Discover Your Personality Through Your Maya Zodiac Sign

Maya calendar
Maya calendar | © Annette Lozinski / Alamy Stock Photo
Jack Guy

The ancient Maya were famous for their knowledge of astrology, arranging vast cities according to the stars and placing great importance on celestial influence over terrestrial life.

Get to know the Maya calendar

According to Maya belief, the influence of the stars extends to human beings – your characteristics are to some extent defined by the time that you were born. Interestingly the ancient communities used a very different calendar to our Gregorian one, and in some communities in Guatemala the old calendar is still in use.

Instead of 12 months of 28-31 days, the Maya calendar has 18 months of 20 days each, called the Haab, followed by a 5 day period called the Uayeb. This means that the calendar still has 365 days, but it is arranged differently. For example the Ch’en sign covers those born from January 2-21, while those born from February 11-March 2 are Sak’.

Guide explaining the Mayan calendar to tourists in Palenque, Chiapas

Each of the signs has different character traits, much like our more familiar zodiac. However the Maya look a lot deeper into each day to work out much more specific traits. For example, the Maya equivalent to zodiac signs are the ones we mentioned above, grouped into 20 days. Next up is the “Trecena”, which are like the moon signs used in western astrology, and the “Lords of the Night” which cover the hidden parts of your personality.

The Maya also take into account the year that you were born, much like the Chinese do. Those born in a certain year are also said to share certain characteristics.

Find out more about your sign

And lastly, Maya astrologers look at the position of Venus at the time of your birth to determine your social values and your role in society. By combining all of these elements, Maya astrologers make predictions about your life and what you are most suited to doing in terms of a job or hobbies.

If that sounds complicated, it is. Those who are interested in learning more can find out their sign and characteristics online. This calculator is highly recommended by those in the know.

Alternatively, book a trip to Guatemala or Mexico and visit an astrologer in person.

Souvenir store in Cancun selling Mayan calendars and local handicrafts

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article