Strength that brings stability is especially highlighted today as both the nawal Kej and the number 4 combine their properties. Each can be seen as representations of the four pillars, keeping everything in its rightful place. –Mark Elmy
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:
Today, Kej—the nawal of power, solidity, and determination—is amplified by the stability and endurance of Power 4. Embodying the four fundamental forces that shape reality, Kej integrates and grounds the vital elements needed to sustain our lives and destiny. Its disciplined and steadfast nature is reinforced by the manifesting energy of 4, securing what matters most. 4 Kej offers a day to fortify foundations and take decisive action in implementing strategies and asserting goals.
As a balancing point amid the connecting and releasing webs of the K’at Trecena, 4 Kej evokes a grounded sense of natural authority and calm discernment—clarifying what is essential and what binds or restricts our freedom of movement. Its energy, blending spiritual vision with steady leadership, gently guides us between rigidity and flexibility in projects, relationships, and intimate matters.
As K’at weaves and interlinks, the establishing force of 4 unites with the stabilizing presence of Kej to support meaningful connections and foster both freedom and dynamic growth. At its highest, this is a day to wield power and authority through cultivated balance—embodying homeostasis in the body, clear intention, and an unwavering commitment to values such as respect, ethics, humility, and gentle leadership. Yet, its shadow side can emerge as stubbornness or self-interest, which may lead to future obstacles, entanglements, or destabilization if left unchecked.
As guardian of wilderness and sacred altars, this day calls forth solar, disciplined strength—order anchored by the stability of the four directions and the four bodies: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. It reminds us to lay proper foundations for our intentions by consistently and consciously balancing all realms of existence. With the fortifying energy of 4 underlying the stance of the mighty stag, today invites us to ground ourselves, stand resilient amid change, and harness our will to move vision into purposeful action in every endeavor.
Practical Applications & Programming of the Day:
Auspicious for: Grounding; recharging in the wilderness; outdoor meditation; energetic, physical movement; initiation rituals or ceremonies; implementing plans; moving forward; facilitator or leadership training; men’s healing work; adhering to responsibilities; developing strategies and goals; implementing guidance from mentors or spiritual teachers; cultivating agility of mind and body; strength training; working with the four elements (earth, water, wind, fire) and four bodies (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual); bringing strength and stability to a situation
Across the Yucatec and K’iche’ traditions, the stag or deer is linked to the Lords of the Forest and Mountains (Yumil K’aax or Tzuultaq’a), who act as divine protectors and owners of wild animals. Deer were not simply hunted for meat; their antlers, which shed and regrow, symbolized spiritual authority, renewal, and the cyclical nature of time.
The deer is the patron of the Maya calendar day Manik, sometimes depicted as a deer head, connecting it directly to timekeeping and cosmic order. In ritual dances, like the Mayan Deer Dance, performers mimic the deer’s movements to honor its spirit, embodying its grace and gentleness while also seeking to maintain harmony and reciprocity with the natural world.
The Deer or Stag Spirit can be invoked for its wisdom on spiritual guidance and seeking ancestral knowledge, as it is revered in many Central and South American traditions as a messenger of the mountain spirits. It is also called upon for blessings related to fertility and abundance, especially before hunting or agricultural planting, to ensure a respectful and plentiful harvest.
Observations by Mayan Spiritual Guides:
4 Kej This day represents the four first men, Balam Kitze, Balam Acab, Majutujaj and Balam Ikim. These were the four first humans created and were seen as the founders of the patrilineages. As such they formed the base for all who followed them, and their stability allowed the human race to flourish. Kej brings the strength to make the difference, but the number 4 tempers it to bring this strength in a carefully measured, balanced way.It is strength empowered by the qualities of the four directions – vitality, wisdom, spirit and healing – which brings the material world into being.
Today the strength of Kej should be particularly useful. This day can represent a strong foundation, or an energy of bringing strength and stability to a situation. It is a day to step forward and take charge of matters if they need resolving.
The nawal Kej is known for its strength, which sometimes can become a little domineering. It is not necessarily meant that way. After all, it is a nawal of spiritual leadership and truly has the interests of its followers at heart. –Mark Elmy
4 Kej In this cycle of 20 days during which we receive the cosmic and telluric force of each of the 20 Ch’umilal, today we absorb the power of Ajaw 4 Kej.
“4 Kej is the day in which the spirit came.” -Chilam B’alam of Chumayel, Maya Yucatec text.
Ajaw Kej manifests the energy of Rax Kaqulja’, the green-ray of the expression of nature, the powerful force of Mother Earth. This Ch’umil is symbolized by the deer, who is the guardian of the forests, who represents harmony and calmness. Kej is the creation that manifests harmoniously in each of the elements of nature.
It is understanding that we are also a manifestation of nature, remembering that we form part of her and that we must harmonize ourselves with her, that we must return to the consciousness of knowing that our destiny is bound to the destiny of all living beings, that we should be connected to the wisdom of the plants and trees, of our brother animals, to the strength and power that comes from Mother Earth.
Our calling during these times is to protect our Mother, the Earth, to have the awareness that we are united to her, that we are an integral part of creation, that she is the one that provides all the elements we need for our subsistence and development.
Today I want to remember the words of Carlos, my father, “The spirituality of these times has a name, and that is ACTION.”
If you have the chance, go out to nature, connect with her, observe the beauty of the forests, of the mountains, hug your brothers the trees to absorb their teachings, connect to the four elements, walk barefoot on earth to stay connected to her. –Denise Barrios
✍🏼 Journal Prompts of the Day:
Where in my life can I distinguish between what truly supports my well-being and what limits my freedom or movement?
In what areas am I being called to find a healthy balance between rigidity and flexibility?
How can I more consciously lay strong foundations for my intentions across the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of my life?
Kej is my favorite energy.