Does the Mayan calendar predict Dec. 21, 2012 will be doomsday?

The True Aspects of 2012 Prophecies

by Thomas Ajava

Nothing grabs the attention more than a good end of the world prophecy. Most of them are admittedly humorous, but occasionally one comes along that makes you take notice. This is the case with the 2012 prophecies, which are based on some indisputable truths.

So, what are the 2012 prophecies? There are a number of historical groups who note the end of times on the date of December 21, 2012. Chief amongst these are the Mayans. Go to the bookstore and you will see endless books on the Mayan doomsday prophecy and how we are all going to die on this magical date. The Mayans don't actually state that anywhere, but who are we to get in the way of books sales! Instead, they created a brilliant clock that counts at different measures of time. The longest version "ends" on our magical date in 2012.

So, just what is the deal with December 21, 2012? Of all the dates in the calendar, what is so special about that one? Well, it turns out that there is a very special event occurring. In fact, it occurs only once every 26,000 years. The event is the alignment between Earth, the Sun and the Milky Way Galaxy. On that day, the winter solstice, the sun will line up with the direct middle of the Milky Way Galaxy.

This is a unique event to say the least. It represents a clear demarcation of the beginning and ending of a period of a longer block of time. It is for this reason that the civilizations that looked to the skies undoubtedly gave it significance and based their prophecies on the coming and going of that date.

So, what will happen? As with every doomsday deadline so far - nothing will happen. Oh, a few million books will be sold and perhaps a movie or two will be released, but the coming of December 21, 2012 is an astronomically significant event that does not carry significance in any other field.

Personally, I love a good prophecy or conspiracy. It peaks the interest and makes you wonder. Much like Y2K was going to be the end all for modern humanity, 2012 will mark a new age in astronomy. To that extent, the prophecies are correct that one time will end and another will start. That said change will bring doomsday is extremely doubtful.

Then again, I could be wrong!

About the Author: Thomas Ajava writes about the zodiac and astrology for DailyLiving Horoscope.com.