2012 - what do you really think?

[cheval]

Now that we are three years until the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar, there are getting to be more and more documentaries, news commentaries and everything in between on t.v. I've been interested in this since I was in high school and followed it really closely.

There seem to be two groups. One sees it as the end of the world - this group is filled with a lot of Christian followers and some of the other religious groups, some scientists and a lot of doomsday/extremist fanatics and the other group that sees this as a renewal, rebirth - this group is filled with a lot of Pagan/nature based religions and scientists.

The whole idea of 'something' happening at this time is due to the planetary alignment that will be occurring that hasn't happened in several thousand years. The last times it has happened it has been associated with severe natural disasters. Some people believe that the recent increase in natural disasters is leading to the final blow out in 12-21-12.

What those people are saying will happen is extreme solar flares (which they are expecting a massive solar storm) that would strip away the magnetic barrier. Another interesting thing is the magnetic pole is moving closer to the polar pole. And has been for several years. If one is place on top of the other, scientists expect a polar flip. The pole will move to the equator and the earth's core will then reverse and will orbit backwards. The Pacific Ring of Fire will erupt, 30,000 foot waves will start and earthquakes will devastate cities.

The interesting thing about the disaster theory is the top Christian scholars do not believe it is an apocalyptic end such as in Revelations. They are getting all the Christian church leaders to relay to the people this is NOT Revelations coming to pass. I haven't seen an interview of one scholar that has believed that to be the case.

Then you have the conspiracy theorists that believe the government has known and been preparing for this for the past several decades, of course not telling the people.

The real estate agents that specialize in underground bunkers have tripled their business in the last two years. People are looking to go underground and stay there for a period of at least 10 years.

So what is the Mayan calendar? Well, it has predicted all the major natural disasters we have had. The Mayans aren't the only ones that speak of something happening around this time of this Earth Age. The very first written story found from the Babylonians has an end of the world story of the earth being covered in water.

I believe 'something' will occur. You can't have this sort of planetary alignment with solar storm and have nothing occur. But I don't see it as a world ending event. I see it as a rebrith to the next age.

What do you think?

What will you do to prepare?

[WashingtonBay]

I think it will probably be about as bad as the millenium doomsday and Y2K predictions turned out... which is.... nothing.

I'll probably do about as much preparation as I did for that. :)

[cheval]

Except the Y2K was based on the hysterical and not the historical. And the worry about the computer calendars going down.

[PaintedDreamer_0110]

I think it will probably be about as bad as the millenium doomsday and Y2K predictions turned out... which is.... nothing.

I'll probably do about as much preparation as I did for that. :)

I agree 100%. I'm not worried in the least bit because NOTHING is going to happen. I think it is just a bunch of talk trying to scare the world. :rolleyes:

[natisha]

[quote=cheval;

What will you do to prepare?[/quote] Nothing, same thing I've done for all the other world disasters that have been predicted & never happen. I don't believe it.

As for the Government knowing & not telling the 'people', well, the Government is made up of people. They don't get wiser than you or me just because of their job.
I do worry that something bad will happen in 2012 , it has nothing to do with the planets but elections.

Logically there is no way to predict such things anymore than you could predict when you will get a flat tire-unless you just drove over something bad.

My suggestion for those who believe this will happen is to get as many credit cards as they can, go crazy maxing them out, live a party.

[WashingtonBay]

Except the Y2K was based on the hysterical and not the historical.

So is this. No, I'm not impressed that the Mayans, or anyone else has or has had some great foreknowledge of world events.

[lacyloo]

I agree 100%. I'm not worried in the least bit because NOTHING is going to happen. I think it is just a bunch of talk trying to scare the world. :rolleyes:

+1 :)

[cheval]

There's going to be a change of some sort but I really believe it's a time for growth and renewal. It could likely serve as a warning for us to get our act together.

And the fact remains the various calendars have predicted many things in the past that came true. That is historical fact, not hysteria.

[allie0]

I agree 100%. I'm not worried in the least bit because NOTHING is going to happen. I think it is just a bunch of talk trying to scare the world. :rolleyes:

Haha agree!
Silly people with silly ideas x]

[WashingtonBay]

And the fact remains the various calendars have predicted many things in the past that came true. That is historical fact, not hysteria.

It's really not hard to predict that change, strife, war and disaster will happen. I can predict that. Next year, all of those will occur. Mark my words. :)

[Equine_Woman]

I must say it looks pretty scary when you write it all out like that Cheval, but I'm going to try and be optimistic. I haven't looked into it but in my gut I don't think anything will happen. Maybe satellites will get knocked out with solar flares, communications may go down, but other than that I"m not too worried. . but I'm not discounting what others say.

I've wanted a cellar for a long while. . guess I could start digging it. . I want it to be big enough for my horses. . . lol. How do you get Hay in a world where you must live underground. .. or food. . on second thought maybe I won't take the horses with us. . .

[cheval]

I think the satellites will be affected, only because they have been in the past with the solar storms.

On the Solstice Day in 2005, the earth was 0.1 degrees from where it will be in 2012. So, it being that close, I can't imagine that there are really going to be huge apocalyptic occurrences. I do think there will be some occurrences because of the change from the planetary alignment.

I believe that the next Earth Age is going to be one of learning, growth, changes.

Those apocalyptic types can sure get people riled up and scared. Which is why I think so many people are trying to buy the underground bunkers and missile silos. They make good arguments.

I prefer to look at it on the positive side. And if the Mayans had wanted to, they could have been more specific about what was going to happen. They did predict the coming of Cortez - that's a pretty specific prediction.

[cheval]

Interesting part of an article from the AC.

______
A day marked for the end of the world as we know it translates on our 365 day calendar as December 21, 2012. Now, whether the world will "end" or not is up to speculation, but what has intrigued media and astronomers is that we know this date does correspond with a fairly extraordinary astronomical alignment. On December 21, 2012, our Sun will be "in alignment" almost perfectly with the center of our galaxy (the Milky Way galaxy). On top of this astonishing fact, December 21, 2012 will mark the day when the Earth's precession (a slight wobble in our planet's orbital path) completes and starts over.

Earth's precession is an extremely slow and subtle wobble along the planet's axis; according to astronomers, it takes 26,000 years (yes, 26 millennia) for a single precession to complete.

So, regardless of whether we have anything to worry about on 2012, it is an astonishing feat of astronomical calculation that a pre-industrial and pre-computer society such as the Mayans were able to successfully predict this precession with complete confidence -- and hair-raising accuracy.

The actual prophecy for this day in 2012? Well, the translation is somewhat vague. It talks about struggle and famine, but this is a fairly common theme in many other past prophecies (ancient societies were clearly concerned about famines and power struggles -- so it makes sense that their priests would want to predict them in advance).

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1456276/specific_information_about_mayan_2012.html?cat=37

______

The fact that they even predicted the alignment should have something to say for their abilities.

[Equine_Woman]

Those apocalyptic types can sure get people riled up and scared. Which is why I think so many people are trying to buy the underground bunkers and missile silos. They make good arguments..

They also make a fantastic place to store your canned goods and wine. .. plus if a tornado comes they can save your life! lol

[cheval]

Very true EW! But it'd need to be fortified way better than a regular cellar. Which is why people are purchasing the underground bunkers.

[WashingtonBay]

People out in Yelm have been building underground bunkers for years... In fact, some of them may have been down there a few decades already ;)

[DarkHorse]

I don't think anything will happen. According to this article the mayans say the western civilization has basically twisted their words to cause a panic.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091011/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_mexico_apocalypse2012

[Jump The Moon]

Well, it scares me.
I get really worried about this kind of thing.

A while ago, something was being done that had a very minute chance of creating a black hole.
Everyone in my school f r e a k e d. We were convinced we'd all be dead by wednesday when the world would'e been sucked into a big black hole. The science department helf emergency lectures to calm us all down and, in the end, nothin actually happened.

That doesn't make me any less worried about this stuff though.
As much as I would love to climb into the 'never gonna happen' boat. I can't.
I'm way too obsessive about things, I hate tempting fate.
I don't like it, but I think I am paranoyed. Atleast, stuff likes this makes me extremely worried.
Over the years of getting these anxieties, I've realised it's all triggered when I feel like I have no control.
On planes, in hospitals and dentists, natural disasters.

I hate that feeling, yet it's one you have to live with.
All I can say is, I would LOVE for nothing to happen.
In honesty, I don't see how it can be prepared for. If major earthquakes are going to devastate cities, waves going huge, can you imagine the fear I'd be living in then? I've always said I couldn't live in a place with alot of earthquakes or tornados/hurricanes etc. How could I live in this? I think I'd rather 'go' in the first instance of this and really not know the fear I'd be forced to live in should that happen.

I much prefer the growth and renewal theory. I imagine it like the world has a fresh start, cleanup.
Plants grow richer than ever, people think more about cleaning up the mess we've left scarring the world so far etc. :)

I hope absalutely nothing happens, or if it does, something fun rather than scary :)

[Vibe]

..I think they ran out of paper..stone? or what ever they wrote in..silly.

[Suzi]

I believe it to all by hype. If you go to wikipedia and look up this topis, it will break down each possible sceniro for the end of the world. I do remember it all, but I do recall the polar magnetic shift will take thousands of years to fully happen. The planetary alignment has occured before...we still here

[Equine_Woman]

People out in Yelm have been building underground bunkers for years... In fact, some of them may have been down there a few decades already ;)

My Dad lives in an underground house. . .might be for the same reasons. . .I'm unfamiliar with Yelm.

[zoel_222]

I think something will happen. Probably not "doomsday" but maybe... something. I'm not going to be sitting underground in 12x12 room surrounded by bottled water and canned food, though. But if the world does end, so be it. We're not all going to live forever. Bring it on. :cowboy:

[cheval]

I believe it to all by hype. If you go to wikipedia and look up this topis, it will break down each possible sceniro for the end of the world. I do remember it all, but I do recall the polar magnetic shift will take thousands of years to fully happen. The planetary alignment has occured before...we still here


Wikipedia is the last place to go for accurate information.

[WashingtonBay]

My Dad lives in an underground house. . .might be for the same reasons. . .I'm unfamiliar with Yelm.

I've always liked the idea of underground living... a nice cozy hobbit hole for example... but Yelm..... well, a lot of weirdness emanates from Yelm. It's possible even the Mayans commented on it in their visions. ;)

[cheval]

Yeah, Yelm is uh.. out there.

[DashMyBoy!]

If the world comes to an end on 12/21/12 I will personally write everybody a missed work/school slip. Ok?

If you believe in prophecy, then please remember it is easy to recall the one event that fits, and discount the 99,999,999 that were wrong. In my book, that's just called a damn lucky guess.

For all we know an asteroid can smash into the Earth tonight. There could be a plague. Aliens could invade. The Christian God may do the Rapture thing. Men could grow brains that functioned. I mean, ANYTHING could happen. Get through today.

[mandisue]

I believe that the earth like everything else will one day wear out, and when it does, or if God decides to take us all out before then, i'll be ready and waiting for him, although i have fears of what may happen to those close to me who are not christians, I have faith.

Now will it all happen in 2012 is beyond me, i have a feeling it may be something like what happened or lack thereof in Y2k, but I could be wrong, I would rather not dwell on it though.

[DarkHorse]

Men could grow brains that functioned.

Hey, I think my brain functions well.:p

[cheval]

Darkhorse you are a guy??? Oops. Sorry for thinking otherwise!!

[Ranger44]

When I was a kid I planned to live to be 100 years old. I'm 52 now and not really looking forward to what my body will be like in 48 more years without some major breakthrough in science. :) If the world as we know it is to end in three years I'm not sure I'm ready to start over. I might leave that for the younger folks.

If something makes major changes and takes us to back to times where you have few modern conveniences and one has to live off the land I am better prepared than many but I plan to just live on and let things take their course.

[GrungeEquestrian]

I'm not impressed that the Mayans, or anyone else has or has had some great foreknowledge of world events.

My thoughts exactly. And if something does happen so be it...as Leo Buscaglia said..No one gets out alive ;)

[MontysGirl]

I dont know what to beleive,I surely hope it does not, It doesnt sound very fun:eek:

[JennyandJosey]

I think it will probably be about as bad as the millenium doomsday and Y2K predictions turned out... which is.... nothing.

I'll probably do about as much preparation as I did for that. :)

These are my sentiments too. I do not get caught up in these doomsday prophesies. My usual reaction is :rolleyes: .

I am a Christian and belive what the Bible says that no one will know when these things will happen and I don't believe anybody else has such privileged knowledge.

[Remali]

It's interesting. I don't think anything apocalyptic is going to occur, yet I agree with what Cheval is saying....
"something" could happen. Maybe it will be for the better and give us a wake-up call.

[oursarge]

I really don't care, this has been such a bad yr things could blow up now and I'd probably be happy.
I remember when everyone was stockpiling food and gas for when the yr 2000 came. We did nothing, said "Bring it on". Nothing happened. If something is going to happen there's not much we'll do to change it anyway. Oh yeah Dash if men grow brains that function I think that will be when the world ends! Sorry to the guys on here but lately I've met so many idiots it just makes me wonder. My mother in law is married to one, I think he's lacking a brain and a heart.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Why should I worry about what the Mayans predicted about the end of our civilization when they couldn't even predict their own?

When I need advice on say, the stock market, I skip over the guy with a bone through his nose.

[Arrow]

Why should I worry about what the Mayans predicted about the end of our civilization when they couldn't even predict their own?

When I need advice on say, the stock market, I skip over the guy with a bone through his nose.

Boneheads don't bug you, RD--just bones through the noses, I'll remember that.

[twofingers]

I haven't read all the post, so if it has already been said - oh well.
The Mayan calender does not predict the end of the world. it predicts the end of the "rule of the dark lord" The rule of the dark lord would last 50,000 years. Quatzequatel (sp) - the white winged serpent is in charge now. he demands sacrifice and homage and the servitude of humanity . The first god popal vue (sp) made man in his own image and likeness but man was too smart and lived long lives equal to the gods ( Adam 800+ ) so god threw him out of the gardens (eden?) to create a new man. but the white winged serpent stole the hearts of man and Popal had to go into hiding.....:jawdrop:

[Horseaholic]

Lol I'm with JTM. I freak myself out. I'm a very sensitive and emotional person. My stomach hurts reading this. I hope with all of my being that its a bunch of hype. I'm terrified of death and being alone. My life will be just begginging. Lol I'm a baby and can not watch anything ab it on TV. It took a lot for me to actually read this thread. Lolol I'm a ninny.

[KittySawrus]

On the one hand, I'd really really love to believe this stuff. It might kick me into action to do things I've always wanted to do and never have done. Like scrap World Challenge, save my monies and buy a pony ;)

But then there's the larger bit of me, sane, safe and rational Katy ;) you realises no the world will not actually end in 2012. I do think we're due something, but in "soon" terms of the whole lifespan of the earth - like, another couple hundred years we may see the beginning of a new ice age or something.

I think it's fascinating to hear how people have predicted things are going to happen, I adore Ancient Civilisations' ways of life, and reading their mythology, but that's all it is. I was fascinated by twofingers' post. But they used the stars and stuff. And we know the stars don't influence us. I religiously read my horoscope, but nothing ever happens that says it would. You can try to tell me Mars influences my work life, but the only thing Mars will influence in my life is the episode of Doctor Who I'm watching on Sunday.

As for preparing myself? Meh. The year 2012...I hope to be in my 3rd year of university by then, hopefully incorporating entrepreneurship into my studies as well as doing zoonotic diseases and my second ever medical paper. I will be too busy with studies (and perhaps figuring out how to pay the rent on my cottage in the student village) to prepare for a post-apocalyptic UK.

BTW the date 12/21/12 is not as exciting in English shorthand as it is in US. We write it 21/12/12, it isn't anywhere near a palindrome or anything. We get more excited about what may happen over 11 seconds through 11 minutes past 11am on the 11th of november 2011. Simple things for simple minds ;)

[Remali]

oursarge.....LOL..... that was a funny post!! :)

[Pinky]

If the world ends, the world ends. We'll all be dead, so we won't know/care. It doesn't bother me in the slightest. Just remember to live every day to the full - many people won't even make it to the date simply because of accidents, illness, disease, bad luck and other evil people.
I'm too young to remember the Y2K thing, but I've read about it and I'm amazed so many people were panicking about it.

You can try to tell me Mars influences my work life, but the only thing Mars will influence in my life is the episode of Doctor Who I'm watching on Sunday.
Squee! I can't wait ^^ :D

[BlessingInDisguise]

My brother had a party on y2k and when midnight struck he snuck to the garage to the breaker box and flipped everything off. hehe

I think since the beginning of time people have talked about when the world is going to end. I chose to not stress about something that may not happen. That's a waste of emotional energy that could be spent laughing, or dancing, or doing something that makes you or someone you love, feel good inside. I chose to take all the data and studies and predictions with a grain of salt.

A quote from a song that stuck in my head today
"If you want to see God laugh, just tell him your plans"


I think it will probably be about as bad as the millenium doomsday and Y2K predictions turned out... which is.... nothing.

I'll probably do about as much preparation as I did for that. :)

[Fjords <3]

The whole thought of the world ending freaks me out, but I don't believe any of it. I hate how it's become so talked about lately because I really do get scared about that kind of stuff. I'm not going to worry about it though because I honestly believe it's not true. But the thought still scares me.