kib’ – the light in the darkness and the patient messenger

Laura LaBrie
Sep 9
3 min read

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

Key Words: Patience • Awareness of Good and Evil • Timing • Messenger

Kib’ is the night birds — the watchers in the darkness who bring messages from the otherworld. It is a day of patience, of preventing mistakes before they happen, and of reconciling with others. Kib’ teaches awareness of the balance between good and evil, and the effects of karma.

It is a day to light the darkness, to hold the candle that guides the way for yourself and for others. Kib’ calls us to listen for messages from beyond, to act with integrity, and to use our light wisely.

Kib’ days are ideal for:

Forgiving and being forgiven.
Solving family problems.
Being a good example for others.
Asking for strength.
Curing illness.
Receiving messages from beyond.

drawing the kib’ glyph

The Kib’ glyph represents the light in the darkness — a flame that guides the traveler and reveals the unseen.

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 a candle flame in the darkness — steady, unwavering, and able to light the way.

using the glyph’s energy

in your home

Place it in family gathering spaces to promote peace and harmony.
Keep it near your altar when seeking guidance from ancestors or spirits.
Hang it in areas where you need patience and clarity.

on your body

Mark it on your forehead to heighten awareness and perception.
Wear it during healing rituals to strengthen recovery.
Draw it on your hands when offering guidance or reconciliation.

other ways

Carve it into candles for forgiveness, healing, or spiritual messages.
Draw it on letters or notes of reconciliation before sending them.
Write a question for the otherworld, then draw the glyph over it and place it under a lit candle until you receive an answer.

awakening the glyph

To call forth Kib’s energy:

Sit with the glyph before you.
Inhale deeply, feeling the stillness and patience of night.
Exhale with the words Ahaw Kib’ — “Lord Kib’” — addressing the day god with respect and inviting his light and guidance.
- 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 Kib’ — shine your light in my darkness, guide my steps, and help me walk with patience.”