THE SACRED ART OF
TRANSFORMATIVE SPACES
THE HISTORY OF SACRED SPACES
1.1
1-INTRODUCTION
It was 17000 years ago that
history was made as a series of
Andesite stones and sandstone
monoliths would come together to
create Tiwanaku, Bolivia’s premier
archaeological site, the world’s
oldest living temple.
Ancient written records claim the historical site was
created through the course of only one night, by a
race of giants, a pre-Inca civilization, highly advanced
in art, pottery, astronomy, and mathematics.
Over millennia, many other famous structures joined
Tiwanaku on its noble mission. Sites such as the great
pyramids of Giza, the Mayan architectural sites of
Mexico and Guatemala, monuments of Greece (such
as the temple of Delphi and the Acropolis) stone
circles like Stonehenge, and Thailand’s Wat Arun,
stood together forming a network of structures which
hold our planet in balance.
1- INTRODUCTION
Researcher Freddy Silva refers to them as “ancient
Academies of the spirits, monuments to the tree of
knowledge, one which, if we eat from it, will bring us
enlightenment.”
These physical structures were built intuitively and
intentionally, using a set of principles embedding
them with knowledge of advanced geometry, the
mathematics of the earth’s processional cycles, solar,
lunar and stellar alignments, making use of materials
and aesthetics which would support the occurrence
of numinous experiences for initiates. Practices such
as Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra later emerged as
systematic approaches to the already existing field of
sacred interior design.
The Vastu Shastra practice, created by Hindu monks
during the Vedic times, approximately 7000 years
ago, was first used to build temples and sacred
buildings, before being applied to private homes later
on. The monks would have then carried the wisdom
over the Himalayas, to China, where it was adapted to
become Feng Shui 4000 years ago.
2- MAN’S HISTORY AS AN INITIATE
OUR JOURNEY BACK TO SOURCE
The first souls incarnated in Principles which are intrinsic to both practices
are similar to those used in the creation of ancient
“human” form some 100,000 years temples; these include the concept of Qi energy, yin/
ago as highly-advanced divine yang and the balance of masculine and feminine
energies, the alignment to the forces of nature and
beings, arriving on Earth directly more.
from an uninterrupted connection to
While today Feng Shui is at the leading edge of
Source. As this connection began sacred space design, many of its practitioners
to dissipate, society would fell out are branching out, seeking methods which draw
principles from various practices, expanding beyond
of balance. this traditional lineage.
For the intent of this course, I define Source as the This context gave rise to a culture of temple-making,
dimension of our origin, the undifferentiated essence creating physical spaces which would mimic the order
of our existence, the field of white light from which of the universe. In these, we could find alignment,
everything originates. It is the immaterial, the formless; refuel and strengthen our wisdom. They played host
it is our home, it is who we are. to initiations, pilgrimages, and live resurrections;
becoming mystery schools of ancient civilizations
Human beings found themselves entrenched in the sharing knowledge with those who were ready and
full-time physical experience of an environment which willing to receive it.
was out of alignment with their authentic being. As
they became angry, ill and self-harming, practices of
reconnection became crucial.
Principles which are intrinsic to both practices Initiates to the temples of ancient times would prepare
are similar to those used in the creation of ancient for years, followed by a shaman, until they were
temples; these include the concept of Qi energy, yin/ ready to spend time alone in a chamber, in search
yang and the balance of masculine and feminine of the profound wisdom which lied within. A new set
energies, the alignment to the forces of nature and of knowledge and abilities would awaken, and they
more. would return to their life, with a newfound sense of
equilibrium and equanimity.
While today Feng Shui is at the leading edge of
sacred space design, many of its practitioners Through transforming into extraordinary humans, they
are branching out, seeking methods which draw become examples to others, therefore helping raise
principles from various practices, expanding beyond the levels of awareness of others and maintaining
this traditional lineage. societies in balance.
This context gave rise to a culture of temple-making, They facilitate enlightenment and bring the potential
creating physical spaces which would mimic the order of paradise ever closer to the individual and
of the universe. In these, we could find alignment, communal body. By creating Heaven on Earth, they
refuel and strengthen our wisdom. They played host helped bring balance to our beings, re-enabling our
to initiations, pilgrimages, and live resurrections; connection to our highest power.
becoming mystery schools of ancient civilizations
sharing knowledge with those who were ready and
willing to receive it.
3- THE EVOLUTION OF SACRED SPACES
THROUGH TIME:
Long before any constructed
temple existed, mountains
and mounds which lived in
nature were considered sacred
spaces, behaving as natural
temples.
Simply climbing them would bring us closer to the
divine. Visible from far away, the mounds allowed us
to remember where the places for divine connection
where located.
Ancient civilizations began to build structures on
these to mark these sacred sites so humans could
remember where to go to connect to the divine.
With time, these structures evolved to become stone
circles, temples etc, built in a way that they would
amplify and increase the frequency and potency of
these sites.
It began to be understood that as we are universal
beings trapped in a 3D body, we become ill because
we are stuck in an environment which is out of
alignment with our own original being.
We become angry, ill, self-harming, etc. Temples mimic
the order of the universe so we can find alignment,
we can refuel, strengthen our wisdom as these
temples are places of universal force on earth. Whilst
initiations, pilgrimages and live resurrections were
common in temples, practises were later devised to
create more systematic approaches to the sacred
space field.
For instance, the shape of the pyramids of Giza was
inspired by a hill called Dehenet by the Nile which
was chosen by the Pharaohs as the gateway to the
other world. It stands over what is known today as the
Valley of the Kings.
Britain’s famous Stonehenge is an evolution of all
of this, a simple circular stone alignment, thousands
of years old, it behaves as a temple as the stones
alignment and the choice of the type of stone will help
magnify and amplify the energy of the power spot it
was built on.Famous temples in Meso-America such
as Chichen Itza in the Yucatan or Teotihuacan north
of Mexico City were evolutions of these concepts as
well.
It is important to note that these demonstrated
design principles which represented the existence
of masculine and feminine forces, the sun and the
moon, the yin and yang presence which is commonly
referred to in Feng Shui.
Much later, it was found that many ancient sacred
pagan sites were destroyed with cathedrals and
churches built on top of them. One of the most
important examples of this is Chartres Cathedral.
Built in the middle ages, not only was it built over an
ancient Pagan site which could have been built there
any time between 10000 and 2000 BC, but it also
used ancient principles in its creation.
Vastu Shastra was a practise which was created by
Hindu monks during the Vedic times, approximately
7000 years ago. It was used first to build temples and
sacred buildings but then became a practise to create
private homes as well.
This practise was then carried over to Himalayas to
China where it was adapted to become Feng Shui
4000 years ago.
Both Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra are based on
similar principles as the ancient temples.We will
learn more about this connection when we explore
the connection via the understanding of principles
such as the Qi energy, the yin, yang masculine and
feminine, and alignment to the forces of nature.
Today, Feng Shui is the foremost form of sacred
space practise. However many practitioners are now
branching out and seeking new ways of building
spaces which use a mix of different practises which
expand beyond this lineage.
4- AN ILLUSTRATED OVERVIEW OF THE
HISTORY OF SACRED SPACES
1- Long before any constructed temple existed, mountains
and mounds which lived in nature were considered sacred
spaces, behaving as natural temples. Simply climbing
them would bring us closer to the divine. Visible from far
away, the mounds allowed us to remember where the
places for divine connection where located.
2- Above is the nature-made mound called Dehenet, next
to the valley of the Kings in Egypt, known as being the first
mound which inspired the shape of the first pyramids which
then became popularly used as a shape in temple making.
3- These mounds later lead to the creation of stone circles,
like Stonehenge and Castle Rigg (above) the placement
of specific types of stones in particular ways would
create amplified, intensified and energy fields.
4- The oldest temple known to man is Tiwanaku in Bolivia
which is 17000 years old. Temples were another way of
amplifying and intensifying natural energy fields to create
spaces which could enable transformation.
5- The knowledge then expanded from the world of pagan
sites to the churches and cathedrals of the middle ages in
Europe.
6- Seven thousand years ago, the practice of Vastu Shastra
was developed in India, after which studies of Chinese
astronomy first gave rise to Feng Shui. These practices
carried the knowledge into modern times, and today
the world of sacred spaces has become a broad, multi-
dimensional field of work.
5- HOW THE ANCIENTS BUILT SACRED SITES 5- THE 5 PILLARS OF TEMPLEMAKING
How this practice emerged from ancient sacred
Scientists and modern architects are baffled by the While temples from Cambodia to Greece, Egypt to
construction of most sacred sites, often stating these Peru might appear entirely different at first glance,
would be difficult to recreate with today’s available further inspection reveals quite a few defining key
means. points unite them. I have defined five categories
for these principles from which we can extract
According to researchers such as the afore- knowledge as a basis for creating methods which can
mentioned Graham Hancock and Freddy Silva, we work for our contemporary spaces.
owe this legacy of structures to a culture of giants
who had access to wisdom and technology much 1. ENERGY
more advanced than ours. They were constructed 2. INTENTION / THE HUMAN KEY
as microcosms of the macrocosm of the universe, 3. ORIENTATION AND LAYOUT
mirroring its perfection. Their analysis reveals 4. AESTHETICS,
embedded knowledge of advanced geometry, the 5. SACRED GEOMETRY
mathematics of the earth’s processional cycles, solar,
lunar and stellar alignments. These spaces become
active, alive organisms which seek to heal other
beings which come into interaction with them. Human
beings who linger with them become a part of an
alchemical process, a beneficial synthesis, which
triggers a tremendous awakening of abilities and
knowledge essential to our growth.
5.1 - ENERGY
As the human being is energy, Tribes such as the Hopi, from near Easter Island, the
Maya from Mesoamerica and the ancient Egyptians
we are composed of energetic believed repeated exposure to hot spots provided
structures, patterns and functions numinous states of mind in the individual.
which form our biofield. Its proper For a site to live up to its highest mission and
functioning is key to our highest potential, it needed to be created on one of these
spots; making Energy the leading aspect in the
expansion and growth and its creation of sacred sites. Principles which are intrinsic
development is optimized when it to both practices are similar to those used in the
creation of ancient temples; these include the
comes into contact with frequencies concept of Qi energy, yin/yang and the balance of
which are aligned to Source. masculine and feminine energies, the alignment to the
forces of nature and more.
Energy fields can be scientifically measured
using tools such as magnometers, dowsing rods,
pendulums, and bobbers. Every sacred site
inspected by researchers is located on, or at the
proximity of, a power spot, a place of intensified
energetic frequency which resonates similarly to that
of Source. For our development, access to this type of
energy is essential.
These are formed by the meeting points of lines,
originating from the Earth’s magnetic poles, which
cross as they run along the surface of the Earth, and
their existence was proven in 2012 by the North
American Space Agency, NASA.
5.2 - LAYOUT AND ORIENTATION
Further analysis of sacred sites
demonstrates our ancestors
carefully considered their
orientation; a principle which
affected their objective, higher
purpose and desired impact on
initiates, making this another critical
aspect.
This concept relies on the forces of nature, the
relationship between the Earth’s elements and certain
natural forces which were quite impactful, such as
the sun rising to the east, setting to the west, the
magnetic lines of energy originating from the north,
the equator being located towards the south (for the
northern hemisphere), and more. As our beings
are mirrors of the earth, our connection to our space
relied on its relationship to these elements as well;
and was enabled by careful consideration of the
cardinal orientations. Layout and orientation became
a second crucial concept.
5- SACRED GEOMETRY
The sacred geometry of the Earth is
considered the architecture of God;
the geometric arrangement which is
the basis of the DNA of everything
in existence.
The sacred geometry of the Earth is considered the
architecture of God; the geometric arrangement which
is the basis of the DNA of everything in existence.
Through the use of sacred geometry in temples,
sacred spaces replicated the perfection of the
universe, in alignment to the Universal laws, allowing
humans to unlock their connection to divinity as well.
In a significant example of this is, the Pyramids of Giza
are the same exact proportions as the Earth, scaled
down by a sacred number, meaning their architects
intended to create a microcosm of the macrocosm
which we benefit from connecting with.
5.4 - AESTHETICS
Imagery, symbolism, materials,
and colors were used to create
connections which would be
valuable in a person’s growth and
development..
Materials were chosen for their composition which
would amplify the resonance and frequency of the
already existing energy power spot. Colors were used
to trigger specific energetic effects. Symbols were
used to create specific, strong associations, whether
on a conscious or subconscious level. Materials were
used to help amplify the resonance of frequency
fields as well.
5.5- INTENTION - THE HUMAN KEY
Our ancestor built these sites with
the common objective of shifting
the course of mankind. With time,
the gathering of initiates, united by
common intentions for growth and
development strengthened their
power.
Furthermore, being aware of the potential benefits
of visiting a temple prepared initiates for the journey
ahead, paving the way for the transformation which
was to come. Intention became a crucial ingredient
as well. In the land currently known as Easter
Island, Manu was a force recognized by its ancient
civilizations as a collective intention set by a group of
people who would get together with a common goal.
It would have allegedly been behind the creation
of the famous Maori statue site which, similarly to
Tiwanaku, would have been created over the course
of only one night.
6- MORE STORYTELLING
The year is 9703 BC, and a giant
comet has broken into seven parts
which have struck the Earth in
various places.
For a duration of approximately six months, it is
Armageddon for the planet’s inhabitants; one can
barely differentiate day from night, let alone make
out a person standing right before them as a thick
veil of dirt, dust, and mud fill the sky and air. During
this period the Earth’s sea level increased by 50m,
mercilessly wiping away entire civilizations.
A select, chosen few received messages guiding
them to survival. After the carnage was over, giant
divine creatures, measuring 4-6 meters in height
visited them, bearing this message:
“To restore the balance of the earth, you must rebuild
the mansions of the gods.”
This event marked the beginning of the mystery
schools of temple-making and a whole new chapter in
the creation of sacred spaces was born.
7- THE STORY OF ATLANTIS In his book Paradigm Busters: Beyond Science, Lost
History, Ancient Wisdom, Kenyon Douglas recognizes
Around 360 B.C., Plato first told the story of Atlantis, that historical records from various societies around
an advanced, utopian civilization of lush, abundant the world share similar stories. Most significantly, he
islands whose founders were half god/ half human. It speaks of a team of Danish geologists whose studies,
had existed about 9,000 years before his time, and conducted in November 2008, might have provided
its story would have been passed down by poets, substantial scientific evidence to defend Plato’s story
priests, and philosophers. of Atlantis before its critics.
While other writings by the Greek philosopher were Their investigations of geological anomalies and
famous for containing essential truths about the fossilized trees would have indicated that, in 9703
human condition, this particular one has been, almost BC, barely 100 years after the philosopher’s famous
unanimously, met with skepticism and doubt. account of Atlantis, a catastrophic event would have
indeed caused floods which would bring an end to
Skeptics such as James Romm, a professor of classics civilizations which existed at the time. The geologists
at Bard College in Annandale, New York, believe Plato remarked that the climate change appeared so
created the story of Atlantis to convey some of his sudden “It was like a button had been pressed.”
philosophical theories. “His ideas about divine versus For months, Armageddon was upon them.
human nature, ideal societies, the gradual corruption
of human society—these ideas are all found in many The world was in dire need of restorative, ancestral
of his works. Atlantis was a different vehicle to get at wisdom and according to experts such as Douglas,
some of his favorite themes.” Hancock, and Silva, a group of seven sages, builder
gods recognized as the followers of Horus would
Charles Orser, curator of history at the New York State deliver it. According to the Edfu texts, they would
Museum in Albany calls the legend of Atlantis a story be the only ones who knew how sacred sites were
about moral, spiritual people who lived in a highly created, and they would travel across the Earth
advanced, utopian civilization. However, they became sharing their wisdom with the select few who would
greedy, petty, and “morally bankrupt,” and the gods be chosen to help them carry their legacy. It is to
“became angry because the people had lost their the tireless efforts of these initiates that we owe the
way and turned to immoral pursuits,” Orser says. As legacy of temples which still exist around the world
punishment, he says, the gods sent “one terrible night today.
of fire and earthquakes” that caused Atlantis to sink
into the sea. What a legacy it is.
8- ARE YOU SECRETLY A BUILDER GOD Our current context is significantly similar to that
READY TO AWAKEN? spoken about by Plato at the time of Atlantis:
When I teach workshops on the topic of Spiritual pettiness, greed, lack of alignment, as well as
Interior Design, I often share the above story as a climate change. Across the world, human beings
pillar moment in its history. are awakening to higher levels of consciousness,
While I often encounter polarized reactions, ranging yearning to step away from the illusions of our
from deep skepticism to buoyant enthusiasm, those materiality, to live better lives and impact the world
who stand out most are the few who beam a deep around them. This is the perfect time for us, as a
sense of recognition, resonance and remembering. society to awaken to our power. As the followers of
Horus supported, the creation of sacred spaces is a
We live in a unique time where access to this ancient great way to achieve it.
knowledge, combined with modern technology can
help propagate this work in ways our ancestors I therefore invite you to introspect on your own
may have never imagined. It is this that lights the fire purpose with regards to this work and your
motivating me to do this work. relationship to our current context.
What do you feel you are meant to achieve in
I would hope that any student of this course would this incarnation? Does it include the betterment of
experience the awakening of a deep sense of yourself, of the society around you, and eventually
purpose in reading these words, knowing they the support of the next massive shift in the course of
have been chosen to help carry this legacy into our mankind?
contemporary scene to arm it and support our society
in the face of the chaos it is currently experiencing. Across this course we will investigate how the various
principles of this ancestral knowledge can be applied
Noam Chomsky’s Optimism over Despair, published in ways which are.
in 2017, describes our current context in the following
way. “Illegal wars, global demagogues rising, the fury The work of sacred space design was a noble and
of the disenfranchised, millions suffering the effects purposeful task for a select few.
of unmitigated climate change, wage stagnation, fake The people who were chosen to carry this legacy
news, unfettered corporate expansion exploiting were chosen for their skills, abilities and talents, and
nearly every area of public and private life… It is easy accepted to engage on a path that would be magical,
to despair at the state of the world in the early years and fulfilling, yet most challenging (to say the least).
of the 21st century.”
As you introspect further, you will become aware if this
work is meant for you:
Perhaps simply as a hobby, for the betterment of your
own home, to share with clients or to eventually teach
others as well.
I welcome you on the journey, and wish you to
experience the deep pleasure I have experienced
in researching and creating it myself. Similarly to this,
those who are called to do this work today are part
of carrying this new legacy into a new era in which it
is needed more than ever, it is good to draw up the
purpose of this work in our context today.
Welcome home.
