The Mayan Nahual (also spelled Nawal) is a fundamental concept within the Maya cosmovision, representing spiritual energies, day signs, and personal archetypes that guide individual destiny and community life. The Nahual system is deeply intertwined with the Cholq’ij, or Sacred Calendar of 260 days, which remains in use by many contemporary Maya communities, especially in Guatemala and Southern Mexico.
Each of the 20 Nahuales corresponds to a specific day in the 260-day cycle, carrying unique attributes, governing elements, and symbolic meanings. The Nahual defines energy patterns for individuals born on that day, influences daily ceremonies, and guides the community in agricultural, social, and spiritual life.
The Mayan Nahual tradition recognizes each being as intrinsically connected to nature, animals, the cosmos, and ancestral energies. This spiritual science is a living wisdom tradition that continues to inform healing practices, personal development, and communal harmony across the Mayan Region.
The 20 Mayan Nahuales: Names, Symbols, and Meanings
| Number | Nahual Name | Symbol / Iconography | Meaning and Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Imix (Crocodile) | 🐊 | Beginning, water, maternal energy, creation, nourishment, primal force. |
| 2 | Ik’ (Wind) | 💨 | Breath, communication, spirit, change, air element, purification. |
| 3 | Ak’bal (Night) | 🌌 | Darkness, dreams, intuition, mysteries, dawn, connection with the ancestors. |
| 4 | K’an (Seed) | 🌱 | Abundance, germination, potential, fertility, material prosperity, growth. |
| 5 | Chikchan (Serpent) | 🐍 | Life force, health, transformation, sexuality, inner fire. |
| 6 | Kimi (Death) | ☠️ | Transition, spiritual rebirth, respect for cycles, ancestors’ wisdom. |
| 7 | Manik’ (Deer) | 🦌 | Harmony, healing, four directions, nature connection, stability. |
| 8 | Lamat (Star) | ⭐ | Venus, beauty, abundance, creativity, feminine energy, arts. |
| 9 | Muluk (Offering/Water) | 💧 | Water, cleansing, renewal, generosity, sacred offerings. |
| 10 | Ok (Dog) | 🐕 | Loyalty, guidance, companionship, spiritual path, justice, heart energy. |
| 11 | Chuwen (Monkey) | 🐒 | Playfulness, art, intelligence, creation, humor, creative expression. |
| 12 | Eb’ (Road/Tooth) | 🛤️ | Pathways, destiny, journey of life, health, road opening, personal evolution. |
| 13 | B’en (Reed) | 🎋 | Growth, leadership, authority, knowledge transmission, balance. |
| 14 | Ix (Jaguar) | 🐆 | Earth magic, feminine power, protection, strength, sacred territory. |
| 15 | Men (Eagle) | 🦅 | Vision, high perspective, freedom, spirituality, success, sacred vision. |
| 16 | K’ib’ (Wisdom/Vulture) | 🦤 | Renewal, wisdom, purification, ancestral knowledge, ethical living. |
| 17 | Kab’an (Earth) | 🌍 | Earthquake, consciousness, movement, harmony with Earth, responsibility. |
| 18 | Etz’nab’ (Flint/Obsidian) | 🗡️ | Clarity, cutting through illusion, truth, justice, spiritual strength. |
| 19 | Kawak (Storm/Rain) | ⛈️ | Purification, storm energy, fertility, sudden transformation, resilience. |
| 20 | Ajaw (Sun/Lord) | 🌞 | Solar energy, enlightenment, leadership, divine connection, celebration of life. |
📌 Cultural and Spiritual Context
- Each person is born under one of the 20 Nahuales, which influences their character, purpose, and spiritual gifts.
- In traditional ceremonies, the Ajq’ijab’ (Day Keepers) interpret Nahuales to guide life decisions and perform healing rituals.
- The Nahual system also governs agricultural cycles, community roles, and cosmic alignment throughout the year.
- The Cholq’ij Calendar (20 Nahuales × 13 energies = 260 days) is considered a sacred count, aligning humans with universal energies.
📚 Bibliography & References
- Tedlock, Barbara (1982). Time and the Highland Maya. University of New Mexico Press.
- Tedlock, Dennis (1996). Popol Vuh: The Sacred Book of the Maya. Simon & Schuster.
- Girard, Rafael (1948). Los Chortís: Su Cultura Tradicional. Tipografía Nacional.
- Christenson, Allen J. (2003). Popol Vuh: Sacred Book of the Quiché Maya People. Mesoweb Publications.
- Barrera Vásquez, Alfredo (1980). Diccionario Maya Cordemex. Editorial Porrua.
- Oxlajuj Ajpop (2000). Ajq’ij: El Contador del Tiempo. Editorial Serviprensa, Guatemala.
- Hooft, An van’t (2007). Cholq’ij: Calendario Sagrado Maya. Mundo Maya.
- Bastos, Santiago (2019). La Cosmovisión Maya Hoy: Diálogos, Retos y Sabiduría. Editorial Maya Kaqchikel.