I’ve been dreaming of embarking on a journey that transcends the physical realm—a pilgrimage through the Cascades, following a path laid by the wisdom of the Earth herself. This is not simply a road trip; it is a sacred pilgrimage—a return to the center of my being, a journey that calls me to honor the ancient wisdom of the land and reconnect with the deep flow of energy that has sustained the Earth for millennia.
At the heart of this journey is Bend, Oregon—my birthplace, my center. Bend is not just a geographical starting point; it is the symbolic heart of the pilgrimage, where it begins and where it will always return. The land here pulses with energy, sitting above the world’s largest volcanic aquifer, its waters flowing beneath, feeding the earth, and nourishing all that lives. Here, in this sacred space, I find my beginning and my end, and it is from here that I will journey out into the world, to the mountains, to the sacred sites that will deepen my connection to the divine and awaken wisdom within.
1. Bend, Oregon – The Sacred Center of the Journey
Bend is more than just a town; it is the center of my soul’s journey. From here, I set forth into the world, but it is also the place to which I will return, bringing back the treasures of wisdom and transformation. The aquifer beneath the Cascades symbolizes a deep, unseen force that flows through us all, connecting us to the Earth and to each other. Bend is where I reconnect to that flow, where my soul is grounded in the wisdom of the land, and it is where my heart beats strongest.
2. The Painted Hills – The Song of Earth’s Cycles
Leaving Bend, my first stop is the Painted Hills, where the Earth tells its story in layers of red, gold, and ochre. These vibrant colors are a symbol of transformation, of the cycles of death and rebirth that are constant in nature. The Painted Hills are a reminder that everything is part of a sacred cycle, where each layer represents the past and the future, and each moment holds the potential for growth and renewal.
Here, I reflect on the eternal flow of life, the slow and sacred process of change, and the wisdom that comes from embracing all aspects of existence.
3. Mount Rainier – The Divine Mother’s Embrace
As I travel north, I arrive at Mount Rainier, the majestic peak that embodies the energy of Gaia, the Earth Mother. This towering mountain represents the nurturing force that gives life to all beings. Standing before Rainier, I feel the embrace of the divine feminine, the cosmic mother who protects, nourishes, and guides. In her presence, I am reminded to surrender to the flow of love that sustains me, to trust in the cycles of life, and to open my heart to the wisdom of the Earth.
4. Mount Adams – Trust and Intuition
Continuing on my journey, I come to Mount Adams, a sacred place of intuition and inner knowing. Here, the energy of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, calls me to trust my instincts and follow the path laid before me. The wisdom of Adams is that of deep inner knowing, of trusting the quiet whispers of my soul. In the stillness of this place, I learn to listen to the divine guidance that always leads me in the right direction.
5. Mount Saint Helens – The Power of Rebirth
Next, I journey to Mount Saint Helens, a peak that embodies the energy of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire. Saint Helens is a symbol of rebirth, for it was through the eruption of 1980 that the land was transformed, renewed, and reimagined. As I stand before this powerful force of nature, I am reminded that destruction is not an end but the beginning of something new. Saint Helens teaches me the power of purification, of clearing away the old to make space for the new.
6. Mount Hood – The Balance of Light and Shadow
In the presence of Mount Hood, I am reminded of the delicate dance between light and shadow, growth and decay. Hood embodies the energy of Persephone, the goddess of the seasons, reminding me that every part of life is essential to the whole. Here, I learn that both light and darkness are necessary for growth, and it is through the union of these opposites that true wisdom arises.
7. Mount Jefferson – The Heart of Transformation
Moving south, I arrive at Mount Jefferson, an ancient and mystical peak associated with the divine masculine. This mountain represents strength, determination, and courage. It calls me to stand firm in my truth, to hold space for transformation and growth, and to align with the cosmic forces of change. In Jefferson’s presence, I feel empowered to take the next steps on my journey, knowing that I am supported by the earth beneath my feet.
8. Three Fingered Jack – The Power of the Unseen
Further south, Three Fingered Jack rises, a mysterious and potent force of nature. Named for its jagged peaks, Three Fingered Jack is symbolic of the unknown—the mysteries that lie just beyond our understanding. This mountain embodies the energy of Hecate, goddess of transformation and the liminal spaces. She reminds me that the unseen holds the greatest wisdom, and that sometimes it is through navigating the shadows that we unlock the most profound truths. I am reminded here to trust in what I cannot yet fully see.
9. The Three Sisters – The Divine Trinity of Faith, Hope, and Charity
Next, I come to the Three Sisters—Faith, Hope, and Charity. These majestic peaks, like the three goddesses they represent, hold a deep and ancient energy that speaks to the spiritual evolution of the soul. Faith, the first sister, represents trust and belief in the divine, even in the face of adversity. Hope, the second sister, embodies the power of optimism and the belief that brighter days are always ahead. Charity, the third sister, teaches me the importance of compassion, selflessness, and love. These three sisters remind me of the balance of life, that through faith, hope, and charity, we walk the path of ascension.
10. Mount Bachelor – The Higher Self
From here, I journey to Mount Bachelor which represents the higher self—the aspect of the soul that transcends the mundane and connects to the divine. As I stand before its towering presence, I feel called to rise above the limitations of ego and step into my truest, most authentic self. Bachelor teaches me to embrace my higher calling, to shed the layers of illusion, and to align with my divine purpose.
11. Mount McLoughlin – The Divine Vision
I continue south to Mount McLoughlin, a sacred place that represents vision—the ability to see clearly, not just with the eyes but with the heart. McLoughlin’s peak calls me to step into my own power as a visionary, to trust the divine inspiration that flows through me, and to see with the eyes of the soul. The energy here is one of clarity and focus, a reminder to stay aligned with my vision, and to take the necessary steps to manifest my soul’s purpose.
12. Mount Shasta – The Portal to Divine Wisdom
As I head further south, I arrive at Mount Shasta, a place of divine wisdom and cosmic awakening. Shasta’s presence is a gateway to Shakti, the goddess of creation and divine energy. Here, I reconnect with the highest part of myself, the sacred spark that guides me toward my highest purpose. Shasta teaches me that wisdom is found not in the intellect but in the heart, and that the true path to enlightenment comes when I align myself with the flow of divine energy that runs through all things.
13. Crater Lake – The Sacred Waters of the Heart
In the stillness of Crater Lake, I find myself immersed in the energy of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The deep, blue waters reflect the sacred waters of the heart, reminding me that love is the essence of all things. Here, I reflect on the deep flow of love that sustains the universe, and I am called to connect with my heart in a deeper way, to allow love to flow through me, nurturing not only myself but all those I encounter.
As I journey through Crater Lake, I am reminded that this sacred place is part of my return—a waystation as I begin my path home. Just as the waters of Crater Lake collect in its deep basin, I too collect the wisdom gained on this journey and hold it in my heart. The essence of the sacred waters becomes part of me, ready to return to Bend, where I began.
14. The Big Obsidian Flow – The Mirror of the Soul
On my way back to Bend, I stop at the Big Obsidian Flow, where the obsidian reflects the truth of my soul. Here, I see both my light and my shadow mirrored back to me, calling me to embrace the wholeness of my being. In the energy of Hecate, I understand that both light and shadow are part of the divine dance. The obsidian mirrors my journey and reflects the wisdom I have gained, the wisdom I carry with me on my return home.
15. Twin Lakes Hot Springs – Rebirth and Renewal
Before returning to Bend, I stop at Twin Lakes Hot Springs, a place of healing and renewal. The warm, mineral-rich waters soothe my body and soul, cleansing me of any remaining residue from the journey. Twin Lakes represents the final phase of this pilgrimage—rebirth. Here, I allow the waters to cleanse me, purify me, and prepare me for the next chapter of my journey.
16. Bend – The Return Home
Finally, I return to where it all began—Bend. This sacred place, my birthplace and center, now holds within it the wisdom of the journey I have taken. I have traveled through the mountains, through the fire and the water, the earth and the air, and in this return, I feel both grounded and uplifted. Bend is where I started, and Bend is where I come back to, bringing the wisdom of the journey into the heart of my being.
This journey is not just a road trip—it is a journey of self-discovery, a pilgrimage through the sacred mountains and volcanoes of the Cascades, each one a step in the unfolding of my soul’s purpose. The wisdom of the land, the energy of the mountains, and the ancient teachings of the Earth herself guide me on this journey, reminding me that I am never alone, that I am always supported by the forces of nature, the divine, and the wisdom that lies within.
May this journey inspire you to reconnect with the wisdom of the Earth, to honor the sacred flow that runs through all of us, and to embrace the divine transformation that awaits you.
With love, light, and wisdom,
Drea da Vinci