Sedona 2015; Part iII

My last day in Sedona was a bit exhausting. However, instead of driving back to Southern California later that day, I was going half way to the gambling spot of Laughlin, NV. for the night. A brilliant plan provided that the following day was Halloween, and I didn't want to exhaust myself driving to visit my nieces and nephews.

Again, I woke up early to get to Cathedral Rock before other tourists ventured to the area. Probably a 1 hour steep hike, the views on Cathedral Rock are incredible. On the top of the trail, you're at the bottom of the large boulder rocks surrounding you like the sensation of being in an open top cave looking out into the horizon. I managed to get to the top where I was alone for a good 40 minutes. With no one to answer to, no one to describe the sensation of the experience, I was able to simply be. The first time I did this hike in 2014, I was left thinking how do I describe this experience to my numerous family members still sleeping in the hotel. However, there was nothing worth reflecting on and I was able to simply adjust myself mentally to soak up the moment. 

Sitting in meditation on top of the trail, I realized that Cathedral Rock is just special for me. It has to be my current favorite spot in all of my travels. I don't know how to describe it, it feels like home. Considered a feminine vortex, the ability to clear your head and simply relax into the moment, to be yin or receptive, is what defines the vortex known as Cathedral Rock. With the winds and birds echoing between the large boulders only broken with moments of complete silence, I was a Buddha in my own natural Stupa. In my open eyed meditation, I grounded my imaginary cord, reached for the skies, and left my moment to be completely lost in the present filled with gratitude for the shelter, safety, abundance, and beauty that Mother Earth has to offer. I was purposefully lost outside of myself. In addition, as found once a few clouds had drifted on, the gorgeous moon was still out glowing in that sun-filled morning even further showing me how blessed that moment was. It was simply perfect. 

One of the things I would notice from each of the vortexes that I had visited in Sedona was a knowing at the end of my visit, that I had got what I came for, whatever that may be. In carrying that thought, I was immediately greeted by a tourist who made it to the top and shrieked "damn" rather loudly at the view. Slowly coming out of my Sedona induced bliss, I tried to keep my attention on the view but was distracted by the tourists. Apparently coming in separate groups, instead of taking in the view, many of the tourists immediately proceeded to take posing pictures, talk with each other about where they came from, and then immediately walked back down the path. No one else noticed the moon's brilliance, which left me thrilled as I selfishly felt that she was only shining for me (Can you find her in the pictures above). Again, to each their own. 

Given that I wasn't able to trail Boynton Canyon the prior day due to the rains, I was again under time constraints on Friday to get done everything I wanted to accomplish. Moreover, I was feeling the burn of the hikes after the steep Cathedral Rock. Nonetheless, I pushed on to the neighboring vortex of Bell Rock, didn't climb as much as this vortex is usually littered with tourists, then proceeded to lunch and Boynton Canyon afterwards. I was dismissed from handling Boynton Canyon the prior day because of the rain, however, I think I was meant to traverse this trail at a particular moment to feel her magick.   

My relatives and I had been to Boynton Canyon the prior year, but we completely missed the vortex. As it was our first time in Sedona, we were nubes and not necessarily prepared. Although we had seen and walked passed the vortex area, it was my goal to get to the center of it on this trip. Actually a much shorter distance, you can walk right up to the center between two pillars of large boulders that make up the vortex that is Boynton Canyon. After making it to the top, I was annoyed to find a large group (around 7) already present speaking very loudly and attempting to do some dangerous rock climbing. However, I found a spot to  sit in meditation and simply observe my surroundings without judgment, as everything has a purpose. In quickly changing my perspective, I proceeded to hear Indigenous drums from the large group I had originally deemed as tourists. In addition to the drums, this group started singing in a language that reminded me of the songs I heard in drum circles in South Dakota over a decade ago.

Everything has a purpose and I began feeling the magick of the songs as the drums drew in a hawk that flew above us. The hawk can be seen as the Egyptian Neter Horus, symbolic of the third-eye. As Ted Andrews further elaborates in Animal Speak, the red-tail hawk shows the seat of primal energy with the grounding color red, but yet soars high in the sky. Moreover as further discussed, the Ojibwa consider this bird as a messenger of the Gods, providing you with signals. Again, I was reminded of the Chariot that I drew from the tarot deck, the timing was perfect for me to have this experience and I knew that something was looking out for me. 

As other tourists started making their way into our prayers having conversations on which direction to walk next, I again had the knowing that I got what I came for. It was time for me to go, to leave the natural bliss of Sedona as Boynton Canyon was the last natural stop for me before revisiting International I Am. As I was walking down the trail with the full knowing that I was done, I couldn't help but feel a bit of loneliness as I felt that this trip would have been so much more if shared with a special someone who would be open to the same experiences. No doubt I had come across and greeted many attractive tourists/locals. However, as my emotional body began spiraling downward while walking to my car, a fellow elderly gentleman walking up the pathway quickly greeted me and stated "I have something for you, it's in the shape of heart as it holds all of the loving energies that Sedona has to offer". I was handed a Sedona red rock carved into a heart shape. The gentleman quickly scrambled on while I was still in a state of shock telling him, "I really appreciate the gift". I was completely dumbfounded. Well, what do you think, is something looking out for me?

I got to my car thinking I need to pay-it-forward and give someone else the rock. However, my selfishness kicked in and I couldn't bring myself to give the rock away. After all, it was a gift to me and it came to me at the perfect moment that I needed it. If it had come to me at Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock or any other moment on this trip, it would not carry the same significance. Therefore, it's mine, all mine. Last Sedona stop, back to International I AM for free medium student readings. Conclude with Part IV here.