A First Gathering with Mountain Shrine
the mountain breathed
photo credit – Lesley Cox
First Public Gathering with Mountain Shrine
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Join us from 2:00 to 6:30 pm
Black Bird Refuge, Valdez, New Mexico
for an afternoon of walking, meditation, and shared reflection.
Artist talk at 6:00 pm.
Kirtan – an RSVP event starts at 6:30pm
Be part of the inaugural event celebrating Mountain Shrine, a site-responsive earth installation by Anja Marais.
Open to All
About the installation 'Mountain Shrine'
Mountain Shrine is emerging through a practice of reciprocity with place. Rather than imposing form upon the landscape, the work has been developing through sustained observation, listening, making, and collaboration with the land.
Built from earth, clay, sand, lime, natural fibers, and plant-based binders, the installation draws upon traditional earthen-building techniques practiced for generations across New Mexico and Mexico. Mantras and prayers offered by members of the community have been enclosed within its foundations, becoming part of the work’s inner structure. These materials will continue weathering, changing, and eventually returning to the soil, while land, time, climate, material, prayer, and human intention continue shaping the work together.
Existing within a liminal space where landscape, ancestors, architecture, ritual, and sculpture meet, Mountain Shrine allows these forms to move through and shape one another. It is a shrine formed through relationship with place—inviting us to consider how we might participate within the living world through greater attention and reciprocity.
About Black Bird Refuge
Black Bird Refuge, Church of Archemy, is a nonprofit sanctuary in the mountains of northern New Mexico, where contemplative practice, earth architecture, and ecological stewardship are coming together.
Extending across thirty acres bordering Carson National Forest, the refuge supports learning, building, and living in respectful relationship with the surrounding world. Through traditional earthen building, sustainable living, and the tending of sacred spaces, Black Bird Refuge is cultivating ways of inhabiting the landscape through mindfulness, reciprocity, and care.
Within this setting, Mountain Shrine is finding its home.
Learn more at blackbirdrefuge.org
Gathering Highlights
Activities at the Gathering
Self-guided Meditation
Engage in a peaceful sitting with the surrounding landscape and foster a sense of inner calm.
Artist Talk
Join us for an insightful talk by artist Anja Marais, where she will discuss the inspiration and process behind Mountain Shrine.
Beverages and Snacks
Guided tour of Black Bird Refuge Projects
Participate in a Black Bird Refuge guided walk through the natural terrain, allowing you to experience the land’s beauty and tranquility firsthand. Tour by the stewards of the land, Ben and Bonnie, on their ongoing projects.
Offerings to Mother Earth
Take time for quiet reflection at the Earth installation where you can offer a feather to the land and communal banner. Following the gathering, these offerings will be respectfully returned to the land.
Earth Bhakti Kirtan
Conclude the gathering with a spiritual kirtan session, where voice and rhythm merge with the natural surroundings.
What to Bring for Mountain Shrine
We invite you to bring a simple offering for Mountain Shrine.
Feathers
Bring one or more naturally found feathers to be added to a communal feather banner. As the feathers move with the mountain air, they will continue carrying the prayers and participation of those who gathered.
Offerings to the Earth
You are also welcome to bring biodegradable offerings such as flowers, fruit, seeds, nuts, herbs, or corn. Following the gathering, these offerings will be respectfully returned to the land.
Please do not bring plastic-wrapped offerings, artificial materials, or anything that could harm wildlife.
Please read about the accessibility and terrain for reaching the installation.
Brief Pilgrimage
Reaching Mountain Shrine involves a brief pilgrimage on foot through a dry river ravine. The route crosses uneven ground and includes a short, steep descent and ascent.
Allow approximately 10–15 minutes to reach the installation.
Because the work is situated within the natural terrain, the route is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for visitors with significant mobility limitations, balance difficulties, or limited physical strength.
For those that cannot access the piece, please contact me and I will share images and stories with you at your convenience.
Practical matters
Rain or shine event
This is an outdoor event and we accept the weather Mother Nature will provide for the day. Please wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
If you are staying for the Kirtan please make sure you bring a flashlight.
Also children are welcome to attend as well.
Directions to Black Bird Refuge
For those traveling from further afield, ensure your navigation system is set to 11 Turkey Springs Road, Valdez, New Mexico. The serene drive will lead you through picturesque landscapes, offering a glimpse of the natural beauty that awaits at the refuge. Remember to follow the directions carefully to avoid missing the entrance.
Upon arrival, you will find ample signage guiding you to the gathering area. Please respect the natural environment by parking only in designated areas and following the marked paths. We look forward to welcoming you to this unique and tranquil setting.
Earth Bhakti Kirtan with Mountain Shrine
Saturday, September 5, 2026
6:30–7:30 pm
Join us for an intimate evening of mantra and shared sound within Mountain Shrine.
This gathering will unfold inside a site-responsive earth installation formed through earth, prayer, weather, and sustained relationship with place. Voice, rhythm, breath, and repetition will move through the structure and surrounding landscape, joining the prayers already resting within the work.
Through simple chants and shared songs, we will move through cycles of grounding, building, opening, and settling. No previous experience is required. You may participate through singing, listening, or sitting quietly within the sound.
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN MEDITATION PILLOW / BLANKET.
Seating is limited. Please RSVP at:
