Assorted predictions and thoughts on 2012:

• “My hope first and foremost would be for continued peaceful relations” among Maya themselves.

David Carey, history professor, University of Southern Maine

• “There may actually be other higher, older civilizations, galactic civilizations that are invested in what’s happening on the earth. That’s what the crop circles seem to suggest. If we begin to make our positive transformation, we may also get help from outside.”

Daniel Pinchbeck, author “2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl”

• “I think it’s really important as we approach 2012 to honor and respect the Mayan people and their achievements.”

John Major Jenkins, author “Maya Cosmogenesis 2012” and “Galactic Alignment”

• “Whether or not the Maya said it, let’s assume they predicted this was going to happen. They have to get in line. There are a lot of folks that have predicted the end of times, not for 2012, but for before or later, and it hasn’t happened.”

Kenneth Feder, anthropology professor, Central Connecticut State University, author “Frauds, Myths and Mysteries”

• “I suppose it could be considered as a new beginning. … It’s a message of hope rather than the end.”

Barry Rodrigue, arts and humanities professor, USM Lewiston-Auburn College

– Kathryn Skelton