Mood Board: Offerings

Here is the mood board I made for “Offerings,” the “first” card in the (non-linear) deck.

When I hastily scribbled out my first notions of this oracle deck- who They are, who They ask to be- “offerings” came first.

I only assume this is because making an offering is an initiatory step to getting to know all kinds of people. Non-human and human alike. Whether the offering is the gift of attention (i.e. “Hello. How are you?”) or a gift of breath, of water, of song, it’s great way to express one’s intention toward generosity. It’s just the best way to begin a relationship.

Here’s what I’ve written in my journal about this topic so far:

“When I think of "Offerings" I think of any action, energetic or physical (usually both) that pertains to giving heartfelt gifts to land, to spirits, to human people. These gifts come from a place of love and authentic ownership. We use the term "ownership" loosely here. Basically it's just what we actually have, we give of. Something that is ours, beloved and sacred, that we lift up as a token of gratitude. Something that we too have received, as a heartfelt gift, make great offerings. Offerings can be symbols. They can be objects, a dance, laughter, or song. They can be of a plant material. In every case, offerings are made as an act of listening, and then giving. It is not an obligation, nor does it ensure of anything. It is simple.

Visually, I see hands, human hands, but I also see a basket, aerial view of this circular hand-woven basket, with all manner of breads, honey, seeds, dried and fresh flowers. There may be corn-husk dolls in the basket. And right outside the basket is an integrated spider web and cosmic scene. With some stars inside the basket reaching for that connection. (this last sentence is very metaphorical; but image can do that. It doesn't have to be literal. We'll see what arises from this instance.)

When I offer an Offering, it makes me feel connected. It weaves me in to life around me. It places me in the context of larger cosmic community. It is my heart reaching, and finding other hearts in place and space all around me.

Offerings are circular, looping, spiralic. We can only offer what we have, and we only have what we have once received. To make an offering is to acknowledge this.”