Churches & Temples, Cemeteries, American Indian Sites, Old Growth Forests and more! There are so many Sacred Sites in Tennessee.
My name is Lisa-Marie Venegas, and I've had a fascination for most of my life with learning about beautiful and historic sites of spiritual or religious significance, as well as the beliefs and rituals of the religions of our world, including those from past civilizations. My goal with this blog is to provide a Spiritual Passport to faiths, communities, places, and events that are special to Tennessee. I think there are others out there like me who appreciate a gorgeous church, are rejuvenated by an ancient forest, fascinated by an American indian mound, or humbled by a historic cemetery. If this sounds like you, and you'd like find sites right in your own city or want an excuse for a day trip, please join me! Let's explore this gorgeous and fascinating state together.
Hi, it's me! Your co-pilot and fellow explorer for Sacred Sites in Tennessee!
I was raised by a wonderful mother who was very religious but also curious about ancient cultures, world religions, psychic phenomenon and mystical experiences and this shaped me profoundly. She indulged me in wanting to learn about spiritual beliefs outside of Catholicism, including attending the churches of friends who had other denominations. I even spent two summers in the New York Catskills as the only gentile in a Jewish camp! Along the way I've studied energy healing, becoming a Reiki master, and began collecting crystals and fossils. And from my interest in all things spiritual I learned to appreciate that how people show their faith and seek connection to the Divine is intensely beautiful and often deeply moving, and of course a very personal journey.
What Makes A Site Sacred?
Tennessee is full of so many important and significant sites that I decided to research, explore, and write about the wonderful places that are close by but perhaps not well known. But what makes a site Sacred? To me that means they draw us to spiritual reflection, introspection, or pilgrimage, or are places where faith is celebrated. The definitions of Sacred include "connected with God (or the gods) or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration; regarded with great respect and reverence by a particular religion, group, or individual." So, with this blog I'll be considering places I feel have become Sacred due to spiritual or religious activity, historical significance, or from great natural beauty that inspires awe and devotion.
A Site Is Remembered & Honored When It Is Shared
Finding and learning about churches, temples, natural places, cemeteries, and Native American and prehistoric sites brings its own joy. It expands your knowledge of and sensitivity to various cultural groups and connects you broadly to mankind and our quest to become closer to a Higher Power. But it is also important to consider that a sacred site may lose its importance or spiritual meaning if it's not shared with those in the present and future. I'm in this quest not just to bathe in the energy of these magical places, but to hopefully inspire you to see, feel and learn from them for yourselves. And since there are so many to be discovered I welcome any and all suggestions and look forward to your comments!
I hope you'll enjoy these posts and subscribe to receive updates as they are written. There is so much we can learn about Sacred Sites of Tennessee together.