Vision Quest

June 24, 2007

Though I am far from being a full blood Cherokee, I highly respect that

part of myself.

Some of you ask about the meaning of animal Totems.

Animal Totems show the reconizing of Native Americans of " God being

manifest in all Creatures " an understanding of many Eastern Belief

Systems.

Totems show their deepest meanings during or immediately following

a " Vision Quest " . To see a Crow in the back yard is not the same as

asking for answers and then the crow appears instantly.

A shorter version of Vision Quest would be to sit and meditate at home.

On special occasions I sometimes go to the Sacred Cherokee Mountain

Atacoha to meditate and pray. I did for Chakra Day One. Hence, the 3

Deer had a special meaning to me.

Some info from: http://www.crystalinks.com/visionquest.html :

(This has been edited--but it is wordy!)

Vision Quest

A vision quest is a rite of passage, similiar to an initiation, in some

Native American cultures.

In traditional Lakota culture the Hanblecheyapi (vision quest,

literally " crying for a vision " ) is one of seven main rites.

Vision quest preparations involve a time of fasting, the guidance of a

tribal Medicine Man and sometimes ingestion of natural entheogens; this

quest is undertaken for the first time in the early teenage years. The

quest itself is usually a journey alone into the wilderness seeking

personal growth and spiritual guidance from the spirit, sometimes Wakan

Tanka (Great Spirit).Traditionally, the seeker finds a place that they

feel is special, and sits in a 10 foot circle and brings nothing in

from society with the exception of water. A normal Vision Quest usually

lasts two to four days within this circle, in which time the seeker is

forced to look into his soul.

It is said that a strong urge to leave the Quest area will come to the

seeker and a feeling of insanity may set in. However, the seeker

normally overcomes this by reminding him or herself of the overall

outcome of the quest, causing the mind to stop wandering on random

thoughts. The individual can generally find solace in the fact that he

or she will not die in just two to four days.

Some have claimed grand visions on their first Vision Quest while

others have not. It is an individual experience and often subject to

the emotional, spiritual, and physical make-up of the person.

Native American totems are said to be capable of speaking through all

things, including messages or instructions in the form of an animal or

bird. Generally a physical representation of the vision or message such

as a feather, fur or a rock is collected and placed in the seeker's

medicine bag to ensure the power of the vision will stay with the

individual to remind, protect or guide him.

Since the beginning of this cycle of time, humanity has returned to

nature to connect with spirit and to seek answers to problems of the

physical realms, especially in this timeline when the messages of

prophecy reveal themselves to the seeker. There is something about

being alone in the wilderness that brings us closer and more aware of

the 4 elements and our connection to a creational source. We go to seek

truths and divine realization, just as many of the ancient prophets did

in their time.

In its own way - the vision quest is an Initiation not unlike the days

of the ancient mystery school teachings where one learns about

themselves and the mysteries of the universe are often revealed to

them. It is a time of internal transformation and renewal. Who am I?

Why am I here?

In a vision quest, conditions are set up that allow the soul to move

beyond the illusions of the little self and enter the unity of the

inner whole. It is a time of fasting - praying - and being in nature.

It is a period of solitude in which we seek an inner revelation - a

vision -which grants profound meaning and direction to our life.

This initiation leads to maturity and an understanding of our

responsibility to ourselves, our society, our natural environment, and

our soul.

Though the Vision Quest is associated with Native Americans traditions -

it is practiced all over the world. (edited out rest of info-check the

site!).

Hope this enlightens some to the special people who onced lived in

freedom here!

:)

Stephen C.

June 24, 2007

Thank you, Stephen, for such a wonderful description. I was honored to be sent

out on a quest by the Lakota in Texas about 8 years. I wish I had had this

description then. It was a truly wondrous and physically uncomfortable

experience with me left in tears of joy, becoming Cat Women and also covered

with a million mosquito bites. I saw and experienced many things, to say the

least, without ingesting anything. Another time I can write about them if there

is interest.

What is also interesting to me, on this day of love, is that I am experiencing

past spiritual explorations with the posts that are happening. I am now

thinking of other things I experienced and took on and maybe this day will end

up being one of love for my younger self as she went places, took such risks and

tried things that spirit presented.

I am invited to an adult birthday party today with a ritual and wonderful women

but think I will just let my magical foster girl go and will stay home and be

still and meditate or remember.

I really did love your description, love still my Lakota friends (who live on a

reservation in South Dakota) and remain grateful for the chance I had to be with

them and learn from them.

The i wants to miss the wonderful times and explorations I have had in the past

and i am sometimes wistful with remembering, but I know now and continuing the

search is what I am to do.

In gratefulness,

Sherri

--

The high destiny of the individual is to serve rather than rule-Albert Einstein

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" Stephen AKA Master Condrey " <stephencondrey