Several thousand mystics and pre-Hispanic civilization enthusiasts have flocked to Mexico hoping to witness "the end of the world" on a day where a 5,125-year Mayan calendar cycle ends. According to one U.S. scholar in the 1960s, this is an event that could be viewed as Armageddon for the Mayans.

But today's ethnic Maya aren't into it. Mostly Christian, they understand that the calendar left behind by their ancestors is about to bring in a new era. But none of them believe that we're all going to die.

And as proof, a second known reference had been found in the jungles of Guatemala, bearing inscriptions that clarify the true meaning of this ancient Mayan calendar. Considered to be one of the most important hieroglyphic finds in decades, this 1,300-year-old artifact from the ruins of La Corona tells us of how one king, who was formerly thought to have been captured or killed, eternalized himself to ensure his future reign.

Yuknoon Yich’aak K’ahk’, also known as Jaguar Paw or Fire Claw, ruled the Mayan capital of Calakmul, but was defeated in a war against their longstanding rival, Tikal (now in Peten, Guatemala). As a political move to reassure the people of La Corona after his loss, he called himself as the “13 K’atun lord,” which translates as the king who will preside over the Mayan calendar ending in 692 AD.

This is the key to understanding the connection to “doomsday” prophecies as he connected himself to the next Mayan calendar cycle of the same 13th number. That day is today, December 21, 2012.