These FAQ’s cannot truly describe the feeling of community that forms around the experience of a vision quest: the sense of belonging, being heard, and making a difference. This can be unexpected, as our pre-arrival time is focused on our personal intentions. These communities often stay in touch for years after a quest, writing, providing support, and sometimes getting together for reunions and further journeys.
Participation in a vision quest starts long before one walks into the wilderness. The seeds may have been planted long ago, and your arrival may seem part of a process unfolding steadily and naturally. Or the decision may be sudden, a crisis or transition causing something long hidden to burst forth with a compelling force, one cannot deny or refuse. It may just seem “the right thing to do,” an affirmative way to answer a question, mark a change, or renew the spirit.
Whatever path brings you here, whether you feel called or driven, you enter a process that is solitary, unique, and universal. We stand alone before our mother, the Earth; we stand before our gods and goddesses; we stand in our authentic selves. As kindred souls have done for millennia, we come to experience a dying and rebirth.
Good preparation is important, and you will begin well before leaving home. You will be asked to write a letter of intent, responding to questions designed to help the process of focusing and clarifying your purpose. You will undertake a medicine walk in the month before you arrive and read The Trail to the Sacred Mountain (provided in your welcome pack), a handbook giving detailed information about the concrete, mythical, and allegorical structure of the quest experience.
When I was younger, Now 75 yrs old, I camped out a lot and felt peace with my suroundings I camped a lot with my daughter who was 7 years old back then she is now 36. And we would camp near the woods.
I told her that to relax she would lie on the ground and let the earth absorb her pains and mind. Just like the native americans did 100s and thousands of years ago.
I miss all that now since i Have had a total hip replacement and the weather here in scotland does not allow for a vision quest.
I know a vison quest can be done anytime and comfort has nothing to do with it. so once \\\i feel better I will head out to the hils with my tent. take care all. Tom in Ayr Scotland.
Nice to share that memory, Tom. And definitely, when you feel better, go for it!
PS — I have had 2 total hip replacements — 13 and 5 years ago, and now I never even think of them!