José Argüelles

José Argüelles, an American researcher, artist, and author, became widely known for his efforts to revive and reinterpret Mayan astronomical and calendrical systems. His work focused on the Mayan Long Count Calendar, particularly the significance of its 2012 cycle ending, which he saw not as a prediction of apocalypse but as a symbolic transition toward renewal and transformation. Argüelles promoted the idea that Mayan knowledge reflected a profound understanding of time as cyclical, offering an alternative to the linear, industrialized concept of time that dominates modern culture.

Through his publications and global events, including the Harmonic Convergence of 1987, Argüelles emphasized the spiritual and cultural importance of reconnecting with ancestral wisdom. He argued that humanity’s survival depended on recognizing patterns of cosmic harmony and re-aligning human activity with natural cycles. His interpretations were not universally accepted by scholars, but they helped spark widespread popular interest in indigenous cosmologies, ancient knowledge, and alternative ways of perceiving time.

Argüelles’ legacy lies in his ability to bridge cultural, spiritual, and historical perspectives, drawing attention to the richness of Mayan cosmology and its relevance for contemporary global consciousness. By reframing the 2012 date as a gateway to transformation rather than destruction, he encouraged open-minded engagement with indigenous traditions and the possibility of collective renewal. His work remains influential in both New Age movements and discussions about the integration of traditional wisdom with modern worldviews.