In one regard, all music is sacred. Most music we hear in our daily lives, however, is not created with the intention of spiritual transcendence or in worship of divine otherness. Not so at Sacred Rites in downtown Flagstaff where each instrument and offering is aimed a higher purpose.
Sacred Rites offers an assortment of spiritual curios from statues of Hindu deities to rustic paintings of Catholic saints because the sacred finds expression in every faith. What really elevates Sacred Rites from your run-of-the-mill “New Age” shop to sanctified center is Kelly McCabe who runs the store along with Tessie McCabe. Never have I ventured into the store without finding Kelly behind the counter, or playing the flute, or explaining the significance of any item found within his space. His interesting path through the world has left him with the calm, inviting presence of a spiritual leader while his love of music has given a fundamental element within Sacred Rites.
According to their website, Sacred Rites “specializes in instruments for consciousness-raising and healing.” From gongs to drums and, of course, the wooden flutes that Kelly has a particular fondness for in his own music, the shop is the place to find instruments for sacrosanct purposes that can elevate music toward the divine.
Recently, Sacred Rites started offering healing sound massages on their soundwave monochord beds from Germany. Additionally, they have begun crafting their own portable monochords for individual healing practices. If you haven’t yet been introduced to the healing power of sound, take your tension down to Kelly. He will play your cares aware and awaken your soul to the sacred sound of the universe.
If you’re looking for that next step in spiritual development, the Temple of the Divine Mother is located above the shop and welcomes all visitors who care to partake in puja every Sunday at 10 am. The Temple is also open at varying times for group or individual meditation.
Whether you seek spiritual transcendence, a new Ganesha statue to bring luck to your home, a calming cup of tea while Kelly plays for you, a healing sound massage, or a strange and wondrous instrument to take your music to a higher level, head to Sacred Rites. Every visitor should consider this a necessary stop when passing through town and every local should take advantage of their close proximity to come to know all the splendors found within.
