Vision Quest

The term "vision quest" is generally associated with Native American Spiritual practices. Similar practices have been and are practiced by other cultures all over the world who have a connection with the natural world. There is, at this time, a growing broad based interest in re-establishing the connection between individuals and the natural world.

There is also an increase in the number of "new age" gurus and promoters who are creating programs and marketing them for profit. In this process, Native American sacred ceremonies have had their branding pirated. The content offered by the promoters differs significantly from the authentic ceremonies and the consuming public often does not know the diffence. Native Americans find this offensive, to put it politely. The promoters often charge steep fees to participate, not because they are "special" but because they are charismatic and "slick" enough to sell the programs. Authentic Native American medicine people do not charge money for sacred ceremonies. See my article on Money and Spirituality.

Still, God (or the Source, or the Infinite, etc.) does not issue copyrights, trademarks or franchises. God also does not discriminate for or against races, cultures, religions or individuals. So then, everyone regardless of language, protocols, beliefs, money or odor has the fundamental divine right to connect with the Source. This connection can be made anywhere anytime but is helped by the peace and energy of nature.

This website is primarily about good places to facilitate a vision quest or personal Spiritual retreat. Whether you follow a traditional Native American path or just want a really good place to practice your personal version of prayer or mediation, these sites are for you.

by Black Elk

      A Vision Quest is an experience of deeper understanding of Nature and Spirit. It is a ceremony practiced by American Indians. To prepare for this "insight" one must first cleanse the body and mind by going through a Inipi or sweat lodge. Then with the help of a Holy Man is told certain things and must go to a spot, usually on a holy mountain, and stay 2 or 3 days.

      During this time no food is eaten and one does not sleep but spends the time in deep prayer and observation. Many times, but not always, there is a vision. This vision is then shared with the Holy Man to help learn of its meaning. Sometimes the meaning is not shown for several years afterward. This is part of a vision quest I was told to share with all who may be interested.

      Once, I went to pray at the top of the sacred mountain of my ancestors. As I climbed to the top I heard voices singing as the wind blew the leaves. At the top I saw, made from many stones, a large circle with a cross inside. I knew from my teachings that this represented the circle of life and the four directions.

      I sat down by the edge of this circle to pray. I thought this is only a symbol of the universe. "True," a very soft voice said. "Look and you will see the Center of the Universe. Look at every created thing."

      As I looked around I saw that every created thing had a thread of smoke or light going from it. The voice whispered, "This cord that every created thing has is what connects it to the Creator. Without this cord it would not exist." As I watched I saw that all these threads, coming from everything, went to the center of the circle where the four directions were one place (the center of the cross).

      I saw that all these threads were tied together or joined here at this spot. The voice spoke again, "This is the Center of the Universe. The place where all things join together and all things become one. The place where everything begins and ends. The place inside everything created."

      That's when I understood that all of creation, the seen and the unseen, was all related. The voice spoke one last time, "Yes, now you know the Center of the Universe." I pray to the four directions.....hear me.

I pray to the West which gives us rest and reflection.
I thank you for these gifts for without them we could not live.
I pray to the North which gives us patience and purity.
I thank you for these gifts for without them we could not live.
I pray to the East which gives us energy and emotions.
I thank you for these gifts for without them we could not live.
I pray to the South which gives us discipline and direction.
I thank you for these gifts for without them we could not live.
Grandmother, share with me your wisdom, and I thank you for this gift.
Grandfather, share with me your strength, and I thank you for this gift.