Madonna Shrine in Pacentro, Italy
Most of the time we purposely plan our trips, vacations, or holidays, but once we reach our destination we may find there are unexpected locations that pique our interest either by means of a travel website, recommendations from the locals, or searching for places of interest via the internet. Whatever means you choose, there are certain places that seem to call out to us for various reasons; some of those may be linked to places our ancestors had lived, a connection with a past life, a passion for a certain locale, or environmental energies that trigger the frequencies that pull us to that site.
Having dealt with many paranormal occurrences my entire life I would have to say that the latter had to be responsible for two locations that had definitely tugged at my own frequencies. Let’s just say I believe the Spirits were acting as my travel guides at that time. While visiting the medieval village of Pacentro, Italy where my mother’s family hails from, I happen to come across an out-of-the-way shrine to the Madonna while hiking up a hill with my husband one early morning. I noticed the shrine and immediately knew I had to check this out. There was a statue of our Lady mounted into the hill with a small waterfall that spilled out into a small ravine below. There were scores of wildflowers that dotted the area. My husband had instructed me to take off my shoes and socks and walk on the grounds and into the ravine. “Get some good grounding,” he’d said. His advice had led me to experience a most enchanting and unusual one at that. I felt tingles all the way up to my knees as my feet hit the water. Down below, the water sparkled like a thousand tiny diamonds had been spewn about. Stepping out of the water and onto the grounds that surrounded the shrine I now experienced tingles traveling throughout my entire body. I got down on my hands and knees and prayed to our Lady. I knew I was on Sacred Ground for sure. The odd tingling sensations abated after leaving the site, but this experience was one that would not be forgotten. I do believe my family had frequented this shrine so many years ago.
Make it Unforgettable!
I wanted to make this unforgettable so I added this location in one of my fiction books, Beloved Sacrifice. As a writer, I know this is one way to make it unforgettable while paying homage to such a spiritual place.
Banks Bridge in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
On one of my more recent travels to Ohio to visit my husband's family, I noticed a covered bridge as we were passing through Lawrence County in Pennsylvania. Having a passion for covered bridges I immediately took note of this place and knew I had to pay a visit in the near future before leaving Ohio. The Neshannock Creek runs under the historic Banks Bridge. Legend has it that several homes are haunted in the surrounding area and the bridge itself is a real portal. Well, I was not aware of any of these details at the time of my visit. It was just the looks of the bridge that called out to me.
A few days later my husband was able to take me back to the bridge where I felt another deep connection here as well. It wasn’t so much the bridge that pulled me in, but the creek itself that seemed to tug at my gut. I felt a presence here or should I say several. Walking down by the water I listened as the current seemed to pick up and the colors of the water seemed a bit brighter. Taking off my shoes I was most anxious to feel the earth under my feet as well as get a bit wet in the creek. It was chilly but I didn’t seem to mind due to the vibrations I was getting from the water. It was a sense of calm that washed over me. Once again I knew I had to mention this place in another one of my upcoming novels, Last Rites.
So, I guess I had to thank the Spirits for not only allowing me to visit these intriguing locations but offer inspiration for a great locale in my books.
Happy Travels to everyone. May your heart lead you to great destinations and may the Spirits be willing to leave you with a little inspiration.
Lorraine Carey
