Seven Wonders

In this exclusive extract, author Serene Conneeley takes us on a journey to seven wonders of the world that will change your life forever.

The monuments of Ancient Egypt
Where is it: Egypt, like so much of Africa, is a sun-drenched, luminous land of shifting sands, vast deserts vivid blue skies and friendly people. At its spiritual –and tourist – heart are the ancient structures of the Giza Plateau, on the outskirts of the capital city of Cairo.
Why is it sacred? Egypt is a place of immense spiritual power, magic and history, and for centuries its ancient monuments have drawn pilgrims determined to unlock the hidden wisdom buried within the sands there. The pyramids and temples were purposely located along lines of earth energy and constructed with deep ritual according to precise religious plans.
How might visiting there change my life? All visitors to Egypt are seeking different things – adventure, knowledge, self-awareness. And everyone who walks where the pharaohs once lived receives and learns more than they could ever imagine. In the incomprehensible beauty of this strange foreign land, people find themselves changed, laid open to the immensity of possibility held within the incredible experiences that occur there and the places of power throughout the country.

The Camino, northern Spain
Where is it: Stretching 800 km westward across the north of Spain, the Camino is an ancient pilgrimage path that people have been following for thousands of years. The path winds up steep mountains, down lush valleys and across flat, desert-hot plains. According to UNESCO there are almost 2000 buildings of historic interest on the route.
Why is it sacred? The purpose of the pilgrimage has changed and evolved over time, and today it means different things to different people. Some come to absorb the powerful earth energies, some make the trek in their quest for solitude, enlightenment and inner wisdom, others walk it to do penance and to be absolved of their sins.
How might visiting there change my life? Many modern-day pilgrims lace on their hiking boots and head west along the ancient path in an attempt to heal their grief at the loss of a loved one, deal with the pain of a divorce or find answers when faced with a life-changing decision. The grueling trek is an emotional journey that can transform the soul and leave a person seeing the world, and their self, with new eyes.

Machu Picchu and the Amazon, Peru
Where is it: Peru’s location, on the central west coast of South America, has made it a melting pot of cultures and traditions, while its geography – tropical beaches and coastline, jungle wilderness, sweeping desert plains and the stunning snowcapped mountains of the Andes – has shaped a diverse nation. The jewel of the region is Machu Picchu, the fabled lost city of the Inkas high in the mountains.
Why is it sacred? Peru is regarded by many as the most spiritual of the South American countries. The Inka city of Machu Picchu is one of the most popular destinations for those in search of enlightenment, on a quest to find themselves and to connect with the spirituality of the land. It was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
How might visiting there change my life? Seek out nature-based beliefs which are inspiring many westerners with its simple values, old ruins, local traditional healers and sacred earth energies and leylines. This is a place where people go to change, to grow and to be reborn.

The Aloha State, Hawaii
Where is it: The island of Hawaii, know as the Big Island is the largest of the 132 Hawaiian Islands 4000 kilometres southwest of the United States.
Why is it sacred? For the spiritual pilgrim, the Big Island is the place to be. It’s there that Pele the volcano goddess works her fiery magic, adding to the size of the island with her constant eruptions. Energetically it combines the four elements of water, air, earth and fire with its beautiful coastline, pure winds, sacred mountains and the fiery aspect of its still-alive volcanoes. Beaches of white, black, green and gold sands stretch for miles in splendid isolation, and dolphins and whales splash around in the shallow, sun-kissed waters, interacting with swimmers in a deeply healing way.
How might visiting there change my life? In Hawaii, you’ll feel overwhelmed by the love and welcome of the islanders, the sacred earth energy imbued in the land, the cleansing, healing pull of the pure ocean waters and the immense joy that its incredible beauty instills within your heart and soul.

The magical circle of Stonehenge
Where is it: Located on windswept Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, near the pretty cathedral town of Salisbury and just an hour and a half drive southwest of London, Stonehenge - the legendary circle of stones – is the national temple of ancient Britain. Some believe it’s an old ruined temple, other that it’s a massive stone calendar or a court of justice. For centuries it was believed to be a druidic ceremonial site – and it has become one today.
Why is it sacred? Stonehenge stands on a vortex of leylines, which flood the earth with energy and have given rise to many stories of intrigue and strange phenomena in the area.
How might visiting there change my life? The power of the stones remain tangible. The grassy plain stretches out into the distance, and the immense presence of these ancient monoliths moves everyone who contemplates them.

Uluru and the Red Centre, Northern Territory
Where is it: Uluru, the massive monolith in the desert of Australia’s Red Centre in the southwest corner of the Northern Territory, is the spiritual heart of the great southern land. It is a geological wonder a huge rock rising almost 350 metres above the desert plain.
Why is it sacred? The ancient landscape of the Red Centre holds countless secrets, which the Anangu people have learned and passed on. They are deeply connected to the earth, and its geological features play a part in their survival as well as their stories of creation
How might visiting there change my life? Uluru affects and changes visitors because of the vibrations of the earth around it and the hum of the Rock itself. By its side you really do feel in tune with nature, with the planet, with the seasons, with life itself.

The sacred isle of Avalon, England
Where is it: The sacred isle of Avalon is at Glastonbury in Somerset, England, a few hours drive southwest of London.
Why is it sacred? It has been considered a holy site for millennia. People are drawn to the powerful energy of Glastonbury Tor, the massive green hill that towers over the town, and the ancient Chalice Well, which is spiritually significant to pagans and priests. In the centre of town are the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, which is recorded as Britain’s first Christian church and thus holds within its toppled stones the history and beliefs of this two-thousand year religion.
How might visiting there change my life? Whatever a person’s faith, or lack thereof, Glastonbury is a sacred and timeless spiritual sanctuary that awakens the light within anyone who spends time there. The very land lives and breathes with a beautiful nurturing quality that embraces all who visit.

Seven Sacred Sites: Magical Journeys That Will Change Your Life by Serene Conneeley is out now, visit www.sevensacredsites.com.au.