Somero wrote:Joe
Then that $100 dollars a month must come from the heart and you are a good man for doing so.
It is your right to be offended, I did not read it that way. I read "If you make an offering, make it from the heart" It just comes down to perspective. The same with "Holy" or "Sacred" it comes down to ones own perspective. Just keep in mind, the white mans history with religion is not exactly the greatest, and many people tend to view it differently, and giving money does not seem like a viable offering to God. "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's" Pretty Simple when you think about it.
As I stated earlier about feeling watched, I could sense the presence in that area, is it "Sacred" to me? No, but it is important to someone or some power that resides there. So I wanted to know what would be the proper way to show Respect and ask not to be harmed and maybe helped or protected. Different cultures have their own way of showing Respect, some require a personal offering and speaking softly others can be speaking boldly and affirmative just to let ones presence be known.
After all if someone came to your home you would want them to ask before poking around your yard and if they did not ask, you would drive them away or call the police. So speaking from the Heart and making an offering from the Heart would be best. When one speaks and gives gifts from the Heart it cannot be false if your intentions are Honorable.
Somero,
"Just keep in mind, the white mans history with religion is not exactly the greatest"
Perhaps you would prefer the Aztec's religion. No religion is ever "the greatest" when it has complete power over the population.
I don't know that the offerings of money, are to God. From my own personal understanding, the money is a donation to men, who are doing good works for their God. That seems plenty simple to me.
"After all if someone came to your home you would want them to ask before poking around your yard and if they did not ask, you would drive them away or call the police."
The Superstitions are no more the "home" of the Apache, than Safeway is my home. Power resides everywhere. It is not unique to the Superstitions, or any other place. Many people feel this power and presence in their church or in their boat on the oceans. If we ever get to Mars, the astronauts will probably feel it there.
The Apache, like many other tribes, never stayed in one place for very long. It was a matter of not using up the resources (food) in a single place. They harvested whatever food source was available, in whatever quantity and season it could be found, and moved on to the next.......Safeway.
The Apache at San Carlos never had an interest in the Superstitions as a home or any kind of sacred place. At least, no more than they revered all of the earth.
Just my opinion, based on the history of the Apache and the Southwest that I have been reading and learning for years. Before someone jumps in and states the obvious, books are not my only source.
Take care,
Joe