The Truth about 12/21/2012

In all seriousness, December Twenty First, Two Thousand Twelve is a very significant date.

If you need me to go to the beginning, here we go. The earth rotates on its axis around the sun. This is what causes our change in seasons and lighting. We have 4 distinctive seasons which are all marked by Earth's ever so slight shift on its axis. People of ancient times had such a handle on Astronomy that they could actually create buildings that would only let light in on a Solstice, or monuments that would throw specific shadows on a Solstice. Solstice literally means "sun stands still", which it seems to at the time of shifting on Summer and Winter Solstices. Twice a year, on Spring & Fall Equinox, everyone in the world experiences a 12 hour day, we experience equal day and night. Pretty profound.

Vernal (Spring) Equinox, Summer Solstice , Autumnal (Fall) Equionox and Winter Solstice are dates that have been recognized and celebrated for thousands of years. Ever wonder why there are Easter bunnies? Or evergreen wreaths?

Ancient people, like the Mayans and Egyptians, recorded these dates so that they could schedule planting and harvesting and so forth. They had festivals throughout the year to acknowledge these vital times for the planet. That most Americans celebrate other religious holidays during Winter Solstice doesn't make it any less of an astronomical event.

So, back to 12/21/12. Because the Mayans and the Egyptians were such great astronomers, they actually understood the long term rotation of the earth and marked the "Ages" that our planet goes through. These Ages are approximately 2,150 years long. As long as I've been alive, we've been in the Age of Pisces. We are now dawning on the Age of Aquarius (yes, like the song).

There is no respected Mayan or Egyptian scholar who would verify that these ancient people predicted the end of the world.

This Winter Solstice, we get to experience an astronomical event that no one in two thousand, one hundred and fifty years has enjoyed.

So, what does this mean for the horoscope readers, earth lovers and general learned? Lifted from another website:

What does the Age of Aquarius or Aquarian Age represent?

"The Age of Aquarius is the Age of Freedom, Technology (especially electricity), and the Water Bearer." http://www.2012-spiritual-growth-prophecies.com/age-of-aquarius.html  

The more dominant core values of the Piscean Age of money, power and control must go to make room for the Aquarian Age values of love, unity, brotherhood and integrity.

Interesting?

So, you can keep telling your "end of the world" jokes, or you can spread the word about how truly significant this Winter Solstice is. It's a once in 500-lifetimes opportunity. Let's celebrate!

2009 Winter Solstice fire

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So, how do people recognize Winter Solstice?

Here are a few ideas: spend time with your family, enjoy a meal together, start a fire, go around and say what you're thankful for, think about what you're ready to let go from the previous year. Acknowledge the major event that our planet experiences and welcome the longer days ahead.

Our family saves a piece of garland or charred wood (yule) from the fire to start the fire the next year. We write the things we're ready to "let go" on a piece of paper and symbolically throw it into the fire. We talk about things we're thankful for. We also exchange gifts. We often get together with friends and family to share food and drink. We give cheers for longer days ahead. It's a joyous occasion!

Here's a great history of Winter Solstice and its symbolism:  http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/celsolstice.html