Rites Of Passage
Many cultures see rites of passages as ceremonies where life’s transitions are marked or celebrated. Life transitions may include the shift from adolescence to adulthood, marriage, divorce, the death of a loved one, or the desire to leave behind dysfunctional behaviors, relationships, or addictions.
Perhaps the most widely recognized rite of passage is the Vision Quest. The Vision Quest is the act of symbolically passing from one life stage to another. The Quester actively shifts from a place of “letting go” to a place of “new beginnings.” Like most interpersonal work, the vision quest is a process, one that involves three distinct stages.
The first stage of vision quest is severance. It was within this stage that medieval knights abandoned the safety and security of their castle and began the search for the Holy Grail. Severance was taking place when Jacob, son of Isaac, sent his wives and children across the river while he waited up alone seeking a vision from God. When young adults leave behind the safety and comfort of the village for the first time to seek a name, an ally, or a vision of their life’s path, they are severing their ties to the comfort and familiarity of their family, their village and their childhood.
The second stage of vision quest is the threshold. The threshold is crossed when the initiate enters the Sacred World alone and ready to go beyond the limits and boundaries of the former self. It is within the sacred space of the threshold that the Quester marks or celebrates in ceremony that which is to be left behind, embraced, or made new. Some Questers cross the threshold in order to ritualize an ending, some a transition and some a beginning. To others this is the time and place to seek insight, guidance, clarity, or a vision of how they may enrich their life, the lives of their family, or their community.
The third stage of the vision quest is incorporation. Incorporation is the return to a world unchanged; yet seen anew, as if through the eyes of a newborn. Upon return to the family, village, or community the Quester begins the process of sharing through words and/or actions how their insight, clarity, or vision can be a catalyst for change.
The Vision Quest is a four-day wilderness experience where participants are given the opportunity to ask difficult, often life changing questions:
Who am I alone without the comfort and safety of Community, Family and Friends?
What are the driving forces in my life?
What is my Purpose in life?
What prevents me from moving forward with My Life?
How do I create Beauty and Joy in My Life?
Who and What is truly Important in My Life?
Vision Quest is a commitment to meet the True Self, an opportunity to stretch and grow through a four-day fast from all things familiar.
Vision Quest is a commitment to Personal Growth.
Vision Quest is four days alone in Nature stilling the Body, quieting the Mind, opening the Heart and Embracing Spirit.
Vision Quest is A Wilderness Rite Of Passage and a Pathway to Spiritual Fulfillment.
Michael Conway