Today is Maya day 1 Etznab (Tijax in Aztec), the start of a 13-day period (trecana) of stripping away falsehoods to reveal the truths underneath. This is a time of personal healing for those willing to look at themselves without judgment and truly transform. Societally, this is a time when great leaders are revealed and tough choices are made. In addition, Etznab days and periods can sometimes trigger unrest for those invested in upholding the veil and for this reason is also associated with sudden violence or departure (crossing over the veil). 

This duality is represented in the symbol of Etznab itself which features an “X” depicting a Maya pyramid as seen from above, symbolizing the threshold line between material and immaterial, real and unreal, true and false.

People born on an Etznab day are associated with obsidian, a material that can be polished into a mirror or sharpened into a knife and as such can reflect or cut. Etznab people are known for their ability to reflect others’ true nature by cutting through ego-driven illusions and reaching to the person’s core. At their best, they exude a calming, authentic, and healing nature which reflects flint’s use as a surgeon’s scalpel. At their worst, they refuse to placate anyone and completely isolate and withdraw.

As purveyors of truth and honesty, Etznab people are often left feeling isolated and alone feeling as if acceptance can only come through the repression of their true nature. However it is their persistent sense of alienation that ultimately helps them understand the pain of others and enter into the helping roles that make them feel good. In this way they can find strategic ways to put their healing qualities into action.  

Words used to describe people born under this sign are mechanically inclined, curious, knowledge-hungry (sometimes obsessively so), pragmatic, generous, as well as conceited, obstinate and emotionally repressed (for all of the reasons described above). 

I live in the heart of the Mayan highlands in Guatemala.

The more I study the Mayan Calendar, the more astonished I am by the power and precision this ancient system of incredible intricacy that offers everyday wisdom even in our ultra-modern time.

The Maya view time as both linear and cyclical. Intricate mathematics are woven into their calendar systems that stretch into infinity.

“Mayan weeks”—13-day cycles called trecenas.

From June 1 to 13, 2016 we are moving through the trecena ruled by Tijax.

Tijax is the obsidian knife, and its animal totem is the wolf. Obsidian is sharp yet fragile, and it cuts through to the core, shearing away deception, negative energies and illness. This is the day sign (nahual) of suffering and sudden death, both literal and figurative. It can be a challenging, double-edged day, and also a day that brings much truth to light and enables great healing.

According to The Serpent and the Jaguar by Birgitte Rasine, on Tijax days, the Maya “pray for safety from all harm and resolution of all conflict.” She urges us to “use these days to end harmful relationships, find balance, meditate and see through to the core of things.”

Does the truth hurt or shall it set us free? Could it be both?

Under what circumstances does love or truth hurt?

How shall the truth set us free?

“Like the sharp edge of an obsidian knife, truth can indeed cause pain to those not ready or willing to embrace it, but when utilized with wisdom, integrity and honor, the initial pain will give way to strength, character, and confidence—and great personal freedom. Truth heals.” ~ Birgitte Rasine

These 13 days spanning the first half of June are about recognizing who we truly are and what is our personal truth.

I got the word “truth” tattooed on my inner right wrist in Tibetan script 7 years ago. Yet my truth then was a whole lot different than my truth is today. What remains? What is the essence of truth?

What is truth? What is my truth? How is it different from your truth? How is it different from what my truth will be next week, or when I’m 55?

Truth is relative. Truth is also absolute. Truth is liberating. Truth is being able to express ourselves freely and openly—to live our lives—with integrity.

“You can be standing right in front of the truth and not necessarily see it, and people only get it when they’re ready to get it.” ~ George Harrison

Truth is that we are all animals—living, breathing, thinking, feeling beings on the planet—us, and the trees and the horses and the fish in the seas.

Truth is that love is pulsing through all veins, all leaves, all cells, all communities.

Truth is that all we have is this moment, these raindrops, this little kid snuggling up next to me, this cup of tea, this precious moment, right here and right now.

“‘Tis strange—but true; for truth is always strange; Stranger than fiction.” ~ Lord Byron

Here’s to truth, the power and protection of obsidian, and cutting away anything that is not true, necessary and good with the intention of healing, from a place of love.

What is your truth?