The monuments of Ancient Egypt

Where is it? Egypt, as with so many regions of Africa, is a sun-drenched and luminous land of shifting sands, vast deserts, vivid blue skies and friendly people. At its spiritual
- and tourist - heart are the ancient, remarkable structures of the Giza Plateau, which lie on the outskirts of the bustling capital city, Cairo.

Why is it sacred? Egypt is a place of immense spiritual power, magic and history, and
for many centuries its ancient monuments have drawn pilgrims determined to unlock the hidden wisdom buried within the sands there. The pyramids and the temples were purposely located along lines of earth energy and constructed with deep ritual according to precise religious plans.

How might visiting there change my life? All visitors to Egypt are seeking something different - adventure, knowledge, self-awareness. And everyone who walks where the pharaohs once did receives and learns more than they could ever imagine.

The Camino, Spain

Where is it? Stretching 800km westwards across Spain's north, the Camino is a pilgrimage path people have followed for thousands of years. The path winds up steep mountains, down lush valleys and across desert plains. According to UNESCO, there are almost 2000 buildings of historic interest on the route.

Why is it sacred? The Camino means different things to different people. For some it's a religious pilgrimage in the footsteps of Saint James. Some do the trek in their quest for enlightenment and solitude, others to absorb the powerful earth energies.

How might visiting there change my life? Many visitors head along the path to try to heal their grief over the loss of a loved one, deal with the pain of a divorce or find answers to a life-changing decision.

Hawaii

Where is it? Also known as the Big Island, Hawaii is the largest of the 132 Hawaiian islands south-west of the US.

Why is it sacred? For the spiritual pilgrim, the Big Island is the place to be. It combines the elements of water, air, earth and fire with its coastline, pure winds, sacred mountains, waterfalls and still-active volcanoes.

How might visiting there change my life? You'll feel overwhelmed by the locals' welcome, the sacred earth energy imbued in the land and the joy its beauty instils
in your heart and soul.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Where is it? Located on South America's central west coast, Peru's geography - tropical coastline, jungle, deserts and mountains - shapes a diverse nation. The jewel is Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, high in the Andes mountains.

Why is it sacred? Machu Picchu is one of the most popular destinations for those in search of enlightenment or to connect with the land's spirituality.

How might visiting there change my life? This is a place where people go to grow and be reborn. Seek out the nature-based beliefs which inspire Westerners with their simple values, old ruins, local traditional healers, sacred earth energies and ley lines.

Stonehenge, England

Where is it? Sited on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, and 90 minutes drive south-west of London, this circle of stones is the national temple of ancient Britain. 

Why is it sacred? Stonehenge stands on a vortex of ley lines, which have given rise to many stories of intrigue in the area.

How might visiting there change my life? The immense presence of the monoliths moves everyone who contemplates them.

Uluru, Australia

Where is it? Uluru, the monolith in the desert of Australia's Red Centre in the southwest corner of the Northern Territory, is the spiritual heart of the Great Southern Land. A geological wonder, the huge rock measures 9.4km in circumference and rises almost 350 metres above the desert plain.

Why is it sacred? The ancient landscape of the Red Centre holds many secrets, which the Anangu people have learnt and passed on. They're deeply connected to the earth, and the rock's geological features play a part in their survival and their stories of creation.

How might visiting there change my life? Uluru changes visitors due to the vibrations of the earth around it and the hum of the rock itself. By its side you feel in tune with nature, with the planet, with the seasons, with life.

The sacred isle of Avalon, England

Where is it? Avalon is in Glastonbury in the English county of Somerset, a few hours drive south-west of London.

Why is it sacred? Considered a holy site for millennia, people are drawn to the Chalice Well. In the town itself are the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, recorded as Britain's first Christian church.

How might visiting there change my life? Glastonbury awakens the light within anyone
who goes there. The land lives and breathes with a nurturing quality that embraces all those fortunate enough to visit.

Seven Sacred Sites: Magical Journeys that will Change Your Life by Serene Conneeley is available from www.sevensacredsites.com.au.

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