The Missing Piece of Ancestral Timekeeping 

For generations, people have looked to the Sun, Moon, and stars to understand the rhythms of life. 

In this episode of Wisdom Keepers, cultural astronomer and ecologist Geraldine Patrick Encina explores ancestral systems of timekeeping and their connection to the natural world. Drawing from Indigenous knowledge across Mesoamerica, she shares how cyclical understandings of time guided planting, ceremonies, and everyday life—and how Maya, Otomi, and Mexica calendars are being recovered and reintroduced in local schools. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about: 

-How ancestral communities observed the Sun, Moon, and stars 

-The relationship between astronomy, agriculture, ceremony, and daily life 

-Cyclical understandings of time 

-Maya, Otomi, and Mexica calendars 

-The importance of preserving and revitalizing ancestral knowledge 

About the Wisdom Keeper 

Geraldine Patrick Encina is a cultural astronomer and ecologist whose work explores Indigenous knowledge, ancestral timekeeping, and relationships between people, place, and the cosmos. 

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About the Music   

Stories can be shared in all kinds of ways, including through song. In theWisdom Keepers series, you’ll notice the enchanting vocal and flute melodies from ⁠⁠Bear Fox⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Mignon Geli⁠⁠, inspired by the language, traditions, and stories of the Mohawk Nation. These songs reflect the messages, spirit and wisdom passed down from their ancestors and through today’s generations.   

Acknowledgement: Wisdom Keepers highlights the essential role of Indigenous and community leadership in conservation. The series was co-produced by Annabelle Le Jeune and ⁠Raine Media,⁠ with additional production support provided by Eric Noyes and Ximena Marquez Abbona. We extend our gratitude to the Elders and their support networks for their thoughtful review and contributions throughout the production process.  

Photo credit: ©Geraldine Patrick Encina