Although not part of the Mayan empire, many of the pre-Columbian tribes who called Costa Rica home certainly had exposure to the influences of that culture. The Chorotegas, who settled in and around Nicoya, had a social system very similar to the Aztecs and Mayans of their former home in Mexico. The Nahua people, also from Mexico, were actual descendants of the Aztecs and became known in Costa Rica as guatusos. The mysterious site at Guayabo may one day reveal a stronger connection to these empires of antiquity. Olmec and Mayan artifacts that have been found in Costa Rica were probably trade items showing that communication between the Mayan world and the Land of Pura Vida existed in some level.
The Mayan Calendar is actually a system of calendars that reflects the Mayan view of time. The Long Count calendar counts dates from the date believed by the Mayan priests to be their date of creation, August 11, 3114 B.C (in the Gregorian calendar or September 6th in the Julian calendar. The Maya used the Long Count to describe any period longer than 52 years. In the Popul Vuh, ancient text detailing Mayan creation legends, we live in the fourth world. The previous creations all ended at the end of the 13th b’ak’tun cycle (a period of time containing 144,000 days) The current creation-the fourth world- completes its 13th b’ak’tun cycle on December 21st 2012.
This is the basis of the doomsday prophecies relating to the 2012 date. Interestingly, the Mayan inscriptions are silent on the idea that this marks the end of the world. Ending a cycle of time was a source of celebration (and probably relief) that they had survived that cycle. Completing the cycle, or series of cycles, did not mean that no future cycles existed. Equally interesting, although various carvings seem to hint at dates beyond December 21, 2012, there is nothing definitive on that point either.
From an astrological perspective there is a very unique and potentially potent aspect that occurs on the exact same day. This aspect is known as a Yod and is commonly called the “Finger of God”. Briefly, this aspect occurs when two planets are 60 degrees apart from each other and both are 150 degrees from a third planet that is the focal point. On December 21st, Saturn and Pluto are both 150 degrees from Jupiter and 60 degrees from each other. Additionally, Jupiter is also retrograde which further heightens the energies of the Yod.
This aspect could have profound impacts with political matters on a global scale. Communications may be distorted or misconstrued leading to conflicts. Plans have a tendency to come apart and inner reflection is often called for. The possibility of the overthrow of an existing power structure or system could happen abruptly. On a personal level, life experiences may mandate a reexamination of issues involving material and financial resources. The impact of this unique aspect will be felt far beyond the Winter Solstice and the start of the New Year.
The Mayan Long Count may well portend the end of an existing cycle and, importantly, the way we view the world. The impact of the Yod could manifest on the world stage and in interpersonal relationships. The true power of this time comes from within each of us and how we choose to meet the challenges that await us all beyond December 21, 2012.
Pura Vida.
Lou Cheek is the resident astrologer of The Costa Rican News and has recently release his new book Psychic Soulmate Maintenance-Metaphysical Musings on Love and Relationships now available for Kindle. To arrange for a personal chart, please write to Lou here at The Costa Rican News for details.
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