Calculate Your Aztec Day Sign
Enter your birth date to find your Tonalpohualli number and day sign in the 260-day Aztec sacred calendar cycle.
Educational tool based on the 260-day cycle. Dates are calculated using the proleptic Gregorian calendar.
What Is the Aztec Zodiac?
The Aztec zodiac is typically described through the Tonalpohualli, a sacred 260-day cycle used in Central Mexico long before modern astrology apps existed. Instead of 12 monthly signs, this system combines:
- 20 day signs (symbolic archetypes), and
- 13 sacred numbers (energetic tones).
Each day receives one number and one sign. Because 13 and 20 rotate at different rates, every combination is unique within a 260-day span. Many people use this framework for personal reflection, ritual timing, and cultural learning.
What This Calculator Gives You
When you calculate your date, you’ll see:
- Your Aztec number (1 to 13)
- Your day sign (one of 20 symbols)
- Your combined day identity (for example, “7 Mazatl”)
- The cycle position in the 260-day sequence
- The trecena starter sign (the sign leading your 13-day period)
The 20 Aztec Day Signs (Quick Guide)
Sign List
- Cipactli (Crocodile): beginnings, vitality, creation.
- Ehecatl (Wind): movement, breath, communication.
- Calli (House): home, protection, grounding.
- Cuetzpalin (Lizard): adaptability, regeneration.
- Coatl (Serpent): instinct, transformation, life force.
- Miquiztli (Death): endings, release, rebirth cycles.
- Mazatl (Deer): sensitivity, grace, awareness.
- Tochtli (Rabbit): fertility, joy, abundance.
- Atl (Water): emotion, flow, purification.
- Itzcuintli (Dog): loyalty, guidance, companionship.
- Ozomahtli (Monkey): creativity, play, artistry.
- Malinalli (Grass): resilience, persistence, healing.
- Acatl (Reed): structure, authority, integrity.
- Ocelotl (Jaguar): courage, mystery, night power.
- Cuauhtli (Eagle): vision, leadership, higher perspective.
- Cozcacuauhtli (Vulture): cleansing, renewal, discernment.
- Ollin (Movement): change, momentum, destiny in action.
- Tecpatl (Flint): truth, clarity, decisive energy.
- Quiahuitl (Rain): nourishment, intensity, blessing.
- Xochitl (Flower): beauty, artistry, devotion.
Understanding the 13 Sacred Numbers
The number is not random decoration. In traditional interpretation, it adds the “tone” or rhythm of your day: 1 begins, 2 polarizes, 3 activates, 4 stabilizes, 5 empowers, 6 harmonizes, 7 balances, 8 integrates, 9 expands, 10 manifests, 11 refines, 12 understands, and 13 transcends.
Think of the sign as what energy you carry, and the number as how that energy moves.
How the Calculator Works
1) Date Conversion
Your selected date is converted to a Julian Day Number (a standard day count used in astronomy and calendar math).
2) Modular Cycles
We apply modular arithmetic to rotate through 13-number and 20-sign sequences. These cycles interlock into 260 distinct combinations.
3) Result Formatting
The output combines your sacred number and sign, then adds interpretive notes to make the result easy to read.
How to Use Your Result Thoughtfully
- Use it as a reflection prompt, not a rigid prediction.
- Compare your sign with family or friends to explore patterns and relationships.
- Track recurring 260-day anniversaries for journaling and personal growth.
- Approach this tradition with curiosity and respect for Nahua cultural history.
FAQ
Is this the same as Western astrology?
No. Western astrology is based on solar constellations and 12 signs, while this calculator uses the 260-day sacred count.
Can two people share the same Aztec sign?
Yes. The full combination repeats every 260 days, so many people share a day identity.
Is this tool historically perfect?
Calendar reconstruction includes scholarly variation. This calculator follows a commonly used correlation method for educational use.