Sedona
A red-rock town in Arizona where a New Age industry of vortex tours, crystals and readings grew from the 1980s, on land with a long Native American history.
Practised and told of here
Best time: Spring and autumn. Summer is hot.
Sedona is surrounded by sandstone buttes, with Yavapai and Apache history in the region. In 1987 the Harmonic Convergence, a New Age event led by the writer Jose Arguelles, brought crowds, and the idea that the area has 'vortexes' of energy took off.
The vortex idea
The vortexes are claimed to be places where energy is strong, such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. Geologists say there is no evidence of any measurable energy, and the idea came from a psychic in the 1980s. Visitors say they feel something, and scholars of religion see it as a modern pilgrimage.
The business
Dozens of shops, healers and guides sell tours, readings and crystals. Some visitors and local people regard that as a commercial use of Native American religion, especially where sweat lodges or sacred ceremonies are borrowed. In 2009 three people died at a sweat lodge event near Sedona, led by James Arthur Ray, who was convicted of negligent homicide.
Visiting
The hiking trails are public land and are crowded. Visitors should keep to paths and carry water.
A respectful visit to Sedona
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- Cathedral Rock Hike the trail at an early hour.
- Bell Rock Walk the base trail.
- Palatki Heritage Site See Sinagua rock art with a guide.
- Sedona Heritage Museum Read the local history.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Sedona, Arizona" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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