By Anne Salisbury, Ph.D. & Greg Meyerhoff

In this series we investigate orbs, those spheres of light that can appear in your photographs.

Portal to Another World in the kiva at Pecos Natl. Historic Park, New Mexico

Note: see the December 2008 newsletter for more info on Pecos

In November of 2008 we took a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in search of orbs. There, just outside of town at the Pecos National Historical Park, we found a treasure trove of orbs. In particular, we found many orbs in the interior spaces of the kivas, or semi-subterranean pit houses, of the Pueblo Indians.

One orb we photographed is of particular interest. It is uncharacteristically solid white and appears to be a portal into another reality. If you stare at it long enough you can experience yourself shifting into another location without even trying to be there. This is odd. It does not fit under what we have previously defined as orbs, yet it does appear as a bright spot of light. It can make sense when you discover the function of this location.

The darkened area on the dirt floor just in front of the orb is actually the remnants of a small shallow hole that was dug out by the Pueblo Indians around 800 years ago. It is called a sipapu. This symbolizes to them the place in the earth through which you pass to contact ancestor spirits in the underworld and also from which you have emerged into this present world. It is also the place through which some will descend to await the next world, such as the coming fifth world.

As you can see, this orb is dramatically different from other orbs that have colors and patterns to them. This orb is more like a void that opens into another dimension. In its own words it can be described as, “ a vault or pass-through to another reality.” That is its purpose. There are not many places – or, rather voids or vortexes in space and time – that we have seen like this one.

Have Your Own Orb Experience!

Since this was such an unusual orb experience, we recommend visiting this site in New Mexico if you possibly can. Perhaps you are looking for a place to vacation – Santa Fe is a great little town! From there, you just travel down the freeway a half hour to this National Park.

When you enter the kiva, remember to maintain your sense of wonder and appreciation for all that is natural and sacred. Wait until you are the only ones in the kiva. Then, from that place of joy and quiet excitement, start clicking away and see what you find in your photos!

Then, when you are in a place where you can look at your photos enlarged, look carefully at what you have. Notice the differences in your orbs and appreciate every one of them. This experience can be truly joyful