Pilgrimages

Another thing about New Mexico, perhaps another reason its license plates proclaim it a Land of Enchantment, is that mysticism is very close to the surface of reality. I think I saw more churches in 24 hours than I had in the months of the trip before hand. Catholicism is ever present, lurking at the corners of your awareness. Catholicism has always seemed to be the most mystical branch of Christianity to me; the most pagan, if you will, since it’s been warped so many times to appeal to those it’s trying to convert. From the Saints taking the role of deities to the cross being altered to absorb pre-existing beliefs, incorporating sun god symbolism, or standing in for the Tree of Life. Somehow crosses looming on hilltops seemed more fantastical here than they did in Houston.