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Sacred Places of Sedona, Arizona
Sedona has become a true melting pot of many different people and faiths. Perhaps lured by the idea of experiencing a vortex or by the stunning beauty of Sedona’s red rocks, people have come from all over the world and brought their spiritual backgrounds with them to share with others who are on a healing path.
The result of this is that Sedona now contains an abundance of places which people can use as tools to explore spirituality, for their own healing process or just to find inner peace.
Whether created in nature or built by man these places allow us to touch the sacred in life.
Having all these places is a blessing as it allows us to perhaps find new and different ways to express our spiritual nature. The more we have explored different belief systems we have found the essence of each to be quite similar. As Wayne Dyer said, "We are all driving different cars but going to the same place".
We would like to share with you some of the places that we feel are special so that you can explore the power of Sedona on your own and undertake your own adventure. This list is by no means complete, but I feel it is a good place from which to get started. You never know - you might find something new and interesting.
Red Rock Crossing
Red Rock Crossing is a day use area located in west Sedona just off Upper Red Rock Loop Rd. This place offers excellent views of Cathedral Rock, access to the Oak Creek and is considered by many to be one of the most powerful vortex areas in Sedona. The healing waters of the Oak Creek create an oasis-like environment amidst the desert. Many people come here to meditate, picnic, swim or get married as the sight and sounds of the Oak Creek and the views of Cathedral Rock create a truly tranquil experience. The hiking trail to Buddha Beach is a great way to stay cool under the trees and you can finish your hike by building a rock cairn offering your healing prayers.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel is located on Chapel Rd. just off of Hwy. 179, between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. A man made Sedona landmark, this church is built right into the red rocks. It, too, is considered a powerful vortex site and is visited by thousands of people every year. Its beauty lies in the simplicity of its architecture and how it blends in with nature. The chapel is open to people of any spirituality. As you walk into the chapel and look out the window at the view, you will be hard pressed not to feel moved in some way as you look out and see Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.
Westfork Trail
Located 10 miles north of Sedona on Hwy. 89A, this hiking trail follows the contours of a canyon carved out by the Oak Creek. You will find giant canyon walls, water crossings and an abundance of flora all supported by the nourishing waters of the Oak Creek. Due to the water and cooler temps provided by the shade of the canyon walls you will find flora not usually seen in Sedona.
This is, by far, my favorite place to go for a hike in Sedona and offers a different kind of beauty each season. If you wish to experience "spirit in nature" then this is the perfect hike. Something about this place feels very healing.
Montezuma's Well
This is located just outside of Sedona just off the Hwy 179 exit from I-17. This is a spiritual place once inhabited by earlier Native peoples. The waters of this well are considered sacred to the Hopi and the well is considered the doorway to the fourth world in the Yavapai-Apache Creation story.
It contains two styles of Native ruins: a pithouse and cliff dwellings, which tell us this place was occupied by different peoples. In addition, a Native American made water ditch still flows water and nourishes some of the biggest sycamore trees we have ever seen.
Buddhist Stupa
The Stupa is located on Pueblo Dr. just off of Andante Dr. (Circle K) in west Sedona. The Stupa is a sacred memorial which honors the living Buddha. The entire shape represents the Buddha sitting in meditation.
The components of the Stupa - square base, dome, conical spire, crescent moon and the sun disc are associated with the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and space also known as ether. These five elements hold our reality together.
The Stupa was placed in its position on purpose to flow with the energies of the Earth in the Sedona area. Walking the circular path around the Stupa and making a sacred offering is a powerful exercise in intentful prayer and focused spirituality.
Labyrinths
The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool used to help one go within themselves in the quest for self discovery and the search for greater wisdom. As you walk in the labyrinth you carry your healing prayers and intentions. There is one path to the center with left and right turns to stimulate both sides of the brain, thus allowing the seeker to attain a balanced state. As you walk the labyrinth you are searching within yourself for the place of Oneness where all of your answers are kept. As you walk back out you are walking your answers out into the world, creating wisdom. This is a great tool for personal healing and reflection.
In Sedona, there are two labyrinths open to the public that we recommend. One is at the Lodge at Sedona Bed and Breakfast (Kallof Place) and the other is at the Alma de Sedona Bed and Breakfast. (Hozoni Dr)
Medicine Wheel
The medicine wheel is a tool used by the Indigenous cultures of the Plains to discover our place in life and the connection that exists between all things. It consists of a equidistant cross within a circle. The cross represents our search for balance and the circle represents the community of ever flowing energies of life constantly at work in our life. It shares that we find healing as we integrate all aspects of ourselves into wholeness.
I have a medicine wheel in my backyard and I can't say enough about the simple yet powerful messages it conveys.
A medicine wheel is open to the public at the Alma de Sedona Bed and Breakfast (Hozoni Dr.)
For more information on any of these sites or to experience them with a guide as part of a tour please contact the Inner Journeys staff.
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