Ancient Cultures of the Southwest

Cultures, Sacred Sites and Spectacular Landscapes

of Northern Arizona

More than a tour, this is a unique, informative, inspiring experience that crosses into ancient and contemporary understandings of earth, spirit and human community. The land and peoples will come alive for you and live in your memory long after you return to your home. This journey will explore into the artistic, historical, cosmological and cultural traditions of the Southwest peoples and their relationship to the dramatic landscapes of this area.

4 days

Hopi Mesas - Navajo - Sedona
Canyon de Chelly prehistoric sites-
Window Rock and Navajo fair-rodeo-show

"I hold the space for you to step into a circle of sharing and respect, a coming together of peoples, each learning from and inspiring the other. No two journeys are ever alike--the participants, the seasonal activities and an unexplainable magical synergy makes each one a unique experience." Sandra Cosentino

Also:
Geology, plants, and animals of the region.
Soverign nation status, environmental, economic, social and political issues.
Living in the 2 worlds of Western culture and traditional culture
Mythology, cosmology, history, archaeology

Itinerary

Day 1

Sedona, AZ
At sunset will experience the dramatic otherworld scenery of Sedona. Cliffs of red, white and blue that form the escarpment of the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau tower two thousand feet above this resort mecca of art galleries, shops, world class hiking, golf, and the Southwest's most famous jeep tours (optional). Founded in the 1870's by farmers and ranchers, Hollywood's love affair with Sedona dates back to 1923, artists began arriving in the 1930's.  Sedona has also become well known as a premier wedding destination and for those seeking personal enrichment, Sedona's world-wide reputation as a spiritual mecca and global power spot has drawn a community of healers, intuitives and spiritual guides.

We will travel to scenic canyons and overlooks and learn about the geology, plants and animals and hear stories from ancient times to the new mythology of today including the spiritual "vortex" sites and the unique qualities that have made Sedona a place of inspiration and pilgrimage since prehistoric times. Enjoy a lovely nature walk up onto Cathedral Rock.

 

Participate in a special starlight program. Our guide Sandra will do a teaching on the ancient concepts of living nature and medicine animals. We will also share in group drumming and experience traditional rattling, oratory, participatory dance and songs with a Havasupai tribal leader. (The Havasupai tribe has lived in the Grand Canyon for hundreds of years.)

You are welcome to arrive in early afternoon and explore on your own Sedona's art galleries, shops, have lunch and dinner in one of Sedona's award winning restaurants, go for a hike, or get a relaxing massage in your hotel room. Overnight at Sedona

Day 2
Hopi Lands

This is a one-of-a-kind journey/seminar into the heart of Hopi lands visiting all 3 mesas including Oraibi, the oldest continuously inhabited village in North America.

We will visit Hopi villages. We will have the honor of meeting many Hopi people including a founder of Hopi's water conservation group known as Black Mesa Trust, traditional farmers, spiritual leaders, artists and community leaders.  We will have a special blessing circle with our Hopi hosts.

Sense the essence of Hopi culture with a spiritual life inspired by these lands for millennia. You will be steeped in stories of the ancestral Pueblo Peoples and their migration over the Americas and arrival at this their place of center. You will learn about the cycle of their year, respectful visitor protocols, ways to return on your own and establish meaningful contacts with these warm-hearted peoples. We are welcomed into homes and interact with and absorb from the People in a spontaneous and personal way. We will have a tradtional food dinner in a Hopi home. Picnic lunch also included.

This is an in depth immersion into this very traditional culture who carry on ways given to them by Creator for maintaining peace and balance for the whole earth. Each journey is unique to the time of year and people.

"Their existence always has been patterned upon the universal plan of world creation and maintenance, and their progress on the evolutionary Road of Life depends upon the unbroken observance of its laws. In turn, the purpose of their religious cermonialism is to help maintain the harmony of the universe." Frank Waters Book of the Hopip

The Hopi are considered the most traditional tribe in North America with an unbroken oral history and presence on the Colorado Plateau going back thousandsof years. (L) (D)

Overnight at the Hopi Cultural Center Motel.

 

Day 3
Hopi
Canyon de Chelly
Window Rock and Chinle--Navajo Culture

This morning we will enjoy a traditional blue corn pancake breakfast and continue our exploration of Hopi. If available we will visit villages who many be having special fall season dances occuring.

In the afternoon we’ll drive along the north rim of Canyon de Chelly Canyon to Window Rock, the Navajo Nation capitol. Enroute we see Dine College, the oldest Native American college in North America, and  the scenic Chuska Mountains. We will visit a remote hogan at Black Rock with a traditional weaver who will share her art with us.

(B)

Overnight Canyon de Chelly, Chinle, AZ

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Day 4
Canyon de Chelly, Prehistoric Sites, Navajo Culture

Canyon de Chelly Cliff Dwellings, Rock Art and Navajo Culture You will feel the spirit of adventure and discovery as you jeep ride with a Navajo guide into this roadless, sandy, red-walled canyon famous for its beauty and the concentration of cliff dwellings and rock art of the ancestral pueblo people from 400 BC to 1300 AD. The heart of the Navajo Reservation today, we will see Navajo hogans and livestock, hear their stories and songs, and experience this dynamic earth-based culture with roots in ancient tradition. Gaze into the depths of the canyon from spectacular rim views. You have an option ike to a cliff dwelling on a trail winding down, down the canyon side every turn revealing new nuances of reds, swirling formations studded with green cedars and walls rising above you silhouetted against impossibly brilliantly blue sky. You will have a special sandpainting demonstration and the option to participate in a fire blessing ceremony (by donation). You will be able to take a short hike or just sit and reflect in this canyon that is known as a place of connection with the Holy Ones.

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Lunch on own, visit to museum quality gift shop and stop enroute back to Sedona at Hubbells Trading Post, the oldest still operating on Navajo.
Arrive back in Sedona by 7 or 8 pm.

Overnight Sedona, Arizona

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Day 5

Grand Canyon optional journey
or departure home

You may wish to join others on a Grand Canyon Journey with a scenic loop over the shoulder of the San Francisco Peaks. Tour the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with colorful natural history and human history and many scenic viewpoints.  Returning via a section of Navajo Indian lands and stop at a Navajo park and historic trading post.  Lunch on your own at the historic El Tovar Hotel, right on the rim on the canyon.
Grand Canyon option, $145 plus tax.

Departure: You may choose to stay longer in Sedona or take a shuttle to the airport in Phoenix for your return flight.

Costs: $1,100 per person double occupancy (plus $200 for single occupancy)

Included: guided tours, entry fees, permits, land transportation, programs, 4 nights hotels, 3 meals and reference materials.

Not included: airfare, airport shuttle, luggage porterage, tips, meals not listed, optional trip to the Grand Canyon, optional Navajo fire blessing ceremony. Registration packet will include details of what to bring, Native American lands protocols, how to get to Sedona from Phoenix airport.

(Please note: We recommend that you fly into and out of Phoenix.)

This tour is operating under permit to:
The Hopi Tribe
Coconino National Forest
Grand Canyon National Park

Important Information

A minimum of 4 people are required for this trip. If the trip is cancelled by the  tour operator, you will receive a full refund. Group discounts available for 10 or more. Can also be arranged as a step on tour in your transportation.

Deposit: $300 (non-refundable)

               balance due 35 days prior to trip (non-refundable)

               We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance in the event that you have to cancel after 35 days.

Past Journeyer's comments:   "I chose Crossing Worlds Journeys because I sensed that they really cared and wanted me to experience the Native American cultures as well as to understand their beliefs. Little did I know that they would transport me into their world, help me honor people who live by their beliefs, and rekindle an awe of the magic found in nature. The persons we met accepted us without judgement, shared with us their food and knowledge, and welcomed us into their spirit at the level that each person chose to be received. It makes one wonder what life on Earth would be like if all of us were as unconditionally loving as the guides involved with Crossing Worlds. I am grateful that the persons we met and learned from have chosen to be caretakers." Lisaminh Woodruff, New York, fall, 2000.   "Getting to know the Hopi people was one of the highlights of my trip. Interactng with the Hopi by eating with them at their table, dancing with them and mingling with the children was an experience that was very unique with a tour. In fact. I felt as if I was part of their family and really connected with them on every level. It was such a personal experience that I didn't think of me being on a tour but on vacation visiting family and friends. Carolyn W., Washington, D.C.

These trips are lead by Sandra Cosentino who is native to Arizona with many years professional and personal involvement with Native peoples. You step into this circle of mutual respect and trust. Sandra, M.S., has since 1991 been creating customized nature-cultural journeys and seminars for private groups, universities and others from around the world. She was a school teacher, natural resource manager, forest Service fire look-out and worked professionally with Native American groups. Her informed passion and talented circle of hosts/guides create a bridge for you to enter these worlds.

Call 928-203-0024 or email to discuss details.
Sedona lodging information provided for you for post trip stays.