It’s unlikely that ancient Mayan annals
contain apocalyptic predictions. These prophecies are modern fabrications usually
generated by the media to create fear and hysteria. The 2012 Phenomenon draws
more from the New Age movement and a fascination with esoteric teachings than it
does from ancient Mayan culture. The idea that the Mayan Long Count ‘ends’ on
21 December 2012 with disastrous consequences for the world misrepresents Mayan
civilisation.
One of the earliest records
concerning the calendar’s connection to cataclysmic events involves Christopher
Columbus’ voyage in 1502 to the Americas Columbus
By contrast, the people of ancient
Maya were concerned with developing a sophisticated civilisation in the Yucatan and Guatemala
The end of the Mayan Long Count
appears to be astrologically significant because it falls on a Solstice. However,
its astrological value lies in its connection to the Uranus-Pluto transit of March
2011, an event which triggered a series of global disruptions such as the uprisings
across North Africa and the Middle East, Occupy Wall Street protest movements in
the West, the collapse of the Eurozone, and panic over ecological issues such
as scarcity of food, water, and oil. Here we have erratic individualism (Uranus
in Aries) clashing with the status quo (Pluto in Capricorn). Our individual
rights and freedoms, as well as the wellbeing of the planet, are at odds with
retaining and protecting capitalist power. This turbulent period in the world’s
history will end in 2015, but not before our personal and collective ethics go through
the wringer. Expect to see the institutions of mass capitalism weaken as people
power gains momentum over the next three years.
This ties in beautifully with the end
of the Mayan Long Count where the current cycle finishes with the destruction
of outmoded ways of living, and begins with a new cycle called the Fifth World.
We can mark the date 21 December 2012 as the beginning of spiritual maturation;
the result of a disconnected and dissatisfied society that struggles to find meaningful
answers to life’s big questions:
Who am
I? What is my purpose? What is the meaning of life?
So how does the 2012 Phenomenon
affect the Inner West? What happens this year totally depends on what Inner Westies
decide to make of it. It can be a blessing or a curse, depending on our
perspective and the actions we take. We can stand still, shrug our shoulders and
sigh ‘that’s the way it is’, or we can feel empowered and supported by the
Universal forces at work.
I
see movements such as Reclaim the Lanes and Reclaim the Streets revitalised and
gaining power through repossession of poorly utilised urban spaces in the name
of community spirit, creativity, and fun. Support for small businesses and legendary
landmarks such as the Annandale Hotel will increase, as locals grasp the
importance of preserving these unique gems. There will be a swing away from affluent
sectors of the community waging and winning campaigns against desperately
needed affordable housing, public transport, and other services. The tables
will turn on those lobbying against the creative
class, the poor and disabled, multiculturalism, and egalitarianism, ensuring
that diversity will always have a home in the Inner West.
All Inner Westies will benefit from
Mayan wisdom by integrating their modern lifestyle with a rich spiritual life
and a genuine sense of community. After 21 December, older residents in
particular will yearn for the traditional values of former working class suburbs
like Balmain, Rozelle, and Marrickville. Balmain natives are frustrated by the
popular view that the coolest activity their historic neighbourhood has to
offer is standing in the queue outside Zumbo’s cake shop! Locals will feel
homesick for a time when pubs acted as major social centres that glued the
community together, and not the over-priced wine bars and bistros they are now.
It will become clear that middle class values perpetuated by the upwardly
mobile fail in a working class community enriched by people who choose not to
succumb to the live-to-work ethic that prevails in Sydney
Far from being an overblown catastrophe over nothing, the 2012 Phenomenon can be a time of positive transformation for the Inner West. The various grassroots movements that are emerging globally to fight corporate and government control are sprouting on a micro level in our backyard in a quest to reclaim the community that so many of us love. The Gods of Change are on our side.
Originally published in C!ao magazine, issue #190, 22 June 2012. With thanks and respect.
