December 21, 2012 - Is The End Nearing?

     With December 21st upon us, there has been a lot of talk regarding the end of the world. There are countless numbers of prophecies regarding what is going to happen tomorrow. With that upon us, I thought it would be fun to discuss some of those possibilities!

     The Solstice on December 21, 2012 - precisely at 11:11 AM Universal Time - marks the completion of the 5,125 year Great Cycle of the Ancient Maya Long Count Calendar. Rather than being a linear end-point, this cycle that is closing is naturally followed by the start of a new cycle. What this new cycle has in store for humanity is a mystery that has yet to unfold... 2012 is also considered the completion of the 26,000 year Precession of the Equinoxes cycle, and some say it also signifies the end of a 104,000 year cycle. There are many theories why this date ends the Mayan Calendar. Many feel that this date is the day of end times and the world will be destroyed. Others feel this will be a time of major earth disasters, space changes, and mythical planets invading our galaxy along with strange Milky Way alignments.

     While some people are set in their beliefs that the world is actually ending, I think it is a very interesting topic. I personally had the opportunity of visiting the city of Tulum (which is a Mayan ruin) over the summer. Tulum not only was a beauitful place (picture to the right), but we also were able to have a tour guide educating us on the different structures, as well as an insight on the Mayan's translation on December 21, 2012.

     The mind set that was explained to my while visiting Tulum, is significantly different from the end of the world doomsday-ers. When we contemplate the expression "end of the world" let us all realize the term "world" can refer to a cycle; a period of time; a world age era. Therefore some like to believe that 2012 is signaling the completion of one World Age Cycle, transitioning into an emerging New World Age to come. Some rumors say that the world we are ending is the one that is dominated by materialism and ego consciousness, therefore it may be that the world to follow will be founded on different values that honor the spirit of the interdependence of all of life.

     Carlos Barrios, from the Eagle Clan of the Mam Maya of Guatemala has bee quoted stating:

"The world will not end. It will be transformed... Everything will change...Change is accelerating now, and it will continue to accelerate...If the people of the earth can get to this 2012 date in good shape, without having destroyed too much of the Earth, we will rise to a new, higher level. But to get there we must transform enormously powerful forces that seek to block the way...Humanity will continue, but in a different way. Material structures will change. From this we will have the opportunity to be more human..."

     While there is no certain way of knowing what will happen tomorrow, I have enjoyed sharing with you a few ideologies I have come across! We'd love to hear what you think about 12/21/2012! Until next time (may there be a next time ;) from us here at Azuma, keep it clean!