Page 17 - the Noise August 2016

SEDONA VORTEXES: SCIENCE, MYTH OR MAGIC?
A typical question asked by visitors to Sedona’s Red Rock Country is “Why are the Red Rocks red?” The simple answer? Rust. According to the Arizona Geo- logical Survey, “The red color of the rocks is caused by a thin coating of iron oxide on the particles in the rocks. The iron oxide was formed by chemical weathering of
iron-bearing minerals in the rocks in the arid setting.”
The red rocks of Sedona contain high amounts of iron, basalt and magnetite which some say create the energy phenomena of the vortexes in the area.
For the layperson, the science behind the energy of Sedona’s vortex sites can sound complicated. In basic terms, Benjamin Lonetree, a Phoenix-based electrical engineer who has studied Sedona’s energy phenomena, says:
“Concentrations of iron oxide and other metal/minerals have the effect of focus- ing the earth’s natural geomagnetism which is produced by the Earth’s molten outer core. As the outer core churns, a magnetic north and south pole are created. During this process another form of magnetism is produced. It is non-dipole in nature. This magnetism has no north or south. It is just pure magnetic energy.
“Most of this free energy is absorbed by the primary dipole, (north/south) field but a portion of it may reach and penetrate the surface of our planet. Within the earth non-dipole magnetism assumes the form of a ‘vortex-like’ (spiral or circular) shape, that exhibits up and downward motion. Metals and minerals have the tendency to align to the earth’s natural magnetism; this fact is the basis for many forms of metal/ mineral detection systems. The crystalline like structure of the metal/mineral is such that it allows the earth’s magnetic field to be focused (concentrated) through the metal/mineral deposit.”
There is some debate as to whether mechanical instruments are able to measure these energetic effects. In his book, The Mysteries of Sedona, Tom Dongo discusses vortex locations around the world, including Sedona, and states “these sites have been located and confirmed by modern technological instruments.” And a US Geo- logical Survey report from 2002 notes “small magnetic fields that distort the main magnetic field of the Earth” are present in the Sedona area.
But in his book What Is A Vortex?, local guide Dennis Andres writes: “There are
story by cindy cole photo by doug kerr
story & photo by cindy cole
no consistently significant magnetic or electric readings in Sedona.” However, he does not discount the presence of vortex energies based on this mechanical un- predictability. Instead he cites his observation of nearly a thousand people who experienced the energy. “It is clear there is a more sensitive, more accurate measur- ing device of the energy that is here,” he states. “It is us: human beings. As complex organisms with an ability to sense more than what can be seen physically, we are often able to detect this energy.”
Mr. Andres also says that people will experience the energy differently too. “I’ve found that individuals meditating together in the same spot will often sense the energy differently,” he writes. “Who’s right? Everyone is.”
One of the most easily accessed of the Sedona vortexes is Airport Mesa. A small parking lot alongside Airport Road allows visitors to park right at the trailhead. Ven- turing up to the vortex is just a short walk up the gentle slope of the mesa on a well- marked trail. Once at the top, the reward is incredible views of Sedona’s stunning geology in every direction. Some Sedonans shared their personal experiences of the power of this vortex site.
Dan of Sedona wrote: “I had my girlfriend close her eyes and I guided her to the Airport Vortex. When I did the big ta da! showing her the outstanding view from there to the east, she was so overwhelmed, she started crying.”
Laura said, “I moved away from Sedona 20 years ago. I came back October 14, 2015 for a memorial service. Within 15 minutes of looking around at Sedona’s maj- esty and while driving past the Airport Vortex, a palpable calm came over me. It started at the top of my head, hit my shoulders, and traveled the rest of my body, all while I sat in the driver’s seat of my rental car. I had not felt that sort of cascading calm before. A voice then spoke in my head that said, ‘Home. This is your home. You belong here. Come home.’ Three days later I met my forever partner and a month after that I closed my business in Texas, packed up and we moved in together here. I’ve been on this thankful Sedona high ever since.”
the Nöísẽ | the best of arizona | AUGUST 2016 {online at thenoise.us} • 15