After viewing the ending FMV for FFVII i was really shocked, squaresoft did a really good job of keeping us questioning even after we had completed the game because there are so many possible outcomes and meanings surrounding the final events.
I have worked out the basics - in the end meteor was summoned and is threatening the world whilst Holy (summoned by Aeris) is having the opposite effect and fighting meteor, as holy begins to lose the world begins to protect itself with lifestream which we see surround the source of devastation.
At this point we are guessing that midgar is destroyed, red XII announces that midgar is not what should be worried about, but the world itself.
After the credits we then see red XII and children (supposedly) run to the top of a cliff overlooking what looks like the ruins of midgar overrun with greenery. Did everyone die (probably)?
I have heard that the lifestream intentionally destroyed meteor AND midgar because it's purpose was to protect the world - did this include protecting the world from the mining of mako and the danger posed by humans? I would greatly appreciate any other views or possible explanations behind the ending's true meaning!!!