The mountain is thought to contain divinity, and it is the focus of most pilgrimages of transcendence and spiritual elevation all around the planet. Mountains symbolize constancy, permanence, motionlessness, and at its peak, it signifies the state of absolute consciousness.
In many cultures, mountains are associated with a connection to the divine. As mountains reach towards the heavens, they are seen as the ultimate natural connectors towards the Universe.
Verses of the Bible attribute significant events to have occurred in mountains:
- Moses receives the 10 Commandments atop of Mt. Sinai.
- Noah’s journey came to an end at Mt. Ararat.
- Abraham hears God commanding him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, at Mt. Moriah
- On Mount. Nebo, Moses sees the Promised Land ahead.
- Jesus would head for the mountains to pray and receive respite from the crowds, most famously at the Mount of Olives.
What does a mountain represent? As per my google search, mountains symbolize eternity, firmness, stillness, godliness, and is inspiring to many. These awesome majestic creations of nature can provide a sense of tranquility. In just being! As we climb mountains, we can feel that we are reaching towards Heaven and this activity can spark inspiration, and most definitely a feeling of awe. Pilgrimages were often conducted on mountain routes, with stops at sacred small churches along the way.
Barbara Robinson is a famous Travel Blogger and Adventurer and posted the following related to the topic of mountains that I found mirror my own feelings about the topic.
“Mountains provide the ideas of majesty and power. They are something tangible we can visualize and relate to when we gaze upon them. Why are mountains such a powerful source of inspiration? Mount Everest in Nepal for example is often referred to as the “Mother Goddess Of The World”. Because of this spiritual connection, mountains are known for their ability to spark creative inspiration like no other.”
From the Spiritual Growth Prophesies website regarding Mount Shasta:
“Mount Shasta located in Northern California is a destination for mystics, gurus, sages, and curious people from all over the world. The mystery and unexplained stories surrounding this site are endless. This enormous mountain is endeared by all who come to visit or live near her. Mount Shasta as well as Sedona, Arizona are vortexes the average person is able to sense. Our ancient ancestors believed that a vortex or a gathering place of the earth's energy was sacred.
In Inca shamanism, all parts of nature have a spirit with which you can connect with to give and receive energy. The places that the Inca revered the most were logically within their own landscape: the mountains. The Incas believe that each mountain around the world is connected to the stars and other worlds and/or dimensions. Each mountain apparently stores different types of healing energies.
While living in Alberta, I had the opportunity to visit the nearby mountain villages of Banff and Lake Louise. Apart from the gorgeous views, I felt better while we camped or even walked around the small pathways near the ski hills in the summer. I am not much of a skier, so I cannot recall feeling transcendent while at the peak of a ski hill, other than terrified! But I was in the Canadian Rockies!
I personally have always felt refreshed while in the mountains, and have read many articles and stories of folks feeling better about themselves after spending time overlooking a large mountain cliff and perhaps, putting their own life experiences into perspective.
Mountain air is cleansing, invigorating and might also feel downright chilly at some times in the summer. Mountain sunsets and sunrises are phenomena to behold in themselves. Never mind the wild and wonderful scenery.
I love mountains, plain and simple…but it is the incredible energy that I have felt when in range of a tall peak. It is a bit difficult to explain, but the energy is energetic, if I can say that. It is not soft, but cool, impassive and of a cleansing quality. Nothing subtle about it. Emotional turmoil is stabilized, anger and fear dissipate, and a strange calmness descends on your shoulders. I equate these changes from my experiences with the Canadian Rockies.
So please take the time in your busy life to explore mountains and hills as much as you can. We are quite fortunate here in Canada to have many wonderful parks that contain ranges of hills easily accessible to most large cities.
Enjoy and let me know what you think of my post this month!
Have a great 2022!