HYPOTHESIZED FACTORS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO
THE POWER OF A SACRED PLACE*
Especially “Natural” sites
1. Geophysical characteristics
2. Celestial influences
Especially human constructions
3. Sacred geometry
4. Building materials
5. Intent of builders
6. Sound and music
7. Aromatic substances used in ceremony and healing
8. Visual scriptures or sacred texts
Either
9. Visual beauty
10. Light and color
11. Location within a sacred geography
12. Associated legends
13. Accumulated spiritual energy from centuries of ceremonial activity
14. Accumulated spiritual energy from large numbers of pilgrims
15. Intent and behavior of the pilgrim
16. Collective cultural beliefs
17. Power from sacred objects (relics, idols, images, etc.)
18. Mysterious influences of spirits
19. Ritual use of psychoactive plants
* Modified after Martin Gray, 1999, Places of Peace and Power: Teachings from a Pilgrim’s Journey (unpublished manuscript), pp. 52-83. These are also discussed in his video: Places of Peace and Power.