I don’t know about you, but I just love keeping track of my daily horoscope.
That said, I’ve never been totally sure how much I believe in the accuracy of it. I’m a Scorpio, but I’ve never really identified with most qualities, though I have to admit these 2016 horoscopes are eerily accurate. Still, I like to keep an eye out for new and different interpretations of the classic monthly personality test.
The zodiac that most of us are familiar with began life in ancient Greece and Rome, and is based on the position of the stars. This version of the zodiac traces its history back to around 1000 BCE, but it’s far from the only interpretation.
Take, for example, the infamous Mayan calendar. This calendar traces its roots back to 500 BCE, and is probably much, much older. The Mayan calendar was actually a combination of different calendars that counted various units of time.
Among the different counts that make up the Mayan calendar is their version of the zodiac, a grouping of 19 month-like segments, which are all associated with different personality traits.
Scroll through the gallery below to see what your Mayan zodiac sign is and what it might indicate about your personality!
Thumbnail Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Flickr
Pop: July 26–August 14
This sign is closely associated with the fierce and powerful jaguar.
And like the jungle cat, people born between these dates tend to be proud, strong, and fearless leaders.
It's not all ferocity though. People born during this time are also tremendously compassionate, which means that they are loyal to those around them and inspire loyalty in turn.
Wo': August 15–September 3
The Wo' sign is known for its synchronicity with the frog, a symbol of mysticism for the ancient Mayans.
The frog was considered a transcendent creature, able to understand multiple levels of consciousness at the same time, and to perceive things far beyond everyday life.
Individuals born under this sign are likely to be deeply wise, with a way of seeing past the surface, and interpreting events that seem mysterious to others.
Sip: September 4–September 23
The Sip sign has a strong affinity for graceful, nimble creatures like deer and stags.
Like these creatures, people born under this sign are agile, with a subtle sense of nobility and grace about them.
They are quiet in large social groups and can be shy or even awkward, but are born leaders with those they're close to.
Sotz': September 24–October 13
This sign is best known for sharing qualities in common with the fish.
Effervescent and fast-moving, you are always on a mission, with the ability to change your life and your surrounding effortlessly.
At first glance, people may think you're flighty, but you perceive things on a subconscious level, and are almost always making the right choice for yourself and those around you.
Sek: October 14–November 2
Those born under Sek don't have an animal totem. Instead, they're strongly associated with the sky.
You are airy and lighthearted, which means that you're a pleasure to be around, especially in social settings.
But airy doesn't mean insubstantial. You're also extremely practical and have a knack for thinking up clever solutions to complex problems.
Xul: November 3–November 22
People born under the Xul sign share lots of qualities with their totem animal, the dog.
Today, dogs are known for their displays of loyalty and love, and, indeed, Xul people are known for their affection.
For the ancient Mayans, however, the dog also served as a guide into the afterlife, so these folks are also well-known for their ability to comfort and to teach, even in times of great difficulty and change.
Yaxk'in': November 23–December 12
If you're born under this sign, you have an affinity for the sun and its path and movements, as well as an affection for people born under the Yax sign.
You are closely in tune with the natural cycle of life and probably have some natural healing skills.
You're extremely perceptive and look at problems from every angle, which can make you indecisive, but only because so many views are available to you.
Mol: December 13–January 1
The Mol sign is known for representing gathering clouds.
You have a knack for seeing the direction that things are moving in, and generally aren't surprised by new trends or patterns rising to the surface.
You are a cultivator and a gardener at heart, and feel most peaceful and powerful during heavy rain and storms, when the earth and its plants are fed and nourished.
Ch'en: January 2–January 21
People born during the Ch'en dates have a natural love for the nighttime.
On an everyday level, this means that they're night owls who get their best thinking and work done while everyone else is asleep.
In a more nuanced sense, these people can be destined to lead the people around them out of times of trial because they're the only ones clear-eyed enough to see a way out of darkness.
Yax: January 22–February 10
People born under the Yax sign are led by the moon and are essentially soul mates to people born under Yax'kin'.
You work best in tandem because your positives balance out their negatives and vice versa.
You are harmonious, with a strong knack for diplomacy and keeping peace, but you are also strongly decisive and are able to make decisions quickly.
Sac: February 11–March 2
This sign can be associated with the frog or with finches, sparrows, and other small birds.
You are changeable and adaptable, with a certain tendency to wanderlust and seek new experiences.
Happiest in early morning when you're the only one awake, you love nothing more than a clean slate and a fresh start.
Keh: March 3–March 22
Folks born under the Keh sign have a strong relationship with trees and plant life.
Trees are foundational; they provide a strong base for growing life and creating a world.
Similarly, Keh people are strong, with the ability to support and nurture their family and loved ones, and to maintain a healthy and balanced environment.
Mak: March 23–April 11
Mak people are inextricably linked to the idea of being covered or enclosed.
In other words, they are secretive, closed off to the people around them, and an unending source of mystery.
Folks born under this sign rarely show their hand or reveal their inner lives. To know the secrets of someone born under Mak is an immense sign of trust.
K'ank'in: April 12–May 1
People born under K'ank'in are in the unusual position of being ruled by the Underworld and by the Sun.
Surprisingly, this does not make them torn or conflicted individuals.
Instead, it means that they are extremely comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, and are often wise and calm in situations that make everyone else deeply uneasy.
Muwan': May 2–May 21
The sign is ruled by its animal totem, the owl.
These people are seers and visionaries who are usually close to those with leadership roles, offering advice and insight.
Muwan' people are at their most powerful during storms, both literal and figurative, and can thrive in times of conflict.
Pax: May 22–June 10
This sign is best understood through one of its totems, the drum.
People born under Pax are said to be as steady and consistent as a drumbeat, as well as straightforward and honest.
There is no ambiguity about Pax people; they say what they mean and mean what they say, and can be trusted to follow their moral compass.
K'ayab: June 11–June 30
K'ayab individuals have a close connection with the turtle.
These people are mellow and steady, with a deep understanding for the passage of time.
They have a way of looking into the past for ancient solutions to modern problems and are respected for their wisdom.
Kumk'u: July 1–July 20
People born under Kumk'u share a number of qualities with their animal totem, the crocodile.
Those born during these dates are persistent, stubborn, and utterly unchangeable, with a tendency towards long-life.
Endlessly patient, they march onward unaffected by the ripple effects of constant change and movement.
Wayeb': July 21–July 25
The Wayeb' sign is a special and complicated time to be born.
These five days are considered the most unlucky in the Mayan calendar and people born in this brief period have complex fates.
These individuals are not unlucky themselves, but they the power to affect change during unlucky, unstable times.
Often, these people are capable of unknowingly setting off small chain reactions that can have massive repercussions down the line, both good and bad.
If you were fascinated to learn more about this alternate take on the zodiac, please make sure to SHARE so friends can track down their own signs!
