There are several days within the sacred count of days that we could term auspicious, then there are a few which represent exceptional themes. 8 Kej is one of them, perhaps second only to 8 B’atz. -Mark Elmy
Pronunciation: “Kegh” or “Kiegh” 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 is the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. It represents the four manifestations of humans: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It is the four cardinal points and the four paths. It is also solidity and stability. These are the forces and powers that fuel human destiny. It represents harmony. Its very nature is equilibrium. –Carlos Barrios
Diana’s Observations:
Today, the raw, balancing, and steadfast qualities of Kej are further strengthened and stabilized by Power 8. Symbolizing the bearers of the four cardinal directions, Kej embodies natural strength, support, authority, and resolute movement. 8 amplifies this force through action, honor, and discipline. In Mayan tradition, this day is often marked by veneration, as the staff of power is ceremoniously passed to the initiate in reverence for rightful authority.
As the guardian of nature, Kej maintains purity and balance between humans and Mother Earth. Under the solar and paternal theme of the Ajpu Trecena, and with both 8 and Kej symbolizing masculine authority, this day highlights the complete and unified forces of the active, pragmatic, and material world.
The 8th day of the Ajpu Trecena marks a turning point in overcoming fear and darkness, bringing an invigorating sense of stability and illumination to a courageous journey. 8 Kej also signals a time when plans or strategies are ready to be implemented with clarity and grounded determination. Following the mythical endings and death of 7 Kame, this day calls for completing closure by carrying out our worldly responsibilities with renewed vigor and ancestral guidance.
This day emphasizes the wisdom of honoring the past, for it has shaped the blessings of our present moment. 8 Kej teaches that the best way to honor our lineage and express reverence for our ancestors is to put our lessons, knowledge, and vitality into practical use. When we venerate that which is pure, we ourselves become pure.
Practical Applications & Programming of the Day:
Auspicious for: Ceremonies, initiations, and graduations; announcements; acknowledgments; moving forward; implementing plans; men’s healing work; cultivating resilience; practicing equanimity; recharging in nature; prayers and rituals for Mother Earth; developing the mind-body-heart connection; strength training; applying spiritual guidance; restoring balance; working with the four elements (earth, water, air, fire) and four bodies (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual)
The stag symbolizes masculinity, regeneration, guidance, and connection to nature. Revered for its vitality and elegance, the male deer embodies wisdom and maturity, often appearing when needed most.
With their impressive antlers, stags represent strength, authority, and a deeper understanding of life. Stags respect boundaries and laws set by humans so they remind us about our social obligations, duties, responsibilities, time, and schedules.
When the stag spirit animal appears in our lives, it encourages us to trust our instincts and face challenges with courage, rather than letting fear dictate our actions.
Observations by Mayan Spiritual Guides:
8 Kej During this trecena, we have seen two days representing characters within the Popol Vuh, Jun [1] Ajpu and Wukub’ [7] Kame.
Jun Ajpu is one of the hero twins and represents “the birth of the sun”, and the light. Wukub’ Kame is his polar opposite, “the ultimate death”, and we can see this character as the lord of darkness. We have recently experienced both of these energies.
It is essential to be connected to the light but to truly serve, the leader needs to have confronted and overcome the darkness within.
Where Aj may represent the civic type of leader, the “Mayor”, Kej represents the spiritual leader or priest. Thus, overcoming these experiences is all the more important.
On 8 Kej the names of soon-to-be Aj Q’ijab, Maya spiritual guides, are presented to the patrilineage altars. It is also a day when high-ranking Maya priests are initiated as Chuchq’ajawib, the mother-fathers.
This role combines the strength of the father and the compassion of the mother. The masculine and feminine principles come together to give the wholeness required of a true community leader.–Mark Elmy
8 Kej Kej, which speaks to us of the balance of our being, brings today the force of the masculine, so this day offers a beautiful opportunity to observe how we relate to this energy.
Many times we see masculine energy as something toxic or negative, as an energy that is related to control, imposition, anger, or disconnection from the emotional.
But the essence of the masculine is very different. It is a powerful force that gives us the capacity to act, that can help us set healthy boundaries, say what we feel and think, have firmness and strength, and be in contact with what is real.
The masculine is a beautiful force, and today the energies invite us to see it without judgment, to integrate it from a more conscious place. Let us open ourselves to experience our masculine with all its power and potential, remembering that it is an essential part of each one of us.
Only when we recognize and embrace the masculine and feminine that inhabit us can we feel complete within ourselves.–Denise Barrios
✍🏼 Journal Prompts of the Day:
How can I connect with the pragmatic and grounded aspects of myself today, allowing my masculine side to guide me with clarity and purpose?
In what areas of my life do I need to stand up for myself more firmly?
In what ways can I honor my ancestors by putting their sacrifices and wisdom into practical use?
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This is good because today I shall hold a ceremony with yew treesbat Kingsley Vale in Sussex that are 2000 years old. I was going to do this with a visitor but who has now had to cancel last minute. Initially I was disappointed but now I feel that the trees are calling me to work with them anyway. I will just adapt what I was going to do.
This is good because today I shall hold a ceremony with yew treesbat Kingsley Vale in Sussex that are 2000 years old. I was going to do this with a visitor but who has now had to cancel last minute. Initially I was disappointed but now I feel that the trees are calling me to work with them anyway. I will just adapt what I was going to do.