manik’ – the lord of the forest and keeper of balance

Laura LaBrie
Sep 9
3 min read

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

Key Words: Balance • Nature • Lord of the Forest • Business

Manik’ is the deer — the noble, graceful lord of the forest. It is the force that carries the destinies of humankind and one of the four supports of the sky and earth. Manik’ represents the four corners of the world, the stability of the sacred directions, and the balance that allows life to flourish.

It is the master of the hunt — not just the taking of life for sustenance, but the respectful stewardship of nature. Manik’ holds the harmony between giving and taking, between human need and the wild’s generosity. It also governs success in human endeavors such as business, trade, and the work that sustains communities.

Manik’ days are ideal for:

Spending time in nature.
Avoiding gossip and remaining centered.
Asking for a good harvest.
Becoming a student of spirituality.
Seeking balance in life and work.
Advertising, job hunting, or working with clients.

drawing the manik’ glyph

The Manik’ glyph reflects the deer’s antlers — branching into the four directions — and its role as a support for the world.

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, feel the steadiness of the deer, poised between stillness and motion, supporting the balance of earth and sky.

using the glyph’s energy

in your home

Place it near your front door to bring stability and prosperity into your home.
Keep it in business or workspace areas to encourage harmony and success with clients.
Hang it in a garden or natural space to bless your connection with nature.

on your body

Mark it on your feet or ankles to walk in balance.
Wear it on a pendant during business dealings or negotiations.
Draw it on your hands when working in nature or with animals.

other ways

Carve it into candles for balance or business success rituals.
Draw it on the ground at the edge of a forest or field to honor the land spirits.
Write your business goals or spiritual commitments on paper, then draw the glyph over them to strengthen your path forward.

awakening the glyph

To call forth Manik’s energy:

Sit with the glyph before you.
Inhale deeply, imagining the four corners of the earth holding you in balance.
Exhale with the words Ahaw Manik’ — “Lord Manik’” — addressing the day god with respect and inviting the lord of the forest to walk beside you.
- 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 Manik’ — bring balance to my steps and strength to my work.”

This unites the image of the glyph, the breath scrolls of life-force, and the sacred name of the day lord, activating Manik’s guidance.

reflection

Manik’ asks: “Where can you walk in greater balance today?”

Journal on the areas of your life — personal, spiritual, and professional — that need stability and what supports you can put in place to hold them steady.

Remember, drawing the glyph brings it to life.

Hugs and Butterflies,

laura