The Mysterious Maya Astronomical Calendar: Ancient Wisdom That Predicted the End of the World

4. The Prophecies of the Maya Calendar

Advertisement

Often connected with prophecies, especially the one regarding the end of the world, the Maya calendar is The prelude to December 21, 2012, when many thought the Maya calendar foresaw a catastrophic event, peaked this obsession. But knowing the actual nature of these prophesies calls for more research on the Maya perspective and calendar relevance. Maya society views time as cyclical rather than linear, hence occurrences are considered as part of an ongoing cycle of creation and destruction. Every 52 years, a Calendar Round ends with a momentous event that marks rebirth and transformation instead of an end. The Maya's relationship to the cosmos and the natural world was reinforced by their belief that every cycle offers chances for rebirth and renewal. Tracking lengthier stretches of time, the Long Count calendar ends in the baktun. Celebrating the change into a new era, celebrations and rites frequently defined the completion of a baktun. Although some readings of these ends point to catastrophic occurrences, the Maya themselves saw them as opportunities for transformation rather than destruction. Mostly a modern interpretation of the Maya calendar, the prediction of the end of the world in 2012 was sensationalized by popular culture and media. Many researchers argue that the Maya expected a change into a new phase of life rather than a death. This misconception emphasizes the need of knowing the cultural background of the Maya calendar and the relevance of cyclical time in their viewpoint. Also reflecting more general ideas of harmony and balance are the forecasts connected with the Maya calendar. The Maya held that the cosmos runs on ideas of equilibrium, in which case society cannot flourish without cosmic forces in harmony. Whether by social unrest or environmental damage, disturbances to this equilibrium might have effects on the whole society. The calendar thus acted as a reminder of the need of harmony with the surroundings. All things considered, Maya calendar predictions reflect their conception of time and the universe. The calendar stresses cycles of rebirth and metamorphosis instead of projecting a death. Reminded of the need of balance in our life, the Maya perspective promotes a harmonic interaction with the universe. Examining these prophesies helps us to understand the wisdom of the Maya and the lessons they have to teach us negotiating our own life.