2010 Tours
Specials
Italy ToursThe Seven Directions Story
The name Seven Directions is derived from a concept that is fundamental to the Native American spiritual world. The logo, created by John Paul Rangel, a Native American designer, represents the essence of this concept.“The six directions, the four cardinal points plus zenith (above) and nadir (below) permeate traditional Native American thinking and activities. Depending on the tribe or pueblo, the directions are associated with specific colors, corn, animals, birds, mountains, plants, trees, stones and spirits. In sprinkling meal, pollen, other offerings or smoking rituals with the sacred pipe and in ceremonies and ritual games the directions are observed.”*
The seventh direction represents the centre, the spirit or soul within. Every direction is to be honored in order to receive protection, guidance, healing and to draw sacred energies into one’s life and, by honoring the seventh direction, into the spirit within.
Designer’s Statement
This logo represents the concept of seven directions. It incorporates symbology that is derivative of Southwestern Native American culture. The logo has horizontal lines that are brush strokes to show the importance of making things and remembering the human experience of creating and fabricating, relevant to traditional arts and crafts, pottery, silversmithing, lapidary, textiles and basketry. The center has seven elements – four are positive and three are negative. These represent the seven directions and also reference Pueblo Indian pottery design. The positive shapes hold significance as they represent the land (mountains), the four cardinal directions, and the four aspects of the self (body, mind, soul, and spirit). The inverted shapes show that the four shapes connect to self, family and community as a whole as well as to the world above, below and within. The light and the dark colors remind us to look inward and move towards balance and harmony. --John Paul RangelWelcome to New Mexico
If you wish to know what inspired me to pursue this business venture, I am glad to tell you my story and how New Mexico has impacted my life. I feel fortunate to have succeeded in realizing a dream and truly discovering where I feel at home. My love for this land quickly extended to the whole region, from Texas to California. The American Southwest is amazing and you will never be disappointed.
The initial emotions I had when I first visited New Mexico in 1989 are difficult to relate simply in words because of how I was struck and amazed by all that surrounded me and that still today stirs my being. Too many famous and worldly people have described this place with passages that are more inspiring than I can imagine.
I initially came here looking for Native Art for my gallery in London but what I discovered was even more valuable than the art itself.
What I can say is that for me, this is a place that helps you change as it transforms you. It is a place that encourages you to get in touch with your inner self. Whether it is the incredible light, or the amazing people or the different pace of life, one truly feels free and empowered. Here it’s not about your life achievements but about who you really are. You can easily be peaceful on your own or active with friends, you can comfortably speak with people on the street, exchange a smile with other drivers at an intersection. You can be sure you will discover you have something to learn and to share.
Over the years I have come to understand that in New Mexico I can think with my head and my heart, I can express myself freely and be respected; I have learned to listen to what the Universe is telling me, to respect diversity, to understand rather than judge, to be close to nature, to be honest with myself and with everyone I meet.
A few years ago a friend of mine from Milan, Laura Salza, came to Santa Fe, New Mexico on vacation. She slept well the first night without suffering from the eight hour time difference and jet lag. Clearly the energy of this place had worked on her from the very moment she arrived, as it does to so many people who visit this Land of Enchantment, and who find they do not want to leave. Two weeks later we bought the casita where I now live! During the succeeding years there has always been someone who has joined us for the summer. And we began to think, why not share our extraordinary experience with more people?
Hence, SEVEN DIRECTIONS was born.
We are not the first to originate this business concept: two women – Erna Fergusson and Ethel Hickey -started the Koshare Tours in 1921 to guide the tourists of that time through the Indian lands and introduce them to their cultures!
Today, like yesterday, this place greatly inspires an immense variety of people to call New Mexico their home. It is an exciting place that retains its heritage that has literally taken many centuries to create. The land is beautiful and the atmosphere invigorating; its rich history creates interesting contrasts that become a part of everyday life; the diverse culture is all around us; the people create an incredible community that is visible through its generosity in a way that is unseen elsewhere; meditation goes hand in hand with a deep appreciation for social interaction and cultural activities. In spite of Santa Fe’s international reputation, this is an intimate place where people are open and eager to share.
Here you can find something intriguing to do every hour of the day and night; gallery openings and exhibitions, world class opera and concerts, cowboy dancing and rodeos, walks in town or in the wilderness, sports, lectures, great movies, discussions with artists, workshops, studio tours, get pampered at a spa, watch the sunset or listen to the coyotes, sing to the moon and stars, go out to a Pueblo for an exotic ceremony, a rug auction or a Pow-Wow, leisurely browse through museums, shop till you drop, stroll the farmers’market or just hang out at a quiet tea house or café with some great jazz. It is intriguing to wake up each day and have so many invigorating options to chose from!
Laura and I have started an exciting adventure: when you decide to come and experience the magic of this place, your time with us will be a taste of New Mexico that we hope will call you back again, again, and again. With our European origin we look forward to sharing our experience and friends with you in a way that is familiar. I must go now. A new experience that I can’t miss is waiting for me! But I hope we will see each other soon. Ciao,
---Patrizia Antonicelli
* Hirschfelder, Arlene and Paulette Molin. The Encyclopedia of Native American Religions.
New York and Oxford: Facts On File, 1992.
