Mayan astrology, also known as the Mayan zodiac or Mayan calendar zodiac, is a spiritual system based on the 260-day Tzolkin calendar. Each day carries a unique combination of 20 day signs and 13 tones, which together define a person’s energy, personality, and life path.
How Mayan Astrology Works
Shamanic spirituality is at the core of the Mayan culture, and one of their precious heritages is their calendrical system. There is more than one Mayan calendar, and the most famous one is the Long Count calendar, which according to the archeologists, and not the Mayans themselves, would end on December 21, 2012. This end date was unfortunately interpreted as doomsday by the masses, which later was seen as an inaccurate prophecy of the Maya. Nevertheless, Mayans, including their spiritual leaders and daykeepers never mentioned of such a catastrophic end. Long count is simply a cycle of 13 Baktuns, which equals roughly to 5125 years, and the end of it suggests yet another beginning. We want to keep only this introduction about the Long Count since the depth, and the width of it exceeds this website.
Tzolkin is a divination system of the Mayan Civilization of the Meso-America used in Mayan astrology. Contrary to the Long Count calendar, it is a 260 days cycle, which never ends. If the Long Count (or the Tun system in a broader sense), is about global changes and predictions, Tzolkin is a guidance system for the individuals, which offers a simple yet profound spiritual guidance. What we call here Mayan Astrology is the sign system of the Maya, not based on planets or the constellations, but based on Tzolkin, which indeed follows the internal spiritual time.
Mayan Astrology vs Classical Astrology
- It is a much more straightforward system. In a sense, you can be your own astrologer.
- As simple it is, so deep it goes. It tells us that “every human being is a universe.” It is not planetary, but universal.
- It helps you to focus primarily on your spiritual evolution.
What Is the role of Tzolkin Calendar in Mayan Astrology?
Tzolkin in the Yucatec language or the or Cholq’ij in the Kiche language is based upon a 260 days cycle, in which every one of these days has a unique energy combination. The days are tracked, recorded and honored by certain ceremonies by the Mayan Daykeepers, from generation to generation, without a gap for about 2500 years.
“Tzolkin is mathematically perfect; it has never been changed, and there never will be a change on it. Its certainty is a result of centuries’ long observations and works of significant Mayan astronomers, astrologers, mathematicians and wise people. It is a complete tool that helps us to understand the purpose in our miracle of life.”
Don Pascual, Mayan Elder
The Mayans created the Tzolkin calendar, not solely on astronomical observations; they based the Tzolkin on shamanic trance states, and so they were able to reveal a calendar which explains the flow of the spiritual energies. Consequently, it is different from all the other material calendars and astrological systems that we have. Many spiritual teachings of our planet suggest that the spirit comes before the matter. Bible says “first there was light,” in Islam Allah blew the spirit into our bodies. In the Mayan mythologies, we often hear that life is given to the matter by the spirit. If to agree with all this, one might wonder how we could accurately understand the spiritual evolution while using material calendars? How much of our spiritual nature can be perceived with following systems based on the rotation of the material bodies (the Sun, the Moon and the planets)? Certainly, one might argue that all the stars and planets also have the spirit of their own. Nevertheless, in Tzolkin the time units are based entirely on metaphysical cycles, which is the secret to its simplicity, yet high accuracy. The guidance that the Mayan calendar offers us is primarily about our spiritual evolution. You can explore your personal interpretation of these cycles by finding your Mayan astrology sign.
What Are the 20 Day Signs of the Mayan Zodiac?
Each 20-day cycle of the Tzolkin is called “uinal.” A different god/deity (Day Sign) rules Every day of the uinal. These Day Signs are called “Nawales” by the Mayans. Each of these Day Signs brings about a different resonance that governs the spiritual universe. No 20 days cycle could be observed from Earth, as an astronomical cycle. Therefore Uinal has no physical basis.
“For thousands of years, Mayas have been ruled by one of the most balanced social organizations known to mankind; a theocracy. During this time, the orders and government were based on the sacred Tzolkin calendar: Each individual of the society assumed their roles according to the energy and sign of their birthdays. Therefore chaos was avoided, and the Mayas were able to grow up according to their own predominant skills and characteristics because everyone was doing what he or she were supposed to be doing.” (Carlos Barrios, The Book of Destiny).
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Figure 1. Uinal cycle with its 20 Day Signs.
Mayan Astrology Signs and Their Meanings
Mayan astrology includes 20 day signs, each representing a unique energy and meaning.
1. Crocodile
2. Wind
3. Night
4. Seed
5. Serpent
6. Death
7. Deer
8. Rabbit
9. Water
10. Dog
11. Monkey
12. Road
13. Cane
14. Jaguar
15. Eagle
16. Owl
17. Earth
18. Knife
19. Storm
20. Light
According to the Yucatan Maya system, Imix (Crocodile) is the first sign, and Ahau (Light) is the 20th one. Although the order of signs does not change, for Kiche Mayas the first day of the cycle is B’atz (Monkey) and the last day is Tz’i (Dog). You can calculate your Mayan astrology sign instantly using our Mayan astrology calculator.
What Are the 13 Tones in Mayan Astrology?
The 13 days cycle in the Tzolkin is called Trecena. Each day of the Trecena has a unique vibration, just like in the Uinal. Similarly to the musical tones, energies of the 13 days are called “Tones.” Since a 13 days cycle is also not observed astronomically, they are called Galactic Tones or according to some other experts, Cosmic Tones. Each one of these tones has a different vibration and therefore have a unique influence on us. Mayas perceive the number 13 as divine, contrary to common superstitions around it. However, think about it, Jesus had 12 apostles, and with himself, the total number was 13. Of course, this superstition that there should not be 13 people on a dinner table, comes from the perception of the Last Supper as being inauspicious. However, if you move beyond the common collective thinking, the symbology here is based on the number 13. There were 13 people who were trying to manifest the divine plan and change the fate of humanity, influenced by divine inspiration.
Since we were born in one of the days which was influenced by one the 13 tones, we can understand our relationship with the divine plan by understanding our tone. The tone of our birth is almost like a mirror that shows us where we stand in the big picture. It helps us to understand our role in the divine plan. We choose to be born in one of the 20 Day Signs with our higher selves, and we can call this “individual life goal.” However, we do not choose the tone we are born into; this is rather a mission that is given to us from the Universe, or the Divine if you will.
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Figure 2. The Trecana cycle of 13 Tones (numbers)
These two cycles have a relationship that resembles two cogwheels (Figure 3). Every day has a sign and a tone, like 8 Oc, 11 Muluc, 2 Ik and so on. In total, there are 20 x 13 = 260 different combinations.
Figure-3
Figure 3. Trecana and Uinal wheels
We were born in one of these 260 different combinations (Figure 4). Such diversity suggests that our date of birth points to a unique and special influence on our character and life path.
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Figure 4. The 260 days of the Tzolkin
How to Find Your Mayan Zodiac Sign
Your Mayan zodiac sign is determined by your date of birth based on the 260-day Tzolkin calendar. In Mayan astrology, each day is associated with a unique combination of a day sign and a tone, which together shape your personality and life path. This system, sometimes referred to as the Mayan calendar zodiac, offers a deeper spiritual perspective compared to a typical horoscope, focusing on personal purpose rather than prediction.
Based on their observations, transferred from generations to generations, Mayan daykeepers concluded that your birth date determines your Mayan zodiac sign, which brings the best-supporting energy for your life purpose. Which means that every one of us is born on the day that was ruled by the Day Sign, which would support us in the best way on our purpose in this life. Every one of has a Higher Self that chooses the date of birth to come into this life before incarnation. Following up on this wisdom, understanding the influences of the energies of the day that one is born, will help to recognize what kind of a life purpose one has. To be able to attune with your individual life purpose, it is best to align yourself with your Day Sign, the primary energy that was ruling when you were born.
You can calculate your Mayan zodiac sign instantly using our Mayan astrology calculator.
The Mayan Tree of Life: The Holographic Universe and the Self
In the Mayan Cosmology, the symbol known as Hunab-Ku has particular importance and it leads us to a deep understanding in our practice of using the Mayan sign system as a guide. This symbol reaches out to eight directions, with four main directions and another four in between them. Resembling the Yin and the Yang symbol of Taoism, the Hunab-Ku is also about the polarity of male-female or light-dark energies. Nevertheless, we mostly focus on its four directions for a practical understanding. There are similar Tree of Life symbolisms in other ancient cultures that point to four directions. To name a few examples; the Cross sign that was in use way before Christianity, and the Swastika that was already known in India, thousands of years before Hitler started using it.
Hunab-Ku means “The One God.” Also called the Universal Tree of Life, Hunab-Ku is thought to be at the center of the universe, and it is the source of consciousness and everything else. The recent scientific evidence shows that the universe may indeed have an axis. Some other scientific research talks about the “Holographic” structure of the universe, which suggests that the small and large units of the universe are one and the same. Fractal Geometry, developed by Benoit Mandelbrot is one such a field. The fractal or holographic structure of the universe also coincides with the Hermetic principle “As above so below, as below so above.” These principles make a foundation for the Mayan cosmology.
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Figure 5. Hunab-Ku
In other words, Hunab-Ku, the Tree of Life, shows itself also in our minuscule galaxy compared to this vast universe. We can also call this the Galactic Tree of Life. Our galaxy looks like a disc and expands in four directions.
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Figure 6. Galactic Tree of Life
In the same way, there is a Hunab-Ku, a Tree of Life, on our planet that is comparatively “tiny” in our large galaxy. The World Tree expanding to four directions is depicted in various Mayan glyphs.
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Figure 7. The World Tree
In accordance to the principle “as above so below,” we can argue that every person has a Tree of Life as well. This Tree of Life consists of the signs of the Tzolkin, and in addition to the four directions, there is also a Core Sign located at the center. To explore your full Tree of Life in depth, you can access a complete interpretation with our detailed Mayan astrology report.
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Figure 8. An example of the individual Tree of Life
The Four Directions, Compatibility and Relationships in Mayan Astrology
You can read here more about the Four Directions, compatibilities and relationships based on Mayan Signs.
Watch my full explanation of the Mayan astrology system in this video below.
Mayan Astrology FAQ
What is Mayan astrology based on?
Mayan astrology is based on the 260-day Tzolkin calendar, which forms the foundation of the Mayan calendar zodiac system. Each day combines one of 20 day signs with one of 13 tones, creating unique energy patterns that guide personality and life path.
What is the Mayan zodiac?
The Mayan zodiac is another name for the system of day signs used in Mayan astrology. It includes 20 different signs, each representing a specific type of energy and spiritual influence within the Mayan calendar zodiac.
How many Mayan astrology signs are there?
There are 20 day signs in Mayan astrology. Each sign carries a distinct meaning and is part of the larger Mayan zodiac system based on the Tzolkin calendar.
How do I find my Mayan zodiac sign online?
You can find your Mayan zodiac sign using your date of birth through the Tzolkin calendar. Each birth date corresponds to a specific combination of a day sign and a tone in Mayan astrology.
What are the 13 tones in Mayan astrology?
The 13 tones are part of a cycle known as the Trecena in Mayan astrology. Each tone represents a different stage of energy and spiritual development, influencing how a person expresses their life purpose.
Is Mayan astrology the same as a horoscope?
No, Mayan astrology is different from a typical horoscope. While horoscopes often focus on daily or weekly predictions, Mayan astrology provides deeper insight into personality, life path, and spiritual purpose based on the Mayan calendar zodiac.
Is the Mayan calendar zodiac accurate?
The Mayan calendar zodiac is considered meaningful by those who follow Mayan astrology because it is based on a consistent 260-day cycle that has been used for spiritual guidance for centuries. Its accuracy is understood in terms of personal insight rather than prediction.
What is the difference between Mayan astrology and Western astrology?
Mayan astrology is based on the Tzolkin calendar and focuses on spiritual energy cycles, while Western astrology is based on planetary movements and constellations. The Mayan zodiac emphasizes life purpose and inner alignment rather than external influences.