About Sandra Cosentino

2011 windy day in Canyon de Chelly

About Sandra …

I founded Crossing Worlds in 1991 to share my passion and experience with Southwest landscapes, cultures, ceremony and spiritual awareness pathways.

We come together in safe and respectful circles to remember, to stretch our wings into new places, and consciously create a life in greater alignment with our soul’s calling.

The path of knowing by direct experience, the mystic’s way, is innate within. Each time I heard and heeded that calling to experiences in wild nature, ancient sites and Native cultures, new doors opened I had not imagined.

At a sacred Sedona spring with a Hopi friend, circa 1996.

Wild nature has always been my healer, my best friend. I am from an Arizona pioneer family and all my life I have explored and gone to nature for sustenance. I know the Colorado Plateau region as a luminous lightscape that helps open vision.

I was a schoolteacher in a rural, mountain village in Arizona for several years and worked three summers for the Forest Service. The call of the wild called me to quit my indoor job and become a fire look out in the Sierra Ancha Mountains for 6 months.   This was a major life turning point. I was partners in a land project, drove a truck in a copper mine for awhile.

Inner guidance led me to Alaska and Peru where beings from Nature communicated with me and I had direct vibrational experiences with earth energies.

I worked for a time on the Arctic slope coming to know the magic of northern lights, no sun for two months and the moon never setting, and  resonant waves of swans, geese and loons arriving with the thawing of the ice. I obtained an M.S. in natural resources planning and became a land manager with the state of Alaska for several years.

explore Alaska, wild nature, bear, cariboo

I absorbed Alaska into my being. I have maps in my mind of the landforms, internalized sacred mountains that nurture me even from afar. I made relationship to Bear in physical encounters and dreamtime teachings. A bird showed me the way back to camp when lost in the Alaska wilderness. Migrating caribou passed close by while I lay on the earth entranced.  I left Alaska in 1990 soon after I clearly heard the voice of the Colorado Plateau call me back home.

At Machu Picchu in Peru ancient doorways were activated in ways I still can’t define–I experienced breathing with the mountain in a kind of rapture born of deep connectedness to ancient sources of life.

Eagle showed me in vision a destiny to work with earth energies that even now, years later, I am trying to understand. Wild places gifted me with deep receptivity and a willingness to live on the edge, to push my limits and to reclaim my inherent indigenous soul. This experiential alchemy stimulated shifts into new levels of soul expression.

Knowings came to me from my attentive time in Nature and from lucid dream messages. Shamanic insight pathways, Native medicine people and metaphysical wise people deepened my practices. More than 3 decades of practice with ancient principles of ceremony, sound healing (drum, rattles, gong and Himalyan metals) and working with spiritual energies of earth, cosmos, intention and focus have have honed my ability to hold space for people, to mentor, to trust my intuition.

A photo of author exploring at Chaco Canyon in early 2000’s.

My Navajo and Hopi spiritual friends have taken me into their homes and lives and showed by example the power of prayer and reverence and of a living relation to earth, opening more ancient channels of knowing. Peruvian medicine people shared their ways welcoming me to connect with their heritage.

Years of practice with being Present with my fears, pains, and spinning mind have honed a deeper place of centered peace. I have developed many experiential tools for releasing old patterns and creating positive change and unlocking the wisdom of soul that comes every night in our dreams. East-west awareness practices of being here-now and meditation are an important complement to the mystical and ceremonial practices. Tools, to be valid, have to be lived and honed within each of our own soul’s wisdom.

Always for me first hand experiencing is my path to understanding. I extend these relationships with Nature and ancient ways to you encouraging, facilitating your own inner awareness and vision to emerge and you to activate change in your life through your intention. We use ceremony to make new intentions real to the physical body as we walk our new pathways. The Directional Beings and elemental forces of nature are real and respond to our intention creating a powerful circle of support as you enter into your inner journey to the beat of the drum or the whoosh of wind–these beings flow through me and guide the pathways of our shamanic journey.

 spiritual retreat, Sedona, shamanic journey, vortex tour

Hopi dancers at my Arizona mountain valley retreat camp, 1996.

Sedona and the Colorado Plateau lands are radiant with earth energy and ancient wisdom–this is my beloved homeland I extend to you, bring you in to.

I have explored hundreds of prehistoric archaeological sites, sensing energies, imagining another time. I have explored some of these sites with Hopi friends, descendants of the ones who built and abandoned these fascinating places many centuries ago. I have also enjoyed many stories of spiritual wisdom from Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Pima, Yavapai, Peruvian Native people.

mystic, nature connection, ceremony, conscious evolution

Photo taken many years ago with a Navajo friend with whom I have shared more than 25 years of backcountry experiences with groups in Canyon de Chelly.

“Sandra comes in a good way to the Canyon–she listens to the wind, the air, the water to be real close to Mother Earth. She likes it, wants to be with it and is a healer to other people.” Daniel Staley

shamanic journey, ceremony, Sedona tour, Hopi, vision quest

2012 photo with Uqualla of the Havasupai tribe at a spring ceremonial gathering

“The indigenous ways and lands, have spoken thru the work of Crossing Worlds to Visitors of all nations. As a friend of Native people, Crossing Worlds has brought together travelers, to a consciousness of land and spirit.  A life long commitment to the teachings of indigenous philosophies, Crossing Worlds experience if of integrity.”  Uqualla, May 11, 2012

 

Sandra created Crossing Worlds Hopi Projects in 1999 as a non-profit to support Hopi people, their culture and sustainability.


"I have had such an incredible journey. Thank you for the work you have done with me and for sharing your authenticity, impeccible sense of timing, honesty, trust and integrity. It has been an honor to work with a person of your knowledge and caliber."

Marian, Hawaii, 2007
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-11-16T09:25:08-07:00
"I have had such an incredible journey. Thank you for the work you have done with me and for sharing your authenticity, impeccible sense of timing, honesty, trust and integrity. It has been an honor to work with a person of your knowledge and caliber." Marian, Hawaii, 2007
"My daughter and I had been making an annual spiritual pilgrimage to Sedona for a number of years. You were always an important component in these visits bringing to us fresh insights and inspiration." - Sheila T., Portland, OR, 1996
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-12-28T20:14:50-07:00
"My daughter and I had been making an annual spiritual pilgrimage to Sedona for a number of years. You were always an important component in these visits bringing to us fresh insights and inspiration." - Sheila T., Portland, OR, 1996
"Since leaving you, and the beautiful land and company you keep, some wonderful changes in my body have taken place. It is good to feel the icy fingers of illness melt away and be replaced by that warm Arizona inspired health. It is good to feel myself three steps more in balance. These improvements are not transitory. Your guided visions left me with tangible tools to use in times of need and in everyday life. Your words, rhythm and sense of place are a valuable gift. I thank you for sharing it. I would recommend your guided tours, your Soul Journey, to any one interested in helping themselves." - Stephanie, Amsterdam, Holland, Sept., 1999
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-12-28T20:16:15-07:00
"Since leaving you, and the beautiful land and company you keep, some wonderful changes in my body have taken place. It is good to feel the icy fingers of illness melt away and be replaced by that warm Arizona inspired health. It is good to feel myself three steps more in balance. These improvements are not transitory. Your guided visions left me with tangible tools to use in times of need and in everyday life. Your words, rhythm and sense of place are a valuable gift. I thank you for sharing it. I would recommend your guided tours, your Soul Journey, to any one interested in helping themselves." - Stephanie, Amsterdam, Holland, Sept., 1999
"Our walk on the mountain became a mirror of my life. Walking to its edge it became like the edge of my life. When we saw the deer, looking into its eyes was like looking into my own eyes. I felt it want to come to me but it wasn't able to, it couldn't come forward. And I got it. I'm standing on the edge of this mountain and I just haven't been able to go forward in my life. And that deer was me. I needed someone or thing to encourage or inspire me to go forward. I just want to thank you for helping me to see how the world is constantly talking to us if we'd just look."
Carl, San Diego, CA., 1998
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-12-28T20:18:18-07:00
"Our walk on the mountain became a mirror of my life. Walking to its edge it became like the edge of my life. When we saw the deer, looking into its eyes was like looking into my own eyes. I felt it want to come to me but it wasn't able to, it couldn't come forward. And I got it. I'm standing on the edge of this mountain and I just haven't been able to go forward in my life. And that deer was me. I needed someone or thing to encourage or inspire me to go forward. I just want to thank you for helping me to see how the world is constantly talking to us if we'd just look." Carl, San Diego, CA., 1998
"Everyone on the tour really enjoyed themselves. .. We all left the tour feeling charged and we have you to thank for that. I feel very blessed to have had a chance to meet you and I feel that meeting you was not coincidental. You helped guide me to my purpose there in Sedona for this visit" April, 2004
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-12-28T20:26:57-07:00
"Everyone on the tour really enjoyed themselves. .. We all left the tour feeling charged and we have you to thank for that. I feel very blessed to have had a chance to meet you and I feel that meeting you was not coincidental. You helped guide me to my purpose there in Sedona for this visit" April, 2004
"I followed my heart and stood on the rim of Canyon De Chelly, feeling a deep pull in my soul. The Canyon welcomed me and I knew I had come to the right place at the right time, as though returning to a place that knew me.. Sandra validated and valued that experience for me, supporting me and holding the space while I explored the mystery and magic of the journey back to myself. She helped me tap into a "knowing" within myself that continues to unfold in very unique ways. Sandra's deep connection to and understanding of wild nature made her the perfect guide and companion for this amazing journey. I experienced something while exploring my soul's calling that has forever changed my connection to nature and myself. Thank you Sandra, for providing an opportunity to remember."
Kellyn Boileau, May, 2003
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-12-28T20:42:19-07:00
"I followed my heart and stood on the rim of Canyon De Chelly, feeling a deep pull in my soul. The Canyon welcomed me and I knew I had come to the right place at the right time, as though returning to a place that knew me.. Sandra validated and valued that experience for me, supporting me and holding the space while I explored the mystery and magic of the journey back to myself. She helped me tap into a "knowing" within myself that continues to unfold in very unique ways. Sandra's deep connection to and understanding of wild nature made her the perfect guide and companion for this amazing journey. I experienced something while exploring my soul's calling that has forever changed my connection to nature and myself. Thank you Sandra, for providing an opportunity to remember." Kellyn Boileau, May, 2003
"Thank you for such powerful and wonderful experiences. We both feel this has been one of the most important times of our lives...You are a gifted teacher and seer. Thank you for all the personal work you have done that enables you to be so present and connected."
Terry P., Ontario, Canada, June, 2006
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-12-28T23:08:28-07:00
"Thank you for such powerful and wonderful experiences. We both feel this has been one of the most important times of our lives...You are a gifted teacher and seer. Thank you for all the personal work you have done that enables you to be so present and connected." Terry P., Ontario, Canada, June, 2006
"I have been on at least four trips with Sandra over the last 7 years. They have all been extraordinary. Sandra is a remarkable guide. She is subtle yet every trip has been a physical and internal adventure. The people and places that Sandra introduced me to were so vibrant that they sustain me in an ongoing way that is hard to describe."
J. Telles, Santa Monica, California, August., 2000
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-12-28T23:11:54-07:00
"I have been on at least four trips with Sandra over the last 7 years. They have all been extraordinary. Sandra is a remarkable guide. She is subtle yet every trip has been a physical and internal adventure. The people and places that Sandra introduced me to were so vibrant that they sustain me in an ongoing way that is hard to describe." J. Telles, Santa Monica, California, August., 2000
"Sandra, when my soul called me to come out and do the full retreat with you, it was such a blessing. I came full of fear and anxiety, missing and longing for a piece of me that had been lost. Through your guidance I pulled out a giant cork that had been stopping up a well inside me for many years. I found a self-acceptance and self-validation. I know I will never be the same again. Anyone who has felt that longing of emptiness should take the full retreat with you. The training leading up the the vision quest is indispensable. The vision quest itself is like a favorite topping on a favorite dessert. This is truly a journey of the self. I anyone is feeling that call, they should definitely come here. Thank you so much!"
Neal Lieberman, Birthing Tiger, Aug., 2004
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-12-28T23:14:13-07:00
"Sandra, when my soul called me to come out and do the full retreat with you, it was such a blessing. I came full of fear and anxiety, missing and longing for a piece of me that had been lost. Through your guidance I pulled out a giant cork that had been stopping up a well inside me for many years. I found a self-acceptance and self-validation. I know I will never be the same again. Anyone who has felt that longing of emptiness should take the full retreat with you. The training leading up the the vision quest is indispensable. The vision quest itself is like a favorite topping on a favorite dessert. This is truly a journey of the self. I anyone is feeling that call, they should definitely come here. Thank you so much!" Neal Lieberman, Birthing Tiger, Aug., 2004
"I want to thank you again for the wonderful week we spent with you, ill never forget it and the work you do, it was truly special and I will take the memories the blessings and the lessons with me where ever I go. My shield hangs proudly in my bedroom and I look at it often and think of you and the wonderful experience you allowed me to participate in. "
2011 Sedona Vision Quest participant comments
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-12-28T23:18:23-07:00
"I want to thank you again for the wonderful week we spent with you, ill never forget it and the work you do, it was truly special and I will take the memories the blessings and the lessons with me where ever I go. My shield hangs proudly in my bedroom and I look at it often and think of you and the wonderful experience you allowed me to participate in. " 2011 Sedona Vision Quest participant comments
"I know from what I have seen he (husband) has been more happy than ever and very grounded in his body from the work. We both have been having very powerful dreams and are very excited for our futures!!! Thank you again for such powerful work, and dedication to assist us on our remembrance process of true ascension. Happy New Years!!!
Jan., 2012 comments from a couple who did soul journey sessions.
Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats
2016-11-15T11:41:50-07:00
"I know from what I have seen he (husband) has been more happy than ever and very grounded in his body from the work. We both have been having very powerful dreams and are very excited for our futures!!! Thank you again for such powerful work, and dedication to assist us on our remembrance process of true ascension. Happy New Years!!! Jan., 2012 comments from a couple who did soul journey sessions.
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Crossing Worlds Journeys and Retreats