The Gift of Sacred Sites
By Stephen Thomson
“Isn’t it time to continue our journey…beyond the moon?”
Buzz Aldrin, Lunar Astronaut
There are a lot of words we use to describe the intent of our spiritual journey. Some of us use phrases like searching for enlightenment, or advancing our state of consciousness. While others talk in more specific terms, like entering into a personal relationship with the God of their heart, or living a life in service. All of these statements of belief and faith express one common thread – our soul-based desire for growth and advancement. Our intention is to have our lives in complete accord with a heart-felt desire to be the spiritual person we aspire to be. Furthermore, we can enhance and further this intention by taking certain steps and looking for the right combination of activity to assist in the advancement of our spiritual nature. One of the best ways for doing this lies in the gifts that come with travel to a sacred site.
We know there are exact formulas for succeeding and advancing on the path. They have been clearly delineated and remain in the consciousness of humankind, and were taught by the Masters who have walked the earth. These Avatars taught us that by combining the right mental, physical and spiritual elements, we can work through our karma and move forward to liberating our soul. When we focus our energy and follow the rules, the creative nature of the universe harmonizes and combines with us individually, and all of humankind. And then things really get come together and we take a giant step forward. This is our end goal. As spiritual seekers, we are working toward combining the right ingredients and creating the perfect conditions, again and again, to bring about advancement in our states of spiritual consciousness.
In addition to the benefits of a daily practice, traveling to a sacred site is one of the best ways of experiencing the right conditions to support of our spiritual growth. A sacred site brings us into contact with some of the most sublime, healing and loving energy of the earth and our universe. In these places, we have an opportunity to create our own alchemists workshop. Away from the vibration of our daily life, our minds are no longer preoccupied by the demands of our everyday existence. We are free of the mental clutter and distraction. At a sacred site, we are open to thinking clearly about our journey and are more receptive to the influx of knowledge about the universe and our soul. The energetic conditions in a sacred site can facilitate mental and spiritual clarity and understanding we have are missing, because of the demands of everyday life.
By doing our research, we can find a sacred site with specific energy that embodies the very issue we are trying to resolve, heal or transform. There are energetic spots on the earth where we can have a first-hand experience of something that is currently in our spiritual consciousness, but as yet, not a part of our earth experience. For example, if we are sensing an increased psychic awareness, travel to a sacred site may bring that fully into our experience through some incredible experience. Or, there are places known to have healing, curative powers where illness can be bypassed, avoided or even minimized. Yet, perhaps the most desirable energetic experience is when we come into direct contact with the energy we refer to as God or Divine. This is very possible at many of the sites around the world.
Here is an example of an experience with a specific type of psychic and emotional energy at a sacred site. A few years ago, traveling through Portugal on the way to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain, our group drove near Fatima. We decided to detour and see the famous grotto where three children were reported to have had a vision and communication with the Virgin Mary. When we arrived at the site, we parked our car and entered the sacred space in front of the Basilica - a square larger than St. Peters in Rome. Once inside the grounds, we experienced a complete shift of energy that we sensed on so many levels. The most important sensation was an overwhelming feeling of the energetic presence of what we call the Divine Feminine. Think of being enfolded in the energy of unconditional love. It was like being a child held in the arms of a loving mother. For the time we spent in the site, the palpable sense of divine love never left our senses.
Another fairly well known example of a sacred energy site is Sedona, Arizona. In a relatively small area is focused is an incredible number and variety of energy vortexes. Just about any energy needed for expanding our journey is there. Sedona started to become really popular for spiritual work in the 70's and 80's. Within a few weeks of hearing about Sedona in the 80's, I got on a plane and spent a full week in one of the vortexes meditating. It was one of the most life-changing experiences of my lifetime. After a week, I went home and then returned two weeks later to the same vortex and meditated for another week. By the time I was done, I was able to confirm what had been speculative about being psychic, past-lives, and the ability to move through time and space, to detail just a few of my experiences. Since I had now experienced first-hand knowing, I could no longer labor under the illusion of these parts of the spiritual path, being merely intellectual exercises.
There is another element to traveling to sacred spaces worth consideration. Many of these sites continue to be preserved under the stewardship of indigenous people. (In my early years of travel to Sedona, the Yavapai Indian prayer ties could still be found in the vortexes.) In addition to the energy gifts of the earth, there is an opportunity to learn from people removed from the frenetic pace of the modern world. Having lived their lives so close to the earth, native people have a clearer and deeper understanding of the innate nature of our world. A great opportunity to experience this first-handed with Drunvalo is happening this month. The event is Footsteps of the Ancestors - A Journey through the Ancient Southwest and Hopi Mesas with Hopi Elder Eric Polingyouma, September 10–19, 2009. If you can’t make this event, be sure to check the Spirit of Ma’at Website for his next event.
Then, there is also an opportunity to rest and have some fun. Travel to a sacred site is an opportunity to break away from our everyday routine. Meals are prepared for us and someone else makes our beds. Each day, we can get up knowing we will have our decisions made for us and we are free to relax and fully experience the gifts of the day. Travel can bring the opportunity to return to living in a very simple and child like way, even if it’s only for a few days.
I welcome you comments and questions. Please send them to Steve@stephenthomson.net
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