Of the states I have visited, the one that far surpasses the others for unique and wonderful places to explore is Arizona. I’ll admit I may be biased because I lived there for thirty-three years and explored nearly every square mile of that gorgeous state. From the funky former copper mining town of Bisbee in the south to the stunning Lake Powell in the north, and from tiny Snowflake in the east to the London Bridge in the east, I visited nearly every monument, fabulous hiking trail, funky little town, and state park. None of them left a more indelible mark on my spirit than Sedona.
Driving up the mountain on Interstate 17 from the Valley of the Sun to Sedona, I remembered how my first trip to Sedona, over thirty years ago, was spontaneous and utterly surprising. A friend asked me to go for a motorcycle ride. Being young and adventurous, I tied my hair back and reached out for the helmet, not even knowing the destination. On our way through the mountains from Prescott to Sedona, we passed the eerie town of Jerome. Once a thriving mining town, the population nearly dried up in the 1950s when the ore deposits dwindled. Today, Jerome is hip and attracts many visitors, but a few decades ago, it was a dilapidated jumble of dwellings threatening to fall off the mountainside should a strong wind pass through. My fascination was shortly replaced by a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring view of Sedona.
As I stood atop Airport Mesa, the vibrant hues of the approaching sunset painted the sky in an array of oranges, pinks, and purples. The landscape below seemed to pulsate with an energy I had never felt before, and I instantly became a devotee of the red rock vibes. Little did I know that the spot where we stopped was one of the most powerful vortexes in Sedona, and I was on my way to revisit that first spot where I had that deep connection with the land.
Unlike my spontaneous first trip to Sedona, my recent journey began with a desire to reconnect with my inner self and explore the spiritual vortexes in the area. As I arrived in this enchanting town nestled amidst the red rock formations of the Arizona desert, I knew I had found the perfect sanctuary for my inward retreat. My first stop on the way to the resort was Airport Mesa. Recreating my first moment in Sedona all over again, I put my phone on a tripod, and my arms were wide enough to strike the same exact pose. After checking in and unpacking my suitcase, I sank into a comfy chair on the porch of my creekside villa and planned my long weekend, comforted by the sound of Oak Creek tumbling over the rocks.
Early the next morning, I visited the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a stunning architectural marvel built into the mountainside in Oak Creek Canyon. In addition to a weekly mass, the Roman Catholic church hosts visitors from around the world with the same reverence. As I stepped inside the chapel, I was overwhelmed by a sense of peace and serenity. The sunlight filtering through the massive windows cast a beautiful glow on the modest benches and simple altar at the front of the church. Rows of candles lined the walls. I lit a candle for each member of my family and offered a silent prayer, feeling a profound connection to something greater than myself. I descended into the underground gift shop to make my ritual purchase of a handmade bracelet to add to my already unique collection. Emerging into the sunlight from the extremely narrow staircase crowded with visitors left me feeling reborn.
Sedona isn’t just a beautiful place for tourists passing through on the way to the Grand Canyon. It is a haven for spiritual seekers, and I intended to visit the vortexes and experience all the things I couldn’t afford on my previous trips. The next day, I embarked on a guided hike through Boynton Canyon, a sacred site revered by the indigenous people for its spiritual significance. Known as Che Ah Chi, Boynton Canyon is sacred to the Yavapai-Apache people. With a small group, I hiked to the sacred vortex for the ceremony. We traversed the winding trail surrounded by towering cliffs and ancient juniper trees; I could feel the energy of the land pulsating beneath my feet. It was a powerful sense of grounding. We sat at the site of the vortex. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to be enveloped by the natural beauty around me. Letting go of all worries, I surrendered to the drumming and a guided meditation that transported me into timelessness. Following the ceremony, I quietly walked toward the car in a blissful haze of contentment.
Vortex sites are places where the earth’s energy is believed to be particularly strong and conducive to spiritual healing and transformation. My next vortex was Cathedral Rock, known for its towering spires and breathtaking views. As I hiked up the rocky terrain, I could feel the energy shift around me, a subtle but palpable sensation that seemed to awaken something deep within my soul. I found a quiet spot, blessedly devoid of others, overlooking the valley below and sat in silent meditation, allowing myself to be open to whatever experiences the vortex had to offer. In prayer, I asked for specific guidance. In those moments of stillness, I felt a profound sense of clarity and insight wash over me, and the answers to life’s mysteries suddenly slipped through the veil between the worlds.
That night, not more than an hour after sunset, the stars in the vase Sedona sky sparkled down on me, blessing me with their magic. Imagining the Sinagua living amongst the incredible natural wonders, graced by the natural light show in the dark sky, and living without the noise of modern society left me feeling a bit envious of what it must have been like to be a steward of that magnificent land prior to the veritable explosion of tourism and development.
Sedona offered more than just spiritual experiences; it was also a place of healing and rejuvenation for my body and mind. On my last day at the resort, I indulged in a spiritual massage, where the practitioner combined massage with Shamanic healing. Using long, fluid strokes along the length of my body, the massage therapist sang, chanted, and called in my spirit guides to clear my energy field. Immediately following, I had an invigorating crystal healing session, where precious gemstones were placed on my body to balance my energy centers and promote inner harmony. Feeling like every cell in my body was inspired by new information, I floated back to my villa for one of the best nights’ sleep I’d ever had.
On my final morning in Sedona, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences I had been blessed with during my journey. I visited this mystical desert town seeking rejuvenation, and I forged a deeper connection to myself and the world around me. It was amidst the majestic red rock formations that I truly felt the transformative power of Sedona. As I boarded the plane to return home, I carried with me the memories of my time in
Sedona, the breathtaking vistas, the sacred sites, and the moments of quiet reflections under the stars. Thirty years ago, Sedona opened my eyes to the beauty and wonder of the universe, and I have always carried its magic with me, a guiding light on my journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.
