Aztec and Maya Calendar

In the tonalpohualli, the sacred Aztec calendar, Monday January 19, 1523 is:

(Correlation: Alfonso Caso [adjust])

The significance of this day

This is the first of the five unlucky days (nemontemi) at the end of a year (xihuitl). It is better not to carry out any activity during these unfortunate and useless days. These nemontemi are extra dangerous because they are at the end of a calendar round of 52 years (xiuhmolpilli or bundle). All fires are to be extinguished. No public events are organized. After the nemontemi, there are seven days to prepare for the New Fire ceremony, held before the start of the day 1-Cipactli, the first day of the new bundle of years.

Day Atl (Water) is governed by Xiuhtecuhtli, God of Fire, as its provider of tonalli (Shadow Soul) life energy. Atl is a day for purification by subjecting oneself to the ordeal of conflict. It is a good day for battle, a bad day for rest. Water brings out the scorpion, who must sting its enemies or else sting itself. Atl is the day of the holy war, which is always a battle with one's own enemies within.

The thirteen day period (trecena) that starts with day 1-Coatl (Snake) is ruled by Xiuhtecuhtli, Lord of the Year, the ancient god of fire who stands at the center. The 13 days of this trecena are governed by the forces that have created a power vacuum in the situation. The throne is empty and the rightful heir must struggle with all the pretenders who would claim it. These are 13 days of conflict, intrigues and unexpected developments. The throne will fall to the one who has laid the groundwork, built the alliances and is favored by the timing of events beyond any one person's control. This time will come again: those who are not prepared should bide their time; those who hold the throne should beware. These are good days to act out of strength, bad days to rely on the strength of others.