Ancient Cultures Explorer

Hopi Mesas - Navajo - Acoma and Zuni Pueblos -
Chaco Canyon and Canyon de Chelly prehistoric sites

"I hold the space for you to step into a circle of love 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 Colorado Plateau.
* Soverign nation status, environmental, economic, social and political issues.
* Living in the 2 worlds of Western culture and traditional culture
*Mythology, history, archaeology

Chaco Canyon
is the epicenter of the great Anasazi culture where immense pueblos were built beginning in 850 A.D. Remote even today in northwestern New Mexico, explore the mysteries of roadways etched in the desert to this place of center and ceremonies that were conducted in the numerous underground chambers known by Hopi descendants as kivas, hike the ruins, see outliers. This is an archaeological treasure. Picnic lunch included.

Hopi Mesas

This is a one-of-a-kind journey/seminar into the heart of Hopi lands visiting all 3 mesas including the oldest continuously inhabited village in North America. Sense the essence of Hopi and Navajo 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 and enjoy a traditional food dinner and breakfast. 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       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 through 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. Hike 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. Picnic lunch included. Sweatlodge option with a Navajo spiritual leader (by donation, not included)       Acoma Pueblo Visit the "Sky City" pueblo dating back to around 1100 A.D. Special evening cultural program and traditional food. Zuni Pueblo Visit Hawikuh, the site of the first contact between the Spanish and the Pueblo Indians, now a backcountry archeological site. See life-size Zuni murals in an historical Spanish mission. Meet artists and see beautiful Zuni fetish carvings and inlay jewelry. 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 iI 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. 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.

Please send a $300 deposit to reserve your space to the address below.
Call or email to discuss details.
Sedona lodging information provided for you for pre and post trip stays.