Vision Quest
A vision quest is a chance to rediscover that you are responsible for yourself, that you have the power of choice and that you can give yourself permission to create new options for your life. A quest also gives you the time to turn down the noise of your intellect and allow your inner voice to be heard whilst being in the realms of nature and mother earth whose wisdom is deep and ancient.
A support system is useful so that you can feel able to delve deep inside yourself without any need to focus on the external world. A shaman, teacher or friend to watch over and hold the sacredness of the ceremony assists you to go into a state of being, using your five senses to examine your inner landscape, with the security that you are being watched over. In most quests there is also a strong link to your unseen support – God, Great Spirit, your ancestors, your guides, nature spirits and angels, depending on the tradition you choose or follow.
A vision quest consists of three phases – the preparation, the seeking of the vision and the affirmation and can vary according to the tradition that you choose for your quest.
In the preparation phase you are seeking to tune your senses and your conscious mind to your inner world. During preparation you learn the rituals and tools to help you seek your vision.
The vision-seeking phase you are alone with your thoughts and your feelings. Generally this takes place in nature when you are out of sight or influence of other human beings. This is when you create the scared space for your quest, in Native American tradition, your sacred circle. Fasting during this phase helps free you from bodily distraction and can assist you to shift into a state of expanded consciousness.
The affirmation phase is where you shift beliefs. Immediately after your vision quest you will feel quiet and reflective and it is important that you re-enter the world gradually as you move back into normal consciousness. The first words spoken after vision quest are very powerful so this sharing is done through ceremony.
After resting and eating it is good to share experiences. This helps to organize your thoughts and use your intellect to anchor the insights from these experiences and the new choices you are making. There are ceremonies to bring together these personal prayers to create a treasure map to re inform your subconscious to help you make the necessary changes to your life. You are programming your reticular formation (where your five senses are monitored in your brain) to watch out subconsciously for opportunities to move towards your goals.
A vision quest is not the few days that you spend in ceremony. The quest begins from the moment you make your intention to seek a vision. As we set our intention so the universe responds, it really is that quick.
Anyone can take part in a vision quest. There is no need for any previous knowledge or experience in these ancient ways. It is an opportunity to take some time out for you and to share experiences with others. For it is through our willingness to participate and share that we all learn.
A support system is useful so that you can feel able to delve deep inside yourself without any need to focus on the external world. A shaman, teacher or friend to watch over and hold the sacredness of the ceremony assists you to go into a state of being, using your five senses to examine your inner landscape, with the security that you are being watched over. In most quests there is also a strong link to your unseen support – God, Great Spirit, your ancestors, your guides, nature spirits and angels, depending on the tradition you choose or follow.
A vision quest consists of three phases – the preparation, the seeking of the vision and the affirmation and can vary according to the tradition that you choose for your quest.
Preparation Phase
In the preparation phase you are seeking to tune your senses and your conscious mind to your inner world. During preparation you learn the rituals and tools to help you seek your vision.
Vision Seeking Phase
The vision-seeking phase you are alone with your thoughts and your feelings. Generally this takes place in nature when you are out of sight or influence of other human beings. This is when you create the scared space for your quest, in Native American tradition, your sacred circle. Fasting during this phase helps free you from bodily distraction and can assist you to shift into a state of expanded consciousness.
Affirmation Phase
The affirmation phase is where you shift beliefs. Immediately after your vision quest you will feel quiet and reflective and it is important that you re-enter the world gradually as you move back into normal consciousness. The first words spoken after vision quest are very powerful so this sharing is done through ceremony.
After resting and eating it is good to share experiences. This helps to organize your thoughts and use your intellect to anchor the insights from these experiences and the new choices you are making. There are ceremonies to bring together these personal prayers to create a treasure map to re inform your subconscious to help you make the necessary changes to your life. You are programming your reticular formation (where your five senses are monitored in your brain) to watch out subconsciously for opportunities to move towards your goals.
A vision quest is not the few days that you spend in ceremony. The quest begins from the moment you make your intention to seek a vision. As we set our intention so the universe responds, it really is that quick.
Anyone can take part in a vision quest. There is no need for any previous knowledge or experience in these ancient ways. It is an opportunity to take some time out for you and to share experiences with others. For it is through our willingness to participate and share that we all learn.