Landscape of Sacred: Nature and Sacred Spaces

Lizzie Nelson

In the reading we did this week we discussed the effect nature has on a sacred space and how it can help influence the feeling of spirituality and power a place may garner. Specifically, this reading discussed the Indigenous Americans medicine wheel a top a high mountain overlooking the landscape. Belden Lane describes the sense of power and healing he feels radiating from the circle of stones at the center of the landing, how everything seems in harmony at this one spot and all has a sense of alignment. I believe some of this feeling, if not most of it, is created by the grand views and commanding mountains around which this religious spot is based. We have talked about the power of nature, how many famous architectural structures are based on it, and how nature has influenced more than we may ever know. It is only fitting then that nature can command a sense of almost wholly other. People for centuries have created whole religions to explain the powers of nature and the universe. The Indigenous Americans just used this to their advantage, without many of the buildings and excess decorations seen in other religions. Even though he may not follow the faith that the people who built the medicine did, he can still feel the same pull of spirituality through nature that they did.

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