BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Quest for Vision - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Quest for Vision X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.questforvision.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Quest for Vision REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260326 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260406 DTSTAMP:20260428T053150 CREATED:20210820T055018Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250731T004708Z UID:739-1774483200-1775433599@www.questforvision.com SUMMARY:Vision Quest\, Death Valley\, California DESCRIPTION:Guided by: Sparrow Hart\nRegister by February 26 for Early Bird pricing.\n\n Vision Quest Death Valley\, CA\n $1\,795.00\n\n \n \n \n \n Choose your payment option\n \n \n \n \n Pay Deposit \n \n \n \n \n Pay in Full \n \n \n \n \n \n Pay a deposit of $400.00 per item \n \n\n \n Vision Quest Death Valley\, CA quantity\n \n \n\n Add to cart\n\n \n\n \n\n\n \n \n Category: Vision Quest\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\nDiscover Your Purpose\, Passion\, and Path… your Nature in Nature\nImmense\, grand vistas\, land of Gold Rush stories and geological oddities. Graveled washes in rocky canyons\, sand dunes\, silence\, vast sky\, sparse vegetation. Time stretches into the distance\, stars brilliant in the wide sky overhead… the stillness punctuated by calls of coyote or raven… \nOur group camp will take place in a lush oasis at the beginning and return from your solo quest in the vast\, starkly beautiful panoramas of the desert called Death Valley. Clear mountain streams with the snow-capped Sierras towering overhead will bless our preparation and integration work … thermal pools offering their welcoming warmth a short distance away. \nClick What is a Vision Quest? for a more detailed description. \n\nFAQs\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n I feel drawn to do this\, but it seems overwhelming. How do I know if I’m ready? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Everyone has fear when approaching a vision fast\, even those of us who have gone out twenty times or more. \nRemember that you do not do it all at once. From our living room it seems an enormous leap\, but it is in fact many smaller steps\, each one do-able. We write a letter of intent\, arrange our schedule\, make travel plans\, pack. We arrive in a new place\, meet our guide and companions\, and tell our stories. In a small group we share our fears\, address physical and safety needs\, learn about ceremony and what to expect\, practice sleeping out under the stars. By the time we walk alone out of base camp\, we have already left behind most of the fears and questions that seem so imposing to us now. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n I am currently taking medication. Would I have to go off it to do a vision quest? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n That question is between you and your physician. There are some medications that it may make sense to lower the dosage or do without during the fasting phase. For some conditions that is out of the question\, and many of these medicines should not be taken on an empty stomach. \nMany people who have to take medication have undergone vision quests\, bringing with them small amounts of crackers\, juice\, or other supplements to allow them to continue a healing regimen. \nMedicine is about becoming whole: physically\, emotionally\, and spiritually. Taking care of you physical health is important. It is not ‘cheating.’ A vision quest contains many kinds of ‘medicine\,’ for healing the heart\, soul\, and spirit. Remember that you will be alone\, in wilderness without books\, conversation\, electric lights\, hot showers\, and entertainment. You will be ‘fasting’ in many other ways. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n There are vision quests offered in various parts of the country. What difference might this make in my quest experience? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n In thinking about a vision quest\, you might consider it as an interaction between ‘set’ and ‘setting.’ ‘Set’ encompasses what you bring to the experience – emotions\, expectations\, motivations\, intentions\, etc. – while setting is what appears to be outside – landscape\, climate and weather\, animals\, etc. \nYour set\, whether positive or challenging (desires and demons\, purposes and fears) will likely be the same regardless of where you undertake a vision quest\, while the settings can vary widely in different locations and different times of the year. \nParticular settings do have unique qualities and differing energies. Death Valley is a land of grand vistas and immense space\, is dominated by the elements of air and fire\, while\, Vermont\, and with its wildlife\, streams\, and lakes embodies the elements of earth and water. (A more detailed description of sites is provided on the website www.questforvision.com) \nSome people consider it important to quest within the area and ecology closest to where they live\, while others feel drawn to go outside of what is familiar to them. However\, a quest always involves the encounter between the known and unknown\, and the desire to discover what is unknown and wanting to emerge in ourselves will lead us to approach even the most familiar settings in new and unusual ways. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n Couldn’t I go out in the woods by myself and do this alone? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Yes\, you could\, but it would be very different. Although the core of the vision questing process is solitary\, traditionally this activity was never done alone. There have always been guides\, mentors\, and shamans who prepared the initiate to cross the threshold into the sacred world. These same guides were there when the initiate returned\, to help him/her make sense of the journey and translate vision into the forms and terms of social and everyday life. \nIf our intention is to journey beyond the self we know and are familiar with\, leaving the preparation in the hands of that self is poor strategy. “Old tapes\,” habits\, and repetitious ways of looking at the world can easily accompany us into the wilderness and back. There are important teachings about ritual\, ceremony\, physical preparation\, and the methodology of the questing process that we would not get if we were doing this alone. And the presence of guides and companions who provide different perspectives\, compassionate mirroring\, honest feedback\, and stories in which we see ourselves in new ways is an invaluable resource. \nGoing it alone can be powerful. Fasting\, solitude\, and the contact with the spirit in nature are excellent teachers. But the instruction involved in the preparation phase and the emotional support and help in integrating one’s story make it a qualitatively different experience. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n Do I have to be in good physical shape or experienced in camping or hiking? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Many people have undergone a vision fast with little or no camping experience. You will be sent an equipment list long before you leave home and be well-instructed in safety procedures and shelter techniques during the preparation phase. The basics\, such as backpack\, sleeping bag\, etc.\, can often be borrowed from a friend or rented from camping equipment stores if you don’t have them. We can sometimes be of help (especially in Vermont programs) recommending or providing equipment. \nIf you can walk for a mile and a half with a backpack on\, you are likely in good enough physical condition to participate in a quest. Since people often enroll months in advance\, you can practice walking with a pack and build endurance if you are in doubt. Over the years people with various physical disabilities and conditions have been able to successfully undertake vision quests. \nDuring the solo time\, your activity level will be up to you. Some questers are very active while fasting\, undertaking long walks\, performing ceremonies\, or staying up through the night\, while others are quiet or contemplative\, staying in a relatively small area. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n I don’t know if I can go four days without eating? Is this something a normal person can do? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Surprisingly\, fasting is rarely a problem for anyone. Eating is highly conditioned by routines\, schedules\, or stimuli such as the smell of food. Or it can often be driven by unconscious emotions\, such as escaping from stress. Away from the everyday patterns and habits of our lives\, it is a much different experience. \nHunger itself is usually momentary and fleeting during the first two days of a fast. Later\, it often disappears altogether. The main purpose and effect of fasting is the expansion of awareness and the change of consciousness it engenders. There can be physical challenges to not eating\, such as a lower level of energy\, but hunger is unlikely to be one of them. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n What do I need to do to prepare for a Vision Quest? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n 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. \nParticipation 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. \nWhatever 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. \nGood 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. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n What typically happens on a Vision Quest? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Upon your arrival\, we will establish our preparation or base camp. Having said good-bye to friends and family\, having left home and packed the equipment and belongings deemed necessary\, one’s purpose becomes focused and clarified. Four days of council are devoted to completing your preparation. Others may be preparing with you and\, though focused on their own solitary quest; their presence lends support and provides insight. Friendships and a deep sense of spiritual community are unexpected blessings. \nThe days will pass quickly and there is much to be done. Our meetings will focus on creating physical and emotional balance; refining and clarifying one’s myths\, goals\, and life story\, and how these relate to your purpose. You will receive instruction on traditional forms and vision quest “events:” creating ceremony and ritual\, the mirroring aspects of nature; myths\, and allegories of the vision quest; the dynamics of fasting; safety procedures; medicine wheel teachings\, and ritual forms of purification and attunement. You will be helped to integrate these teachings into your personal worldview and situation. \nWe then journey to an area where you will find your place of power\, where you will live alone for four days and nights. In sunrise ceremony you will take your leave and cross the threshold into the Sacred World. During this time you will be completely alone\, but close enough to base camp to receive aid\, should you need it. Once a day you will visit a designated place (your stone pile)\, leaving a sign that communicates your safety. Other than this minimal requirement\, your time is yours to be in intimate contact with nature in its many forms\, with yourself and the Spirit-in-all-things. \nReturning to base camp marks the beginning of incorporation. There you will be welcomed with simple ceremony and the sharing of food. With reflection and celebration\, we begin the journey back into the human world. The work of incorporation is to again take on the cloak of our civilized life and to wear it lightly and gracefully. \nThis phase of the program lasts three days. After washing off the dirt and dust of wilderness we will feast together\, observing the fast-paced world we left behind. We will participate in an Elder’s Council\, sharing stories of our time in the “Sacred World.” Your story will be attentively witnessed and listened to\, and you will be assisted in finding your truths and meanings\, owning your gifts\, and claiming your power. \nHow are the seeds we bring back to be planted in the daily world with its dysfunction and distraction? How can we protect what is important and sacred\, nurture it\, and make it grow? What gifts do we have to give to our people? We must ask and answer these questions if our vision is to guide us in daily life. We must find a way to say\, “Yes!” to life as it is to be effective and give thanks for the gifts we’ve been given. \nAfter we have held our councils\, had our feasts\, and shared our ceremonies we must part. With renewed commitment and gratitude for the insight\, rich experience\, and friendship we have shared\, it is time to walk our “path with heart\,” re-entering the world we left behind to make real our vision. There the living work of the vision quest awaits us. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n\nEnrollment\n\n\nThe cost of a vision quest program is $1595 if a participant registers 30 days or more in advance\, $1795 thereafter.  Advance registration with a non-refundable deposit of $400 is required\, with the balance due 30 days prior to the start of the program. \nUpon receipt of your registration and deposit\, you will be sent a preparation packet containing a guidebook on vision questing\, as well as other information related to transportation\, equipment\, recommended readings\, etc. In addition\, you will be expected to write a letter of intent and return a health questionnaire and liability release form. \nThink seriously about whether you are ready to do this before you commit. Indecision and anxiety — especially as the quest dates approach — are a common experience\, and the choice to act from our purposes and intentions rather than our fears is an important and empowering decision. Should unavoidable circumstances make your participation impossible\, your deposit — if you notify us at least a month prior to your scheduled starting date — may be applied toward another program taking place within a year of your registration. You will receive a full refund for any courses canceled by Circles of Air and Stone\, although this happens rarely. \nIf your intent to undertake a quest is sincere and you cannot currently afford the full cost of the program\, payment plans and/or scholarship assistance can sometimes be worked out depending on need\, circumstances\, and available funds — through calling or emailing the office. The world we live in has huge disparities of wealth and income\, and people have very different perspectives on what is inexpensive\, affordable\, or extravagant. We offer this option for up to two participants on each program. \nScheduling: \nThe experience of a vision quest is profound\, and it has the potential to be a pivotal point in major life transitions. We highly recommend declaring your intention early to allow for a thorough preparation. Early enrollment facilitates scheduling\, since courses often fill up; makes travel arrangements simpler and more economical; and it prevents any unnecessary cancellations of programs. \n\nDirections\n\n\nDirections:\nWe will meet at Baker Creek Campground just outside the town of Big Pine\, CA at 9:30 AM on the first day of your quest. Programs finish at around Noon on the last day. \nBig Pine sits along Route 395 which runs north-south along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains\, and is approximately 15 miles south of Bishop and 20 miles north of Independence. \nIf you are driving from Eastern or Northern California\, many of the passes crossing the Sierras can be closed in the winter. There are generally two ways across that are open all year. You may want to check weather conditions and whether the passes are open. \nThe southern route is the one most people use: Come into Bakersfield\, get on route 178 east. Route 178 passes through the Sierras and intersects route 395. Go north on 395 until you come into Big Pine. \nThe northern route: Pass through Sacramento. From there one can continue on Interstate 80 to Reno and then travel south on route 395… Or (shorter)\, from Sacramento take route 50 east to South Lake Tahoe\, and then connect to 395 south. You may want to check Map-quest or Google for the connecting road. \nIf you are driving from Southern California take Interstate 15 toward Las Vegas until you intersect Route 395 north. Proceed north to Big Pine. \nIf you are driving from Las Vegas\, get on I-15 North and take exit 42A to merge onto US-95N toward Reno. After 116 mi. you’ll enter Beatty\, Nevada. Turn right\, continuing on US 95 N for 51.7 mi. and turn left at Lida Junction onto NV-266W. Stay on NV 266W (entering California) for 40.1 miles\, then continue onto CA-266 N. for 4.4 miles. Then take a slight left onto CA-168W and continue for 37.6 miles until it ends by intersecting US-395. Turn left (south). The turnoff (right) onto Baker Creek Road is in 0.3 miles. \nA longer but scenic route: take Interstate 95 north to Beatty\, Nevada. In Beatty\, turn left (west) on route 374\, which will bring you into Death Valley National Park and Intersect with Route 190. Take route 190 west approximately 85 miles until it intersects with route 395 North. Take 395 North for approximately 45 miles until you come to Big Pine. \nBaker Creek Campground: \nBig Pine is a small town\, and it stretches for little more than a few blocks along route 395. \nHeading north out of Big Pine you’ll pass the post office on the right. Go ¼ mile further and turn left on Baker Creek Road. Follow Baker Creek Rd. straight for 1 mile and you will be facing the kiosk/information board for the campground. Bear left and follow the road around the campground until you see the small pond on the right. \nTravel:\nIf coming by plane: The nearest major airports are Las Vegas\, Nevada and Los Angeles\, CA. Often participants will carpool\, sharing expenses of a rental car\, or gas and mileage costs if someone is local or bringing a vehicle. We will provide you with addresses and phone numbers of other participants if you wish to explore this option. \n\nFood and Lodging\n\n\nFood:\nThe responsibility for food during the preparation and post-quest phases is up to the individual participant. Big Pine contains a small market and a few restaurants. Twelve miles north of Big Pine is a larger community — Bishop — which has a much larger and well-stocked supermarket. It is common for participants to share meals and rides into town for purposes of getting supplies. \nLodging:\nMost participants in a vision-fasting quest choose to camp for the preparation and return phases of the quest\, and there is camping space available. However\, there are those who prefer to stay in other accommodations during these phases. There is lodging (motels) in both Big Pine and Bishop. The choice and responsibility for accommodations is up to the individual quester. \n\nGear List\n\n\nDownload the Gear Checklist URL:https://www.questforvision.com/event/vision-quest-death-valley-california/ LOCATION:Big Pine\, California\, Baker Creek Campground\, Big Pine\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:Vision Quests ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.questforvision.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/VQ-Death-Valley-100_0151.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Sparrow Hart":MAILTO:sparrow@together.net END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250814 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250825 DTSTAMP:20260428T053150 CREATED:20180529T163206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240714T185114Z UID:722-1755129600-1756079999@www.questforvision.com SUMMARY:Vision Quest\, Somerset Lake\, Vermont DESCRIPTION:Guided by: Sparrow Hart\n\n\n Vision Quest Somerset Lake\, VT\n $1\,595.00\n\n \n \n \n \n Vision Quest Somerset Lake\, VT quantity\n \n \n\n Add to cart\n\n \n\n \n\n\n \n \n Category: Vision Quest\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\nDiscover Your Purpose\, Passion\, and Path… your Nature in Nature …  \n \nThe fertile Earth reveals herself in lush woodlands\, streams\, and lakes. Moose wander a forest thick with ferns and moss-covered boulders. Beaver ponds and the lake’s glassy water reflect mountains and sky. Life abounds – almost erupts – as geese honk\, ducks quack\, and loons call across the distance. Beaver and otter patrol the shoreline as eagle and osprey dive for fish. Hiking assessment: Moderate – about 2-1/2 miles\, rolling to mostly flat. \nFor a more-detailed description\, see What is a Vision Quest? \n\nFAQs\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n I feel drawn to do this\, but it seems overwhelming. How do I know if I’m ready? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Everyone has fear when approaching a vision fast\, even those of us who have gone out twenty times or more. \nRemember that you do not do it all at once. From our living room it seems an enormous leap\, but it is in fact many smaller steps\, each one do-able. We write a letter of intent\, arrange our schedule\, make travel plans\, pack. We arrive in a new place\, meet our guide and companions\, and tell our stories. In a small group we share our fears\, address physical and safety needs\, learn about ceremony and what to expect\, practice sleeping out under the stars. By the time we walk alone out of base camp\, we have already left behind most of the fears and questions that seem so imposing to us now. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n I am currently taking medication. Would I have to go off it to do a vision quest? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n That question is between you and your physician. There are some medications that it may make sense to lower the dosage or do without during the fasting phase. For some conditions that is out of the question\, and many of these medicines should not be taken on an empty stomach. \nMany people who have to take medication have undergone vision quests\, bringing with them small amounts of crackers\, juice\, or other supplements to allow them to continue a healing regimen. \nMedicine is about becoming whole: physically\, emotionally\, and spiritually. Taking care of you physical health is important. It is not ‘cheating.’ A vision quest contains many kinds of ‘medicine\,’ for healing the heart\, soul\, and spirit. Remember that you will be alone\, in wilderness without books\, conversation\, electric lights\, hot showers\, and entertainment. You will be ‘fasting’ in many other ways. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n There are vision quests offered in various parts of the country. What difference might this make in my quest experience? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n In thinking about a vision quest\, you might consider it as an interaction between ‘set’ and ‘setting.’ ‘Set’ encompasses what you bring to the experience – emotions\, expectations\, motivations\, intentions\, etc. – while setting is what appears to be outside – landscape\, climate and weather\, animals\, etc. \nYour set\, whether positive or challenging (desires and demons\, purposes and fears) will likely be the same regardless of where you undertake a vision quest\, while the settings can vary widely in different locations and different times of the year. \nParticular settings do have unique qualities and differing energies. Death Valley is a land of grand vistas and immense space\, is dominated by the elements of air and fire\, while\, Vermont\, and with its wildlife\, streams\, and lakes embodies the elements of earth and water. (A more detailed description of sites is provided on the website www.questforvision.com) \nSome people consider it important to quest within the area and ecology closest to where they live\, while others feel drawn to go outside of what is familiar to them. However\, a quest always involves the encounter between the known and unknown\, and the desire to discover what is unknown and wanting to emerge in ourselves will lead us to approach even the most familiar settings in new and unusual ways. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n Couldn’t I go out in the woods by myself and do this alone? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Yes\, you could\, but it would be very different. Although the core of the vision questing process is solitary\, traditionally this activity was never done alone. There have always been guides\, mentors\, and shamans who prepared the initiate to cross the threshold into the sacred world. These same guides were there when the initiate returned\, to help him/her make sense of the journey and translate vision into the forms and terms of social and everyday life. \nIf our intention is to journey beyond the self we know and are familiar with\, leaving the preparation in the hands of that self is poor strategy. “Old tapes\,” habits\, and repetitious ways of looking at the world can easily accompany us into the wilderness and back. There are important teachings about ritual\, ceremony\, physical preparation\, and the methodology of the questing process that we would not get if we were doing this alone. And the presence of guides and companions who provide different perspectives\, compassionate mirroring\, honest feedback\, and stories in which we see ourselves in new ways is an invaluable resource. \nGoing it alone can be powerful. Fasting\, solitude\, and the contact with the spirit in nature are excellent teachers. But the instruction involved in the preparation phase and the emotional support and help in integrating one’s story make it a qualitatively different experience. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n Do I have to be in good physical shape or experienced in camping or hiking? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Many people have undergone a vision fast with little or no camping experience. You will be sent an equipment list long before you leave home and be well-instructed in safety procedures and shelter techniques during the preparation phase. The basics\, such as backpack\, sleeping bag\, etc.\, can often be borrowed from a friend or rented from camping equipment stores if you don’t have them. We can sometimes be of help (especially in Vermont programs) recommending or providing equipment. \nIf you can walk for a mile and a half with a backpack on\, you are likely in good enough physical condition to participate in a quest. Since people often enroll months in advance\, you can practice walking with a pack and build endurance if you are in doubt. Over the years people with various physical disabilities and conditions have been able to successfully undertake vision quests. \nDuring the solo time\, your activity level will be up to you. Some questers are very active while fasting\, undertaking long walks\, performing ceremonies\, or staying up through the night\, while others are quiet or contemplative\, staying in a relatively small area. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n I don’t know if I can go four days without eating? Is this something a normal person can do? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Surprisingly\, fasting is rarely a problem for anyone. Eating is highly conditioned by routines\, schedules\, or stimuli such as the smell of food. Or it can often be driven by unconscious emotions\, such as escaping from stress. Away from the everyday patterns and habits of our lives\, it is a much different experience. \nHunger itself is usually momentary and fleeting during the first two days of a fast. Later\, it often disappears altogether. The main purpose and effect of fasting is the expansion of awareness and the change of consciousness it engenders. There can be physical challenges to not eating\, such as a lower level of energy\, but hunger is unlikely to be one of them. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n What do I need to do to prepare for a Vision Quest? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n 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. \nParticipation 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. \nWhatever 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. \nGood 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. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n a\n \n\n \n\n \n What typically happens on a Vision Quest? \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Upon your arrival\, we will establish our preparation or base camp. Having said good-bye to friends and family\, having left home and packed the equipment and belongings deemed necessary\, one’s purpose becomes focused and clarified. Four days of council are devoted to completing your preparation. Others may be preparing with you and\, though focused on their own solitary quest; their presence lends support and provides insight. Friendships and a deep sense of spiritual community are unexpected blessings. \nThe days will pass quickly and there is much to be done. Our meetings will focus on creating physical and emotional balance; refining and clarifying one’s myths\, goals\, and life story\, and how these relate to your purpose. You will receive instruction on traditional forms and vision quest “events:” creating ceremony and ritual\, the mirroring aspects of nature; myths\, and allegories of the vision quest; the dynamics of fasting; safety procedures; medicine wheel teachings\, and ritual forms of purification and attunement. You will be helped to integrate these teachings into your personal worldview and situation. \nWe then journey to an area where you will find your place of power\, where you will live alone for four days and nights. In sunrise ceremony you will take your leave and cross the threshold into the Sacred World. During this time you will be completely alone\, but close enough to base camp to receive aid\, should you need it. Once a day you will visit a designated place (your stone pile)\, leaving a sign that communicates your safety. Other than this minimal requirement\, your time is yours to be in intimate contact with nature in its many forms\, with yourself and the Spirit-in-all-things. \nReturning to base camp marks the beginning of incorporation. There you will be welcomed with simple ceremony and the sharing of food. With reflection and celebration\, we begin the journey back into the human world. The work of incorporation is to again take on the cloak of our civilized life and to wear it lightly and gracefully. \nThis phase of the program lasts three days. After washing off the dirt and dust of wilderness we will feast together\, observing the fast-paced world we left behind. We will participate in an Elder’s Council\, sharing stories of our time in the “Sacred World.” Your story will be attentively witnessed and listened to\, and you will be assisted in finding your truths and meanings\, owning your gifts\, and claiming your power. \nHow are the seeds we bring back to be planted in the daily world with its dysfunction and distraction? How can we protect what is important and sacred\, nurture it\, and make it grow? What gifts do we have to give to our people? We must ask and answer these questions if our vision is to guide us in daily life. We must find a way to say\, “Yes!” to life as it is to be effective and give thanks for the gifts we’ve been given. \nAfter we have held our councils\, had our feasts\, and shared our ceremonies we must part. With renewed commitment and gratitude for the insight\, rich experience\, and friendship we have shared\, it is time to walk our “path with heart\,” re-entering the world we left behind to make real our vision. There the living work of the vision quest awaits us. \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n\nEnrollment\n\n\nCosts and Registration: The cost of a vision quest program is $1395 if a participant registers 30 days or more in advance\, $1595 thereafter.  Advance registration with a non-refundable deposit of $400 is required\, with the balance due 30 days prior to the start of the program. \nUpon receipt of your registration and deposit\, you will be sent a preparation packet containing a guidebook on vision questing\, as well as other information related to transportation\, equipment\, recommended readings\, etc. In addition\, you will be expected to write a letter of intent and return a health questionnaire and liability release form. \nThink seriously about whether you are ready to do this before you commit. Indecision and anxiety — especially as the quest dates approach — are a common experience\, and the choice to act from our purposes and intentions rather than our fears is an important and empowering decision. Should unavoidable circumstances make your participation impossible\, your deposit — if you notify us at least a month prior to your scheduled starting date — may be applied toward another program taking place within a year of your registration. You will receive a full refund for any courses canceled by Circles of Air and Stone\, although this happens rarely. \nIf your intent to undertake a quest is sincere and you cannot currently afford the full cost of the program\, payment plans and/or scholarship assistance can sometimes be worked out depending on need\, circumstances\, and available funds — through calling or emailing the office. The world we live in has huge disparities of wealth and income\, and people have very different perspectives on what is inexpensive\, affordable\, or extravagant. We offer this option for up to two participants on each program. \nScheduling: \nThe experience of a vision quest is profound\, and it has the potential to be a pivotal point in major life transitions. We highly recommend declaring your intention early to allow for a thorough preparation. Early enrollment facilitates scheduling\, since courses often fill up; makes travel arrangements simpler and more economical; and it prevents any unnecessary cancellations of programs. \n\nDirections\n\n\nDirections:\nWe will meet on the porch of the Putney Co-op at 9:30 AM on the first day of the quest. Programs finish around Noon on the last day. \nThe town of Putney is located off Interstate 91\, at Exit 4 in Vermont. Interstate 91 runs north-south through western New England. Coming from the east\, I-91 may be intersected via routes 101 and 9 in New Hampshire\, Route 2 in Massachusetts\, or I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike). From the west\, I-91 is intersected via Routes 7 and 9 through Albany NY\, Interstate 90 in Springfield\, MA\, and I-84 in Hartford\, CT. From the north\, I-91 is met by I-89 in White River Jct.\, VT. \nUpon taking exit 4\, follow the signs to Putney. You will be looking for the Putney Co-op\, which is on the south end of the town of Putney. If you have been traveling north on Interstate 91\, you will turn left at the end of the freeway exit and proceed up the hill. At the top of the hill the Putney Co-op will be directly across the street from you. \nIf you have been traveling south on I-91\, you will turn right at the end of the exit\, proceeding north on Route 5. In less than 1/4 mile\, the Putney Co-op will be on your left. \nTravel: \nIf coming by plane or bus: The nearest major airports are in Hartford\, CT\, Manchester\, NH\, Boston\, MA\, and Albany\, NY. There are smaller airports in Burlington\, VT and Keene\, NH\, the Keene airport being the closest. There is a bus service from any of these airports\, and from most cities in the New England/New York area to Brattleboro\, VT. Brattleboro is approximately 10 miles south of Putney. If you make arrangements in advance\, we can most likely pick you up at the bus station in Brattleboro. \nOften participants will carpool; sharing the expenses of a rental car\, or gas and mileage costs if someone is local or brings a vehicle. A month before the start of the program\, we will provide you with email addresses and phone numbers of the other participants if you wish to explore this option. \n\nFood and Lodging\n\n\nFood:\nThe responsibility for food during the preparation and post-quest phases is up to the individual participant. There are several small\, but good restaurants in the center of Putney\, as well as a general store and a co-op with excellent produce and health food items. We will be meeting about 5 miles from the center of town\, which makes it quite accessible for provisions and supplies. Sharing of meals\, rides\, etc. among the participants often is the case. \nLodging: \nMost participants in a vision-fasting quest choose to camp for the preparation and return phases of the quest\, and there is camping space available. However\, there are those who prefer to stay in other accommodations during these phases\, and there are many motels and inns available within 30 minute drive from our meeting area. The choice and responsibility for accommodations is up to the individual quester. \n\nGear List\n\n\nDownload the Gear Checklist URL:https://www.questforvision.com/event/vision-quest-somerset-lake-vt/ LOCATION:Somerset Lake\, Vermont\, VT\, United States CATEGORIES:Vision Quests ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.questforvision.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/somerset-lake_2518.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Sparrow Hart":MAILTO:sparrow@together.net END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR