2012: What Is Really Going to Happen?

On December 21, 2012, the ancient Mayan "Long Count" Calendar comes to an abrupt end. There are many scientific theories and historic prophecies that claim this will be the end of times (apocalypse), galactic alignment of the planets and stars (cosmic shifting), or the beginning of a new cycle for humanity (genesis). According to USA Today:

But scholars are bristling at attempts to link the ancient Maya with trends in contemporary spirituality. Maya civilization, known for advanced writing, mathematics and astronomy, flourished for centuries in Mesoamerica, especially between A.D. 300 and 900. Its Long Count calendar, which was discontinued under Spanish colonization, tracks more than 5,000 years, then resets at year zero.

Part of the 2012 mystique stems from the stars. On the winter solstice in 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in about 26,000 years. This means that "whatever energy typically streams to Earth from the center of the Milky Way will indeed be disrupted on 12/21/12 at 11:11 p.m. Universal Time."

What is really going to happen at the end of the calendar 2012? Only time will tell.

The buildup to 2012 echoes both excitement and fear. I compiled a short list of websites that discuss the 2012 phenomenon in greater detail below:

• The 2012 Theories
  
• 2012: Beginning of the End or Why the World Won't End? (NASA)
  
• 2012 Doomsday and Other Signs of the End Times (Discovery)
  

Besides the U.S. presidential election, I believe 2012 will be a fascinating year filled with suspense and drama. This is the final post of 2011. Happy New Year!