steadfast resilience of Kej, we organize our strengths wisely while remaining open to unexpected pathways of understanding. By meeting the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual tests of this day with grace, we cultivate maturity—not through rigid knowing, but through awareness of the inner order that seeks outward expression. In this way, our journey today becomes one of receptively directing strength toward equilibrium with life’s unfolding design.
Practical Applications & Programming of the Day:
Auspicious for: Grounding in nature; outdoor meditation and movement; implementing plans with adaptability; honoring integrity; adhering to responsibilities; strategic organizing of work; enhancing altar spaces; integrating mentorship or guidance; cultivating agility in mind and body; strength training; working with the four natural elements; bringing order and stability to endeavors
The Stag or Deer was a vital spiritual symbol in the religions of ancient central societies, revered as a primary food source, a representation of fertility, and a link to celestial realms. Its shed and re-grown antlers made it a powerful metaphor for regeneration, the annual cycle of crops, and the renewal of life.
In religious texts, the Deer was often associated with the gods of the hunt and war, symbolizing swiftness and a noble sacrifice necessary for sustenance.
As the majestic leader of the forest, the Stag carried a sense of dignity and grace even in battle. One can invoke the energy of the Stag to cultivate inner strength and emotional sensitivity, to find the courage to lead with grace, and to embody the power of renewal and transformation in one’s life.
Observations by Mayan Spiritual Guides:
11 Kej The strength of the nawal Kej combines with the strong and directionless energy of the number 11. This is a day to be aware of the strength of actions and which direction they are heading towards.
From the idea of Kej representing either a deer or a horse (as it is translated in modern day K’iche) this could be seen as a stampede, all that force and energy in no particular direction.This is a day where you may need to be more aware than usual of what is going on around you and prepare to take evasive action if necessary.
It is a day to be aware of your own determination towards making something happen, awareness of the strength you may be working with.
Are you really aware of the direction in which it is taking you?
This is certainly not a day to attempt to tame the wild within or in others, but a wandering in the forest may provide strong experiences which you incorporate at a later time. If you do choose to walk in the wilderness today, follow your instincts rather than a set path. You may find new strength in your discoveries.–Mark Elmy
11 Kej The force of creation manifests in favor of those who do not conspire against others.
Kej represents balance and strength; it is the deer with one leg in each of the four directions, the energy that maintains equilibrium. Julajuj brings learning and evolution; under its influence, perfect experiences arise for our path. Today, these energies gather in the No’j trecena, the mind as a tool, the power that shapes our reality.
The energetic convergence of this day calls us to transit frustration, competition, and resentment, thus no longer inhabiting the shadows. It invites us to focus on love and harmony, on sharing and integrating, to heal our story, and to live in connection with nature and all the energy that creation gifts us for our full and loving evolution. –Denise Barrios
✍🏼 Journal Prompts of the Day:
Which aspect of my being—mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual—calls for renewed attention or realignment today?
How can I harmonize discipline with surrendered curiosity, allowing clarity to emerge in unexpected spaces?
