“Healers”

Many petroglyph sites are sacred places. The creation of these images and symbols upon the rock was a very spiritual act, and the process was very tedious, and time-consuming. It is easy to imagine ancient shamans communicating with the spirits over the course of days or weeks, as they meticulously etched these images upon the stone. Sites like this were magical places and created as gateways to the spirit world. Many sites seem to have been specifically chosen for a certain purpose such as protection, hunting, abundance and fertility, and healing.

The etched images of ancient medicine men or women appear here, with outstretched arms raised in prayer. These sacred images bridge the fractures in the ancient rock, just as their spirits cross the gap between our world and that of the spirits. The large hands are evidence of spiritual power and the dots placed above the fingers indicate magic and shamanic healing powers. The second shaman holds a magical staff and suspended from the arms are what appears to be medicine bags, where medicinal items and sacred objects are kept.

The datura plant is also part of this magical healing place and its likeness is also etched into the rocky surface. Ancient healers used the medicinal and hallucinogenic properties. Of this Poisonous plant in their quest to heal. Properly prepared, this plant helped the saman to transcend and make contact wit the supernatural. They could then get the knowledge to heal the Injured and cure the sick. The datura had to be prepared correctly or certain death would occur. Some tribes considered datura extremely dangerous and believed, if anyone other than an experienced healer touches it, they will become sick and die.

This place is teeming with symbols of healing. The badger is considered a powerful totem animal for any healer and its tenacity teaches the healer to never give up. There are ancient stories told that the badger, being a burrowing animal, knows the proper roots and herbs for healing and has taught medicine men and women how to use them. Included in this cornucopia of healing is a medicine wheel and a flute playing Kokopelli. The symbol of the medicine wheel brings credence and healing magic to this place, and the Kokopelli brings positive vibrations to strengthen the spirits of the sick and injured…all cultures sing to their sick children. The healing power of music is universal.