The End of Time: The Maya Mystery of 2012
February 24, 2010 | Posted by 2012 
Product Description
December 21, 2012. The Internet, bookshelves, and movie theaters are full of prophecies, theories, and predictions that this date marks the end of the world, or at least the end of the world as we know it. Whether the end will result from the magnentic realignment of the north and south poles, bringing floods, earthquakes, death, and destruction; or from the return of alien caretakers to enlighten or enslave us; or from a global awakening, a sudden evolution of Homo… More >>
The End of Time: The Maya Mystery of 2012
Categories: End Of The World Movies | 
Tags: 2012, Maya, Mystery, Time | 
3 Comments »
Dr. Aveni’s book is based on the facts. Although he has pioneered an entire discipline of anthropology (archaeoastronomy), his text is easily understood by those of various educational backgrounds. THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL- so much so that I purchased multiple copies for family members. Thank you, Dr. Aveni, for setting the record straight!
PS. Thank goodness I don’t have to cleanse my colon to survive 2012!
Rating: 5 / 5
I strongly recommend this book. However, since I’m not knowledgeable about mesoamerican archaeology, I’ll give it only three stars, and let more-qualified reviewers decide whether it deserves a higher rating. Here are some comments and observations that they may wish to expand upon or critique.
REGARDING AVENI’S DISCUSSION OF BOOKS ON 2012 BY “INDEPENDENT” RESEARCHERS
– Although Aveni is very much the mainstream authority, he’s respected by “independent” 2012 figures like John Major Jenkins, who frequently cites Aveni’s “Skywatchers of Ancient Mexico” in his own works.
– Aveni points out where those who disagree with him really have made contributions to mesoamerican archaeology, and where they are right about the ancient Maya world view. For example (p. 32), “[The] idea of balancing the cosmos actually squares pretty well with what scholars have learned from study of ancient Maya documents.”
– I read this book the day after finishing John Major Jenkins’ “Maya Cosmogenesis 2012″. I can confirm that Aveni represents Jenkins’ work accurately and treats his viewpoints respectfully, even while questioning Jenkins’ methodology and conclusions.
– I have also read many of the sources cited in the Wikipedia article “2012 Phenomenon”. I can confirm that Aveni discusses them accurately and respectfully.
REGARDING THE “RARE ASTRONOMICAL ALIGNMENTS” PREDICTED FOR THE WINTER SOLSTICE OF 2012
– Aveni (a professor of Astronomy, Anthropology, and Native American Studies at Colgate) discusses this subject at length in Chapter 5: “The Astronomy Behind the Current Maya Creation”.
– Aveni’s conclusions are consistent with Jenkins’ own recognition (in Jenkins’ “Maya Cosmogenesis”, pp. 113-114 and 360-361) that these “rare” alignments are not unique to 2012, but actually began decades or centuries ago, and will not end for decades or centuries more.
FINAL COMMENTS
This brief list of observations, etc., does not do justice to Aveni’s book. I am sure that people from all sides of the issue will find it an interesting and rewarding read. I look forward to reading their reviews.
Rating: 3 / 5
If you have an interest in the 2012 phenomenon then this is the text to read. While many other authors are spinning out fantasies for a buck, Aveni has devoted a lifetime of scholarship to the astronomy practiced by ancient civilizations. His expertise in Mayan astronomy is second to none. To get to the bottom of the mysteries and questions about this “end date,” skip the rest and read something by a genuine authority on the matter who can not only interpret all the relevant data but also contextualize it.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1-Introduction: How Dylan got me started
2-What’s in Store? A user’s guide to the 2012 Maya Prophecies
3-What we know about the Maya and their ideas about Creation
4-The Calendar: Jewel of the Maya Crown
5-What goes around: Other ends of times
6-Only in America
7-Epilogue: Anticipation
Rating: 5 / 5