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Vision quests
From the beginning of time humanity has returned to nature to connect with
spirit and to seek answers to problems of the third dimension. There is
something about being alone in the wilderness that brings us closer - makes us
more aware - of the 4 elements - and our connection to a creational source. We
go to seek truths - divine realization - just as many of the ancient prophets
did in their time.
In a vision quest conditions are set up that allow the soul to move beyond the
illusions of the little self and enter the unity of the inner whole. It is a
time of fasting - praying - and being in nature.
It is a period of solitude in which we seek an inner revelation - a vision
-which grants profound meaning and direction to our life. This initiation
leads to maturity and an understanding of our responsibility to ourselves, our
society, our natural environment, and our soul.
Though the Vision Quest is associated with Native Americans traditions - it is
practiced all over the world.
As an expression of the archetypal "Heroic Journey," the vision quest has been
enacted in religious pilgrimages, mythological tales (including the story of
the search for the Holy Grail), and our own daily pursuit of truth and
purpose.
In Native American traditions these times of inner trial are marked liked
passages. Time is set aside to honor them.
It might be a day, a week, a month, whatever is necessary to complete the
transformation and get the answer one seeks.
Preparation:
- able to fast
- able to camp out for long periods of time
- knowledge of first aid
- prepare sleeping equipment - or sleep on the ground.
- knowledge of spiritual things like meditation
- bring a spiritual instrument so you can play or chant
- be comfortable with the solitude
- if the weather permits you may wish to remove your clothing.
Now you are ready to go out alone in nature to spend the time seeking greater
truths.
They may come as a vision you see in 3D - a dream - a connection with nature -
through meditation
You may not understand the vision when you receive it. It may take time for
you to process.
A sacred circle of stone is placed on the ground. The individual remains in
the circle for a certain period of time.
Sometimes a helper will check on the person - in cases of bad weather or to be
sure the person is okay.
In many instances one is taken out of their body and are confronted by both
the angelic and the demonic aspects of their own fears.
This transformational experience has been sometimes been done with the use of
natural pseudylics such as peyote, mescaline, and the South American Iawaska
plant during sacred initiation rites. These plants were held as sacred
teachers from the plant kingdom. The insights during the sacred space allowed
the veils between this world and the next to be pulled back and for the
individual voyager to transcend himself and this dimension.
When the quest is over the person leaves.
Source:
CrystalLinks.com |
