We just returned form an amazing, transformative trip to the Mount Shasta area. It is a wonderful place to do some soul searching and integration. Mount Shasta, located in Northern California, is a majestic peak with a rich history and a profound spiritual significance. Geologically, this stratovolcano stands as one of the largest in the Cascade Range, reaching an elevation of over 14,000 feet. However, its geological prominence is just one facet of Mount Shasta’s allure. For centuries, indigenous tribes like the Wintu, Karuk, and Shasta have revered this mountain as a sacred site. They believe that Mount Shasta is the dwelling place of powerful spirits and that it serves as a conduit between the physical and spiritual realms. These tribes have passed down stories of the mountain’s significance, emphasizing its role as a source of healing and spiritual guidance.
Mount Shasta has also captured the imagination of seekers and spiritualists from various backgrounds. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it gained prominence in spiritual and metaphysical circles, believed to be an energy vortex and a place of spiritual awakening. Many people have reported mystical experiences, visions, and encounters with beings of light while visiting the mountain. It has become associated with various esoteric traditions. Shasta continues to draw individuals seeking inner transformation, enlightenment, and a deeper connection to the spiritual realm. Its snow-capped peaks and pristine surroundings serve as a backdrop for spiritual retreats, meditation practices, and a quest for higher consciousness, making it a place where the earthly and the spiritual converge in a profound way.
Our trip was motivated by several factors. We sought a place with minimal light pollution for stargazing and CE-5 work, I intended to meditate on the mountain and record ambient sounds for upcoming projects, and there was the added bonus of a solar eclipse on Saturday! For the CE-5 work we only had one clear night and did see an anomalous light- it was blinking quite quickly and when we flashed our astronomy laser near it the blinking pattern doubled in speed!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring the mountain. We loved the Panther Meadows area, considered the most spiritual place on the mountain (I will write a separate blog about my mediation experience on the mountain). We also hiked up to a ridge that was about 8k ft in elevation- the highest we have ever hiked!
On Friday evening, my husband twisted his ankle, which prevented him from joining me for the remainder of the trip. Consequently, many of the photographs were captured during my solo hikes. The sight of bear and cougar tracks was exhilarating, with evident signs of bear activity (so much bear poop!) throughout the area- I definitely was on high alert, clapping and making noise as I hiked.
I eagerly anticipate our next visit to spend even more time in this captivating setting.
