We can't know for certain what rock art means because we are not members of the culture who created it and we can't ask them. In the many years I've photographed pictographs and petroglyphs I've often wondered about its' meaning. I've heard many possible interpretations from Native Americans, archeologists and others. Recently, after doing a guided meditation with Dr. Michael Beckwith, one of my favorite spiritual teachers, I gained some deeper insight about rock art's possible function and why I may feel so compelled to photograph and share it.
The work I do photographing rock art doesn't seem to be happenstance. It's astounding how many doors have opened and coincidences have occurred to facilitate my work. Not to mention the growing number of people, some prominent, who encourage, support and appreciate my efforts.
My urge to photograph, share and protect rock art has been greater than my understanding of why I have such strong instincts to do so. I just know deep in my heart I feel it's my calling, which I follow with a passion, sometimes with great ease and joy and other times like a warrior pressing forward on a mission, working hard, moving around obstacles and gathering allies.
Over time I've grown to feel as if I've partnered with some ancients to ensure certain rock art continues to be seen, particularly at this time on the planet. I've wondered if some Native Americans knew way back when that we'd be faced with this challenging period and wanted to do their part to help through their healing art. Thanks to Michael Beckwith I've gained a deeper understanding of what their ancient rock art creations may be doing for us today.
One afternoon while working on some photos for a 2010 Southwest Rock Art calendar I happened to be listening to Michael being interviewed on the Internet. He led listeners on a guided meditation, directing us to connect with our higher selves and ask about our purpose. Mine was no surprise to me. It was to share my healing images. What followed however was illuminating and inspiring. Words spilled into my head. The information I got said that some rock art contains universal balancing energies that people resonate with when they see certain pictographs and petroglyphs. People carry these vibrations within themselves, which get activated when particular rock art is viewed. The activation of these universal frequencies helps keep balance and harmony on the planet.
That explanation sounded as good if not better than other conjectures I've heard about rock art. If true, perhaps this phenomenon is something akin to the 100th Monkey Syndrome. If enough people align with positive vibrations from rock art might it shift others to experience balance and harmony as well? I suspect certain mandalas, labyrinths and other scared art created round the world at different times contain similar resonant frequencies that also get activated when viewed.
When I showed a press proof from my 2010 Southwest Rock Art calendar to a friend of mine in Sedona she declared, “The pictures are potent!” I agree. To see them or buy a copy of my 2010 Southwest Rock Art calendar please visit www.susiereedphotos.com/2010_
