Sunsets and spirituality
K.V. KRISHNAN
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Revelling in mystique and beauty, this ancient 16-mile gorge is where the Ancient Ones meditated, in tune with Nature.
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Sedona with four vortex spots is but one of the many energy centres in the world.
PHOTO: K.V. KRISHNAN
AT SUNSET: The beautiful town of Sedona.
Our guide carefully uncovered an ancient Hopi flute from his patterned cloth bag. Mellifluous strains broke the quiet hush of the rocky landscape. "You can also absorb earth's energy through a medicine-wheel ritual," he says.
The evening sun slanted upon the massive canyon walls, setting the red rocks afire. Stony ramparts enveloped the lush forest of ponderosa pines and juniper trees, mottled bristly agaves and cacti that had endured the elements for centuries. I was in Red Rock country, atop a hillock facing Boynton Canyon in mystical Sedona, 110 miles north of Phoenix. By the mouth of the ancient 16-mile gorge of the Oak Creek Canyon, this place revelled in beauty and mystique. Here in exotic Sedona, mystics armed with crystals and esoteric paraphernalia call upon those energies that emanate from within the earth.
"The Ancient Ones meditated here, in tune with nature," he continued. No one really knew who the Ancient Ones were. Were they the Sinagua Indians who mysteriously vanished six centuries ago? Or could it be the Anasazis? Vortexes, most spiritualists maintain, can be explained through the laws of science. Within the earth's blazing mantle, a molten mass of rare minerals and metals are eternally spiralling in a state of suspension with concentrations in certain spots on the planet. The human body reacts to such focused electromagnetic energy. Sedona with four vortex spots is but one of the many energy centres in the world — the traditional favourites like Macchu Pichu and Mount Everest.
Geological activity including volcanic eruptions and constant erosion activity of water and winds had carved ancient dunes and swamps into these wonderful shapes. Rich iron oxide had baked these massifs into their reddish hues. Oak creek is probably one of the oldest creations that also sculpted the buttes and canyons of today.
Settled by pioneers in 1877, it seemed hard to believe that the quiet landscape that had until recently wallowed in the silence of the centuries has become a million dollar investor's playground. When a settler T.C. Schnebly wanted the town named after him his request was turned down. Instead his wife's name — Sedona, was chosen.
"Did you feel the energy?" asked the guide as the strains of the flute lilted in the winds.
The castle
A short drive brought us to Montezuma's Castle, one of the best-preserved adobe dwellings of the Native Americans. The name was a misnomer — since the Aztec Montezuma never left native Mexico, and the Sinagua had no semblance to the Aztecs. Two structures over several storeys stood — over 100 people lived in these dwellings before they mysteriously vanished forever.
