kab’an – the movement of earth and the mind of wisdom

Laura LaBrie
7 days ago
3 min read

Series: Glyphs of the Maya – Drawing the Day Signs into Your Life

Key Words: Logic • Science • Astrology and Astronomy • Earthquakes • Sacred Geometry

Kab’an is a day of formidable power, linked to the movements of the earth — including earthquakes — and the deep rhythms that shape our world. It is a force that can shake things up, both literally and in the structures of thought and understanding.

Kab’an is the day of wisdom, ideas, logic, and science. It is connected to astrology, astronomy, and sacred geometry — the patterns that link the heavens and the earth. Kab’an invites us to think creatively while grounding our ideas in reason and evidence.

Kab’an days are ideal for:

Thinking creatively and generating new ideas.
Using logic rather than intuition.
Cultivating scientific knowledge.
Strengthening your connection to the earth.
Giving or receiving advice.
Joining ideas with others for greater impact.

drawing the kab’an glyph

The Kab’an glyph symbolizes movement, knowledge, and the deep connection between earth and sky.

How to draw it:

Draw the inner square and the core or heart of the glyph.
Draw the outer square around it.
Draw the breath scrolls flowing outward — these are the life-force of the glyph. In Maya tradition, the breath scrolls show that the glyph is alive and breathing. Without them, it is only a static image; with them, it becomes a living, breathing presence that can work with you.

A note about these glyph images:The drawings you see here are from my personal grimoire. They are on lined paper because they were created during my own magical practice — each line a record of connection. These glyphs are not copied from printed sources; they were drawn by hand, holding the intention and energy of the day sign itself. Some are simplified slightly so you can draw them more easily, even if you’ve never worked with Maya glyphs before. The simplification does not take away their power — the act of drawing them with intention is what awakens their energy.

As you draw, imagine the earth shifting under your feet, not to destroy, but to realign — making way for new understanding.

using the glyph’s energy

in your home

Place it in your study or workspace to inspire clear, logical thinking.
Keep it in shared creative spaces to encourage idea exchange.
Hang it near earth-based tools or instruments to strengthen your connection to the land.

on your body

Mark it on your forehead to focus the mind on logic and wisdom.
Wear it when presenting ideas, teaching, or offering guidance.
Draw it on your hands before scientific or creative work.

other ways

Carve it into candles when working on intellectual or collaborative projects.
Draw it in the soil when you need grounding or inspiration from the earth.
Write a plan or theory, then draw the glyph over it to stabilize and energize the idea.

awakening the glyph

To call forth Kab’an’s energy:

Sit with the glyph before you.
Inhale deeply, feeling the strength and stability of the earth beneath you.
Exhale with the words Ahaw Kab’an — “Lord Kab’an” — addressing the day god with respect and inviting wisdom and grounded movement.
- In Yucatec Maya, Ahaw means “Lord” and is the proper form of address when speaking directly to the Day Gods.
Repeat three times.
Whisper: “Ahaw Kab’an — move me toward wisdom, ground my thoughts, and awaken my understanding.”

This unites the image of the glyph, the breath scrolls of life-force, and the sacred name of the day lord, activating Kab’an’s power of insight and stability.