Vision quest: 

The vision quest is an initiation ritual that is presented to young men but also to some elders. Tests of mental strengths and spiritual determination are trials in a vision quest. After being purified in the sweat-lodge, the participant climbs the side of a hill, into a cave or in a hole where he will stay alone, sometimes almost nude for four days and four nights.  

Hanblecheya in Lakota language means a cry for a vision. During the quest, there is complete fasting. Addressing the Creator, the participant awaits for a vision that will inform him of his destiny. The vision can come in different forms, a visit from an animal, a day dream and the appearance of lightning is perceived as powerful signs. Upon returning, after another visit in the sweat-lodge, he finds a medicine man who will interpret the vision. The vision quest is an ancient transitional ritual that connects the beginnings and ends of different times of life.  

This same ritual was used by numerous tribes on Turtle Island in order to find answers and/or personal direction as well as to clarify situations and intentions. In traditional societies, the vision quest was a ritual of passage that marked the life of an individual, the end of an important period and the beginning of another. The vision quest can be done by one person, who in the middle of nature, faces the elements and ones self. Adapted to modern society, it takes shape in the form of a guided, organized expedition for those who are searching for direction or a new sense to their lives.  

One often takes this path in a time of doubt, when questioning ones life, in a time of mourning, of separation etc. The vision quest is another way to be in touch with ones self in order to receive or hear the soft voice of our guide. A vision is just another term to express the fact that information comes from the invisible or spirit world. The invisible or spiritual world is as concrete as our physical world. In the beginning of a spiritual path, it is easier to be secluded in a closed space where the energy is easier to feel, see or hear. Therefore, the vision quest is the appropriate moment to receive a message that can guide us, as well as our role through our present life or identify our next step in our everyday life.  

The vision quest is composed of many elements that can be challenging. Being isolated from normal routine, and retreating to an isolated area, fasting 4 days and 4 nights in the wild, totally alone. This voyage demands courage and the ability to be open to other ways of understanding or insights that facilitates being face to face with ones self without anything other than nature itself. The novice learns to see things differently, to observe signs, which nature decides to reveal and discovers the secrets and mysteries that the soul holds.  

The vision quest is nothing more than a rest period or treatment. It can even be a painful experience, facing ones fears and demons. This approach recalls the mythic and legendary stories where heroes faced combat without mercy. Confronting the worst obstacles and conquering all sorts of monsters, finally to emerge, transformed and free of their restraints. In order to grasp the meaning of the vision quest practiced by the autochthons of North America, it is important to understand the foundation of their spirituality. For them, the divine and religion are closely related to Mother Earth and manifests itself in all creation.  

There is no hierarchy amongst the living species or a separation between life on earth and the beyond. It is with this constant interaction between the different spirit species that they receive answers or inspirations, in the form of visions or dreams. While we say that we have ideas or invented theories, the autochthons claim they receive them from the force of nature.  

To the natives, an invention is not the result of a genius but a gift bestowed to the inventor by the spirits. Many believe the reappearance of these traditional rituals is the result of our search for global spirituality, of our worries about protecting the environment and of the species in danger of extinction. Traditionally, the vision quest was a ritual to signify the passage from adolescence to adulthood. Today men and women of all ages and cultures practice this ritual. As a tool of self fulfilment, the vision quest is recommended to those ready to change their way of existence, or their understandings. It can be the stepping stone towards the strength within, to surpass their limits. 

Many participants testify to the fact that the vision quest gave a new sense to their lives. The vision quest is sometimes used in cases, for specific psychotherapies. In 1973 psychotherapist, Tom Pinkson, PH.D, conducted studies on the effects of outdoor activities which the vision quest was used to treat young relapsing heroine addicts. His studies, over the year, revealed that the time of reflection imposed had positive after-effects. For 20 years, he used this approach with people with dependence issues and the terminally ill. 

However before entertaining this method, the master of the ceremony has to assure that the experience will have no risk to the health of the participants.