On Sunday, April 19, 2009, the Astrological Association of St Louis was treated to a viewing of the DVD “Quantum Astrology: Science, Spirit and Our Place in the Cycles of History” by Rick Levine. President Audria Gebhardt brought us this viewing pleasure, and what a treat it was! The DVD, lasting approximately an hour, took us on a trip through history through the eyes of four outer planets: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, focusing on the aspects between any pair of them at a time by opposition or conjunction.
The DVD began with an explanation of the more scientific side of astrology, with Mr. Levine walking us through how astrology is intrinsically tied to quantum mechanics and physics. This is a refreshing injection of scientific illuminism into the field of astrology, which has had a horrible public image over the last 400 years. To build his case, Mr Levine walks us through not only the definition of astrology, but also how astrology has fit into the context of world history. This lays important groundwork for what he brings to light next, which we will go into depth about.
Beginning with the fall of Rome, we are walked through history using the signposts of Pluto and Saturn conjunctions and oppositions, with a dash of Uranus and Neptune thrown in! The bulk of his emphasis is Europe, North America, and the Middle East, as well as bits of North Africa and Asia. 410 CE finds us looking at the time when the Visigoths sacked and burned Rome. This activity occurred within 1 year of a Saturn Pluto conjunction. You can’t script it this good!
For the sake of brevity, I will not list each point Mr. Levine lists in his DVD, but I will use highlights to punctuate this pattern. Besides, if I listed them all here, why would you want to watch the DVD?
In 629 CE, when there was a Saturn Pluto opposition (Aries and Libra, respectively), Mohammed claimed Mecca in a bloodless coup. In 1515, Saturn conjunct Pluto in Virgo was the beginning of the Reformation. In 1866, Saturn in Scorpio opposed Pluto in Taurus, which was the year that the United States abolished slavery. In 1914, with Saturn conjunct Pluto in Cancer, World War I took center stage across the globe. And the most recent of these aspects that sticks with most of us the most occurred in 1965, when Saturn in Pisces opposed Pluto in Virgo. This was the Viet Nam war. Of course this conflict had been going on for approximately 20 years before this date, but it was in its infancy, and in 1965 we saw the stakes elevated, and public awareness raised.
The aspect that we can most reflect and meditate on, however, just occurred. When Saturn in Gemini opposed Pluto in Sagittarius, we had the tragedy of September 11th, 2001. As tragic as this is, however, this is simply the setting of the stage for what may come next. The next conjunction to occur between Saturn and Pluto will occur in January of 2020, with both being in Capricorn. Besides these two planets in their cosmic dance, there will be other planets in Capricorn as well, and they include the Sun, Mercury and Jupiter.
It is easiest to analyze and synthesize these aspects by considering what each planet is known for. Saturn is that which gives us structure, foundation, time and karma. Pluto is the planet of transformation, and as we as a race have testified, too many times in the past, transformation is generally violent if we bury our heads in the sand. Violence and Pluto are not a set-in-stone correspondence, but it is easy to see how the two coincide. Pluto brings up from the depths those things that are calling to us to change. Saturn is father time, as it brings lessons and structure to those things that require it.
The final spice that Mr. Levine throws into the pot is the spice of Uranus, and its cosmic dance with Neptune. By going into detail about their aspects, he illustrates how these two influence the arts and the idea of a renaissance. To illustrate the point, he points to several interactions between the two. The first one he addresses is the conjunction that occurred in March of 1821 in Capricorn. To put it into perspective, during the time of that conjunction, electromagnetism was discovered and being heavily researched. To counterbalance the conjunction, he then brought up the Uranus-Neptune opposition that occurred in 1906 (Cancer and Capricorn respectively). During this time, Albert Einstein wrote his theory of time and space being gravitationally warped time. However, the most recent and telling conjunction that occurred between the two planets happened in 1993 in Capricorn. This was the time that the World Wide Web was beginning its growth period, opening new venues for art, culture, academics, and fun, while at the same time opening potential for technological growth.
If you ever get a chance to watch this DVD, rest assured that it will be worth the investment of your time. This is not a DVD that is over the head of those who feel they are at a beginner level of astrology. This is a DVD that can appeal to those of all backgrounds, from beginner to advanced. While there is a lot of tech talk, Mr. Levine puts everything into historical perspective so it digests easily. Just be prepared to integrate what you experience into how you view the world in general. There are patterns, and as Mr. Levine reminds us, these patterns from the past can tell us what to watch for in the future! Namaste
by Bill Duvendack
Bulletin of the AASt, Vol. 19, No. 1
April / May 2009
Quantum Astrology Update
by Audria Gebhardt
The main reason for showing the Quantum Astrology DVD by Rick Levine, was to show how current planetary cycles are showing similar events in our world that those same cycles have shown in more past and ancient history.
As you saw from the DVD, past Saturn-Pluto cycles, which begin approximately every 33 years, showed the clash between cultures. The current Saturn-Pluto cycle started in 1982 as Saturn conjuncted Pluto at 27 Libra (this is a sensitive point if it is aspected by another planet, especially by conjunction or hard aspects.) The cycle starts with events at the conjunction of the two planets, followed by the square between the two planets, the opposition between the two planets and the second square; then the cycle begins again with a new conjunction.
As we get into August of 2010, Pluto at 3 Capricorn square Saturn at 1 Libra will be intensified and turned into a T-square as Uranus at 0 Aries and Jupiter at 3 Aries will square Pluto and oppose Saturn. This particular T-square existed at the beginning of the Great Depression of 1931, except Saturn was at 19 Capricorn, opposite Pluto at 20 Cancer, squaring Uranus at 19 Aries (Uranus will be back in Aires in 2010.)
Another planetary cycle of historic importance is the Uranus-Pluto cycle, occurring approximately every 133 years. Uranus conjuncted Pluto (in Leo) in 1455 at the beginning of the Renaissance (Europe coming out of the Dark Ages). In that very year, the Gutenberg printing press was invented, putting the printed word in the hands of the masses. In more recent history we had Uranus-Pluto conjuncting (in Virgo) in 1965–1966. The 60’s were a time of major change in consciousness, revolution in music, and opening up and change in culture and society world-wide. In 1965, IBM invented the System 36 computer, resulting in distribution of knowledge and information in the same way that the Gutenberg press did for its time.
Twenty-four years after Uranus conjuncted Pluto in 1455, Uranus conjuncted Neptune in 1479. This was a blossoming of Renaissance art, architecture, theology, science and government. In 1993 there was a Uranus/Neptune conjunction in Capricorn that ushered in a time of technology, personal computers and the internet (new art, science and technology for our time in history).
by Audria Gebhardt
Bulletin of the AAStL, Vol. 19, No. 1
April / May 2009
Audria Gebhardt is a 40+ year student of astrology [2020]. She has been a member of AAStL for approximately 30 years and has served in several board positions including past and current President. Being the Sagittarian that she is, Audria is a strong advocate for the best educational programs we can have at AAStL, including giving lectures. Audria wants everyone at AAStL to enjoy learning about astrology as much as she continues to enjoy it. Besides astrology, Audria is interested in metaphysics, art, music (she plays the harmonica and belongs to Gateway Harmonica Club), health, and healing and is currently a massage therapist.
Bill Duvendack gave the presentation for the June 2009 meeting, discussing modalities and polarities, and how they interact in astrology. The presentation was a blend of information, and round table discussion, as all were encouraged to share their views on the two subjects.
In astrology, modalities, or modes for short, are the three types of signs: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. They were defined as Cardinal being equated with a progressive mentality, while Fixed is associated with a status quo preference, and Mutable is indicative of adaptability. A discussion was encouraged between all attendees, and the three modalities, or modes for short, were looked at with regards to how they can exhibit themselves in horoscopes.
Further dialogue went on to discuss how the three blend together when viewing the overall horoscope, rather than one particular chart point. For example, one of the things that was discussed was what if an individual has a triple Cardinal (Sun, Moon, Ascendant)? Another perspective that was discussed was what if an individual had a heavy Cardinal leaning for the big three (Sun, Moon, Ascendant), but the rest of the chart was of a fixed nature. Finally, discussion ensued as to people that may have any of the combination of the three modes as their Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. For example, a Fixed Sun, Mutable Moon, and Cardinal Ascendant. Needless to say, the discussion had many colorful examples, both of the astrological side, and of the more psychological side!
After a brief break that included the established (and loved!) 50/50 drawing, polarities were discussed and examined. To begin this segment of the presentation, the question of terminology and nomenclature was brought up for debate, as through the history of astrology, “negative” has predominantly been equated with the feminine aspect of life, and “positive” has been equated with the masculine side of life. This correlation was brought into question, since we are moving more into the Aquarian age, and the connotations these correlations have are outdated, and, to a certain degree, insulting!
While discussing the “negative” polarity signs (the water signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, and the earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), special emphasis was put on comparing the polarities with Yin and Yang energies from the east for clarification and debate. A wonderful discussion ensued among all people present as to what, exactly, these polarities mean, and how they are active in the nativity of an individual. After the working definition was clarified, particular attention was paid to the sign Gemini, since it is the only one of the zodiac that is of “neutral” polarity. This discussion went in depth as to the nature of why this is, and what it means from the perspective of esoteric astrology, since the full moon in Gemini is known as the “Festival of Humanity” in esoteric writings.
When this discussion had come to a close, attention was placed on the natural zodiacal wheel itself, and the patterns that are inherently in it. This discussion looked at the pattern of each quadrant, and how it is a microcosmic view of the overall wheel. Also discussed was how the ingress of the Sun into 15 degrees of each Fixed sign constitutes what is known as “cross-quarter” days in different earth based religions, while the ingress of the Sun into the Cardinal signs herald the equinoxes and solstices, the very changing of the seasons. This was looked at in depth, as there were many questions and thoughts from all people present. Examples were given, such as the Christian day “Candlemass”, traditionally occurring on the ingress of the Sun into 15 degrees Aquarius, usually around February 2nd. Yep, “Groundhog’s Day” could be viewed as astrologically timed! What a concept!
Finally, the floor was open to general questions, and the questions that were discussed were from a wide variety of perspectives, ranging from general beginner level questions all the way up to more complex ones. This segment of the presentation was also very nice to stimulate conversations among individuals, and was a relaxing way to end the afternoon.
by Bill Duvendack
Bulletin of the AAStL, Vol. 19, No. 2
July / August / September 2009
On July 12th, those in attendance were treated to a delightful and thought provoking presentation on Solar Returns, presented by Audria Gebhardt and Roger Boehner. With such long-standing members of the Astrological Association doing the presenting, I can safely say that at least I was excited about it! So much insight spread out over so much time. Wow!
And boy did they deliver! Audria began the presentation using two charts as examples of what to look for in a Solar Return chart, as well as clarification on what exactly a Solar Return is and how it is useful. She began her presentation by explaining what a Solar Return chart is, and in what context it is useful. Besides emphasizing that the Solar Return chart is a preview of a year when put into context of the natal chart, she also went on to explain the hows and whys of what a Solar Return chart actually is, including the bare bones of how it is calculated. As a matter of fact, I can give you a hint at the perspective she was coming from: “[The Solar Return chart is] what the upcoming year may bring. Angles are the most important to look at.”
While she was giving the first part of her presentation, focusing on the two charts she brought with her as illustration, she shared with us what books she used, and her thoughts on them. For those members that weren’t able to attend, the list is as follows: 1) The Art of Forecasting Using Solar Returns by Anthony Louis, 2) Identifying Planetary Triggers by Celeste Teal (that’s such a cute name, isn’t it?), and 3) Planets in Solar Returns, Revised Edition by Mary Fortier Shea. Oh, and by the way, the two charts she used were even fun. They were two charts of lottery winners!
I could go on and on about what was covered during the presentation, so I will only highlight a few things here: 1) She pointed out the fact that if there is a substantial move during the year, what is affected the most are the houses, 2) The fact that the Solar Return is based on when the degree of the Sun returns--not the actual birthday, so sometimes this may vary, 3) By the affected houses, we can then tell what areas of life are highlighted, 4) Also it should be noted that the natal chart should be taken into consideration as far as aspects are concerned, 5) The fact that every 33 years your Solar Return chart will duplicate angles from your natal chart, 6) Planets on the ascendant tell us what will be brought to the surface and emphasized during the coming year, and 7) A brief example of a technique known as the Quotidian method of Solar Return progressions.
After a brief interlude of fried chicken, cheese and sausage, and lots of chocolate (yum!), Roger then presented from his experience on the same topic.
For those of you that may not be familiar with Roger, I will just say this. He is a very sharp, mathematical, and “big picture” astrologer. He began his presentation by explaining his own system that he uses. Thus, he had some really good handouts!
The first thing he addressed was the fact that angles represent psychological influences as they are not bodies in space, but they have an impact none the less. Secondly, he explained that when he looks at Solar Returns, he prefers Sidereal Solar Returns. He made this decision based on an article in the AFA newsletter many moons ago. As part of this, he explained that Solar Return energy could be considered as “outsourced energy” coming inward, whereas the natal chart could be considered inward energy pouring out. Next he reminded us that the angles and the Moon are different when put into context of the Sidereal Solar Return. Roughly, the procession is 50 seconds a year. To quote Roger: “Sidereal astrology is the fixed zodiac.”
As proof of his system, he shared with us that when he looks at a Solar Return Sidereal chart, he looks at angles predominantly, and that he leaves houses, for the most part, out of it. Since the point of a Solar Return chart is to tell us what is coming up for the year, he reminded us of something that is true of transits in general: “Planets are not unloading all the time.” To illustrate his views, he shared with us that any planet that is on an angle is the one that’s going to be the most influential. Another point that he shared with us is that Sidereal Solar Return charts don’t deal with aspects. As he put it, “Angles are your consciousness.”
See what I said in the beginning? Delightful, thought provoking, and chocolate, too!
by Bill Duvendack
Bulletin of the AAStL, Vol. 19, No. 2
July / August / September 2009
Sunday, November 8th, 2009, brought a presentation by Bill Duvendack focusing on financial astrology. Specifically, it focused on understanding money and finances in the birth chart through an astrologer’s eyes. I make this distinction because there is also a highly specialized branch of astrology called “Financial Astrology”, but the emphasis of November’s presentation was more in line with the fundamentals of financial analysis with regards to the birth chart.
So, let’s take a quick minute to contemplate this. Everyone is interested in money in one way, shape or form. Even if there is little to no emphasis on it in everyday life, let’s face facts: money is the grease for the gears of the western world in the 21st century. Ergo, the more we understand about how the individualized horoscope can be interpreted, the more accurately we can make financial decisions that can assist in getting us where we want to go.
The money houses in astrology interestingly enough coincide to the houses associated with earth in the natural zodiac: the 2nd, naturally ruled by Taurus, the 6th, naturally ruled by Virgo, and the 10th, naturally ruled by Capricorn. The planetary rulers are Venus, Mercury, and Saturn, respectively. In a nutshell, the 2nd is resources and resource management, the 6th is work habits, routines, and employment, and the 10th is the vocation, occupation, and, by default, the Midheaven. It has always fascinated me how the Midheaven relates to the 10th house, and all that it represents. The Midheaven, briefly, is the backdrop against which life is played out. Wow. Isn’t that so true for most of us, as we will spend many hours a week, and thus in our lifetime, at work, or working, in some way, shape, or form? Therefore it stands to reason that will color how our life is played out. Sometimes I just sit back and marvel at the sublimity (is that a word?) and accuracy of astrology.
Of course when the houses associated with work are looked at, the next point to consider are the natural planetary rulers of these houses, and where they are in the natal horoscope. Are they happy (represented by positive aspects and characteristics)? Are they sad (represented by challenging characteristics)? What elements are they in? What modalities are they in? And, most importantly, how can all of this be interpreted to maximize cash flow in our lives?
Let’s face facts: there are two parts to astrology: theory and practice. The interesting thing to point out is that this is represented in astrology very well when it comes to finances and the world of money. While someone may excel at theory, they may not be so good at practice, and vice versa. Even this subtle fact is represented in astrology when it comes to finances. How is this so, you ask? In financial astrology, Venus is more akin to money, while Jupiter is more akin to understanding the principles of money. Another way to look at it is that Venus gives us insight into more of the earthy applications of finances, while Jupiter assists us with what terms like ‘abundance’ and ‘prosperity’ mean, and how to better understand them. But, the integration part occurs when we put these principles to work in our daily lives.
As we have learned, Jupiter is the ‘Greater Benefic’, and Venus is the ‘Lesser Benefic’, and this most certainly holds water if you consider what we’ve been talking about. Jupiter’s ‘greater’ stance comes from the fact that we could make all the money in the world, but if we don’t have a firm handle on the principles of abundance and prosperity, then we may be challenged to hold onto money too long (they don’t call it currency because it’s permanent), or we may not be able to hold onto it long enough. While Venus is considered the ‘Lesser Benefic’, this is true to a point, because Venus represents the more tangible than Jupiter. The tangibility of Venus only occurs after the more emotional and psychological groundwork is laid. In other words, ‘success is thy proof!’
The November presentation turned out to be part 1 of 2, and therefore was focused more on the personal side of financial astrology. Part 2 will come in March when the bigger picture of American Economics will be looked at. Of course part of the bigger picture is the fact that transits are ever so important when it comes to financial astrology because by following transits and coinciding our decisions with these transits, we cease to fight upstream against the trends in the sky, and we admit that we are part of the greater whole. By this admission, we bring ourselves in line with what the universe provides for us, and into a greater understanding of what openings are there for us to walk through at the best time to do so.
by Bill Duvendack
This article is inspired by The Mountain Astrologer, Issue #132: April/ May 2007 and its cover article on “Eris.” The views, opinions, and dry bits of wisdom are those of the author only. Enter at your own risk!
In the recent issue of The Mountain Astrologer , the cover article features Eris and its moon Dysnomia. Formerly labeled “2003 UB 313,” Eris is the tenth planet of our solar system. In the hoopla surrounding it, a key piece of information has been lost. Namely, whether or not naming it “Eris” works esoterically as well as exoterically. Astronomers named it after what they perceived. However, as with much in life, things aren’t always what they seem. Let me offer a more intelligent dissertation than one loosely based around pulp television.
To the ancients, there were seven known celestial bodies. We know them as: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. As humanity has “evolved,” more planets and features of our local solar system have become known.
Uranus was discovered around the time that lightning was noted by Ben Franklin. That sounds pretty chaotic and out of the blue to me! It actually sounds a lot more like Eris energy than 2003 UB 313 does.
When Neptune was discovered, humanity was making strides in seeing the world and the heavens more clearly. Pluto was discovered around the time that the largest endeavor to view the heavens was completed.
Each of these planets came at a unique time in the recent evolution of humanity. Of the three, Uranus has been known as the planet of chaos for approximately one hundred years. So to name 2003 UB 313 “Eris” is forcing us astrologers to rethink our view on Uranus. But let’s change that. Let’s think about renaming Uranus “Eris”!
The ancients believed that each planet was associated with a particular vibration. This was validated by the channeling of Alice A. Bailey, who brought more light onto the subject started by H.P. Blavatsky. Hidden wisdom from the East reintroduced a whole new dimension to astrology. That sounds like a pretty Eris moment to me.
The most recent theory is that every planet outside of the original ring-pass-not ( i.e ., Saturn) is a higher vibration of one of the “internal” planets. Thus, you have these planets taking over certain signs: Pluto for Scorpio, Neptune for Pisces, and Uranus for Aquarius. Depending on whom you read, they will offer the idea of co-rulers, of day and nighttime rulers of the respective signs. For example, nighttime of Scorpio is associated with Pluto.
Whether or not someone agrees with this is moot. The fact remains that some signs have two rulers. In esoteric astrology, this is the way things are: Uranus is a higher vibration of Mercury, Neptune is a higher vibration of Venus, and Pluto is a higher vibration of Mars. Doesn’t it stand to reason, then, that the tenth planet would be a higher vibration of Jupiter? Does Eris sound like a higher vibration of Jupiter? I propose something more logical. Never forget that astronomers only name the stars. Astrologers are the ones who understand them.
I agree with naming it after a goddess. Venus could use some companionship, and it makes sense that, since we are in the Aquarian age, this type of energy would be feminine in nature and manifestation.
And that’s where my appreciation ends. What about naming it “ Shakti”? I will list more reasons for naming it Shakti than those for naming it Eris. And I adore the Principia Discordia!
A. Shakti is a goddess name for divine feminine energy from the Hindu tradition. The tenth planet manifested in a very receptive and feminine way. CNN.com reported its discovery on March 15, 2004. Intuition and sensitivity are both keynotes of Pisces. How fitting, then, that a new planet would be reported during that time of the year.
The argument could be made that March 15, 2004 is not the date that it was discovered and therefore that correspondence should be discounted. OK, I’ll give that inch in my debate. But consider this: We do charts on when a child took its first breath in this world, not when it was conceived. With the media prevalent and dominant in the world, you could say that the announcement was its first breath. Thus, that argument loses its footing.
B. Naming it Shakti would also show the shift in consciousness of humanity toward globalization, not toward a world of nations. This is only valid if there is more peace in the world than war. It does work when you consider the amount of goods sold in the United States that are manufactured overseas and when you consider job loss in America to overseas employees. I’m not passing judgment on this, but it is worth considering when showing global consciousness.
C. Besides being associated with goddess energy, Shakti is also sexual energy. From a kundalini stance, it is the energy that rises from the base of the spine to the top of the head. It rises quickly, but if you are working with it to guide it down the spine, this is a slow process (if done correctly). 2003 UB 313 rose quickly to our consciousness, but its orbit is a slow-mover through the zodiacal signs. This matches the flow of Shakti. The argument is that to name the planet “ Shakti” would show an acceptance of sex and sexual energy. Unfortunately, we live in a world where sex is still seen negatively. Most world religions oppress sex and sexual activity, which further illustrates the ignorance and lack of growth of humanity.
I could go on with reasons for another thousand words or more, but I think my point is clear. Decide for yourselves what this planet should be called. I, for one, will call it Eris only if I need to, for convenience, or in dry wit.
Namaste.
by William Duvendack
Bulletin of the AAStL, Vol. 17, No. 2
March / April 2007
As we get closer to the date, this topic becomes more popular and discussed. There is much debate on a few key points, and I will address these points in this article to give us a working platform. After we establish common ground, I will proceed to give a brief reflection on what will be occurring on this date.
I am, among other things, an astrologer. Whenever possible, I look at what is going on astrologically to gain insight on decisions and influences affecting all of us on planet Earth in one form or another. In my life, important events and decisions are always weighed against astrology. I do this because of the integrity of astrology, and the light it can throw on events that we may not have access to otherwise. To illustrate and validate this point, keep in mind that astrologers were the only group of people to verifiably predict the September 11th, 2001 attacks (http://www.astrologyweekly.com/astrology-articles/911-prophecy-prediction.php) (their names being Lynne Palmer and Robert Zoller). There were even three more astrologers that predicted the current Middle East state of affairs with any accuracy (Robert Hand, Jim Shawvan, and Gayatri Devi Vasudev)! I share this to show the viability of astrology. We, as astrologers, may already know how valid it is as an art, but by voicing this, it is my effort to show that astrology, alone, has the best perspective on what some are calling “The shift of the ages”.
To create the platform from which we will work, let me clarify the chart for the event. The traditional date accepted by most people is December 21st, 2012, which is Winter Solstice. I created a chart for the above date, with the location being Greenwich England, due to it being the standard over the last 128 years from which we work. The time that I chose was 11:11 am, which was the time the Sun ingressed into 0° Capricorn. I also used a geocentric chart, with Placidus Houses and the Tropical Zodiac, as well as the True Node.
Now that we have the chart information, let’s begin! For starters, the Sun is ingressing into Capricorn. Next we have the Moon in Aries at 14°, which means, among other things, that the Moon is exhibiting all of those well known Aries traits. The Ascendant is at 3° Pisces, so the energy of the old aeon is prevalent. What makes this especially interesting is that on that ascendant line, Neptune and Chiron are conjunct the ascendant. I don’t know about you, but that screams spiritual healing to me!
Mercury is conjunct the Midheaven in Sagittarius, with both exhibiting the heart of what Sagittarius means. Among other meanings, Sagittarius is the sign most closely associated with alchemy and journeying, and with all of this influence, it is no wonder how this time got the nickname “The shift of the ages”.
As I close this brief article that is intended to stimulate all of us on this curious subject, I would like to leave just a few, more esoteric, kernels to ponder. The first thing to know is a little bit of backstory about the Mayan Calendar. In revealed teaching circles, the Mayan are known as the timekeepers of this planet and dimension. In this way, they are known to have a very accurate calendar. There are a few different perspectives that are worth mentioning. The first perspective I have heard is that there is some ambiguity to the calendar itself. Several sources say that even the Mayan elders, when asked about this event, claim that it may not even be 2012, but rather it could be 2010, 2014, or another approximate time. I have only heard this, so I have no first hand evidence to corroborate it. This is a derivate from the idea that, since these things are steeped in the mists of history, there could be a slim margin of error with this calendar and event.
The second point to mention is more astrological in nature, but it is just as fascinating. In esoteric astrology, which ties in some ways to revealed teachings, it is mentioned that the Mayan calendar is based on a 2-year, Venusian cycle, rather than a 12-year cycle, which is indicative of Vedic, Chinese, and Western astrology. This can give weight to the Mayans and their “role” as timekeepers of this planet in this dimension since generally it is easier to learn and apply what occurs in a 2 year cycle rather than a 12 year cycle. When you start looking at 12 year cycles, you start to look into studies that will possibly extend beyond the realm of one human lifetime, especially in ancient cultures. This opens the door to word-of-mouth tradition, or, at best, a detailed written tradition. When dealing with a 2-year cycle, manifestation of said cycle can be easier to watch and learn from. I share this because some authors have even said that there is no astrological basis for the Mayan calendar. I do not promote one view over another, but rather I share these differing viewpoints as insight for all of us to reflect on, and to decide what we believe for ourselves.
By Bill Duvendack