The Integratron
Rising out of the sparse high desert landscape amid giant boulders and creosote bushes, the four-story domed building looks like something from a 1950s sci-fi movie. What is this strange structure? Why is it here? What mysteries lie within?
Welcome to the Integratron. Located in the high valley burg of Landers, the Integratron has been a destination for metaphysical fans, spiritual seekers and the just plain curious for decades. Huell Howser had a session here, as did celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, joining the thousands of other visitors in pursuit of the deep relaxation, purported rejuvenation and introspection of an Integratron Sound Bath.
“There’s been a growing trend in recent years where people are searching out powerful experiences — new, different, unique,” says Nancy Karl, one of the co-owners. “The Integratron is one of a kind, and the acoustic qualities it offers are truly spectacular. Add to that more interest in alternative therapies for stress reduction, physical and mental health. Sound therapy has become a valid (and non-invasive) option for meditators, healers and anyone with a busy, stressful life.”
Out-of-this-world inspiration
George Van Tassel, an aeronautical engineer who worked for Lockheed Aircraft, Douglas Aircraft and as a test pilot for Howard Hughes at Hughes Aviation, moved to the Mojave Desert to operate an airport and an inn. He began to build the Integratron in 1954 after he claimed an encounter with extraterrestrials gave him a formula for a proprietary frequency for rejuvenating living cell tissues. Inspired by the writings of Nikola Tesla and guided by detailed telepathic instructions from his new Venusian friends, Van Tassel designed the dome to be an electrostatic generator that could suspend the laws of gravity, extend human life and facilitate high-speed time travel.
Although Van Tassel may sound delusional, there may be one legitimate scientific component to the Integratron: it is said to be built on a powerful intersection of geomagnetic forces. The unique geometry of the dome concentrates and amplifies these forces, and when magnetometers are placed in the center of the Integratron dome, they register a prominent spike in the area’s magnetic field.
A limited group of up to 30 guests gathers outside the dome before the next session, their faces reflecting a mix of anticipation and excitement and maybe a dash of uncertainty, despite the claims of a few returning guests who rave about previous visits. Once the group is inside the building, a brief introduction to the Integratron and simple instructions are given, shoes are removed and one-by-one, guests climb a short staircase into the domed room above.
The sound chamber is an architectural marvel, 38 feet high and 55 feet in diameter, constructed completely of wood — no metal nails or screws to interfere with the geomagnetic forces. Exposed beams radiate from a central skylight to form the circular chamber. Windows around the room offer a 360-degree view of the surrounding desert and provide plenty of natural daylight for the cavernous space. Guests settle onto thick, comfy mats on the floor, and are then invited to step into the center of the room and say something out loud to experience the incredible acoustics of the dome.
Singing bowls
Opaque quartz crystal bowls of various sizes sit on the floor, surrounding the leader of each session. After a few introductory words, guests are prompted to lie back and relax as the Sound Bath begins.
The sound therapist rubs the rims of the bowls, producing a variety of deep, resonant sounds. The 20 quartz crystal bowls are played in a specific sequence to harmonize and balance the body, mind and spirit. The unique harmonic frequencies fill the room and wrap the listeners in sound, almost as if they are in the music rather than just listening. Reverberating off the dome, waves of sound overlap and blend, creating acoustical vibrations that can be felt throughout the body. The overall effect fosters a peaceful, meditative state and encourages total relaxation.
The time passes quickly and the session ends quietly and slowly, allowing guests a chance to re-enter the real world in a calm and gentle manner, as if waking from a nap. The mood is subdued, relaxed and pleasant as the people gather their things and exit the dome.
“The oasis-like environment of the gardens, hammocks, fountains and art, combined with a powerful and beautiful sound bath, are an antidote to the stress and challenges of our lives. We receive so many wonderful comments about pain relief, stress relief and a more harmonious pace for visitors’ lives. The Integratron is a place where you can b r e a t h e,” says Karl.
My husband and I found the Sound Bath to be unique and incredibly relaxing. Somewhat skeptical before our visit, weeks later my husband remarked how calm he had felt since our Integratron visit, adding he wouldn’t mind having another session.
Therein lie the mysteries of the Integratron.
The Integratron
2477 Belfield Blvd.
Landers, CA 92285
Phone: 760.364.3126
Email: integratron@gmail.com
Integratron.com
One-hour Sound Bath sessions are offered Thursday through Sunday each week. Advance reservations are required and can easily be made through the website, integratron.com. The Integratron is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and is closed each January for renovations and maintenance. Renting the Integratron is possible; however, some fairly strict limitations to availability and use are in place. A small gift shop has crystals, jewelry and numerous other Integratron souvenirs. Professional surround-sound recordings of the Integratron sound bath experience are available for purchase. Gift certificates are also available.
Getting there: From I-10, take Route 62 north into Yucca Valley. Turn left on Route 243/Old Woman Springs Road and proceed about 20 minutes north to Belfield Blvd. in Landers.
