Preparing for the Vision
By Tasha Blackrose

The vision quest is a spiritual as well as a physical journey. The objective of which is usually a spiritual awakening/revelation of some kind. A power animal or animals (guardian spirit) may be discovered. Each animal helps you in different ways and signifies different things in your life. The intended goal is not always that which is achieved. It might be a surprise, something you did not expect, yet it is a new view on life or awakening that has a profound effect on your life. I have recently gone on a vision quest. I spent three days and two nights at a pond in the Adirondack Mountains. My life has not changed radically but I did receive insights into my life and learned of ways to substantially better myself. I also learned that I am currently working with two power animals. Actually, one is an insect, Dragonfly, the other is Snake.

This journey begins with some preparation. You must decide if this is something for you to do at this moment in your life. Some have no choice, they know they must seek a vision, for their life is going nowhere or in the wrong direction. They need to find a path for themselves. You also need to take a good look at your present life. You will need to prepare for the death of that self and the birth of a new you. This sounds like it would be something to be looked forward to, but when the time comes you may not want to leave your old self behind. It is an experience like physical death and you will probably fear it like such. Some are so fed up with their lives that the fear is minimal or nonexistent. I was very afraid, afraid of what I might learn about myself. I was also scared that I would not succeed in my quest.

The next part is the actual separation, for here you will go out into the wilderness and to be alone and fast while waiting for the vision. Expect to spend at least one night alone in the wilderness. Spend up to four days (perhaps longer if you are not fasting) until you feel the time is right to ask for a vision. The vision is unfortunately not always clear and may require some interpretation. Do not ignore the vision when it comes, try to live the vision. The vision may not come during this journey. Do not give up if it does not come, it will come when you try again some other time. You may choose to cry (with tears or with your voice) for a vision. The vision may also come in pieces during the days before you decide to ask/cry. Some tribes do go out with a guide or another person to be with them on a quest.

Find an area of wilderness not frequented by people, an area where campfires are allowed and you are not trespassing on private property. Please let someone know where you will be, at least the general area. Also give them a day and time that would be your latest time of emergence. It is best to become familiar with camping and hiking techniques before you leave. Take classes or read books on these subjects. Talk to others who know what to bring, how to pack and safety in hiking and camping. Call your local Department of Conservation, they can help you find information.

During your stay you might choose to fast (do bring water or make sure you have a good water source in the area). Many believe that fasting further prepares the soul. You may wish to try fasting at home before you go out where help is less available. Spend your time in any way you choose. I strongly suggest you do not plan an agenda but go where the moment takes you. You may wish to create a circle of stones to sit within or just sit and meditate. Keeping a journal of your quest is a good idea.

Some have said the spirits have given them a name while on a quest. This is a name you will probably not tell anyone. You may chose to tell those who are close to you. It most likely will not be a name you are called publicly. You may also discover which power animal(s) or totem(s) you are currently working with. The animal may make a physical appearance. It may show up in some other manner. Perhaps in meditation or a dream, otherwise its identity will be discovered during a vision. After the quest, when the identity of the power animal is known you should try to understand what the animal(s) mean to your life. This can be done in a number of ways. If there is more than one animal discover each animal separately. One way is to reflect upon what you think the animal represents or signifies. What qualities does it have? How does it live? Ask as many questions as you can think of, answer them as best you can. Perhaps visit the library. Another way is to ask a knowledgeable person, a shaman is the best choice. I do understand not all of us know a shaman, although there are others who might help you interpret you animal and vision. One more way is to find books to help understand the animal. I suggest that you do not use any dream interpretation books, because they are not relevant under these circumstances. A vision is much more than a dream!

When you leave the wilderness with a vision the hardest task is now before you. This is the task of living the vision, taking the vision back to the life beyond the womb of Earth Mother. You are born anew, but you will return to the same place from whence you came. The life you left will look different because you are different. In extreme cases people have left their former lives behind after a vision. Follow the vision, it is you.