The physical geometries of sacred spaces: methodological challenges in applying practice-based approaches to study sacred shrines

Purpose While the praxeological turn in social research has resulted in many empirical studies, there are few works utilizing this concept as a framework to analyze complex architectural–anthropological phenomena, in particular in sacred geographies. This study addresses this gap by integrating architectural and anthropological approaches to explore interactions between humans, non-humans and what are considered sacred environments. Design/methodology/approach It presents case studies of the womb–tomb archetypes of Rabbi Zechariah and Rabbi Avdimi in northern Israel to demonstrate how ritualistic practices shape and are shaped by these structures that are deeply connected to human anatomy, lifecycles and territoriality. Findings Our analysis uses isovist analysis to examine the spatial dynamics of sacred architectures, which is then applied to Navisworks Roamer 3D Viewer to estimate the materials from a sacred architectural–anthropological perspective that better reflects body movements and ritualistic performances. Research limitations/implications Based on our findings from interviews, observations and architectural measures, we reveal how these practices simultaneously articulate land as property—an exclusive, territorial claim rooted in religious and political narratives—and as connectivity, emphasizing relational ties that foster a sense of belonging and interdependence with the land. Practical implications This duality is represented by the embodied gestures of bending, crawling and touching in these spaces, which establish both symbolic ownership and deep relationships with the environment. Social implications The findings emphasize the importance of bodily engagements and narrative constructions in reimagining human–environment relationships and contribute to the broader discourse on practice-based boundary making approaches in architectural studies. Originality/value They also demonstrate how body-environment practices shape ongoing negotiations of land, belonging and totemic relationships within complex cultural landscapes.