Happy 5 Etznab

12.19.12.6.18 5 Etznab 16 Zotz

Etznab the flint knife, the sacrifice, the day of reckonening, and what the Dreamspell people call the Hall of Mirrors.

Sacrifice is something most people don't like to talk about or think about. This is due to the unfortunate circumstances of the ancient Mesoamericans having sacrified PEOPLE--when you're talking about Mayan and Aztec stuff, and sacrifice comes up, everyone gets uneasy. But sacrifice doesn't have to be like that. What if you just took 1/4 of the food on your plate, and gave it to an animal to eat, to honor that animal? Is that a sacrifice? Of course (as long as you don't go and refill your plate at the buffet). I think I have written enough about itza in this blog to know that giving of yourself doesn't have to mean pain or disfigurement or death.

Giving something up opens a space in your life. Yesterday with Caban, we burned incense to feed the gods, and for them to feel kindly disposed toward our prayer. Today we back that up by sacrificing, which opens up the room for whatever it is we prayed for. Want a new wardrobe? Throw out your old clothes. Tired of being alone and you want a full-time lover? Empty 1/2 of your closet and bureau and vanity so there's room for his stuff.