Living in North America, we are not accustomed to thinking there are naturally occurring sacred spaces within it. We are not speaking of spaces specifically constructed for religious purposes such as churches, synagogues or mosques, but spaces that are naturally conducive to connecting with the divine. Places meant to fuse us more with the spiritual, places where the “ I” becomes the “we” and places were great souls once traversed. These are places where people once lived in harmony and balance. The idea that a place, even a sacred place, can influence us is a difficult concept for most. We should remember that all action begins with a thought or inspiration, or what we might call a dream or concept. Often the ideas come into being where and when we are really feeling connected or in tune.

There are many sacred places in North America, but for those dedicated to the United States of America ideal of liberty, democracy and justice, one is especially sacred--the shores of Onondaga Lake in Syracuse New York--Home of the American Dream.

Central New York is the cradle of American democracy. Our constitution and democratic form of government is based upon the Haudensaunee Great Law of Peace. The Haudensaunee (Iroquois) lived in the greater CNY area. The tree of peace, a white pine tree symbolizing the spirit of the Great Law, was planted on the shores of Onondaga Lake. This accomplishment was inspired by the vision of the Native American prophet the Peacemaker on the shores of Onondaga Lake.

When we look to the environs of the greater Central New York State (CNY) ( Click to see map)we find that much of what is good and great about America was born here.

Central New York was the birthplace of liberty for those who strove to fulfill the dream of our county. The women's movement was born in Seneca Falls less than 30 miles from Onondaga Lake. Escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad guided by the North Star found freedom here and called the area North Star country. The countryside was dotted with homes and churches whose inhabitants aided their escape.

Central New York was also the birthplace of America's "second great awakening'. Religions were born here--Mormonism, Seven-Day Adventists-- and new ways of religious expression were explored. It was called the burnt over district because it seemed as though new religions were being born only to be 'burnt over' by a new religion born. It was like a conflagration of our country's spiritual soul as religions were being born again and again in CNY.

The Native American tradition teaches us that we should think seven generations into the future for the consequences of our actions.

The actions initiated in the greater Central New York area would later blossom, into the Emancipation Proclamation, the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote and the Civil Rights act of 1964 and much more.

Unfortunately, many of us feel that the blossom of the American dream has faded. Our country seems more preoccupied with self-interest rather than with the greater good. On a physical level 'Onondaga Lake is one of the most polluted lakes in the United States'. (Onondaga Lake Partnership)--symbolizing the state of our country. Yet hope remains, the bright light of the American Dream that once was the beacon of our country's consciousness is still flickering in Central New York.

We encourage people to come and to give of themselves, to pray, meditate and contemplate on how we can reinvigorate the American Dream, bring peace to ourselves and the world and live according to God's plan. Come help raise our country's consciousness.

A contemplative walk around the shores of Onondaga Lake done with a quiet meditative mind will help you better connect with your higher self and hear the voice of God.

It was only in the summer of 2002 that I became aware of the importance of Onondaga Lake, even though I had grown up in Syracuse. I, like many of you, was doubtful that this could be especially given the perception most Central New Yorkers have of the lake. There are many people dedicated raising awareness about Onondaga Lake and making the spiritual connection. Others are continually called to join us, we hope that you will be next.

What follows is some of the little knowledge we have gained about why Onondaga Lake and the greater CNY area is a sacred place.

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