Spotlight on Spirit Series: Places - SEDONA, AZ

In this series we will explore SACRED SPIRITUAL SITES around the world that we hope to visit someday soon. But let's start with a few places that are close to home . . .

We first visited Sedona, AZ about ten years ago. We lived in Southern California at the time, so it was a quick plane ride to Phoenix and then a short rental car drive to get there.

We noticed a different sort of energy in the air as soon as we stepped out of the car. I remember making a stop at the grocery store (yes we might have been buying wine for the room!) and feeling a little bit dizzy (before the wine) as we were walking in to the store.

Not only is Sedona a gorgeous place to visit, it is a well know SPIRITUAL VORTEX area. There are several vortex sites in Sedona. As described at http://www.lovesedona.com/: There are four main energy vortexes in Sedona. The subtle energy that exists at these locations interacts with who a person is inside. The energy resonates with and strengthens the Inner Being of each person that comes within about a quarter to a half mile of it. This resonance happens because the vortex energy is very similar to the subtle energy operating in the energy centers inside each person. If you are at all a sensitive person, it is easy to feel the energy at these vortexes.

We experienced and loved all of the four main vortexes; Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Airport Vortex and Boynton Canyon. They are each unique and special in their own way.

1. Bell Rock: Great for easy rock climbing/hiking. Lots of twisted Juniper trees (said to be influenced by the swirling energy centers) & beautiful views. Bell Rock is said to represent both the masculine and feminine energy creating a balanced energy field at the site.

2. Airport Vortex: For us this vortex was the most powerful and recognizable energy force. It actually made me a little dizzy and gave me a headache the first time I went there. Again great views and easy hiking. Known for its masculine energy. Airport vortex is where we took our Dad on one of our later trips to Sedona. He is our known skeptic and even he could not deny the energy he felt at this spot!

3. Cathedral Rock: This vortex is said to strengthen feminine energy. We accessed this area by walking along the Oak Creek trail. We didn't actually hike the rocks here, but the creek was amazing and peaceful - sort of otherworldly with hundreds of rock stacks built by previous seekers. Great calming energy.


4. Boynton Canyon: Unexpectedly powerful. This is where we stayed on our first trip to Sedona; The Enchantment Resort located in Boynton Canyon - www.enchantmentresort.com. I think before we went we had heard some sort of scary stories about the energy of the canyon; strange experiences that people had there. But since this is where the best and most luxurious spa and resort was located, this is where we stayed. It was amazing and beautiful and healing. We had a good time laying out blankets and star gazing from our balcony! I won't name any names, but some people were scared silly with all the open wilderness surrounding us there.

We hiked all around the resort. There is lots of wild area for short evening hikes to enjoy the sunset and the bats! Bats are said to be symbolic of spiritual enlightenment and there was certainly a lot of them around. Then there are also the longer day hikes where you can find and go into Indian caves and ruins - amazing!

We sat on the edge of the cave dwelling and meditated for quite awhile. I tried to find our pictures but this was before digital!

        This is also where we had our first full spa day: http://www.enchantmentresort.com/sedona-spa-miiamo/. Our mom was with us on this trip, so the three of us each had 2 or 3 spa treatments scheduled. We did a yoga class, had lunch, lounged by the pool enjoying the red rock views and hung out in the tranquil meditation room. Simply AMAZING. We tried the Stones Massage, Reading of the Moment session, Simply Shirodhara and Aromatherapy Massage. All of them were sublime.

We have visited Sedona 3 or four times now and every time has held new adventures and discoveries. There are obviously a lot of psychics and healers available. We recommend you do some research before you go and try to find someone with a lot of experience who meets your needs. Some are definitely more powerful and enlightened than others.

Lots of good restaurants, fun shopping and even karaoke! A couple of recommendations:
Dahl & DiLuca Italian Restaurant - http://www.dahlanddiluca.com/
2321 W. Hwy 89A. • Sedona, AZ 86336 • (928) 282-5219 
Cucina Rustica - http://www.cucinarustica.com/
7000 Hwy. 179, NW, Suite 126 A. • Sedona, AZ 86351 • (928) 284-3010     
Same owners as Dahl & DiLuca, but located in the village of Oak Creek.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Craft Village - http://www.tlaq.com/
Really cool looking, this place was originally conceived as an artist community. Lots of great galleries, food and shopping!
Indian Ruins: Ancient Ruins of Palatki - http://www.arizona-leisure.com/palatki-indian-ruins.html
                    Montezuma Castle - http://www.dreamsedona.com/montezuma-castle.html

Want to add to our ideas of things to do in Sedona? Any great experiences you had there? Favorite restaurants, stores or psychics? Leave a comment below and help us grow our list.