Walking The White Road © 2025 by Diana C. Paez
my story & path
I am Kajib’ No’j
(4 Woodpecker)
I’m Diana Paez– artist, writer, and student of ancestral traditions. I was born in Ecuador, lived in the U.S. for most of my life, and now reside in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.
My Cholq’ij studies began in a workshop with Mark Elmy (Ajq’ij or Priest) at the end of 2020—right in the midst of “Pande-mania,” during that notoriously surreal year we’ll never forget.
As a visual artist and numerologist at the time, I was instantly enraptured by its mathematical and astronomical aspects. As an intellectual tool, it became the perfect foundation for me to embark on this path.
Years later, just as I was ready to go deeper, life brought me another Ajq’ij who introduced me to the heart of its wisdom—its ceremonial, ritual aspect. It was then that its teachings fully entered my body, took root in my consciousness, and stabilized within my heart.
Since then...
the Cholq’ij has filled every molecule of my being, becoming my living altar—which is why I love sharing it daily as part of my morning ritual.
Over time, my study evolved further—becoming an art, authorship, and a serious discipline.
beginning the walk
Discovering the Cholq’ij
Interpreting the days
The Art of Observational Writing
I study the Cholq’ij through my own written reflections on each unique day’s energy, shared on Substack. Drawing from both traditional teachings and academic sources, I craft daily interpretations of the 260-day ritual cycle in my own words.
A key component of my approach is observing how these energies express themselves in my life, in those around me, and within society.
I began this writing practice in 2020 with short affirmations and poems inspired by each day’s energy. Encouraged by a mentor, I started publishing these reflections and later refined them by integrating the Trecenas, as taught to me by Ajq’ij, Carlos Luis Urteaga.
By November 2023, this work grew into a Substack—a space to explore the Cholq’ij as a comprehensive body of knowledge. Each entry features art, glyphs, daily readings, keywords, meanings for each nawal and number, and the animal guardian properties of each day sign.
Born from my own need for a comprehensive resource, I created my own evolving library and database—one that never misses a day!
why?
To Become An Architect of Observation
The Cholq'ij's cyclic, energetic units of awareness work on profound intuitive states and perceptual capacities. It engages both the conscious and unconscious – waking and dream life.
By following it as an instruction manual, I have come to realize myself as an “Architect of Observation”—one who seeks to understand and creates beyond what is presented on the surface level of reality.
...And to Live in Cosmic Order
After my first trip to Guatemala, where I deeply immersed myself in the source land of its wisdom and participated in Mayan ceremonies, I solidified my understanding of the Cholq’ij as an elegant arch of cosmic order guiding the evolution of every human being.
Each day, the magic of the Cholq’ij offers a fresh opportunity to expand awareness and become our own guides and teachers.
When practiced, it naturally shapes us into attuned, grounded, and holistic observers and creators.
Solar Awakening:
An Operating System Upgrade
By engaging with it consistently, I experience my perception deepening, manifesting as mind-bending and heart-opening synchronicities.
I emphasize “Solar” not only because Cholq’ij means ‘count of suns,’ but because practicing it illuminates the true nature of reality and our role within it.
In this context, “awakening” feels like a complete operating system upgrade—that’s how it has transformed me.
The Cholq’ij reawakens the pure, childlike wonder within—a power many of us lose in adulthood due to the collective fear disease and living out of alignment with our true self.
Practicing its wisdom has helped me transform resistance, uncertainty, and confusion into clearer purpose and fearless living.
To uncover my true essence, I had to break free from limiting social imprints that clouded my emotions and awareness, fogging my higher vision.
While I’ve made progress, I know this process requires ongoing strong intent, and the Cholq’ij remains the perfect daily tool to support this liberation.
The CODifier:
Revealing the True Self with Natural Law
Through the ritual count of days, I’ve also discovered “The Codifier”—the perceiver and weaver of the hidden tapestry, elusive to the calculus of the intellect.
Its magic is accessed in somatic, lived experience: harmonizing our left and right hemispheres with the natural order of time and space—psychologically, spiritually, and practically.
I've found this to be the invaluable gift the Cholq’ij offers us when we align our days, intentions, and actions with its cosmic order.
Following its guidance is what it means to Live the Sacred Calendar—or as I call it, Living the Fourfold Sacred Rhythm.
By choosing to act in harmony with it, we walk in balance with the four directions, the four elements, and the four states of human experience: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
The more we align with natural law, the more our true self is revealed – the constructor and author of the personality.
the walk continues
Initiations & Authorizations
I'm committed to pursue my initiation as an Ajq’ij—a journey that can span many years.
For now, the offerings on this site carry the Tz'ite seed blessings I have received from Denise Barrios, Mayan Spiritual Guide of the K’iche lineage.
These services mark a new chapter in my ongoing study of Mayan spiritual traditions. Meanwhile, I continue to observe, create, and train from my home base in Mexico.
with gratitude,
Let Us Share This Journey
Thanks for taking the time to read my story! On my Services page you’ll find the resources I’ve curated to support you on your journey with the powerful guidance of the Cholq’ij:
Receive a Mayan Natal Cross Reading with Denise Barrios, Ajq’ij. She also offers traditional, Tz’ite divination readings.
