On Friday I finally made it out to the Three Rivers Petroglyphs, a historic landmark just twenty miles down the highway from me, and an enchanting spot fondly remembered from twenty years ago when I visited this area known as the Tularosa Basin of southern New Mexico. Because, if you didn’t already know, I’m a tad passionate about petroglyphs—otherwise known as prehistoric rock art. And while they may be artistic, in my Other Worldly novel series these ancient carvings also impart important messages.
It was a balmy 70-degree afternoon of sunshine and gentle breezes, ideal for me to tackle a rugged, rock-strewn, and sometimes steep half-mile trail on a basaltic ridge rising from the Three Rivers Valley in New Mexico’s northern Chihuahuan desert. The majestic Sierra Blanca, a mountain peak of more than 11,000 feet and currently sporting some sparkling snow, towers in the nearby distance to the east.
My greatest challenge—other than reminding myself that it was actually December—was not tumbling facedown while once again marveling in every direction at petroglyphs scattered here and there on rocks and boulders large and small against a sweeping backdrop of breathtaking Land of Enchantment vistas. And despite still having a plethora of film-developed photos from twenty years ago, I snapped fifty more, this time around with my phone.
In my defense, this site has literally 21,000 examples of prehistoric rock carvings covering 50 acres, some worn by time and nature, but many remain startlingly clear depictions, with various designs downright puzzling as to what they could possibly represent. Indeed, the sheer number and concentration of petroglyphs make this one of the largest and most interesting rock art sites of the Southwest.
Hence, the Three Rivers Petroglyphs are considered an outstanding (I’d say astounding) example of prehistoric rock art dating from 200 to 1450 AD (mindboggling), believed to be created by the Jornada Mogollon people, who used stone tools to remove dark patina from rock exteriors to create the plentiful petroglyphs.
Archaeologists have interpreted these mysterious carvings to depict everything from abstract and geometric designs to masks, sunbursts, and handprints. Also insects, fish, birds, and other wildlife, plus plants and the oft seen (in many other petroglyph locals of the Southwest) mesmerizing spiral symbol.
It is speculated that these spirals might have been displayed by prehistoric peoples to indicate the location of water, but that’s not what they represent in my OW novels. For one thing, our galaxy is a spiral, along with many things in nature such as shells and tides.
The spiral is also one of humanity’s oldest symbols, appearing across Celtic, Buddhist, and Indigenous American cultures to denote cosmic energy, evolution, life cycles, and the interconnectedness of all things. Therefore, why couldn’t these petroglyphs provide actual messages from entities of another time to be heeded by those who reside in the here and now?
Three Rivers Petroglyphs, one of few locations set aside solely due to these abundant rock carvings, is also one of few sites allowing visitors such direct access. And for good reason, because petty vandalism and greed mongering theft are unfortunately a daunting concern when it comes to ancient cultural artifacts.
Yet, having the opportunity to be up close and personally communing with such works of wonder is a truly marvelous, sacred, calming experience that also sparks curiosity, enabling the imagination to run as wild as the awe-inspiring terrain. The very reason why I chose, not a spiral petroglyph, but instead one of those mystifying abstract designs found on a larger rock boulder to accompany this post. What on earth could it possibly represent?
When I peered at this particular photo upon arriving home, my mind went to a classic sci fi concept known as a space portal, coincidentally something I’ve already addressed in my two latest OW novels, Altogether Alien, and most recently Aliens Watch launched in January. Aliens Watch happens to include a northern New Mexico prehistoric site known as Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon with—you guessed it—petroglyphs situated on rocky cliffs above the ancient dwelling. One of which is that ubiquitous spiral symbol.
For my latest novel in progress, Alien Origins, set to be the culmination of the Other Worldly series, there’s no doubt that New Mexico will ultimately feature prominently. And that portal-like petroglyph in this photo from the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site? Sure seems like it could be an ideal creative launchpad for another grand galactic adventure for Rowan Layne.