Sacred place and storied place

In Landscapes of the Sacred Belden C. Lane describes a sacred place as a break in the homogeneity of space, which Lane says is symbolized by an opening that makes possible passage from one cosmic region to another. These cosmic regions are typically heaven, earth, and the underworld. Not only is a sacred place a break in the homogeneity of space but it is also, and perhaps more importantly, a storied place. Our author points out that "places become valued in proportion to the number and power of stories that are attached to them." Thus, the sacred place as he describes it is the place rich in story.

I was surprised at how true this is when I reflected on places I consider sacred in my own life. Every place that holds meaning for me is important because of a significant memory or memories made there. He then personifies the sacred place by suggesting that it is not chosen, but it chooses. The sacred place finds the man and reveals itself to him, allowing him to discover it. In this way, the holy exists apart from the control of man. Upon reflecting on this, the children's book The Giving Tree came to mind as I imagined the sacred place eager to be discovered and delighted in the same way the tree desired to be delighted in by the boy. Though, perhaps if discovered, the sacred place might not always delight man but instead leave him awestruck, refreshed, somber, or terrified.