The 2012 Astrotheology Calendar

The 2012 Astrotheology Calendar serves as a basic introduction into the world of astrotheology and solar mythology. In addition to showing lunar phases, this calendar highlights the solstices, equinoxes and fire festivals with a different color for each of the eight relevant days. In our quest to inspire an interest in astrotheology, mythology and archaeoastronomy, we have also provided fascinating information about the astronomical alignments and astrotheological meanings of various archaeological sites and ancient artifacts from around the world. The calendar further explores the mythology surrounding the end of the Mayan calendar, as well as correspondences between the Mayan religion and biblical traditions.Topics covered include:Inspiration for the Calendar--Our Connection to NatureWhat is Astrotheology?Is 2012 the End of the World?Kukulkan, Quetzalcoatl and ChristArchaeoastronomical AlignmentsThe SunThe MoonThe Solstice, Equinoxes and Peak DaysSources & Further ReadingCool Stuff & Other Websites of InterestImages of the following artifacts and sites serve to illustrate the months, with informative commentary explaining the artifacts/sites' astrotheological significance and reasons for their inclusion in their respective months:Aztec Sun/Calendar Stone or Ollin Tonatiuh--the "Movement of the Sun"Angkor Wat, CambodiaPersepolis, IranPantheon, Rome, ItalyDrombeg Stone Circle, Glandore, IrelandChaco Canyon, New Mexico, USATemple of Heaven complex, Beijing, ChinaPyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan, MexicoCrack Cave, Comanche National Grasslands, Colorado, USAAlmendres Cromlech, Evora, PortugalSt. Peter's Square, Vatican City, ItalyBurlington Earth Clock, Vermont, USAThe cover image is of the Temple of Kukulkan or "El Castillo" at Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico. Following is an excerpt concerning this temple site:Together with the top platform, the temple's four stairways of 91 steps each total 365, representing the days of the solar year. "The pyramid's design reflects the equinoxes and solstices of our solar year in a spectacular game of light and shadow. During the equinoxes, the setting sun casts a shadow of a serpent on the northern steps of the pyramid."The calendar contains six pages of text, with meticulous citation and a brief bibliography. Because it is printed as a book, there is no hole punched in it, but a pushpin/tack can be used to hang it.