Whilst the sensationalist tabloids just love the sound of headlines like “The End of Time” or “The End of the World,” revelling in apocalyptic predictions of doom and destruction, and gen Y’s across the globe are dancing like there’s no tomorrow at “end of the world” parties, now’s the time to talk about time.

The Mayan calendar ends on the 21st of December, 2012, leading many to believe that time, together with the world, will end on that day. What the Mayan, and so many other prophecies, including Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce, predict is the end of a world age. And as one age ends, another one begins.

There’s been a whole lot of bluster about the former; very little said about the latter. So what will the new world age look like? For those who can face their fears and overcome them, there are amazing opportunities ahead.

This time is integrally related to the earth’s position in the galaxy. December 21st marks the day when the earth and the sun align along the central line of the galaxy - a position which only occurs every 26,000 years. So this is a momentous occasion.

This 26,000 year cycle comprises of five smaller cycles of approximately 5000 years, each characterized by varying levels of light and enlightenment. The good news is the darkest cycle concludes tomorrow. A new age of increased enlightenment, with the potential for a whole new range of possibilities like we have never seen before, is dawning.

So what will December 21 look like? Pretty much like any other day. It is rather like a child’s 18th birthday (in most countries, and their 21st birthday in America). Nothing really changes on the day itself, rather it is what the day represents that is most important.

Once a child turns 18 she or he is eligible for a whole range of opportunities, experiences, and privileges (as well as responsibilities) denied them till their coming of age. They can drive, vote, enter contracts, and buy and consume certain controlled substances. They are also liable to taxation, and possibly conscription. It is only upon reaching full adult age that all the possibilities and potentials of adult life become available.

December 21st is the coming of age of the world. After this day everything will change. We don’t know exactly when (although most of us already sense that change across the full spectrum of the human and earth experience has already begun) or how. We just know it is coming and all we can do is prepare.

Eileen McBride
Eileen McBride is the author of Love Equals Power 2, a spiritual seeker and teacher. This article was published on December 20, 2012.