70 SECRETS OF SHAMANISMbuilt upon or used ceremonially for centuries. Other loca-
tions are supported by rock formations that have a beneficial
effect on certain people only. These locations are attractive
only to a particular group of people who gravitate there or
choose to live there, as opposed to others who may avoid the
spot, feeling strangely uncomfortable there.
Animals and plants naturally know the locations of major
power spots and whether to seek them out or avoid them
altogether. They too respond to the energy of these loca-
tions. We know of one major positive power spot in Southern
Oregon near the small town of Gold Hill. Here, trees grow-
ing around the center of the power spot all lean away from its
center, as if pushed over by the strong energy there. The sky
above this power spot is known to pilots as a place where
radar ceases to operate. This is a fairly typical phenomenon
of the larger power spots.
Power spots tend to amplify the frequency of your own
energy field and energize your existing thoughts and emo-
tions. Spiritually oriented people have built temples and
churches over large power spots, wishing to amplify inspired
thoughts and emotions of a spiritual nature. The people who
flock to these spots contribute to the collective feeling that is
already there, making the spot more and more powerful and
oriented with a particular flavor. Lourdes in France is a good
example of such a location. Those who desire healing often
find it by going there and staying awhile.
All power spots can amplify whatever thoughts or feelings
you are having at the time. You need to be careful what state
you are in before entering into the sphere of influence of
such a spot. If you are feeling fearful or angry, it is likely that
these feelings will be magnified for a time. If you have an
intense desire, you will find this emotion amplified or
strengthened. However, if you are fatigued, it is more likely
that you will feel energized. That is why retreat centers and
spas are often built in the vicinity of power spots.
We know of one power spot north of San Francisco, Cali-
fornia, where people often go to meditate and rejuvenate.
Mount Tamalpais has long been revered by Native Ameri-
cans as an important site of natural healing. Nevertheless,
rapes and even murders have taken place there much to the
chagrin of the local people. The violent desires of people
who came to Mount Tamalpais with such acts in mind were
amplified there, motivating them to more readily carry out
their primitive desires.
Shamans know that the power spots themselves are only