Tzolkin Trecena Notes – 1 Monkey (Chuen)

Day (Kin) 131 of the 260 Day Tzolkin

October 4, 2010

Year Bearer:  11 Manik

 

Trecenas are thirteen-day periods in the Tzolkin. Each Trecena starts with the Number 1, but with a different Day Glyph. As a wave of the Thirteen Heavens, the underlying energy is governed by the First Day Glyph of the Trecena and influences all thirteen successive Day Glyphs. Being aware of the predominant energy of the First Day of the Trecena, we can align our intentions with that energy and allow our goals to manifest.

 

This Trecena starts with 1 Chuen (Monkey) – master artisan, master craftsman, imaginative, mischievous, gaining wisdom through curiosity.

 

According to legend as recorded in the Popol Vuh, twin sons were born to One Hunahpu: One Batz and One Chuen (the word Batz meaning “monkey” in Quiche dialect and the word Chuen meaning “artisan or craftsman” in Yucatec dialect). Thus, this day sign symbolizes the monkey as the master artisan and master craftsman of all fine arts and innate knowledge. It is also considered to be one of the most fortunate and lucky day signs.

 

Artistic excellence was honored and held sacred by the Ancient Maya as evidenced by the inscriptions
left on stone monuments, cave walls and pottery. Kenneth Johnson in Jaguar Wisdom writes: “The
funerary inscriptions on ancient Mayan ceramics make it clear that the Classic Mayan scribes were
painters as well as literary artists and keepers of sacred lore. These members of the Mayan royal
houses who specialized in knowledge recognized the Monkey God as their patron deity. Given such
an intimate connection between sacred knowledge and creative artistry, we should not be surprised to
learn that Monkey is still regarded as the day of the ‘masters of all the arts’ as well as being one of the
days dedicated to the Calendar keepers and their lore. Monkey is the day of the craftsman, the
wisdom-keeper and the artist. It exemplifies both the spiritual and creative power as well as the
over-reaching egotism of the artistic temperament.”

 

There is controversy surrounding the issue of the beginning day glyph of the Tzolkin. Some Mayan
Daykeepers and scholars believe that the Tzolkin begins with Chuen instead of Imix.  Imix seems the
best place to start the Tzolkin since Crocodile is depicted as primal, earth mother and beginning.  But
Chuen is also a likely candidate as Monkey is the Master Craftsman and Master Artist and as stated
above, a day dedicated to the Daykeepers. To the Maya, the Monkey was known as the weaver of
time and its location in the center of the Tzolkin seems an appropriate spot to encompass all the day
signs into this weaving of the web of time.

 

The origin of the Tzolkin is also shrouded in mystery (Olmec? Altantis? Unknown?).  Does it really matter? What is important to remember is that the Tzolkin is a count of 260 days - an endlessly
repeating cycle - each day carrying its own unique energy. The Tzolkin is a galactic constant – the
heartbeat of the Galaxy – an endlessly repeating cycle. It may not be necessary to know the beginning
day glyph. As long as you are following the True Count of the Tzolkin, you will feel the sacred
energy of each day sign and consequently, flow with the synchronicity of the galactic heartbeat.

 

Another representation of the Trecena is that of a creative wave beginning at 1 and ending at 13, with
the numbers 6, 7 and 8 representing the crest of the wave. The crest could be interpreted as a strong
influential energy, although the underlying influence on the Trecena would still rest in the beginning.
In this Trecena, the crest falls on 6 Cib (Vulture/Owl), 7 Caban (Earth), and 8 Etznab ( Flint ).
Therefore, a creative intention that incorporates the aspects of cleansing and letting go, grounding
ourselves with nature, and using our creativity to transform our reality could easily manifest during
this Trecena. Remember that egotism is the dark side of this fortunate and lucky day sign, so don’t
become so self-centered that you fail to think of others.

As we journey through each day of this Trecena:

 

Utilize the spiritual and creative energy of Monkey to manifest something new and positive in your life.

 

 

 

In Lak’ech (I am another you),

William and Viola

 

www.tzolkincalendar.com

©2007 William and Viola Welsch