2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl
Product DescriptionThe acclaimed metaphysical epic that binds together the cosmological phenomena of our time, ranging from crop  circles to quantum theory to the resurgence of psychedelic drugs, to support the contention of the Mayan calendar  that the year 2012 portends a global shift-in consciousness, culture, and way of living-of unprecedented  consequence.Amazon Exclusive: Daniel Pinchbeck on 2012: The Truth Behind the Doomsday  HypeThe Classical Maya developed a highly sophisticated civilization in the Yucatan and Guatemala that vanished 1,000  years ago. They were extraordinary architects and astronomers, and developed methods of timekeeping that are far  more precise than our Western calendar system. Although we destroyed most of their scrolls, our archaeologists have  discovered that the Maya looked toward the year 2012 – specifically the date December 21, 2012 – as the end of a  "Great Cycle" of 5,125 years on their Long Count calendar. According to the Mayan creation myth, the Popol Vuh,  such cycles end with the destruction of the old way of life and the inception of a new world. Many scholars agree  that the Classic Maya pointed to this time, around the year 2012, as the juncture between one world age and the  next.As we approach the threshold, it becomes more and more difficult to escape the feeling that the Maya had  mysterious foreknowledge about our time. We are currently in the throes of an ecological crisis, brought about by  human activity, which threatens us with disaster if we do not immediately change our ways. Basic resources such as  fuel, water, and food are becoming scarce around the world. Many scientists have predicted cataclysm due to climate  change and pollution that could lead to the extinction of the human species in a short span of time. On the other  hand, we are also experiencing a massive leap in human consciousness. Our world is now meshed together through  communications technology and social networks that act as a "global brain." We can transmit new ideas and  transformative practices instantly across the world.In my book,2012:The Return of Quetzalcoatl, I proposed that what happens in "2012" depends  on what humanity decides to make of it. We might see global famines and wars and increasing misery, or we might  decide to institute a new planetary culture based on empathy, alternative economic systems, sustainable design, and  an equitable sharing of wealth. According to the prophecies held by the Maya and other indigenous cultures, we may  integrate modern scientific knowledge with Eastern spiritual wisdom and indigenous shamanism, leading to a new  understanding of the physical and psychic cosmos. Rather than "doomsday," 2012 could be a time of positive  transformation and the opening to a new way of life.--This text refers to thePaperbackedition.