Spiritual inspiration and discovery are big draws to Sedona. Nearly every tourist shop I visited highlighted mystical energy vortexes as necessary experience. So I decided to go find one. Well, since I had spent some time in Sedona already, I unknowingly already went through a vortex. Where are they?
The seven vortexes in Sedona are located at Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Schnebly Hill Road and Courthouse Butte. These were first identified by a local psychic in the 1980’s. Keep in mind that a vortex is a powerful energy, not a landmark. You will not be able to get a picture of the vortex by going to these sites.
What is a vortex?
The Sedona vortexes can be described as a powerful mass of earth’s energy pooling in a particular area. Energy vortexes are also found at many prominent historical sites, like the Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramids in Egypt. The theory is that when we come into these pockets of intense energy, we feel a shift in mood both physically and spiritually.
Page Bryant, a local psychic counselor, was led to the seven Sedona vortexes by her inner spiritual guide named Albion in the 80’s. The identified locations of the vortexes were also conveniently in some of the best sceneries in Sedona. This small town became ever more popular for spiritualists in 1987 — the year of the Harmonic Convergence, when all the planets of our Solar System were uniquely aligned. The alignment amplified spiritual energy across the globe and spiritualists ventured to mystical places, like Sedona, for the experience of global harmony.
Are vortexes real?
Each vortex is said to emit a unique feeling. If you want to experience a vortex, see below for the different energies you can engage in. Vortexes may also be categorized as being feminine (pulling energy into the earth) or masculine (drawing energy from the earth). And if you’re really into vortexes, I challenge you to visit all seven and share your experience with me!
There are a ton of vortex tours offered in Sedona. It starts to feel like overkill and, in my opinion, cheapens the experience. Keep in mind that it is more difficult to feel the vortex energy in a group setting. I personally think vortex exploration is a personal journey. It’s best to go alone to these sites. I suggest sitting or lying on the ground to help establish a grounded connection to the earth. Take deep breaths. Meditate and allow yourself to relax and open.
The vortex sites make for incredible hikes, even if you are the type of person who is skeptical of the mystics like chakras and crystals. The scenery at the vortexes alone makes the journey worth it.
What was my vortex journey like?
I chose to try out the experience at the Boynton Canyon vortex. The directions to this one seemed the easiest because I could literally google the vortex spot. I went on a Saturday morning in April and parking was fairly easy at the lot. The walk was also fairly easy. It’s about half a mile from the parking lot to the vortex area and the elevation climb doesn’t begin until the last quarter of the trail.
Since the trail was easy, the walk felt meditative. Desert flowers were blooming alongside the trail. I could hear busy bees buzzing. It was a beautiful sight. I could feel myself getting out of my head and out of the chaos of everyday life. I was simply putting one foot in front of the other without thought.
The vortex area offers a bird’s eye view of the stunning surroundings. A little higher from this point are the Ancient Sinagua ruins. The ruins are underneath a rock overhang and aren’t clearly visible from below. The ruin walls are built of stacked red rocks and it made me feel very aware of time–present and past.
I think I could feel the effects of the vortex energy but I’m not sure. There wasn’t an obvious shift in the environment between the vortex area and further along the Boynton pass trail. Regardless, I did feel uplifted by being in nature.
What are the differences between the vortexes?
- Boynton Canyon = feminie and masculine
The energy here is electromagnetic. It boosts relationships with the self, others, and nature through intimate openness. You may feel tranquility here and happily recharged.
- Cathedral Rock = feminine
A National Geographic Traveler Guide book describes this vortex as being magnetic. Meditating here may help you connect to your nurturing side. This vortex is said to have the strongest magnetic force in Sedona.
- Bell Rock = feminine and masculine
Like its name, this red rock monument is shaped like a bell. Its circular base shows the continuity of everything. Connecting to this vortex may have you feeling more balanced.
- Airport Mesa = masculine
This vortex boasts the best 360-degree view of Sedona. The electric energy emitting here may have you leaving with more self-confidence. I strongly suggest going here to watch the sunset.
- Chapel of the Holy Cross = feminine
The vortex here is believed to have the strongest overall energy. Instead of the feminine nurturing feeling, the vibe here is more inspirational and spiritual. There is a feeling of community and belonging.
- Schnebly Hill Road = feminine
I would say this is the least visited vortex. If you plan on doing a vortex experience on a weekend during the summer, I recommend going here. There is less foot traffic and so it will be easier to connect with the purifying energy here.
- Courthouse Butte = masculine
The Courthouse Butte vortex is located near the Bell Rock vortex. The energy here does differ from the one at Bell Rock. Here is strong spiritual energy.
I hope this guide helps and best of luck on your journey!
