New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment for its scenic beauty and rich heritage. The first known inhabitants were members of the Paleo-Indians, but the state was also settled by Navajo, Apache, Ute and Pueblo peoples. The Spanish explorers claimed the area as part of New Spain, then governance passed to Mexico. After the Mexican-American War, New Mexico became part of the United States, but it was not admitted to statehood until 1912, as the 47th state.
In 2010, the largest denomination in the state was the Catholic Church, at 42 percent of the population. Another 22 percent of the population reported as unaffiliated with a major religion. That's not to say that the people in New Mexico are not spiritual. There are many special places in the state that are considered very mystical. Here are some of the places you might enjoy visiting to contemplate your own future and the big questions of life.
El Santuario de Chimayo
Probably the most famous pilgrimage to New Mexico is this little Spanish Colonial church between Taos and Santa Fe. It was founded in 1816 and now belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe. It's estimated that about 300,000 people visit the church each year for faith, curiosity or healing. Some people even walk from Santa Fe to the sanctuary as part of the journey, some 30 miles. The dirt in the sacristy is known for its healing powers.
Bodhi Manda Zen Center
The Bodhi, as it is called, has a mission of promoting universal well-being and tranquility. The center is located in the secluded Jemez Mountains, in a river canyon. It's a stunningly beautiful, serene environment where visitors can develop a closer relationship with nature and themselves. The center has a few private rooms to accommodate guests overnight, when workshops or retreats are not being hosted. Overnight guests have access to the natural hot springs with their stay.
The Labyrinth at Purple Adobe Lavender Farm
When you stroll through a labyrinth, it's supposed to help clear and calm your mind. This practice is common in many different faiths. If you have ever wanted to try walking through a labyrinth, this special site is a nice place to get started. It is surrounded by lavender bushes, but it is only open seasonally.
Dar Al-Islam Mosque
This mosque is open to visitors on weekdays. Although the center was just founded in 1979, the original buildings have a deep heritage. Georgia O'Keefe was inspired by the site. It's a beautiful and tranquil site that is not only for Islamic worship, but has been used for retreats and seminars by people of all faiths.
Shiprock, the Winged Rock
This natural formation towers 1,800 feet above the surrounding grounds. Although non-Navajo visitors can only view this rock from a distance, the good news is that it's visible from NM-491. It is a scared and religious spot to the Navajo people and is under strict observation and evaluation by local advocates to protect its significance and its ecosystem.
Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe
This shrine was established in 1770s, and it is the oldest standing shrine in the United States. It features an adobe structure that has been restored after a fire in 1922. The walking path has six beautiful mosaics designed by Arlene Cisneros Sena, an artist known for using natural pigments to create traditional retablos.
New Mexico is a land of enchantment, with multiple spiritual sites that are acknowledged not only for their religious heritage, but also for natural beauty and local traditions. If you're looking for a place to explore rich cultural history though spirituality, New Mexico has got to be one of the best places in the United States.
