Collective enlightenment? Where is the future headed?

You certainly have an inquiring mind, Joanne. As I understand, according to the ancient Mayans who were master astronomers, we are entering into a new "era". 2012 is the pivotal year when some thing is supposed to happen that, according to some people, will be, in terms of "collective consciousness", a transformational event. With respect to western astrology though, on a global scale, humanity is more strongly transitioning from the age of Pisces (the age when faith is tested) to the age of Aquarius (the age of freedom, equality, and fraternity).