Exploring The Four Corners ---> Hovenweep Castle, Canyon Of The Ancients!
The Four Corners
Over the past few days I've been experiencing some exciting things, on friday I was at the regular @helpie meeting led by @meno. If you'd like to know what a helpie is, then please take a gander here. I've been a helpie since it first started and have seen it grow immensely, so this past friday I was fortunate to have received a 250 SP delegation from @derangedvisions, and last week from @soundwavesphoton for 100SP by promoting fellow helpie's. The delegation lasts for a week!
Moving on to yesterday, I was on a podcast show hosted by @jackdub and @makinstuff, check the show out right here. The show is helping Steemians become more aware of being a responsible earth caretaker by connecting people who love growing their own food, building their own home, cooking natural foods, and for me it was sharing some of my natural healing.
What a fun packed weekend this has been, and I wanted to begin this blog-post by giving a shout out to all these great people above. Additionally, sharing something I've been talking about and preparing for, that is my exploration and adventure into the North American four corners area.
Just in case you know very little about me, I encourage you to take a look at some of my recent posts that I've discussed gearing up for this post and those coming up. My recent posts are Come Along With Me ---> Picking The Superfood Aronia-Choke Berries & Making Jam!, Come Along With Me ---> Roasting Mexican Hatch Green Chillies & Making Chili Verde!!, Come Along With Me ---> To The Southern Ute Tribe North Native American Museum!!, and What's Wrong With The Term Anasazi, You Might Ask?. This is not a series, in actuality it’s a storytelling of some of the amazing things I found out about my ancestry and my own personal search for some answers related to the lands occupied by the Hisatsinom.
I've never been one to just be told who I am, I'm one of those people that seeing is believing, so I took it upon myself to explore an area I had not really known still existed. Don't get me wrong I had known about Chimney Rock National Monument, check my post out here, and Mesa Verde you can see my post regarding my visit there right here.
I’m talking about an area that not a lot of people know about called the Canyon Of The Ancients. Let’s check it out ...
Hovenweep Castle
Basically, my goal after finding out about this area since I was already going to be down in the area for a month was to walk the land and find out more about what happened to the Hisatsinom, after all I had the time and why not make it an adventure, right?
I was handed the above map at my first stop in the state of Utah called Hovenweep Castle, maybe arbitrarily chosen although some may feel it was intuitive and I might agree with that thinking.
Signs leading to Hovenweep Castle. Photos taken by @eaglespirit
One thing for sure is that because of my ancestry some things are just innate, I did not read much of the signs since most of it was made for tourists and not from anyone tribal.
The name Hovenweep was tagged by a photographer in 1870, which most of these locations tended to have "been found." As I started my journey through these ancient ruins of my ancestors I didn't allow myself to get caught up in the hype and I just felt the area.
That is, I didn’t cloud my mind with false history or the bitterness from my tribe from past wrongs. I allowed my soul to feel what once was. A happy, peaceful place where nothing existed but us.
Photos taken by @eaglespirit
The photos taken above were inside the National Park Service greeting area and I found them important, if only to show that this land was once filled with people and acknowledged by those walking these grounds years later. It's also a fun way to start to imagine what you will see next. I certainly didn't expect to see what I did.
Photo taken by @eaglespirit
Every time I go to visit one of these sites and that included Chimney Rock and Mesa Verde there is always a link to astronomy.
After all of my searching this is something I have yet to figure out, but I'm sure I will when the time is right. What amazes me is there is always an alignment to the stars, sun, and night skies.
The natural celestial “phenomenon" was always considered when constructing these locations and built with access to all one would need to star gaze.
Hovenweep Castle Park Ranger. Photo taken by @eaglespirit.
I have a special place in my heart for park rangers, as they really try to educate themselves to assist tourists. This kind lady showed me the maps and ensured I was ready for the scorching heat and hike I was about to take.
Nothing really prepared me for the over 100 degree weather, even my hikes through volcanoes in Hawaii weren’t as hot as this. I had my hat, hiking shoes along with water and off we go ...
Photo taken by @eaglespirit
Check it out, they even had borrow-a-walking stick. Personally, I felt that was the shiznit because most people I know are very protective of their walking sticks.
I'm not a walking stick type of person, I will crawl if I have to and well that day did come, but not this day.
Photo taken by @eaglespirit
As I started my hike one thing I started to think about was how did people survive in this area?
I mean it's only normal to think climate change and water drought hit the area, but we've all heard of people living and surviving in the desert.
Well interestingly enough there were plants abound with nicely written placards that explained some of the methods used for survival. Take notes people, because if SHTF this is the stuff you want to know about and use to survive too.
Another feeling I started to have was there must have been natural patterns of things, like entranceway shrubs and flowers. More so where my ancestors cooked, planted, and lived (slept and ate.)
So, in the back of my mind I felt my way along and started to notice these patterns. Oftentimes, I saw a rock formation or path of sage that led me to a doorway. It was quite amazing.
The entire area was a canyon and in that canyon housed at least 10 different structures, and I was really blown away since I thought I was just going to see one building that may have been mostly stone rubble at this point. We are talking hundreds of years if not a thousand.
InsteadI found a wondrous sight and I started to feel and see who lived here, and how everything must have looked back in the day.
I saw water everywhere with my minds eye, food, trees, people working and children laughing. During the peak of the population, this was a great community.
Structure after structure I saw a worship location, food storage, guest house, homes where people lived, water collection areas, and even many locations where waterfalls once gushed from the mesa. Waterfalls so full that crashed to the canyon floor — the sound was spectacular.
The day was very hot and how I wished that water was still flowing ... as we say one day it will again.
A kind reminder, if you ever happen upon this area of the world then remember to take at least a half a gallon of water per person. Even though the human body is sweating dry, you are still sweating and dehydration can set in very fast. Drink plenty of water!
As I look over these photos again I remember the excitement of finding a place not like Mesa Verde but similar in that my people were brilliant and amazing.
So much went into natural living and taking care of community. This is what is important today, and so many have lost their way.
Being programmed to accept the food we are given, water filled with chemicals, and poisoned air. I think of the Hopi prophecy I've shared once already and that is “those that will survive are those that get back to their ancients way of life.”
That doesn't mean abandon it all and go set up camp, it means live free and learn the old ways. Learn to live natural and healthy, and stop being a slave. My prayers are with all humanity as we all find our way.
Back to the canyone hike, I walked all the way around the canyon and step-by-step there were sights to be seen. The cactus above was something that was everywhere, so being careful each step of the way was important.
Since I've been in the area quite a bit I think I have a solid place in my heart for Sleeping Ute Mountain and I was able to capture a photo and quick blurb about today’s story of the mountain. If you look closely, you can see him laying on his back with his face to the heavens, body that travels to his toes.
Of course, since my people were here before the current tribes my thoughts are constantly wondering what did my people feel that mountain was called, what was their name for it, what was their story? I have no doubt the information will come to me in time and as we say when we are ready.
Finally, I reached Hovenweep Castle and sat by the site for awhile just looking all around and enjoying the scenery. It being a very hot day I tried not to stay too long since I was already as red as a lobster and had to preserve my water.
I must admit, even though these places were roped off I did touch the structures. I just had too! I guess I'm more of the tactile type but I did refrain from walking on anything.
Believe it or not if I had been with a local tribe member we are allowed to hold ceremony and walk wherever we like. I look forward to that moment in the near future.
For some reason these photo look better on my computer than on this blog-site. Either way I feel you get a good idea of how energetic and amazing this place still was even over 600 years later, and more likely a lot older.
The day was super bright too, but thankfully no sudden rainstorms or dust storms came through. Those can be quite treacherous in the area.
Believe it or not I have been on this journey of finding my ancestry for a long time, I'm not sure why it's been so important but it has been.
My mother raised me as a single mom and dad was just off doing his own thing. Life is funny that way I suppose.
It wasn't until later on in life that I found out about my Native American background and started my training to live my life according to the old ways.
Becoming reacquainted with dad wasn't easy but it led me here. To this location in time and connecting to my NOW. For that, I will be eternally grateful.
Many of us can tell our tale of woe but imagine scraping yourself up off the floor making something of it, and creating a positive change.
This is also called a higher frequency, vibrating with something we may only know a little about but feel it within our mind, body, and soul.
More fascinating is that the farther we go on this journey the more amazing people we meet, and they too are vibrating at that frequency.
There are many who feel they are, I call them posers and they need to be sifted through or they fall off on their own, but overall the few that make it into our circle are quite amazing.
As I'm sharing more of my story with all of you and allowing this change to go further into my writing, I want to thank you, my Steemit family for being there for me.
Without this platform my writing would not have gotten to this point and serious thoughts of writing a book may not be more and more solidified into my consciousness. It is through all of your support and encouragement that has helped me get here too.
Hovenweep may be the ancient remains of my ancestors but in truth this gave me strength, hope, and something to share with the world.
If we ever get a chance to touch something from our own genetic history it is powerful. My father taught me that much, and actually quite a bit more.
I'll share with you something he told me, "go visit the power centers of the earth, you will learn what Mother Earth is about and even more about yourself."
Isn’t it ironic how things our parents tell us are so very true.
When I first laid eyes on these ancient Twin Towers I couldn't help but think about my very own experience with the 9/11 Towers and that experience.
What a huge difference one may think, yet was it? What really happened here? Many have conjecture but no one except my current tribe can tell me. My instinct, gut, and intuition tell me but I need that confirmation. My quest continues as I travel through the four corners in search of those answers.
For now, I will enjoy the time it takes to get to know my ancestors in what they left behind. Honestly, what is left behind shows amazing intelligence, ingenuity, and culture. My love for the Hisatsinom grows every day thinking about the beauty they built that’s lasted generations.
Photos taken by @eaglespirit
That's me above after hours of hiking in 100 degree heat so forgive the nearly faint look, and that’s the big fat crow who was talking to me as I was washing up. He wouldn’t shut up.
Really, the crow was funny and look how his beak was wide open — he had a lot to say — but don’t ask. He was kind enough to pose nicely for a photo.
Allow me to thank you for joining me on this journey as I adventure into the ancient lands of my ancestors.
Hope to see you come back to read about my next adventure ... a totem pole dedication, and please don’t forget to leave your comments below as they’re always appreciated.
Yours,
Eagle Spirit
Greetings,
Thank you for stopping by to read my blog. I’m a First Nation member of the Hopi & Apache Native American tribes, Medicine woman in-training, first time blogger since November 2017, (right here on Steemit), paralegal, researcher, and writer based in the Mountains of Colorado, USA. I work closely with fellow planktons and minnows in a few groups by helping them adjust to Steemit and curate quality content. I’m especially interested in finding others who love natural medicine originating from ancient practices, gold and silver, energy work, and the spirit world. Additionally, I'm the creator of #MedicineCardMonday, so if you are interested in receiving a Native American blessing stop by my blog every Monday, or just say hello!
See you soon, @eaglespirit
What a great adventure. You definitely should write a book. I enjoy your outlook and the way you just kind of know that the answers will come to you and that you are so in tune with everything. Peace!
awww thank you so much my WW, i hope all is well and you are not waiting to heavily, you need to be waited on too! i need to go visit your page so i can get some wit! xo
I can deliver. LoL
@the-witty-waiter woo hoooooo
Ohhhhh. One of my favorite areas on earth. On a whole bunch of levels. It's always amazing to me how one area can 'talk' to me like that.
I have a place to stay in Cortez. Motorcycle people you know :) Any road that is divisible by 12 in Colorado is world class for a motorcycle rider.
Mexican Hat. I think the San Juan river is one of the sweetest streams ever.
Canyon De Chelly. I have to admit, I have only given cursory time to Canyons of the Ancients. Every time I get close to Canyon De Chelly it gets me and monopolizes my time.
I absolutely love the Navajo res and the 'loneliness' of it.
I wish I'd have known you were in the area. I'd really like to buy you a cup of coffee. I'd like it even better if you bought me one :)
Thanks. I can 'feel' you through this piece. I appreciate the passion of it.
@bigtom13 yes finding these places are amazing, especially since i am more and more connected to earth and spirit. i see and talk to those still wandering some times. do you have this gift too? its not common.
LOL yeah the san juan really? i love the colorado river. i have a medicine man and friends in chelly. interesting that you are connected to that place.
wow, ive only heard very depressing things about the navajo rez there, but its interesting you feel this way. i wonder why? ever explore that?
you live in the cortez area?? i thought you were in montana? i'm so confused LOL
i'm always down there since i am connected to the lands --- they are of my ancients and it always calls me. so sweet of you to say that about feeling me and so cool! really appreciate your lovely comment and if you do live in cortez then i will see you!! almost time to get me some beans! LOL
I do see and talk to wanderers. All the time. And yes, I think I have the gift, that I have always had it. I have always been more comfortable and alive in the 'puckerbrush' than in civilization in general.
I look at most reservations differently than most people. What I see there is freedom, a freedom of self determination that simply does not exist much elsewhere. I see the people that are living as they wish to live outside the pressures to conform that is present in normal civilization.
I love that no one can make another do anything on the Navajo Res. And that they throw their ruling council out on it's ass from time to time. That they are concerned about their family and clan and tribe rather than money or power or prestige. I love that they protect much of the Grand Canyon with a zeal.
sorry i meant something else as far as gift, but cool! you being up a good point that every one of us has diff gifts. lol
well there how one looks at a rez and reality. ive worked on one and ive been working with elders. its a sad reality. theres a lot more to it than freedom and slavery but what you mention is complicated.
a lot of politics in all of it really.
That terrain is so hot and dusty, but your comments and visions bring it to life.
@natubat it sure is!! how ya know?? it scorched and i couldn't even put my hand on the rock for too long or it wouldve burned me ... thank you so much for your beautiful comment xoxo
When I was just a young kid, my aunt in Arizona was engaged to a Navajo Shaman for years who was a spiritual mentor and big influence for me at that time of my life. On a few different occasions, he took me and also my family once, on these hikes into parts of native land that we were not allowed to go to without him, I wish I could remember exactly where these spots were, but I do know a lot of them were near Sedona and Flagstaff. I remember caves with ancient paintings all over the walls, cliff-side hiking trails, and a big curved rock in the middle of a plateau we climbed up. I have photos of all this somewhere with me at 6-8 years old, I will make a post about them when I dig them up.
About what your father taught you:
There are several energy vortex's in these parts of Arizona including in the Grand Canyon, which I have also visited. The energy in these areas is so powerful that even the trees and plants will grow twisted. One specific and well known vortex is right next to my aunts old house in Sedona called Bell Rock. Sedona actually has many energy Vortexes. If you want to go to a place where Earth energy is strong, definitely check out these parts of Arizona, and even the Quartzite and Tuscon World Gem Shows can be super intense with spirit energy because of all the crystals.
Fantastic article sister, I am glad I took the time to read this one.
thank you so so much El! your comment means a lot to me and i'm so glad i brought back what seems like good memories. i have been to sedona and that is where some of my people went after the takeover. mostly the ute and navajo and then the english LOL
i'm a huge fan of a photographer that i support on steemit who takes photos of that very area. yes the vortexes are legendary! :) i'm a fan of mt. shasta but i'd love to see tibet for that very reason. i love the powah man the powah!! its amazing. there wasn't so much where i was, but what it was was simply amazing. :) the ancestors showed me and greeted me with love. it was truly special. xo
I have heard some crazy stories about Shasta as well, and plan to go there in the near future for sure... its not too far from me. Who is the Steemit photographer you follow?
@elamental oh yazzzz ... wasn't it you and i telling each other some stuff? LOL
i'm coming for thanksgiving and invited rich and his lady, maybe you and yours should come to to a possible sweat near there. photographer is irivinesimages
haha, great we would love to have you. Since I turned pescatarian, I am not going to support the turkey craze at TG any longer, so be prepared for a veggie main course... or possibly swordfish. I have actually never been to a sweat lodge before, but likely will at some point I'm sure. I have trouble sitting in saunas for too long though, I guess that's why I always avoided sweat-lodge ceremonies in the past.
inusually just have veggies but im
mainly coming to visit my family 😜
oh yeah a sweat might f you up 😮
Oh I was just goofing off about the Thanksgiving thing, are you actually coming to Oregon that time of year, or am I just confused lol?
yes im coming to northern california 😛
This is a beautiful journey you're on, and I appreciate your taking us with you! ❤️
aww thank you My Kitty! i really appreciate your comment and support, it means a lot to me! xo
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thank you so much!
my goodness sister! this post...is so beautiful!!!! felt...appreciated...and resteemed! thank you for all you share!!!
yay! thank you so so much your comment means the world to me!! xo
I am happy you had such a happy and lovely journey. The place looks gorgeous and so well taken care off. Very nice, very nice indeed 💚 Earth has so much to give and so much to teach us and you are learning it all honey! Much love 💚
dear petra, thank you so much for your wonderful comment that was filled with love. i felt it and truly appreciate it very much . xo
It is a really exciting and comforting feeling to explore the areas where your people are from. It definitely makes you feel connected to a place and to the people as your senses take in all the spots of their day to day.
I have been to a couple places that do this for me. I am lucky to have had an aunt who was very into geneology so one line of the family can be followed back to the 1200’s.
This is an awesome journey you are on and it is great to share it with you through your writing!
And you look so cute in your post hike selfie! ☺️
my dearest finney, i'm so happy you are becoming one of my friends on steemit it means the world to me. we have quite a bit in common (minus ska) please just say no ... but then again you might love coming to CO for a visit .. i'd have to be outside tho. oh sorry, got distracted.
yes the feeling was very very comforting, where did you go?? tell me tell me! i'm dying to still go to avalon where a nother part of my geneology is trraced to ... woo hooo
thank you for the selfie compliment i felt like i was gonna die, for realz. LOL
i went to a water pump they had and basically took an outside shower in public ... oh wellzz hehe
I wanna go. One of these days soon I'm going to take off on an adventure and go see the sights rather than just drive by them. Thanks for sharing.
thank you so very much my friend, hope all is well!