FREE: Aztec - Maya Sunstone Calendar - 2012 End of the World Patch

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The Aztec calendar, known as the Sun Stone, was based on the Maya calendar and was commissioned by the sixth Aztec King, Axayacatl in 1479 AD. Axayacatl had his royal craftsmen carve this iconic design onto an enormous basalt monolith, weighing well over twenty-five tons. The Sun Stone is now on display at the National Museum of Anthropology and History in Mexico City.

This iron-on 4 3/4" diameter embroidered version weighs considerably less than twenty-five tons, but still manages to convey the beauty and mysticism of the original design. The exquisite gold adornments of the Sun God Tonatiuh in the very center, bring his weathered, ancient portrait to life. Surrounding him, the four cosmogenic epochs are clearly visible in the highly accurate stitch work, as are the laterally placed claws, each clutching a beating, human heart. Directly below Tonatiuh, one either side of the chalchihuite amulet, the date reads 1 rain, 7 monkey. The encircling glyphs of the border represent the twenty days of the Tzolk'in (the actual calendar in this complex design), some of which, such as the dog and the rabbit, are surprising clear, despite the intriguingly abstract nature of the others.

Although many people are under the misconception that the completion of this calendar on December 21st 2012 represents the end of the world, it is actually more a depiction of a change in cycles. With all the emerging conflicts, devastating climate change, and an antiquated financial system that seems bent on forcing ninety-nine percent of us into serfdom, it is easy to imagine that the end is nigh. Even so, it is important to understand that the Maya calender represents a new beginning, as well as an end. It is much easier to view the glass as half-full, when you consider the rapid rise of environmentalism, sustainability and permaculture.