Discovering Sedona’s Energy Vortexes: Real or Not?
My first visit to the American Southwest was some twenty-five years ago during a business conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Being from Southeast Louisiana, the contrasts in culture, landscapes, and climate were nothing short of dramatic. The dry, arid air, the Camelback mountain views from my charming hotel casita, the mouth-watering Mexican flavors of Southwestern food, and the wide array of authentic Native American jewelry and art all made for an interesting introductory dive into this American subculture.
Sedona, Arizona
My business conference ended on a Friday, but I decided to extend my trip until Sunday because I had heard about the vortex phenomenon of Sedona which is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix. For years I had and have been fascinated about the Earth’s energy fields in key spots around the world and how people have experienced an enhanced sense of well-being and even healing in these locales. I am naturally drawn to the connection between nature and the esoteric.
Many travelers have written about spiritual breakthroughs and sudden epiphanies that seem to occur where the Earth’s positive energy is the strongest. I wondered if Sedona was one of these places.
Years prior, I myself had had an unexpected energetic encounter in Chichén Itzá, Mexico while on a day-trip from Cancun with my husband.
We were traveling with my family and wanted to get away for the day. My husband had studied Mayan architecture and its historic significance while in school, thus he was the catalyst for this excursion. I knew nothing about the Mayan culture but was definitely game for a new adventure.
Chichén Itzá pyramid.
Our time spent in Chichén Itzá was nothing less than magical and really deserves elaborating upon in another blog but I will “bottom line” what happened. Any visitor to Chichén Itzá will tell you that the architecture is simply out of this world. Its ancient pyramids, huge sports arena, ceremonial platforms, and observatory were awe-inspiring, but so-to was the blissful and serene energy of this place.
My husband and I both experienced feelings of pure happiness that were totally unexpected.
So unexpected that we ended up spending the night at “Mayaland,” a famous resort loved by celebrities in the 1960s. Besides falling deeper in love with each other here, what we both took away from this short excursion was the knowledge that there was a unique energy to this particular area of the world that somehow fostered a state of bliss. From that extended day-trip on I was hooked and became immensely curious about the Earth and its powerful energy spots.
Consequently, when I discovered I would be near Sedona and its energy “vortexes” on this Phoenix trip, I knew I had to make the effort to visit this supposed energy zone.
An energy “vortex” has been described as a place where strong energy currents “swirl” out of the Earth. It is even said that trees with twisted and mangled roots are good indicators of vortex zones. Some people believe these areas possess healing power while skeptics counter these claims are only intended to promote tourism. Like “Curious George” I wanted to form my own opinion.
As a side note, if you’re interested in learning more about the vortex phenomena, Pete A Sanders Jr., an MIT graduate, and long-time Sedona resident, is an expert on the vortex phenomenon. His book, Scientific Vortex Information: The Free Soul Method, outlines his vortex theories as well as how to locate and tap into vortex energy in Sedona and wherever else you might travel.
View from the popular Devil’s Bridge Trail.
On a clear Saturday morning in late September, two fellow conference women and myself set out on the drive to Sedona for a nice lunch and a quest to be energized. What we didn’t expect was the spectacular landscape that we viewed as we approach this small Arizona town.
It was beyond breathtaking.
To this day, I have never seen a more beautiful spot in all of the world. In 2017 USA Today described Sedona as the “Most Beautiful Place in America.”
There are many energy vortexes in Sedona (Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, Boynton Canyon and Bell Rock are supposedly three of the strongest vortex locations in Sedona. Other options include Courthouse Rock, Elephant Rock and Madonna Rock.)
For my first vortex energy experience, I chose the Airport Mesa location as we had limited time in the area and Airport Mesa can be reached through a relatively easy hike. (Although, fair warning: my lady friends found the climb up to the top to be more challenging than expected.)
I prepared myself for a powerful experience.
Hike leading to Airport Mesa. Image source.
Upon arriving at the apex, I took off my shoes and stood quietly on the top of the mountain for ten minutes … and I felt nothing remarkable.
Next, I decided to lay down on the vortex to attempt to access the magical vibe … crickets!
Last, I sat down and meditated for another ten minutes and still, nothing noteworthy occurred!
My fellow travelers had the same experience.
Consequently, we left Airport Mesa somewhat disappointed by the absence of any physical or mystical force that expanded our consciousness.
Like many other visitors to the Sedona area, nothing metaphysical happened for us that day yet we all still marveled at the gorgeous, out-of-this-world scenery which was indeed both awe inspiring and energizing. Taking the time for this day trip proved to be a memorable outing for all of us, regardless of the outcome.
Sedona views, Bell Rock (far right).
That being said, since my first “non event” encounter in Sedona, I have revisited the area three times - each of which I felt brought me closer to nature and the God force.
Through these subsequent visits, I discovered much more about Sedona’s history, geography, and spirituality that I feel greatly enhanced my travels. I hired an expert guide to teach me everything I needed to know about Sedona and the following is part of what I learned.
Spiritual guide, Rahelio Rodriguez. Image source.
The fantastical, red rock mountain formations seen in Sedona are a part of sacred Native American land. The Yavapi and the Tonto Apache lived, worshiped, and performed sacred rituals in this natural, ancient temple area.
Cathedral Rock, supposedly one of Sedona’s most intense vortex sites, was the main location for Indian rituals. Today, some of these healing rituals can still be experienced through a specialized tour. Rahelio Rodriguez offers rejuvenating mind, body, spiritual tours aimed at connecting you to the divine. Learn more about his tours here.
Another popular tour guide, Mr. Sedona, has his own opinions about the area’s geological power. He touts that a vortex’s’ energy does not create a physical bodily reaction such as tingling or a physically energetic state, but rather a subtle spiritual energy that can be felt through one’s feelings such as joy, happiness or even anger and frustration with one’s self. He believes there is energy everywhere in Sedona and that how we feel inside is where the secret to the magic of this place lies.
Inexplicable as it may be to some, most people find they just feel good in Sedona.
Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Yet another theory about Sedona’s energy is attributed to the odd shaped, red rock mountains which some believe are natural energy pyramids.
The mountains themselves do not have a measurable mineral content that might create natural energy fields. However, I can testify that simply being present in this “outdoor church” can help you find peace and perhaps connection with the spiritual realm. Many people claim that something about visiting and meditating in this area tends to lead to self evaluation, self realization, and an expansion of sensory perception. If all of this sounds “woo woo” you’re not far off the mark.
Starry sky, Cathedral Rock, Sedona.
Sedona is known as the “New Age Capital of the World”
The multitude of spiritual experiences felt by people are a part of what has drawn New Agers to the area to delve deeper into the spiritual realm of life. Here you will find one of the highest number of New Age activities in America including vortex tours, psychic readings, astrological sign sessions, past life regression sessions, stargazing and UFO sighting tours, and chakra balancing therapies.
In addition, there are a multitude of metaphysical shops selling crystals to inspire, heal, and/or balance your energy. If an authentic Native American experience is what you’re looking for, you can book a shamanic healing session with one of the many shamans of the area.
Yes, Sedona is the “Disney World for the New Age Traveler” and if these esoteric arts and activities interest you, Sedona is the place to find them.
I certainly believe there is something special and unique about Sedona beyond its stunning topography.
Perhaps it takes numerous visits to tune into this immense landscape and it’s mysterious energy. Ideally, you should be relaxed and your senses should be free from distraction in order to begin to absorb the consciousness of the area. Hiring a private guide well versed in the ancient spiritual culture of the Sedona will definitely help you acquire a deeper understanding of what the magic and the draw of this area is all about.
I’ll end this exposé by sharing information about a wonderful trip to Sedona offered by the AstridTravel Club from September 30-October 4, 2021. This 5-day trip is focused on rejuvenating your mind, body and spirit with an emphasis on connection to nature. A variety of cultural, epicurean and shopping experiences are also sprinkled in to showcase the unique charm of this part of the United States. For more information about this carefully crafted trip, click the button below!
