For many years now, Sedona has been one of the world's centers for the New Age movement, and large numbers of people make the pilgrimage here to experience the "power vortexes" of the surrounding red-rock country. Around town you'll see bulletin boards and publications advertising such diverse services as past-life regressions, crystal healing, angelic healing, tarot readings, reiki, axiatonal therapy, electromagnetic field balancing, soul recovery, channeling, aromatherapy, myofascial release, and aura photos and videos.
According to believers, a vortex is a site where the earth's unseen lines of power intersect to form a particularly powerful energy field. Psychic Page Bryant determined through channeling that there were four vortexes around Sedona. Scientists may scoff, but Sedona's vortexes have become so well known that the visitor centers have several handouts to explain them and a map to guide you to them. (Many of the most spectacular geological features of the Sedona landscape also happen to be vortexes.)
The four main vortexes are Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon. Bell Rock and Airport Mesa are both said to contain masculine or electric energy that boosts emotional, spiritual, and physical energy. Cathedral Rock is said to contain feminine or magnetic energy, good for facilitating relaxation. The Boynton Canyon vortex is considered an electromagnetic energy site, which means it has a balance of both masculine and feminine energy.
If you're not familiar with vortexes and want to learn more about the ones in Sedona, consider a vortex tour. These are offered by several companies, including Earth Wisdom Jeep Tours (tel. 800/482-4714 or 928/282-4714; www.earthwisdomtours.com), Spirit Steps (tel. 800/728-4562 or 928/282-4562; www.spiritsteps.org), and Sedona Vortex Tours (tel. 800/943-3266 or 928/282-2733; www.sedonaretreats.com). All three offer tours that combine aspects of Native American and New Age beliefs. Tours last 2 1/2 to 3 hours and cost around $70 to $75 per person.
You can also stock up on books, crystals, and other spiritual supplies at stores such as Crystal Magic, 2978 W. Hwy. 89A (tel. 928/282-1622; www.crystalmagicsedona.com), or Center for the New Age, 341 Hwy. 179 (tel. 888/881-6651 or 928/282-2085; www.sedonanewagecenter.com).
