Magic Hiding in the Red Rocks

Written by our friends at Bright & Marvelous: Energy Healing School

Visiting Sedona and the surrounding red rock area always feels energizing, to say the least. Those who immerse themselves in the rust-colored mountains describe feelings of comfort, uplift, and sometimes euphoria. What if the majestic view itself was just a fraction of why the area feels magical?

The sandstone that forms Sedona and the surrounding area is made primarily of sand-sized grains of quartz (silicon dioxide), mixed with silica and iron oxide. The latter provides the red tones. When you get up close to Sedona red rock, you will find small pockets of exposed quartz crystal formations that developed over time as the former ocean bed turned into sedimentary rock. They often appear in divots ranging from the size of a quarter to about the size of a palm, nestled into the rock, and often resemble the inside of a crystal geode. You might even find a vein of quartz winding through the stone.

Because most of the quartz formations are affixed snuggly within the stone, they are always under the piezoelectric effect. Piezoelectricity occurs when crystals with that property undergo a mechanical stress, such as a strike or bending, they produce an electrical impulse or signal if the stress is maintained. The reverse is also true, where an electric current running through piezoelectric material will cause it to bend. This property is used to turn quartz fragments into crystal oscillators in watches that create an accurate and consistent frequency for the timepieces.

Healing Bowl Effect

These quartz formations are found all throughout the surround geographical features, resulting in a spectacular array of bouncing light and energy waves. On the west side of Sedona, Thunder Mountain and Coffee Pot rock tower from the north, leaving a valley in between that and the hills leading up to the Airport Vortex. In between, the area of West Sedona is bathed in the pink-toned light and crystal energy like a healing bowl with a constant circulation around the shape of the land.

In Uptown, the Sun’s rays cascade down the crystal-laden hills. Venturing down the winding road towards the Oak Creek visitor’s area, drivers are surrounded by walls of magical red rock on either side. Throughout the Village of Oak Creek, buttes and Bell Rock provide cozy nesting points and resonate with the same vibrancy.

Taking it all in

When visiting Sedona, no matter which spot you find yourself in, you’ll be sure to take in high-vibing sandstone simply by being there. For an enhanced experience, try setting a mindful intention to connect with the local quartz clusters.

Experience how this energy can be magnified through intentional practice and community at the Sedona Yoga Festival in May, 2025! Passes are now on sale. Reserve your place today — pass prices increase by $40 every month! 

Lead Image by Danielle Holman