American Bioregion Library

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Arctic & Subarctic Bioregion Library

Circumpolar tundra hydrology, sea-ice dynamics, sea-mammal hunting ethics, and the ancestral ecological knowledge of Inuit, Inupiat, and Yupik communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal II

Boreal Forest Bioregion Library

Taiga woodland ecology, peatland carbon sinks, birch-bark canoe engineering, and the living heritage of Dene, Cree, and Innu peoples.
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North Atlantic Coastal Bioregion Library

Estuarine fisheries, coastal salt marshes, hardwood agroforestry, and the governance of Haudenosaunee, Mi’kmaq, and Wampanoag nations.
Sub-Bioregional Portal IV

Pacific Coastal–Temperate Rainforest Library

Ancient cedar forestry, wild salmon stewardship, totem carving iconography, and the maritime culture of Haida, Tlingit, Coast Salish, and Nuu-chah-nulth nations.
Sub-Bioregional Portal V

Rocky–Sierra–Cordillera Mountain Library

High-altitude alpine ecology, headwater watershed conservation, cultural fire management, and the mountain traditions of Shoshone, Ute, and Salish communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VI

Mesoamerican Bioregion Library

Milpa companion agriculture, volcanic valley terracing, cenote karst hydrology, hieroglyphic writing, and the heritage of Maya, Nahua, Zapotec, and Mixtec peoples.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VII

Caribbean–Island Bioregion Library

Insular tropical marine biology, coral reef protection, hurricane resilience, cassava conuco farming, and Taíno and Kalinago ancestral heritage.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VIII

Northern Andes Bioregion Library

Páramo high-altitude wetland hydrology, cloud forest biodiversity, gold craftsmanship, and the heritage of Chibcha, Muisca, and Nasa communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal IX

Amazon Basin Bioregion Library

The world’s largest tropical rainforest, riverine floodplain ecology, terra preta soil science, ethnobotanical medicine, and the stewardship of Yanomami, Kayapó, and Asháninka peoples.
Sub-Bioregional Portal X

Orinoco–Guiana Shield Bioregion Library

Tepui tabletop mountain ecosystems, Gran Sabana ecology, blackwater river systems, and the territory of Piaroa, Pemon, and Warao communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal XI

Andean Highlands & Dry Valleys Library

High-altitude terrace agriculture (andenes), camelid pastoralism, water canal engineering, textile arts, and the knowledge of Quechua and Aymara societies.
Sub-Bioregional Portal XII

Chaco–Pantanal Bioregion Library

The world’s largest tropical wetland system, dry forest fauna, river pulse dynamics, and the knowledge of Guaraní, Nivaclé, and Ayoreo peoples.
Sub-Bioregional Portal XIII

Cerrado–Caatinga Bioregion Library

Central Brazilian savanna biodiversity, semi-arid thorny scrub biomes, water table recharge, and the territory of Xavante, Kraho, and Fulni-ô communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal XIV

Atlantic Forest Bioregion Library

The biodiverse Mata Atlântica, coastal mountain streams, endemic flora restoration, and the heritage of Tupinambá and Guaraní Mbyá communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal XV

Pampas–La Plata Bioregion Library

Temperate grassland soil science, Rio de la Plata estuarine hydrology, equestrian traditions, and the memory of Charrua, Het, and Rankülche communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal XVI

Patagonian–Subantarctic Library

Wind-swept steppe dynamics, Fuegian archipelago canoeing, Valdivian temperate rainforests, and the stewardship of Mapuche, Selk’nam, Yaghan, and Kawésqar peoples.

African Bioregion Library

Official African Sub-Bioregion Hero Portals
Sub-Bioregional Portal I

Sahara & Oasis Desert Bioregion Library

Hyper-arid desert ecosystems, ancient oasis hydrology, subterranean foggaras, caravan routes, and the ecological wisdom of Tuareg and Berber communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal II

Sahel Semi-Arid Transition Library

Semi-arid savanna belts, transhumance pastoral mobility, Great Green Wall anti-desertification, and customary land tenure of the Fulani and neighbors.
Sub-Bioregional Portal III

North African Mediterranean–Atlas Library

Mediterranean montane biomes, Atlas terraced agriculture, cork oak forests, coastal marine biology, and the heritage of Amazigh (Berber) societies.
Sub-Bioregional Portal IV

West African Savannah–Forest Mosaic Library

Sacred groves, agroforestry mosaics, Niger and Volta river basins, bronze and textile arts, and the worldviews of Yoruba, Dogon, and Akan peoples.
Sub-Bioregional Portal V

Central African Congo Rainforest Library

Earth’s second largest tropical rainforest, Congo Basin hydrology, canopy biodiversity, carbon science, and the forest knowledge of BaAka and Mbuti communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VI

East African Rift Valley–Highlands Library

The volcanic Great Rift Valley, montane forests, wildlife corridors, pastoralist cattle traditions, and the continuity of Maasai, Kikuyu, and Oromo societies.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VII

Horn of Africa Drylands & Highlands Library

The Ethiopian Massif, Simien biodiversity, endemic flora, frankincense dryland forestry, terraced agriculture, and the cultural archives of the Horn.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VIII

Southern African Savanna–Karoo–Cape Library

The Cape Floristic Region hotspot, fynbos botany, Namib and Kalahari adaptations, and the rock art and ethnobotany of San and Khoikhoi communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal IX

African Great Lakes Basin Library

Lake Victoria, Tanganyika, and Malawi ecosystems, lacustrine fisheries, cichlid evolutionary science, and the traditions of Great Lakes societies.

Asian Bioregion Library

Official Asian Sub-Bioregion Hero Portals
Sub-Bioregional Portal I

Siberian Boreal & Arctic Tundra Library

Permafrost dynamics, northern taiga ecology, reindeer pastoralism, and the knowledge of Evenki, Nenets, Sakha, and Chukchi communities across subarctic Eurasia.
Sub-Bioregional Portal II

Central Asian Steppe & Desert Library

Vast grassland steppes, Gobi desert adaptations, nomadic horse culture, Silk Road oases, and pasture governance of Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Mongolian herdsmen.
Sub-Bioregional Portal III

East Asian Temperate–Monsoon Library

Temperate broadleaf forests, monsoon river basins, Satoyama stewardship, rice-paddy agroecology, and the heritage of Ainu, Han, and Korean communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal IV

Himalayan–Tibetan Highlands Library

The Tibetan Plateau (“Third Pole”), glacier hydrology, yak pastoralism, sacred mountain geography, and the science of Tibetan, Sherpa, and Ladakhi societies.
Sub-Bioregional Portal V

South Asian Monsoon Plains & Rivers Library

The Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra floodplains, monsoon agriculture, Sundarbans mangrove ecology, and the water-harvesting systems of South Asia.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VI

Southeast Asian Tropical Archipelago Library

Wallacea and Sundaland hotspots, equatorial canopy science, maritime voyaging, and the forest stewardship of Orang Asli, Dayak, Hmong, and Ifugao communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VII

Southwest Asian Arid–Oasis–River Library

The Tigris-Euphrates Fertile Crescent, ancient qanat canal engineering, date-palm oasis polyculture, and Near Eastern riverine agricultural heritage.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VIII

Arabian Peninsula Desert–Oasis Library

Rub’ al Khali hyper-arid ecology, Red Sea and Persian Gulf coral reefs, Bedouin nomadic navigation, and traditional frankincense dryland forestry.

European Bioregion Library

Official European Sub-Bioregion Hero Portals
Sub-Bioregional Portal I

Arctic–Nordic Europe Bioregion Library

Fennoscandian tundra ecosystems, boreal taiga dynamics, Arctic maritime navigation, and the reindeer herding knowledge of the Sámi across Sápmi.
Sub-Bioregional Portal II

Atlantic–Celtic Coast Bioregion Library

Coastal temperate rainforests, estuarine tidal hydrology, island agroforestry, fishing commons, and the oral traditions of Celtic and Atlantic communities.
Sub-Bioregional Portal III

Western European Interior Bioregion Library

Broadleaf deciduous woodland conservation, Rhine, Seine, and Loire river management, hedgerow ecology, and historical landscape architecture.
Sub-Bioregional Portal IV

Mediterranean Europe Bioregion Library

Evergreen sclerophyllous scrublands (maquis and garrigue), terraced olive and vine polyculture, and the wisdom of Basque, Iberian, Italic, and Hellenic cultures.
Sub-Bioregional Portal V

Alpine–Carpathian Mountain Spine Library

High-altitude alpine grasslands, glacial headwater hydrology, transhumance pastoralism, and the knowledge of Alpine and Carpathian mountain societies.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VI

Central European Green Heart Library

Mixed beech and oak forest ecosystems, Danube basin hydrology, traditional silviculture, and community-based watershed management.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VII

Northern Lowland–Baltic Bioregion Library

Coastal dune systems, post-glacial lacustrine wetlands, amber-bearing littoral zones, and the ancestral heritage of Baltic and Finno-Ugric peoples.
Sub-Bioregional Portal VIII

Eastern Forest–Steppe Bioregion Library

Chernozem black-soil science, forest-steppe biomes, Dnieper and Volga corridor protection, and Slavic oral epic and agricultural calendars.
Sub-Bioregional Portal IX

Balkan Mountain–Valley Bioregion Library

Dinaric Alps karst landscapes, subterranean hydrology, endemic Balkan flora, transhumance routes, and Southeastern European ethnobotanical traditions.
Sub-Bioregional Portal X

Black Sea–Caucasus Gateway Library

Caucasus biodiversity hotspots, Colchic temperate rainforests, ancient agrobiodiversity, and the linguistic and ecological heritage of Caucasian peoples.
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Mayan Library  ·  Nawal

The Meaning of the Maya Nawal Day-Signs: Unlocking Ancient Symbolism

A guide to the 20 sacred day-signs of the Maya Nawal (Nahual) — their gods, attributes, and their intricate link to the 260-day Tzolk’in calendar.

Unraveling the Ancient Wisdom of the Maya Nawal

The Maya Nawal, also known as the Nahual, is a complex and fascinating aspect of Maya culture that has garnered significant attention in recent years. This intricate system of day-signs, corresponding to 20 distinct gods and goddesses, holds the key to understanding the Maya’s sophisticated cosmology and their spiritual practices. In this article, we will delve into the world of the Maya Nawal, exploring its history, symbolism, and significance in Maya culture.

The Maya Nawal is deeply rooted in the Maya’s understanding of the universe and their place within it. Each day-sign is associated with a specific god or goddess, who is believed to possess particular powers and attributes. By studying the Nawal, Maya scholars and practitioners can gain insight into the Maya’s spiritual practices, their connection to the natural world, and the intricate web of relationships between humans, gods, and the environment.

History of the Maya Nawal

The origins of the Maya Nawal are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to date back to the Classic Period (200–900 CE) of Maya civilization. During this time, the Maya developed a sophisticated system of astronomy, which included the observation of celestial bodies and the tracking of solar and lunar cycles. The Nawal is thought to have evolved from this astronomical knowledge, incorporating elements of mythology, spirituality, and cultural practices.

Correspondences between the Nawal and the Tzolk’in Calendar

The Nawal is intricately linked to the Tzolk’in Calendar, a 260-day cycle that is considered one of the most important calendars in Maya culture. Each day of the Tzolk’in corresponds to a specific Nawal, creating a complex web of correspondences between the two systems. This relationship highlights the Maya’s sophisticated understanding of time, space, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Day-Sign Significance

Each day-sign in the Nawal is associated with a particular god or goddess, who is believed to possess unique powers and attributes. For example, the day-sign of Itzamna (the Green Corn God) is associated with fertility, abundance, and the cycles of nature. In contrast, the day-sign of Kukulkan (the Feathered Serpent God) is linked to wisdom, knowledge, and the mysteries of the universe.

Examples of Day-Sign Correspondences

Day-Sign Associated God / Goddess Attributes
Itzamna The Green Corn God Fertility, abundance, cycles of nature
Kukulkan The Feathered Serpent God Wisdom, knowledge, mysteries of the universe
Chaac The Rain God Weather, agriculture, cycles of life and death

The 20 Nawal Day-Signs — Quick Reference

Below is the canonical sequence of the 20 day-signs used in contemporary daykeeping. Select any sign to open its full study in the Mayan Library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the Maya Nawal?

The Maya Nawal serves as a tool for understanding the Maya’s spiritual practices and their connection to the natural world. By studying the Nawal, Maya scholars and practitioners can gain insight into the Maya’s cosmology, their relationship with the gods, and the intricate web of relationships between humans, gods, and the environment.

Q: How does the Maya Nawal relate to the Tzolk’in Calendar?

The Nawal is intricately linked to the Tzolk’in Calendar, with each day of the Tzolk’in corresponding to a specific Nawal. This relationship highlights the Maya’s sophisticated understanding of time, space, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Q: What is the significance of the Maya Nawal in modern times?

The Maya Nawal continues to hold significance in modern times, serving as a tool for cultural revitalization and spiritual practice. By studying the Nawal, Maya scholars and practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage and its relevance to contemporary society.

Explore More

For more information on the Maya Nawal and its significance in Maya culture, explore the free, open archive at Mayan Library (mayanlibrary.org). Our collection includes a wealth of information on Maya cosmology, spiritual practices, and cultural heritage, all presented in a clear and accessible manner.

References & Further Reading

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Maya Signs Maya Numbers Maya Calendar Nawal Day-Signs Free Reading Report Blog
The 20 Day-Signs
01 · Imix — Crocodile 02 · Ikʼ — Wind 03 · Akʼbʼal — Night 04 · Kʼan — Maize 05 · Chikchan — Serpent 06 · Kimi — Death 07 · Manikʼ — Deer 08 · Lamat — Star 09 · Muluk — Water 10 · Ok — Dog 11 · Chuwen — Monkey 12 · Ebʼ — Road 13 · Bʼen — Reed 14 · Ix — Jaguar 15 · Men — Eagle 16 · Kibʼ — Waxing 17 · Kabʼan — Earth 18 · Etzʼnabʼ — Flint 19 · Kawak — Storm 20 · Ajaw — Sun
The Numbers (0–20)
0 · Mi 1 · Hun 2 · Ka’a 3 · Oox 4 · Kan 5 · Ho’ 6 · Wak 7 · Wuk 8 · Waxak 9 · Bolon 10 · Lajun 11 · Buluk 12 · Lajka’a 13 · Oxlajun 14 · Kanlajun 15 · Ho’lajun 16 · Waklajun 17 · Wuklajun 18 · Waxaklajun 19 · Bolonlajun 20 · Jun Kal
Calendar & Guides
Tzolk’in — 260-day Sacred Round Haab’ — 365-day Solar Year Long Count — Cosmic Time How to Calculate Your Nahual The Mayan Numbers Library All Numbers — Meanings Report Meaning of the Nawal Day-Signs Get Your Free Reading
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