MAYAN PRAYER TO THE SEVEN DIRECTIONS

The Maya perform this prayer upon waking and before they “step into” their day.  They also perform this prayer before important rituals.  THIS PRAYER IS VERY POWERFUL if used daily.  I have been using this prayer for a number of years … but it was only after my stay with the Mayans that I fully understood it.  

The Maya acknowledge seven directions:  east, north, west, south, up, down and centre (in that order).  Each direction has a colour and/or element attached.  Each direction has a blessing to bestow.  By performing this prayer, you are firstly and very importantly ASKING PERMISSION to access the gifts that will freely come to you.  The asking of permission is a very important sign of respect in Mayan tradition.  The Maya (and no doubt other indigenous populations as well) seek permission of the earth before they plough the ground; the corn before they harvest it; the water before they swim or bathe.

The standard text is the prayer proper ... the italics is what the Maya will add themselves about each direction. When reciting this prayer, try to project gratitude. It is in the connection to this prayer that its power lies. 

You can set up a ritual space and do this prayer … or you can just stand outdoors and recite the main text as you turn to face each direction.

So, without further ado, here it is … 

PRAYER OF THE SEVEN DIRECTIONS

(Face the direction when saying)

From the East, House of Light

May wisdom Dawn in us

So we may see all things in clarity

The east is red, fire, a candle ... the rising sun and gratitude for the chance to start each day anew.

From the North, House of the Night

May Wisdom Ripen in Us

So we may know all from within

The north is white, water, place a bowl of water in this direction. It is recognised as the direction of the rains and there is gratitude for the replenishment of water and for the aspects of nurturing, care and protection. The north also represents the Pole Star which is acknowledged as the sacred centre of stillness or tai chi

From the West, House of Transformation

May Wisdom be transformed into right action

So we may do what must be done

The west is black, air, incense. It is from this direction that the wind blows at sunset. Gratitude is given for the winds that bring insights when we sleep and for the birds who come to us in our dreams.

From the South, House of the Eternal Sun

May right action reap the harvest

So we may enjoy the fruits of Planetary being

The south is yellow, earth, put rocks and flowers on your altar. The south brings abundance, fertility, the corn, it is mother earth, Gaia, it is the most important direction for the Maya.

From Above, House of Heaven

Where star people and Ancestors gather

May their blessings come to us Now

From Below, House of Earth

May the heartbeat of her crystal core

Bless us with harmonies to end all war

Both of these directions involve connection to all things. The colour of above is blue and below is green.  You might imagine a shaft of white light shining down from the heavens to your heart centre.  And from the earth, also imagine an energy rising up through your feet to your heart.  Feel the energies merge within your heart, feel connected to above and below, feel the gratitude.

From the Centre, Galactic Source

Which is everywhere at once

May everything be known

As the light of mutual love

The colour of the centre is turquoise – a most prized stone – and of course the blend of blue and green.

Oh Yum Hunab Ku Evam Maya E Ma Ho

All Hail the Harmony of Mind and Nature