The Mystery of 2012: Predictions, Prophecies & Possibilities

by Sounds True, Peter Russell, Daniel Pinchbeck

It began with the Mayan calendar - a startling astrological artifact that reaches its end point in the year 2012. As major spiritual traditions, independent researchers, and archaeological findings all point toward this date as a critical moment in human history, readers everywhere are starting to ask the same question: What will happen in 2012? For the first time, the leading authorities on the 2012 phenomenon are all given voice in a single book: 2012 - An invaluable resource for readers who want to learn more about this time of change, this fascinating book features essays from dozens of prominent thinkers, including: Gregg Braden's examination of the scientific evidence for a shift in the earth's magnetic field - and how it will affect all life; Barbara Marx Hubbard's and Peter Russell's explorations of the "accelerating pace of evolution" - why we may literally be transforming into a new species; John Major Jenkins' journey to the source for answers: the original Mayan calendar.

Genres: Nonfiction, New Age, Spirituality, Post Apocalyptic, Metaphysics

417 pages, Hardcover

First published August 31, 2007

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

December 21, 2012, is like Y2K in that no one knows what exactly if anything to expect. Why expect anything? Based on my reading – not extensive first-hand research, but a sense of what various experts are saying – our earth, the sun, and the center of the galaxy will align on that day. People imbue that fact alone with varying degrees of significance. What’s more, the ancient Mayans, who had one of the most sophisticated calendar systems the world has ever known, anticipated 2012. It’s the end of the “Mayan long count,” when several separate cycles come together, which only happens every 5,000 years or so. Now, assuming everyone’s math is correct, I think we should at the very least take the day to honor the accuracy of preinstrumental astronomy, and to be appropriately humbled, and perhaps even to be curious about how they did it.

Naturally, a big cosmic event, complete with ancient wisdom, is a wonderful projection-catcher, a celestial Rorschach test. We don’t have any idea what will really happen, but what people say will happen tells us something about them. And we seem to be in dialog between religion, spirituality, and science, needing metaphors and stories to live by that accommodate a scientific worldview, and the full spectrum of human possibility and responsibility.

The Mystery of 2012: Predictions, Prophecies and Possibilities, published by Sounds True, is a collection of essays about what we might expect, written by a highly credentialed group of new age and spiritual prognosticators. A few are true believers or have studied Mayan calendrics in detail. Most seize the opportunity to expound on their ideas about how humans could function better, individually and collectively. Many of the essays incorporate various scientific findings or snippets of data, but use these as a departure point, rather than the backbone of a rigorous analysis.

I found myself several times really hoping that the authors are right – that somehow on the winter solstice in 2012, humanity will be elevated. We’ll rub our collective third eye as it blinks open on the darkest day of the year, and will begin to see hope and possibility where we may previously have seen despair. We will love our brothers and possibly even tolerate our coworkers. The noosphere will come into its own and a field of enlightened human consciousness will envelop the globe in healing energy. Sounds good. I’ll show up, stay sober and think happy thoughts.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became extremely interested in the 2012 Mayan Calendar end date during a discussion, and subsequently purchased several books on the topic. I purchased about 4 of the most popular nonfiction titles, and of them all I feel this book is by far the most representative of the many different viewpoints and theories that exist regarding what the "end" of Mayan calendar and the alignment of the Sun with the center of our galaxy both mean. Perspectives on these points are highly divergent, which is one of the reasons I would rate this book as the highest if you're interested in this topic.

This book contains essays from approximately 26 scholars, astronomers, academicians, theologians, cosmologists, archeologists, geologists, or other theorists, the credentials of which all vary quite wildly from doctors to laypersons. The Mystery of 2012 does an excellent job of including the well-known scholars & theorists in the area. Each contributor presents their viewpoint, and the reader can take away from it what they will. Some of the theories regard the possible end of the world, a spiritual movement that will take place en masse, a potential polar shift, and the creation of a new world. The book is also divided into four major sections:

Part 1: The Mayan Calendar and Mayan Cosmovision
Part 2: Science, Business, and Politics in the Context of 2012
Part 3: Spirituality, Signs, & Symbolism Surrounding 2012
Part 4: A New Humanity: Toward 2012 and Beyond

Each section does an excellent job of covering all the aspects of 2012 without jumping all over the place or getting bogged down in too many details. Part 1 gives an overview of Maya history, the meaning of their calendar, why December 21, 2012 is significant according to their calendar, the spiritual practices and beliefs of the Maya, and interpretations of what the Mayans knew and how they were so precise and ahead of their time mathematically, in terms of astronomy, and the most precise and accurate calendar ever conceived. The second part offers the perspectives of several contributors as to the potential implications of the upcoming galactic alignment and how it will shape the way our world works - and how it is already having an impact. Part 3 delves more into the spiritual significance of 2012 and many comparisons with other cultures and ancients texts - such as the Bible - that also support the importance of 2012 are compared. The final section discusses the implications of what will happen as a society and globally once we have reached this point in time. In the end, each other does agree that we are at a critical point in the history of the earth and mankind, and that continuing on our current path is destructive. It's difficult for me to disagree with that premise, considering the state of the world today. It is more precarious than ever.

I also recommend this book because each perspective is typically presented with a factual basis. As a researcher who reads with skepticism, I appreciate the factual basis upon which most contributors based their theories (whether they are true or will come true or not). Yet the book is written in an accessible and well-organized manner. The reader will certainly come away with a better understanding of Mayan culture, how highly advanced and incredibly precise they were, and their religious beliefs and practices are all well defined. There is a great deal of fascinating material in this book.

I felt more in touch with some of the theories than others, but again I feel that is a strong point of this book - it does not subscribe to one particular viewpoint. Rather, it allows the leading theorists in this area to lay out the evidence they have encountered and synthesize it for the reader. The ultimate question, clearly, is also the premise of the book: What will happen on December 21, 2012?

Anyone searching for a precise answer to that question will be profoundly disappointed, not because this book doesn't address the matter, but because ultimately, we have no way of knowing until we get there (hence the subtitle "Predictions, Prophecies & Possibilities"). Any book claiming to know exactly what will happen on that date is about as prophetic as all the people who helped create the "Y2K" pandemonium ten years ago. So what will happen? Honestly people, who knows, but if anything will, or you're at least interested in why this date is so significant, this book does a stellar job of addressing those points.

There are several different answers to this question within the book, some more extreme than others but none necessarily mutually exclusive. The answers the book does provide are interesting, thought provoking, and insightful. I enjoyed the incredible mix of the theoretical, metaphysical, geological, cosmological, anthropological, and the spiritual all in one book. Other books on this topic tend to focus solely on one aspect, and the gift of this book is that it does not tell you what to think - it presents the evidence and lets you decide for yourself. If certain authors pique your interest, many of them have longer, more in-depth publications out there as well. This book is a great place to start to have a well-rounded primer on the many potential possibilities that December 21, 2012 carries with it.

[Theotao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm six essays into this book, and so far it's amazing. How did the Maya view time? Are cosmic forces speeding up our evolution? Will we see the next phase of evolution in our lifetime? These ideas are all addressed by some of the most accomplished Maya researchers in the world.

The diversity alone makes this book an excellent read. The new scientific information on solar flares and their magnetic influences is wildly fascinating, as is the notion that magnetism is a factor in evolution. For example, solar flares (sun spots) send massive waves of electromagnetic energy throughout our solar system, and these waves of energy have a powerful effect on the magnetic fields of our planet, and all the beings living on it. As we move closer into alignment with the Galactic Center of our Milky Way, the intensity of the sun's solar flares are increasing dramatically, to levels never seen before, and these waves of energy are having a significant influence on out planet. Scientists are speculating that this intense energy is actually causing the magnetic poles of our planet to shift. Powerful implications.

Looking at the amazon.com reviewers, I have a feeling that many people really missed the point of this book, or maybe had expectations going in. If you come with an open heart, and a quiet mind, you will greatly enjoy this book, and quite possibly have your psyche blown wide open.

_Theo

[BLEEPING Herald Newsletter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether you’re an expert on everything ‘Mayan calendar’ or you’ve never heard of it, this book has something guaranteed to blow your mind.

It is a compendium of writings and essays by a tremendous variety of renowned mystics, poets, scientists and thinkers who walk you step by step through the facts and theories surrounding our impending date with destiny…December 21, 2012. Not only are you thoroughly brought up to speed on how the Mayan’s came up with that crazy calendar, you are given specific practical instructions on how to prepare for and participate in what is coming.

And what, exactly, is coming? Will 2012 mean the utter annihilation of the planet, or will it usher in a new and wonderful golden age? Are we doomed, done for, SOL…or are we being given the opportunity to save ourselves and make everything better? I don’t want to ruin it for you, but I have to say: when the current state of affairs in this world gets me down, I flip through the pages of this book, and I am filled with hope. But time is short.

to read the full review go to: www.bleepingherald.com

[Cosmic Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hesitant reading this for all the hype about 2012, but in the end I found the different perspectives of 2012 really fascinating. There is a little bit for every kind of 2012/paradigm shift reader, and most of the articles are put forth in a positive light. The authors are some of the leading researches of 2012, consciousness raising, and planetary awareness of our time.

This book not only discusses the theories of 2012 & the Mayan calendar, they also discuss the movement of becoming a global family, trends in capitalism, economy and government, spiritual interconnectedness, and how to become a part of the growing community of eco-aware, ethnocentric and self-realized humans.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in how to move forward during these times of disorder, distruction and fear in a positive, healthy and interconnected way which will benefit us all.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, this may seem a little out there but, I keep coming across the date 2012 and had to find out what all the hoopla was about. Each chapter in the book is written by a different author and presents a different point of view. The majority believe the world is not going end of Dec 21, 2012 (what a relief) but that mankind is heading towards enlightment (I like that idea) but we have to make a concious effort to choose enlightment over chaos. Got me thinking and I have been trying to mediate every day now.

[Billy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've watched many documentaries concerning the 2012 phenomenon and am very interested in the history and the science of all of it. I'm not too interested in the new-age stuff. Hence, my 3 star review...

I got this book expecting more of the history and the science. There are several chapters that discuss the history of the Mayan calendar and the various other historical societies that have pointed to the date of 12/21/2012. There are a few chapters that cover the science of the galactic alignment and the movement of the heavenly bodies through space and time. All of these I found to be very interesting and informative.

The majority of the book covers the warm-and-fuzzies of this approaching date; the "oneness" of mankind, the universal love type view of what we can do to make the date a good thing. Problem is, we don't know that the date will be bad. I'm not a "new-age" kind of guy, but I don't mind reading about it. These sections were interesting if not somewhat off the mark for me personally.

Still, the read was interesting on the whole and I can recommend it to anyone that has a genuine interest in the 2012 period of history. Don't expect any physics or major historical explanations, but you can expect to be informed from every angle.

I think, in the end, the fact that this book really does take the time to view this coming date from every angle, every viewpoint from the physical to the spiritual to the historical, that I lean toward a higher rating becuase, at the least, it is fair in providing a fair and balanced look at the topic.

But, if all you want is the history or the scientific, keep on looking; trust me, you don't want to wade through the "fluff" for the few facts.

Good luck!
I have since read The 2012 Story by John Major Jenkins and would recommend this read to those who want the history, archaeology, astronomy (without the hocum) and science behind the date. This is a much more throrough, although somewhat slanted by the author's opinion (but not so much so that it ruins the book), look at the "practical" story of the Mayans and their calendar. Enjoy!

[Maria Carmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking book. The first chapters did not bring anything new to me, but as soon as the author started writing about the nature of time and space and its relation to one's consciousness, I really loved the book! All the information about fractals and Fibonacci is also quite interesting, but for me it was the reflection about TIME and AWARENESS that most appealed to me.
The author's conception of 2012 as an opportunity for Humanity to change and overcome some of its repetitive bad cycles also seems to make sense, when we look around and register so many signs of this Civilization's decay and impending death.

Certainly a good read, even for those more skeptical.

Maria Carmo

Lisbon, 5th. July 2012.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so I am sucker for this type of thing. But I get enough drama when I do my job. This is mindless reading, but it does provoke thought. It did not get a 5-star rating, due to the fact that "new agers" contributed several chapters. Frankly, I do not think that we will all undergo a cosmic and universal shift in thought that will result in our all living nude and in peace and harmony. But the coincidences between the Mayan calendar and cosmic events (even if the Mayans were off by several hundred years)is interesting.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I expected:
An outline of prophecies related to 2012 (Mayan and otherwise), predictions of the future from professional futurists, and hard scientific data.

What I found:
New age hullabaloo and pseudoscience.

More later when I've got my thoughts together to do the actual review.

Note: While I critique both purchased and free books in the same way, I'm legally obligated to tell you I received this book free through the Amazon Vine program in return for my review. Blah blah blah.

[Jeff]

This is a spiritually uplifting and informative book on the importance of our personal and group choices that we are facing this year.
There is a vast amount of historical, scientific, psychological, economic, and spiritual information about the nature of our individual and shared realities in the year 2012.

i feel well informed and transformed positively after reading it.
I also have a long reading list I put together from books mentioned in this book.


Presently I am reading Spiritual Politics"
This book is equally as inspiring and informative.

[Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book 3 stars because I was torn between the fact that it contained some very interesting commentary from well studied scholars on the 2012 phenomina but I struggled to get through it.
The best explaination I have for this is that I believe this is an excellent reference book and not a book you pick up for enjoyment.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found parts of this book hard going, but as it's a collection of essays contributed by multiple authors, other parts were equally easy to read.

A fascinating look at the many theories and predictions surrounding the date most commonly associated with the end of the Mayan calendar: 21 December 2012.

[Truly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anggap aja peringatan!
Kudu sering-sering beramal dan mengerjakan hal-hal yang ingin segera dikerjakan (asal yang benar yah) biar enggak neysel belakangan.

kalo sampai kejadian benar, trus dapat tempat perlindungan dengan bawaan yang sangat terbatas, jadi bingung juga. Buku apa yang kudu dibawa...?

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays about what will happen in 2012. I found it very fascinating. Many scholars in different fields gave their opinions on changes that will effect our world physically, and how mankind will be affected spiritually etc. I found certain "truths" to be in these pages, explained imperically. I found this book very enlightening!

[Uwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely interesting compilation of essays from scientists about approaches regarding Dec. 12, 2012. When the sun will be at the exact center of our universe which only happens every 26,000 years. The Mayan calendar ends that date.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and it helped answer my curiousity beyond just the Mayan Calendar. It explains all the theories revolving around 2012, both negative and positive. We can all feel and see the changes and I'm glad to know I'm not the only one thinking about it.

[Rachel]

I have been reading on and off for a long time now. It is great because it is a collection of essays offering many different points of view on what 2012 could mean for humanity. Some are good, some are not so good.

[Vicky]

I wanted to know what the hoopla was about and this book had summaries of a bunch of different people's takes on what is supposed to happen. I've got my fill and I don't think the world is going to end on a certain date

[Poet Truth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm only on page four and so far I learned that no one can tell you much about the Maya people. I'm reading this book to give me an insight on the mystery of 2012, this way I can gain some knowledge about this day. Once I reached page 60 it began to get boring to me and I stopped reading it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of essays and articles and book excerpts from several authors. I spent a lot of time rereading some chapters. Other chapters inspired me to look into more information. I especially liked the chapter about Chaos Theories and the Butterfly Effect.

[Rajiv Sondhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I liked the wide range of essays, covering many dimensions of the changes that are associated to 2012 Maya predictions- astrological, archaeological, scientific, cultural, spiritual. Some essays are so inspiring!

[David Melbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of these essays and articles, etc., are pretty far out there. Some are more practical than those. Overall this book is full of a lot of quasi-educational guesswork and I don't really subscribe to any of it. Just had to read it, to convince myself, I guess.

[Michelle DePaepe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating and thought provoking! The relevance of this book goes well beyond the year 2012. It's going to stay on my bookshelf as I know that I will want to revisit some of the essays again.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting book but I didn't finish it. I was hoping for a little less "I am right, you are wrong" from these essays but the few that I read were interesting and definately makes you think.

[Charlotte Tisdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Some of the book is out there but cool. I say party.

[Anna Rae]

this should be good.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I find the Mayan calendar to be intriguing and the scientific theories interesting, much of this book was ambiguous and a bit too "out there" for me.

[Christina Gervais · Rating 4 out of 5]

contains many different view of what is to come.

[Lisala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, reccommend it to everyone.