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by Carl Johan Calleman
The sight of Venus on the Sun is by far the noblest that astronomy can afford -- Edmund Halley, British Astronomer Royal, 1691
The astronomical event of the year 2004 is approaching -- the Venus transit of June 8. On that date, the planet Venus will pass across the disc of the sun for about seven hours. Such a transit has not occurred since 1882, and thus no person living has previously experienced one. Astrologically, this transit can be considered as a symbol of the unification of masculine and feminine. But the transit is clearly visible and experiential in nature; you do not have to read charts to realize its significance.
Unlike most astronomical events, a Venus transit has already had a demonstrable effect on human history. In the mid-18th century, one such transit became the reason for the first international collaboration in science. As scientists in several different countries prepared to measure the distance to the sun in the Venus transits of 1761 and 1769, they found this problem could not be solved by any national academy in isolation. Observations from all around the world had to be made and compared, and several nations collaborated toward that effort.
Today we know the exact distance to the sun, but again humanity has a strong need to collaborate. Venus transits mostly happen in pairs, and the Venus transit on June 8, 2004, will be followed by another one on June 6, 2012. According to the ancient Mayan calendar, 2012 is a significant year. The Winter Solstice of 2012 stands at the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar, put in place 2300 to 2500 years ago.
In his article "The How and Why of the Mayan End Date in 2012 A.D." (http://www.levity.com/eschaton/Why2012.html), John Major Jenkins says that apparently the Mayans set up the Long Count calendar with its end date in mind, because "December 21st, 2012... represents an extremely close conjunction of the Winter Solstice sun with the crossing point of the galactic equator and the ecliptic, what the ancient Maya recognized as the Sacred Tree."
Many have placed significance on the end of the Long Count; some believe this is a time at which humans will either experience enlightenment or otherwise end their days. The period between the two Venus transits provides a great time to focus on 2012 being a year of enlightenment. You don't need to believe that Winter Solstice of 2012 will mark the end of the world to work for humanity's illumination.
A global meditation is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time on June 8, 2004 (4 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time). To participate, you need not believe in anything except greater oneness and enlightenment among humans. The meditation is for everyone. Its purpose is to serve as a bridge between peoples of different nations, religions, philosophies, races, genders and belief systems, a bridge that will be built despite all the mental constructs that may keep us apart. As was the case with the Venus transits in 1761 and 1769, global collaboration is needed.
The Web site http://www.OnenessCelebration.com will keep everyone updated on what is happening. To let organizers know of your preparations, e-mail info@OnenessCelebration.com.
Copyright © 2006 by the article's author