"Enchantment" in New Mexico? (Las Cruces, Clovis: houses, floor, suburb)

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by catman

When I cross the state line into NM, it feels like there's a change that I can't quite put my finger on, but it's there nonetheless.

For me it isn't as distinct as simply crossing an arbitrary man made line. I'm not much into states names except as handy words to describe state sized geographic areas. For me, the land of enchantment is larger than New Mexico, and some parts of NM might not even be in it. My feeling of the land of enchantment is expressed in many areas of the Four Corners states, and it comes from the beauty, the geography, nature, the flora and fauna, the accumulated history of the region and the archeology, and the mystique of the Native American occupation of the area from prehistoric times. In the absence of other people the solitude that I feel synergizes with the ebb and flow of all those things I just named, and the end result is that I'm enchanted.

However I think that it is entirely appropriate for NM to be officially named "The Land of Enchantment." The feeling is as strong in NM as it is in the other enchanting places in the region.

[catman]

I agree that it's an "arbitrary man-made line", and it's doubtless all in my head, but NM feels different to me than TX does. On Hwy 380, it all seems to even look different, even though it might not to anyone else. I agree with what you said about "enchantment"; Hobbs, for instance, doesn't seem very enchanted, but the mountains and places where the Ancient Ones lived definitely do. I went to Mesa Verde in SW Colorado, and it definitely felt enchanted. Parts of AZ and UT give me the same feeling. But I think that, overall, NM is the mother lode.

[Towanda]

What a great thread!

So many of you are saying things I agree with!

I don't believe in the New Age stuff ... but I have felt the enchantment of New Mexico ever since I came here as a 23 year old many years ago. There was some kind of spiritual pull, draw, attraction ... I don't know how to describe it ... and it has only grown through the years.

Yukon thinks it has something to do with the wind; for me it is the light ... the light here is like no place else (no wonder artists come here!) But more than the light, it is something in the air ... something vibrant and palpable. I feel different here ... more alive somehow.

There are places I have been in this state that seem to have a special spirit ... Abiquiu and El Santuario de Chimayo and Acoma and up around Eagle Nest and Angel Fire ...

It is not something I can put into words that would make sense to someone who has never been here or someone who does not feel it. But when you are one of the ones who feel it, then no explanation or words are necessary.

~Towanda

[catman]

I know exactly what you mean. Eagle Nest around dusk definitely has that 'enchanted' feeling. I can't put it into words either.

[Idunn]

This is the definition of vortex according to Wikipedia:
"A vortex (pl. vortices) is a spinning, often turbulent, flow of fluid. Any spiral motion with closed streamlines is vortex flow. The motion of the fluid swirling rapidly around a center is called a vortex. The speed and rate of rotation of the fluid are greatest at the center, and decrease progressively with distance from the center."

In Sedona, AZ the vortices are said to be swirling energy. Having been there, I'd say if one quiets themselves they are likely to notice something. Haven't been to all the sites, but noticed an effect at those I did.

Has nothing to do with crystals or philosophy per se, although as crystals direct energy these vortices do the same in their own way.

I've always felt 'Land of Enchantment' was an apt description for New Mexico, even if not universally true for a political entity with artificial borders. Much of the feeling may be derived from peoples and culture which are so unique and often compelling, and the underlying agent is to a large extent the land.

The closest parallel to the Sedona vortices within New Mexico may be within the many natural hot springs. The energy is different, and as far as I know not a vortex, but can certainly be felt. But then natural hot springs are wide spread and they all tend to share this feature. Just from experience I'd mention the hot springs alongside the Rio Grande outside of Taos, NM, and those of Ojo Caliente, NM. Both natural, those of Taos still undeveloped, and Ojo Caliente commercial.

Chaco Canyon is an interesting place, although perhaps chosen as much for (then) water and cultivation as anything else. But maybe not. It appears to have been primarily a religious center, not commercial or agricultural. And the supporting timbers for the many kivas necessarily brought great distances from the north. Not sure about the specific energies there, having not spent enough time.

Hovenweep, in the far southwest corner of Colorado has the same general feel as Chaco, but on a smaller more intimate scale. Some of the more remote structures can be quite interesting.

Mesa Verde, also in southwest Colorado, feels somewhat different, probably in part because the landscape is different. Some of the small kivas that one can actually climb down into and enter can be quite illustrative. In watching a parade of tourists come and go, to a person they all seemed impressed to an extent. It could be this as much from the natural architecture (earth, wood and stone) and feel of the kiva as anything else, being very womb like, but the original designers were probably aware of the importance of siting and the locations chosen carefully.

As far as that goes, energy is universal. With a little reflection anyone anywhere will realize there are specific spots they like and others they just avoid.

[catman]

I don't usually get the 'enchanted' feeling unless I am by myself. It doesn't have anything to do with vortices or crystals. I usually travel in NM by motorcycle by myself, so I get the undiluted sights, sounds and smells (the motorcycle isn't loud). They are all a part of it. I often feel it most when I get off the bike in a solitary location and listen to the quietness. After night falls, it seems strong too.

[Lovehound]

Solitude is a big part of it to me too. I often get up before dawn on camping trips, at first light, and in national parks such as Mesa Verde or Canyon de Chelly or Chaco Canyon I'm often moving out at first light, so I get to visit some of the ruins and have the privilege of being the only person there, just me and the spirits of the Indians. Those are always special times for me. Of course I don't see the spirits but I know they are there and I can feel the past like almost a physical thing. It's enchanting!

I'll have to try that with some special person along with me some time, somebody special enough to know when to ****!

[christylou]

I mentioned to an friend that I felt something special when I was in New Mexico and she suggested I look into something called astrocartography(sp?). Apparently, certain areas are stimulating according to your astrological chart. I looked into it on the internet but most of the info was not real helpful unless you want to pay to get your specific chart read.

[catman]

I've never heard of that. I am interested in astrophotography, but that's an entirely different matter.

Lovehound: Exactly! Well put.

[catlemm]

Wow, this is an amazing thread, really interesting. I have felt some kind of "pull" toward N.M. or Az for as long as I can remember and didn't know why. Now the kids are grown and gone and I am finally going. I look forward to exploring the "land of enchantment" and hopefully finding the inner peace or whatever I seem to be looking for. I have always loved the warmer weather and dry climates. Thanks so much for all the input and interesting comments.