Trecena of Aj: Guidance, Rectitude & Renewal
Energy Theme for June 29th - July 11th, 2025
Day 1 of 13 in the Aj Trecena: Guidance, Rectitude & Renewal
1 (Jun): Beginning • Unity • Purity • Thought • Vision • Intent • Individual • Creation • Strength • Openings • Will • Resoluteness of Character • Action
Pronunciation: “Hoon”
Aj: Pillar • Spine • Core • Leader • Instrument of Power • Work • Family • Home • Foundations • Virtues • Principles • Rectitude • Upstanding • Multiplication • Renewal • Altar • Sacred Spaces
Pronunciation: “Agh”
Direction: North
Sacred Animal: Armadillo
Energy Places: Beaches, Lowland Forests
Colors: Brown, White, Yellow
Body Parts: Spinal Column
Yucatec: B’en
Mexica: Acatl
Aj Glyph: The vertical lines or stalks at the top of the glyph that come only partway down signify spiritual growth. The horizontal line, symbolizing multiplication and the horizon, is an altar table, and the sacred trees, such as the ceiba and coral tree, with their roots, trunk, and canopy, also represent a table or altar. –Carlos Barrios
Aj embodies the central pillar connecting Earth and Sky. Its name, meaning “cane plantation,” aligns with symbols of the reed, bamboo, or rod—evoking uprightness, structure, and the vital channel through which energy flows both cosmically and terrestrially. Aj is also associated with the cornfield, a source that nurtures life.
At its core, Aj signifies rectitude, foundational principles, and moral strength that sustain harmony within individuals and communities. It is the force of order and conviction, ensuring renewal and abundance—like the harvests that continually sustain a people. Aj embodies sincerity, skill, and a commitment to doing what is right.
Beyond personal integrity, Aj represents the physical and social structures that uphold society: the pillar of the house, the foundation of the family, and the ethical backbone of the community. Through Aj, harmony and renewal endure, preserving values and abundance for generations to come. –Diana P.
1 Aj
Today is Jun (1) Aj, kicking off a new Trecena (13-Day cycle theme) .
1 is birth and beginnings.
Aj’s sacred staff of power strengthens the foundations of ‘home’—not only in its physical form (house, city, country) but also in the personal and work relationships that nurture and sustain us. This 13-day cycle supports the protection, health, and vitality of these core spaces.
By tending to the well-being of our core centers, we radiate balance outward—from family and community to society at large. This period also highlights unity and companionship, encouraging us to seek guidance and support from others—especially leaders, counselors, elders, and the experienced.
Aj calls us to guard the structures that uphold our inner peace and stability. Just as its armadillo guardian shields itself from harm, we are encouraged to safeguard our physical, psychic, and emotional boundaries—protecting the sacred spaces where our spirit finds refuge, strength, and grounding. –Diana P.
Aj Mesoamerican Mythos:
[Excerpts]
”As the Hero Twins, Junajpu and Xb'alanke, are about to journey into the Underworld to challenge the Lords of Death in a game of handball, they each plant an ear of corn in their grandmother's patio. They tell her that if the corn withers, it means they are dead, but if it sprouts again, they are once more alive. The corn withers when the Hero Twins die, but then returns to life when the Twins travel the paths of the Underworld and conquer death.
This day sign is the inner voice and the spiritual intent of our First Grandmother, when she prayed for a sign that her grandsons had survived their trials in the Underworld." —Kenneth Johnson, Author, Priest & Daykeeper
"The nawal Aj is related to many things which generally revolve around leadership on an earthly level. It is sometimes known as the cornstalk, sometimes the staff of life. It represents the spinal column within the body, which allows us to stand tall, proud and brave. As the cornstalk, it has its roots in the Earth, and its head in the sky. As we are the people of maize, if we wish to lead in a just manner, we should cultivate our connection with the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of the Earth." –Mark Elmy, Author, Priest & Daykeeper
Armadillo Spirit Animal:
Cross-culturally, the armadillo spirit animal symbolizes self-protection, determination, and adaptability. Its tough exterior serves as an effective shield, making it a powerful symbol of magic for protection and safety. When the armadillo appears as a spirit guide, it brings several important messages.
Armadillo teaches the significance of setting healthy boundaries. It encourages individuals to be clear about their needs and to protect their sacred space from invasive influences. If one finds themselves in situations where others are overstepping, invoking the armadillo can help reinforce personal defenses until it is safe to relax those boundaries.
The armadillo also aids in uncovering hidden vulnerabilities. By reaching out to this spirit animal, one can begin to explore areas of weakness or exposure in their life. This introspective process may be enlightening and sometimes uncomfortable, but it ultimately leads to a greater understanding of one’s strengths.
As a guide, the armadillo assists in navigating emotional and psychic challenges. It promotes discernment and encourages individuals to retreat when necessary rather than confront difficult situations head-on. This retreat can provide clarity and allow for a more proactive approach to life's challenges.
The armadillo is closely connected to the earth and resonates with the Root Chakra, serving as a teacher for grounding and centering. This connection helps deter reactive tendencies, fostering a more balanced mindset. By embracing the qualities of the armadillo spirit animal, individuals can cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a deeper connection with both themselves and their environment.
✍🏼 Journal Prompts of the Day:
How can I nurture values, unity, and integrity within my relationships and community?
Where do I sense an opportunity for growth or renewal?
Who in my life—leaders, counselors, elders, or wise guides—can I turn to for support and guidance during this time?
Follow my work with the Mayan Sacred Calendar on Instagram~
So much is shifting and changing in my world right now. The armadillo has come at a time I need resilience, a focus on working out home and a re-balancing of living arrangements, proving more challenging than envisioned due to legal and financial implications of UK law. All I can do is keep trusting in Great Spirit and divine timing and that everything will work out. But Armadillo provides some protection, rooting and grounding, much needed..