Let us imagine the first ray of light that dispels the darkness, that helps us awaken, that shows us the path and allows us to understand and feel where we want to go, what we want to achieve, that light that brings us enlightenment; that is the energy that this day gifts us with. –Denise Barrios
12 (Kab’lajuj): Groups • Community • Family • Collective • Culture • Synthesis • Grouping • Bundling • Integrating • Catalyst • Security Pronunciation: “Kablahooh”
Aq’ab’al: First Light • Dawn • Polarity • Dark & Light • Twilight • Renewal • Hope • Revelation • Transition • Conception • Clarity • Digestion • Maturity
Pronunciation: “Ahkahbal” Direction: East Totems: Bat, Fawn Energy Places: Caverns, Valleys, Dusk and Dawn Colors: Red, Navy Blue, Orange Body Parts: Lungs, Kidneys, Stomach, Intestines Yucatec: Ak’bal Mexica: Calli
Aq’ab’al Glyph: The glyph signifies the owl and represents the light and dark at the same time. The two circumferences at the top represent the energy of creation, and the dots below represent receptive energy. –Carlos Barrios
Aq’ab’al symbolizes both darkness and dawn, those magical times of the day when Night cedes to Day and Day gives way to Night.
These are periods of transition, of grace, of potential–and polarity, which Aq’ab’al naturally embodies. It is light and dark, heat and cold, opposing sides and opposite energies.
Aq’ab’al embodies the essence of the love between a man and a woman, of marriage, romance and all matters of physical, spiritual, and emotional love. It also signifies harmony, truth, hope and solemnity; awakening and enchantment; mystery and devotion. It is the nawal of clarity and light, a force of renewal, and helps us gain illumination into the issues that impact our lives. –Brigitte Rasine
Diana’s Observations:
Aq’ab’al—nawal of polarity, revelation, and hope—meets the grouping and synthesizing rhythm of Power 12 today. As Aq’ab’al moves from dark to light, hot to cold, past to future, its energy quietly unveils and transforms. 12 gathers and weaves, serving as a social catalyst for the unfolding of light, truth, and awareness. 12 Aq’ab’al invites the integration of opposites, the embrace of transparency, and the search for clarity within the bonds, experiences, and interactions shaping our present reality.
Dreamy and conceptual by nature, Aq’ab’al nurtures the light of conscious awareness as it emerges through the nocturnal metaphors of dreams, ideas, and symbols. Within the self-discovery and journeying themes of the E’ Trecena, 12 Aq’ab’al may reveal glimpses of hidden possibilities in our relationships, vocation, and spiritual path. Its energy calls us to reflect and to connect insights gathered from both the liminal and the practical, from our individuality as well as our interactions with others.
The message of hope, resolution, and renewal today dwells in Aq’ab’al’s teaching that light reveals what is hidden. It reminds us that confusion or uncertainty can be met with the willingness to reflect on our unconscious actions and to choose transparency in our thoughts, words, and decisions. Joined with the social, unifying strength of 12, this day highlights the power of authenticity in relationships and how it ultimately serves, orients, and clarifies our path of destiny.
As we approach the fulfillment of the E’ Trecena, 12 Aq’ab’al—closely tied to relationships, culture, and community—invites us to take inventory of the encounters, lessons, and insights gathered along our journey. It is through the synthesis of experience and reflection that we can dispel mental fog and find a clear path forward. This day beautifully encapsulates how, by treating our interactions and experiences as mirrors of the soul and destiny, we deepen our perception and open our foresight to the horizons taking shape before us.
Practical Applications & Programming of the Day:
Auspicious for: Embracing social or community changes; forming partnerships or group initiatives; synthesizing new ideas; weaving ideas and perspectives; focusing on seeds of potential; prayers for illumination and clarity; rewriting personal narratives; breaking free from old paradigms; initiating social projects; experimenting with shared perspectives; navigating polarized situations with balance; integrating lessons from challenges; supporting generational continuity; working on digestive or liver health
The bat, a creature of the night, is a powerful spirit animal symbolizing death, rebirth, and the mysteries of the unseen. The bat's echolocation represents a deeper form of perception—the ability to "see" beyond the physical realm and navigate through the darkness with unwavering confidence. For these reasons, the bat spirit is often invoked to guide one through times of significant transition, to shed old habits, or to awaken and trust one's own intuition.
Across various Native American and South American indigenous cultures, the bat is revered for its ability to traverse the boundaries between worlds, acting as a shamanic guide or a wise messenger from the dream state.Its unique nature as a flying mammal links it to both the earth and the sky, symbolizing a balance between the physical and spiritual.
The bat's preference for dark, hidden spaces speaks to its power to protect sacred knowledge and the courage to explore one's own subconscious. Ultimately, the bat represents the transformative power of the unknown, encouraging one to face their fears and embrace the process of spiritual rebirth.
Observations by Mayan Spiritual Guides:
12 Aq’ab’al The number 12 represents the principle of gathering, bringing things together into a bundle.
This is usually applied to life experience, things from the past, or that already exist. The nawal Aq’ab’al is related to the very new, the first light of day, the conception point. So today we have two energies which represent almost opposite ends of the spectrum of possibilities.
Despite 12 being a powerful number, it does not necessarily have a difficult influence, and Aq’ab’al is thought of as a very favorable day, after all, it represents the beginnings of the new day and of new life.
Many Maya temples were altered over time, with new layers built on top of old. Sometimes this was because of a change of ruler, other times it was an astronomical change over time that caused this remodeling. The old structure was given a facelift. Metaphorically, today can be seen as a day to start building a new layer on your pyramid. –Mark Elmy
12 Aq’ab’al We are all but souls exploring an unexplored world, trying to understand an unexplained existence. During these paths of learning, our surroundings and those around us have gifted us with our values, a set of rules we would need to live by. “Be kind”, they said “be brave, and always try to be the best version of yourself.” These are beautiful teachings that, unfortunately, have caused much harm.
When trying to be pure love and light, we are giving the message that there is something inherently wrong within us, that we do not accept ourselves fully.
Aq’ab’al teaches us that just as the day needs the night, we too need our inner darkness. The shadow we hold is a true gift that helps us in so many ways: by establishing limits, showing respect, self-love and compassion. Let us not miss life’s full spectrum of emotions and make a small shift in our dialogue “be kind, but it is okay to put healthy limits.”
“Be brave, but be courageous enough to give space for fear,” and, “while there is always room for growth, there is so much power in self-acceptance, knowing you already are your best version.” –Denise Barrios
✍🏼 Journal Prompts of the Day:
What new concepts, beginnings, or ways of being are emerging within my relationships, inviting me to see myself and others in a fresh light?
What hidden patterns or insights are being revealed to me through my encounters and interactions?
Love love love this Diana. So in tune with the things I’m integrating, and it made me think of the Goose’s I send you, and the Wild Geese poem from Mary Oliver a friend reminded me of last week 💟
‘You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting–
Love love love this Diana. So in tune with the things I’m integrating, and it made me think of the Goose’s I send you, and the Wild Geese poem from Mary Oliver a friend reminded me of last week 💟
‘You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting–
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.’