In recent months, reports of mysterious lights and so-called drones have captured attention across the United States. From glowing orbs hovering over remote areas to strange aerial formations spotted in Oregon’s vast wilderness, and even in largely populated areas of town, these sightings have reignited debates about UFOs, advanced technology, and extraterrestrial life. But long before these modern mysteries dominated headlines, Oregon was home to an enigma that still stirs curiosity over three decades later.

This mystery didn’t unfold in the skies but instead appeared etched into the earth itself—carved into the barren expanse of the Alvord Desert. In 1990, an enormous geometric design suddenly appeared in the Mickey Basin of southeastern Oregon. Known as the Sri Yantra Mandala, the intricate carving spanned over a quarter of a mile and featured perfect geometric precision. Its sudden appearance, with no witnesses or explanation, set off a firestorm of speculation that persists to this day.

The Sri Yantra was first spotted by military aircraft flying over the Alvord Desert. Pilots were startled to see the massive etching, which had not been visible during previous flyovers. Word spread quickly, and soon the desert floor became a hub for journalists, experts, and conspiracy theorists.

Some believed the design was created using advanced tools like lasers or heavy machinery, while others suggested extraterrestrial involvement. The carving’s intricate precision seemed beyond what could be accomplished by hand, adding to its mystery.

The Sri Yantra is an ancient Hindu symbol representing the balance of cosmic energy and spiritual harmony, making its sudden appearance in such a remote location all the more puzzling.

As the mystery deepened, an artist from Iowa named Bill Witherspoon stepped forward, claiming responsibility for the design. According to Witherspoon, he, his 10-year-old son, and three friends spent ten sweltering summer days creating the mandala using nothing but sticks, wires, 12 miles of string, and a simple plow. Witherspoon explained that the project was meant as a meditative exercise, channeling spiritual energy into the desert.

At the heart of the Sri Yantra lies the bindu, a central point representing the origin of all creation and a connection to the transcendent. Witherspoon, a dedicated meditator, saw the project as an opportunity to amplify the meditative experience by physically manifesting this ancient symbol in the vast stillness of the Alvord Desert. The Sri Yantra is traditionally believed to create a lively, positive influence, and Witherspoon’s intent was to explore this concept on a monumental scale.

“I wanted to live in the bindu,” Witherspoon later explained, reflecting on his vision for the project. The bindu became not just a symbolic focal point but a space where he could deepen his meditation and experience life in harmony with the energy the Sri Yantra is said to evoke. Through this process, Witherspoon hoped to test his belief that art, as a form of technology, could act as a powerful catalyst for spiritual transformation and connection.

However, not everyone was convinced. Skeptics questioned how such a complex, precise design could be created with primitive tools in extreme heat. Others pointed out that the U.S. military, which regularly flew over the area, had reported no activity during the carving process—only noticing the completed etching after it was finished.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), taking Witherspoon at his word, fined him and his team $100 each for defacing public lands. They noted that the site had been under consideration for wilderness protection, adding to the controversy.

Despite the backlash, Witherspoon returned to the Alvord Desert the following summer. This time, with permission from the Alvord Ranch, he created an even larger etching at the base of Steens Mountain. The new design incorporated elements from Hindu and Native American traditions, stretching over nine miles and filled with vibrant red volcanic cinders.

Unlike the original Sri Yantra, which appeared mysteriously overnight, the second project was completed openly, diminishing some of the mystique. However, for many, questions about the first etching remain unanswered.

The Mystery Lives On

Interest in the Alvord Desert Sri Yantra was reignited in May 2019, with the release of a documentary titled Sri Yantra: The Oregon Desert Mystery. Narrated by Peter Coyote, the film delves into the creation of the massive earthwork, featuring interviews with Witherspoon and restored footage of the project. It sheds new light on the artistry, the controversy, and the cultural significance of the design.

In September 2023, Witherspoon published a book titled Enter Space: Stories from the High Desert, offering personal reflections on his time in the Alvord Desert and the inspiration behind the Sri Yantra. These new works have renewed public fascination with the event, blending artistic appreciation with lingering curiosity about its origins.

For those intrigued by the mystery, you can watch the documentary below:

What Do You Believe?

More than 30 years later, the Alvord Desert Sri Yantra remains one of Oregon’s most fascinating unsolved mysteries. Was it truly the work of a small group of artists armed with simple tools, or is there more to the story? Could it have been a message from another world or an experiment in advanced technology?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Is this case solved, or does the desert still hold secrets waiting to be uncovered?

Sources

• Bill Witherspoon's Claim: Details about Bill Witherspoon’s creation of the Sri Yantra, including his process and return to the Alvord Desert, were shared in Enter Space: Stories from the High Desert (2023) and interviews available through iowasource.com.
• Documentary Feature: The 2019 documentary Sri Yantra: The Oregon Desert Mystery, narrated by Peter Coyote, explores the origins of the etching, interviews with the artist, and its cultural impact. Watch the documentary on the official YouTube channel.
• Historical Accounts: Coverage of the 1990 Sri Yantra Mandala’s appearance and the ensuing controversy was reported by multiple outlets, including archived records from local Oregon newspapers and coverage by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
• Bureau of Land Management Response: Information on the legal ramifications and fines issued to Witherspoon and his team was sourced from official BLM statements regarding the event.
• Cultural Significance: Background on the Sri Yantra Mandala and its historical meaning can be found in Hindu spiritual texts and online repositories such as Britannica and cultural studies archives.
• Skeptical Analysis: Discrepancies in the story and alternative theories about the etching’s origins are highlighted in archived online forums and conspiracy theory blogs, including a now-defunct 1997 website that questioned Witherspoon’s claims.

Each of these sources provides a piece of the puzzle surrounding the Alvord Desert Sri Yantra, contributing to the enduring mystery and intrigue that make it a fascinating topic to this day.