Introduction by DeAnne Wolfgram

Ether, the element of the Fifth Sun, is celestial and lacking in material substance, but is no less real than wood, stone or flesh. "Within the context of ether there can be a fusion of the polarities," Mr. Barrios said. "No more darkness or light in the people, just an uplifted fusion.

We need to work together for peace, and balance with the other side. We need to take care of the Earth that feeds and shelters us. We need to put our entire mind and heart into pursuing unity and fusion now — to confront the other side and preserve life." — to be ready for this moment in history.

Down through the ages humanity’s greed and hunger for power — along with the elements of water, ice, and fire — have been the downfall of every highly advanced civilization.

We are very much at a critical moment of world history. "We can’t play anymore. Our planet can be renewed or ravaged. Now is the time to awaken and take action. Everyone is needed. You are here for a reason."

We have the opportunity for growth, but must be ready. We must awaken to our ultimate awareness by raising the level at which we think.

Mr. Barrios offered a number of suggestions to help people walk in balance through the years ahead. "The prophesied changes are going to happen," he said "but our attitude and actions determine how harsh or mild they are."

•  We must act responsibly.

• Elect people to represent us who will take political action to respect the earth.

• Take steps to be detached from the materialistic world and return to a more simplistic path, one closer to Nature.

• Meditation and spiritual practice are good, but also take action.

• It’s very important to be clear about who you are and also about your relation to the Earth.

• Develop yourself according to your own tradition and the call of your heart.

• Remember to respect differences, and strive for unity.

• Eat wisely. A lot of food is corrupt in either subtle or obvious ways. Pay attention to what you are taking into your body.

• Learn how to preserve food, and how to conserve energy.

• Learn some good breathing techniques, so you have mastery of your breath.

• Be clear in all your actions.

• Prepare yourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for the new era.

• Follow a tradition with great roots. It is not important what tradition, your heart will tell you, but it must have great roots.

• Learn to sense or see the energy of everyone and everything people, plants, animals. This becomes increasingly important as we draw close to the World of the Fifth Sun, for it is associated with the element ether - the realm where energy lives and weaves.

• Go to the sacred places of the Earth to pray for peace, and have respect for the Earth which gives us our food, clothing, and shelter. We need to reactivate the energy of these sacred places. That is our work.

• Stay active. If we are active, we can transform the planet.

For the first half of the current Katun (20-year period) the dark side has a lot of power. But that will pass 3-4 years from now. The tide can turn. Amazing things are going to happen. One simple but effective prayer technique is to light a white or baby-blue colored candle. Think a moment in peace. Speak your intention to the flame and send the light of it to leaders who have the power to make war or peace.

Radical changes may be needed to alter what has already begun. It is important that we develop a peaceful, global unity that allows for the mutual existence of all life forms, whatever their level of evolution.

Love, respect, tolerance, sharing, gratitude, forgiveness — it’s not complex or elaborate. The real knowledge is free. It’s encoded in your DNA. All you need is within you.

Only through peace is the survival of man and our planet possible. Find your heart, and you will find your way.

Carlos Barrios, author of Kam Wuj El Libro del Destino, can be contacted via Saq1 Be1 — Organization for Mayan and Indigenous Spiritual Studies HCR 72, Box 142, Ribera, NM 87560 USA  www.sacredroad.org,