Cycle Thinking
General explanation
Cycle thinking views processes as sequences of qualitatively different phases rather than linear growth.
Common misunderstandings
It is frequently explained using models such as growth and decline, which are more characteristic of East Asian stem-branch cycles and are not universal.
MLS perspective
In the Maya time concept, cycles are understood as: Beginning → Refines → Transformation → Completion.
MLS interprets the 260-day calendar through 13-day units (Trecena), and applies a higher-level structure of four 65-day stages:
- Beginning Stage
- Refinement Stage
- Transformation Stage
- Completion Stage
This structure closely resembles the Japanese narrative form Kishōtenketsu and functions as a framework for recognizing one’s current phase rather than judging outcomes.
