Aztec and Maya Calendar
In the tonalpohualli, the sacred Aztec calendar, Friday August 17, 1951 is:
Xihuitl:
solar year
4 - Acatl (reed)
Long Count:
Mayan calendar
12.16.17.13.13
Xiuhpohualli:
365-day calendar
20 - Quecholli (XV)
(Correlation: Alfonso Caso [adjust])
The significance of this day
Aztec facts
The Aztecs did not use a leap year correction but they knew the length of a solar year is neither 365 nor 365.25 days. Presumably they kept some count of days to register astronomical events but no evidence of an Aztec Long Count exists.
Day Acatl (Reed) is governed by Tezcatlipoca as its provider of tonalli (Shadow Soul) life energy. Acatl is the scepter of authority which is, paradoxically, hollow. It is a day when the arrows of fate fall from the sky like lightningbolts. A good day to seek justice, a bad day to act against others.
The thirteen day period (trecena) that starts with day 1-Coatl (Snake) is ruled by Xiuhtecuhtli, Lord of the Year, the ancient god of fire who stands at the center. The 13 days of this trecena are governed by the forces that have created a power vacuum in the situation. The throne is empty and the rightful heir must struggle with all the pretenders who would claim it. These are 13 days of conflict, intrigues and unexpected developments. The throne will fall to the one who has laid the groundwork, built the alliances and is favored by the timing of events beyond any one person's control. This time will come again: those who are not prepared should bide their time; those who hold the throne should beware. These are good days to act out of strength, bad days to rely on the strength of others.