This is a question we often discuss in our Spiritual Leadership Training classes. The art of making offerings has been lost in many of our modern practices, and its benefits can still hold significance in one's spiritual journey.
I was reintroduced to the concept of offerings when I began doing Native quests many years ago. It is traditional to bring an offering of tobacco, red cloth, and a monetary donation when visiting an intercessor to request a quest. This is a way of honoring the individual and the work you are asking them to do on your behalf from the beginning of the process. If they receive your gift, they are agreeing to quest you.
Bringing an offering is a form of honor. Doesn't it make sense that if we wished to be treated with respect and honor for the talents and gifts, that we in turn honor those we ask to share their talents and wisdom with us? Doesn't it really make sense to offer a gift before asking for a favor?
I was taught to do the same when I need a cutting from a plant. I bring a bit of tobacco, corn meal or offer a song before I harvest medicinal plants. (I also listen to them for their guidance about where and how much to cut. They know and I can sense intuitively, how much is appropriate before I cause harm to the plant or its ability to reproduce.)
The same can be done when honoring angels and other spirit guides, or teachers who visit you in your dreams. Since I sing, I occasionally offer a song of support for whatever they are creating that brings good to creation. Offering a blessing to them with water from the Full Moon Water Ceremony, putting flowers on an altar to acknowledge them, offering a dance, my writing or any other creative activity are all ways I can easily offer my gratitude to them for their love and support.
I have also witnessed the beauty of such spiritual offering when someone is struggling, ill, or challenged. Offering the gift of the challenge for the benefit of someone else who is even more challenged is also a way of honoring another. To consciously offer aspects of one's own life, or even one's entire life to a better life for others is certainly a deeply meaningful gift to the wheel of life.
When you make an offering, your attention is drawn to the beauty of others, their needs, their precious natures. You can feel your heart swell in appreciation and compassion. You see the Divine imprint living within them—their sacred nature. Reverence emerges—respect and gratitude for the Divine aspect of another. It is difficult to do harm to someone we hold in reverence. Our own way of engaging in the world is raised to a greater standard that promotes peace and happiness in our relations.
In a world that could benefit from some bigger doses of honor and respect, I find the practice of offering to be a perfect way to bring the quality of reverence into all our relationships.
In my heart and songs,
Reverend Misa
