Peru – Machu Picchu: Coming Home

Destruction and looting of the major Incan sacred sites were a result of the Spanish conquest of the prosperous Inca civilization in 1532; but they never found Machu Picchu. Even though they searched for the most sacred spiritual center of the Incas, it’s isolation and difficult mountainous accessibility spared Machu Picchu from ravage and dishonor. Peru is often referred to as the most powerful feminine energy vortex on the planet. Perhaps the spirits of the ancient ones hid Machu Picchu away like a blessed virgin. Holding her in silence like a mysterious secret, keeping her protected, unblemished, holy. So that modern day pilgrims like myself would have the opportunity to experience the spell of her innocent beauty and the transformative power of a place so pure.

For those seekers, on a path of personal and spiritual growth, Peru offers a pilgrimage journey. There is an unavoidable route, seemingly designed by the Apus of the Andes, that you must take if your final destination is Machu Picchu. This naturally designed overland journey takes you symbolically from an “outer to an inner” focus as you travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

I wander down cobblestone streets, passing street vendors, and children leading llamas. Entering the Koricancha – Temple of the Sun, I am astounded by exquisite stonework, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Immense stones fitted together so perfectly without mortar that the thinnest knife blade cannot be inserted between them. Placing my hands on these ancient walls I feel a tingling energy emanate from them. A shift from outer to inner has begun.

At the huge ceremonial center of Sacsaywaman, outside of Cusco, I make an offering of 3 cocoa leaves, representing love, work, and wisdom to the Pachamama, the Mother Earth. A small very dark cave invites me into the womb of Pachamama. Feeling my way along the wall I must begin to trust that I will be guided to an opening, an exit from the darkness….self-enlightenment. I finally emerge into the sunlight, symbolically reborn as an innocent child. An inner cleansing process has been triggered.

Traveling overland, my descent to the Sacred Valley of the Incas prompts me to focus on descending deeper within myself. The road twists and turns, sometimes offering spectacular vistas and then suddenly my view is blocked. Could this be a metaphor for my life, a series of emotional peaks and valleys? Often I resist the valleys of my experience finding them undesirable. But this Sacred Valley, so fertile and rich with crops reminds me how “rich with revelation” my own emotional valleys can be if I relax and enjoy the view.

Later at Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, I ascend a trail of stone steps which take me to the temple at the top. Before me stand enormous pink granite stones with carvings of large Puma’s which represent the physical plane. Sacred rock altars, each specific to certain areas of the body, are said to energetically heal. Lying down on a huge stone, I feel a vibration run through my spine and I rest in a meditative state for a short time. After this session, my back does not bother me for the rest of my journey and I literally……sleep like a rock.

Early the next morning I board the train that will take me to Machu Picchu. Geographically descending to lower elevations; symbolically descending to deeper “inner” realms of awareness and transformation within myself. The beauty of the Andean scenery captivates me during the course of my train ride. Majestic snow capped peaks tower over me. The Andean glacier called Veronica, watches as the train moves into the edge of the tropical rain forest. The flowing water of the river represents my consciousness carrying me forward, deeper into my own inner mystery. Boulders in the river could represent obstacles in my life that block my path. But the water easily glides over or around them….this river of awareness never stops moving forward. I ponder on this.

Machu Picchu’s allure is its mystery, filling your head with question after question, yet revealing very few answers. Machu Picchu is a stone city made of white granite, composed of 40% quartz crystal. In essence you are sitting on top of a giant powerful crystal and you feel this energetic vibration emanate from the natural structures all around you. I seem to be continually rejuvenated by this source of crystal energy and information stored in the stone surrounding me.

Serenity washes over me as I stroll through maze like stone passageways and climb inviting stone staircases revealing well kept secret rooms. The Intiwatana or hitching post of the sun, the highest point in Machu Picchu, my personal power spot beckons to me. After a short meditation I continue to explore. Visiting the Temple of the 3 Windows, the sacred Pachamama stone, and marveling at the circular stone architecture at the Temple of the Sun.

Time stops here for me, remnants of discord churning around inside me dissipate, leaving only complete love and acceptance. This magical place is truly alive; the stones speak silent messages, giving insight and clarity to my own inner questions. Sitting quietly in meditation is effortless. I don’t fidget and resist being with myself as I do at home. Confusion and cobwebs disappear from my mind, my thinking is so clear. Revelations and creative ideas pop into my awareness, it is truly startling! Never before have I felt so wise.

I sense I am not alone. I often stop and turn around, feeling as if someone is walking behind me. This is not scary; it is a comforting experience. Feeling a familiar presence, an invisible personal guide, a mentor, a teacher, escorting me to places in the Crystal City that have what I am searching for on a consciousness level. Trials and tribulations of the “outer” material world are released….genuine wisdom is found in simplicity…..reality is found “inside” myself and that is where I create what I see and experience in my “outer” life.

These ancient stones are old and trusted friends, giving me feedback, reconnecting me with simple truths that I have blinded myself to with outer distractions. Spirit elders welcome me with open arms like a wayward child coming home for comfort and assurance. I sit with them in council, in ancient temples of stone and feel their wisdom flow into my subconscious; once again I feel whole.

Being at Machu Picchu is like therapy for me. My consciousness shifts as I move into a deeper level of my own self- knowledge. I carry this energy with me back into my day to day life. I know that it will ooze out of me like rich thick honey spreading its sweetness to all I come in contact with. The wisdom and power that the Lost City in the Clouds…..Machu Picchu, has shared with me will sustain me until I return once again as a humble pilgrim. Traveling on an “outer” discovery adventure but most importantly on an “inner” journey for my spirit and soul.

Story By Gayle Lawrence Used with Permission