At the end of December each year, professional psychics, tarotists and astrologers make predictions for the coming year.  This New Year offers a unique opportunity as we anticipate the much-heralded arrival of 2012.

As we face 2012, we approach the “Mayan Prophesy,” or the end of the Mayan calendar.  Popular fiction has detailed the apocalyptic events we might expect as we near December 21, 2012.

Many world religions have within their doctrine prophesies of “end times.”  There are always fringe groups, and even respected religious authorities, who believe that some cataclysmic change will occur at a particular date and time. 

The past decade has indeed seen some major world events that many interpret as the beginning of the 2012 energy, or the “2012 Shift.”  Many believe the economic crisis, the Gulf oil spill, various devastating earthquakes, tsunamis and other tragedies might simply be the run-up to 2012.

Whether or not there is a correlation between current world events and the Mayan calendar doesn’t matter.  You need not be psychic to see we must soon change our behaviors and shift our consciousness if we plan to survive much longer.  Whether it is what the Mayans intended or not, 2012 is a perfect time to work toward, and pray for, such a shift.

As I look toward the coming year, I see a lot of “same stuff, different year.”  While I am certainly not predicting the end of the world, I don’t anticipate very much quantifiable change on a political, philosophical or economic level in 2012.

Just as it was last year and the year before, in 2012 our individual good fortune will depend on our ability to be flexible and creative, and to have an attitude of gratitude for the blessings we have.

On a global scale, each year seems to bring some sort of major disaster, be it natural, industrial or violent in nature.  My biggest concerns for massive loss of life in 2012 surround military or terrorist actions.  Worldwide, there is possibility of violent rioting and unrest.

Ironically, 2012 is a presidential election year in the United States.  At the time of this writing, I am predicting that Obama will serve another term as president, but his victory will be by a very narrow margin.

The political divisions in our country may begin to lessen as those to the far left and right of the political spectrum present as overly extreme.  Both the Tea Party and the Occupy Movement may win more ridicule than respect.  Toward the end of the year, the political pendulum may swing to the center, and centrist candidates may triumph on Election Day.

As we welcome 2012, there is increasing concern about problems with Iran.  These issues will continue throughout 2012 and into the following years.  Current posturing may lead to military action, but at this time, I feel war with Iran is not inevitable.

The Western economy will continue to falter.  In the United States, the real estate market will remain sluggish.  Wall Street will have a difficult year, and may experience greater intervention and regulation from Congress.

In pop culture, the trend toward personal creativity will continue.  Home-brew internet radio and television will become more popular, as will independently released music, movies and books.  Small businesses that offer opportunities for creativity will blossom and thrive.  Open mikes, poetry slams and karaoke will be popular, as well as classes in art, cooking, knitting and jewelry making. 

If 2012 is to be a year of major positive change, change must come from within each of us.  If the consciousness of the planet is to shift, it must shift within each individual first.  As the old song says, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

Some people believe that the meaning behind the Mayan Prophesy is this.  In 2012, the energy and impetus for us to make a needed shift will be available to us.  In some cases, that energy can result in tragic events.  In other cases, that energy can result in miracles.

I don’t think there will be either more large-scale tragedies or miracles in 2012 than there were in any other recent year.  Each one of us always has the ability to create miracles for ourselves, and for others.  As I see it, the 2012 energy empowers us to think and act as individuals, and as communities.  Now more than ever, our future is in our own hands.