First Axiom of Sacred Places

In the chapter of Landscapes of the Sacred called “The Mountain That Was God”, the author talks about how mountains connect with humans. This concept is part of the four axioms of sacred places. The first axiom says that a sacred place is not chosen, it chooses you. Different people experience different things at each sacred place and just because you do not feel anything does not mean that it is not sacred. The author has found places that connect with him such as the Tahoma or the Mount Rainier. Even though the author is the same person, he did not get the same experience at both places. The Tahoma was a more “rich experience” for him. He experienced a “layering experience” that he only understood, after he left, everything that happened for him. Even though his experience was wonderful at the Tahoma, Mount Rainier was completely different. He did not feel an overwhelming feeling throughout. He did not feel his whole life. He felt nothing, but yet he knew that this place was the place for him. Sacred Places are not uniform. They speak to different people at different times. Each sacred experience that a person has, is not going to be the same because if it were then why would they keep going out looking for the same experience that they already had? They are going out to find the experience that is going to change them even in the slightest bit so they can become a better person.