Sparrow’s Blog

Vision — Part I

As someone who’s led vision quests for over 35 years, I’ve thought, written, and been asked about vision many, many times. And depending on the context or on the person doing the asking, my response might emphasize one or another aspect of what that word, “vision,” might denote or evoke. What you ask for and the motivation behind your asking can make a great difference.

Vision can be thought of… Read More »


Indigenous Wisdom (1)

I recently returned from New Mexico, having spent most of the month of October there leading a vision quest. Most of that time I was in wilderness without any connection to the Internet, so I haven’t posted in a while.

I was there over Columbus Day, recently relabeled and repackaged as Indigenous Peoples Day, and I want to address some of the assumptions — mostly incorrect — that people make… Read More »


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Tragedies and Comedy

Wounds of Childhood; Wounds on Initiation

A few weeks ago, we hosted the retreat in Vermont. Eight wonderful people showed up — a wonderful group — and several were therapists, some very well-known and successful in their fields. As people introduced themselves — their stories about who they were, their intentions and what they wanted to work on in this retreat… and as they responded to each other — there was a lot of talk on… Read More »


The Master Game

In 1968, Robert S. De Ropp Put out a book called the master game. It caused quite a stir at the time among those looking for spiritual literature, and it sold about 200,000 copies.

His fundamental premise was that everyone wanted or needed “a game worth playing,” and it was finding and playing an important game that brought meaning and satisfaction to life. In his book he listed 3 low… Read More »


Altered States (Part III)

Yesterday, joining an online class, the host wanted to begin with a meditation. She pulled a card labeled “The Vision” from a deck, read the description, and suggested we meditate on that.

As you know, I’m in the “vision business,” having led vision quests for 35 years, but as I followed the prompt I was surprised by where I was led. Most people, when thinking of “vision,” imagine a very… Read More »


What people say about our Vision Quests

What a gift!

Our quest a few years ago in Death Valley changed my life forever. You helped me make deep, profound changes to my humanity by sharing your self and wisdom and letting me find my way in my own time. What a gift! Love and blessings to you.

— G. Won, Hawaii

Such an inspiration

You are an incredible Teacher, and I hope I can learn from you again in the future. The Heroic Journey is taking root in my life, more and more everyday. You’re such an inspiration to me. God bless you.

— R. L, Montreal, Quebec

Circles of Air & Stone • Putney, Vermont