The Origins and Evolution of the Dreamspell Calendar

The Origins and Evolution of the Dreamspell Calendar
The Dreamspell Calendar, often referred to as the Thirteen Moon calendar, is a unique system of timekeeping that emerged in the early 1990s. Developed by two Americans, José Argüelles, an art historian, and his wife Lloydine, a dancer, this calendar system has drawn both intrigue and controversy. The Harmonic Convergence event of 1987, which marked a significant turning point in the New Age movement and laid the foundation for the introduction of the Dreamspell calendar.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history and evolution of the Dreamspell Calendar, exploring its origins, the influence of the Harmonic Convergence, and the controversies surrounding its authenticity. We will also examine its impact on contemporary spiritual practices and the legacy it leaves behind.

The Beginnings: José Argüelles and the Harmonic Convergence

To understand the Dreamspell Calendar, we must first explore its origins in the wake of the Harmonic Convergence. This event, which took place on August 16-17, 1987, was largely organized by José Argüelles and played a pivotal role in shaping the course of New Age spirituality of the following two decades until the passing of José in March of 2011.

The Harmonic Convergence was seen by many as the dawn of a new, more spiritually enlightened era. It attracted thousands of people from various parts of the world, particularly in the United States. The event’s significance lay in its resonance with a profound shift in consciousness, a belief that the world was entering a more harmonious and spiritually connected phase.

José Argüelles, a prominent figure in this movement, had been a key promoter of the Harmonic Convergence. His book, “The Mayan Factor,” published in 1987, introduced a broader audience to the idea of interpreting human history through the lens of the ancient Maya civilization and led to an increased interest in Mayan cosmology and its calendrical underpinnings. 

The Emergence of the Dreamspell Calendar

Following the success of the Harmonic Convergence, many expected José Argüelles to continue his exploration of the Mayan calendar and its implications for modern society. In 1990, together with his wife Lloydine, he introduced the Dreamspell kit. This kit presented a playful and artistic approach to learning and using a calendar that claimed to be Mayan in nature.

The Dreamspell calendar utilized the same symbols as the authentic Mayan calendar, drawing attention with its New Age philosophy and aesthetic appeal. During the early 1990s, the Argüelles couple embarked on a global tour, gaining followers and advocates for their calendar system in a number of countries. The movement grew, and individuals began aligning their daily lives with the principles of the Dreamspell calendar. Many followers invested much energy to follow and support it.

Controversies Surrounding the Dreamspell Calendar

While José and Lloydine Argüelles presented the Thirteen Moon/Dreamspell calendar as Mayan, it however deviated significantly from the authentic sacred 260-day calendar still in use by the Maya since ancient times. Notably, the Dreamspell calendar was fundamentally dependent on the Gregorian calendar, including through subordination to the leap day of this on February 29 every four years. This alignment with the Christian-based Gregorian calendar raised doubts about its legitimacy as a true Mayan calendar.

Moreover, scholars and critics pointed out that the Maya never had a “day out of time,” a concept that however was central to the Dreamspell calendar. Despite these objections, the Dreamspell movement gained momentum outside of Guatemala, and its followers adopted a sort of daily mantra to align themselves with this new calendar system. The movement’s fervent adherence to the calendar, coupled with the rhetoric against the Gregorian calendar, created a somewhat cult-like atmosphere.

José Argüelles: A Self-Designated Messiah?

One intriguing aspect of the Dreamspell calendar’s development is the role of José Argüelles himself. Argüelles had not determined the dates for the Harmonic Convergence independently; they were provided to him by Tony Shearer, a Sioux Indian who identified these dates as the first two energies in the true traditional Mayan/Aztec calendar, 1 Imix (Alligator) and 2 Ik (Wind). Interestingly, Argüelles referred to Shearer as “my John the Baptist” in an obituary after Shearer’s passing, suggesting that he saw himself as a messianic figure. As the Dreamspell calendar was developed it no longer referred to days of the Harmonic Convergence in accordance with the traditional calendar but other energies were made up.

Argüelles had also undergone a personal tragedy in October 1987 when his son died in a car accident, an event that deeply impacted him. This tragedy followed the overwhelming success of the Harmonic Convergence, creating a complex backdrop for his continued spiritual journey.

Despite the controversies and criticisms, Argüelles remained a dedicated advocate for the Dreamspell calendar. He even traveled to Guatemala in 1998 to seek the support of the Mayan elders for his calendar system in addition to courting the Vatican to perform a calendar change to the one that he had devised. While he claimed that the Mayan elders saw no contradiction between his calendar and theirs, it has become clear from interviews with Don Alejandro Oxlaj, the head of the council of elders in Guatemala, that their views differed profoundly. According to Oxlaj, the Maya did not see a need to change their calendar, which had been in use for thousands of years and the Mayan elders were also offended that Arguelles had gone to the Vatican for support. After all, it was the Mayan elders whose calendar he had changed.

The Hidden Agenda of the Dreamspell Calendar

Why then had Argüelles changed the original Mayan calendar. One of the most significant controversies surrounding the Dreamspell calendar is this departure from the authentic Mayan calendar and its alignment with José Argüelles and Lloydine’s birthdays. This departure was not openly acknowledged, and followers of the calendar were not informed of the hidden agenda.

The Dreamspell calendar assigned master numbers, such as 11 and 22, to José Argüelles and Lloydine, elevating their status within the system. José Argüelles himself made statements that suggested he had designed the calendar to grant himself and his wife powerful master numbers, further fueling the perception that he saw himself as a special figure within the movement and texts were circulated discouraging independent thinking among his followers.

In conclusion, the Dreamspell Calendar, while initially captivating and spiritually appealing to many, has been embroiled in controversies regarding its authenticity and hidden agenda. Its departure from the traditional Mayan calendar and the alignment of its principles with the birthdays of its creators, José Argüelles and Lloydine, have raised questions about its integrity. Despite these controversies, the Dreamspell calendar still has a limited following in its community, and it may be time to debate and discuss its relevance at the current time.