In traditional societies, the quest for vision was a rite of passage that marked the end of an important period in an individual’s life and the beginning of another. The quest for vision is practiced alone, in the heart of nature, facing the elements and yourself. Adapted to our modern societies, it takes the form of an expedition organized by guides for people looking for a new direction or meaning in their life. We often undertake this journey in a time of questioning, crisis, mourning, separation, etc.

The vision quest has several elements that can be confronting: separation from its usual environment, retreat to an isolated place and a solitary four-day fast in the wilderness, equipped with a minimal survival kit. This inner journey requires courage and the ability to open up to another mode of perception, which is facilitated by being in front of yourself, with no other points of reference than nature itself.

The initiate learns to see differently, to observe the signs and omens that nature sends him and to discover the secrets and mysteries that conceal his soul. The quest for vision is not a rest cure. It can even be quite a painful experience, as it involves confronting one’s inner fears and demons. The approach is reminiscent of mythical and legendary tales where the heroes had to fight mercilessly, overcome the worst obstacles and defeat all kinds of monsters to finally emerge transformed and freed from their chains.

To better understand the meaning of the quest for vision, originally practiced by the indigenous peoples of North America, it is important to understand the foundations of their spirituality. For them, the divine and religion are intimately linked to Mother Earth and are manifested in all creatures of the earth. There is no hierarchy between living species and no separation between life on earth and in the hereafter. It is from this constant interaction between the different species, all animated by a soul, that they receive a response or an inspiration in the form of visions and dreams. While we say we have ideas and invent concepts, Native Americans claim to receive them from the forces of nature. For them, an invention is not the fruit of human creative genius, but a gift instilled in the inventor by an external spirit.

Some authors believe that the reappearance of traditional rites in our society stems from our search for a more global spirituality and our concern to protect the environment. We owe Steven Foster and Meredith Little¹ for having made known the quest for vision in the 1970s, first in America, then on the European continent. Over the years, several people have contributed to the development of the practice, which in 1988 gave birth to the Wilderness Guides Council², an international movement in constant evolution. Today it is the point of reference for guides, apprentice guides and people wishing to undertake a process of spiritual healing in a natural environment. The board has also developed a code of ethics and standards of practice focused on respecting the ecosystem, oneself and others.

Traditionally, the quest for vision was mostly practiced by men to mark the transition from puberty to adolescence. Today, the men and women who take this step come from all walks of life, regardless of their status or age. As a tool of self-realization, the quest for vision is ideal for those who feel ready to transform the course of their existence. She can be a powerful springboard that will later give her the inner strength to go beyond her own limits. Several participants even affirm that the quest for vision makes it possible to find meaning in one’s life.

The quest for vision is sometimes used in specific psychotherapeutic settings. In 1973, psychotherapist Tom Pinkson, Ph.D., conducted a study on the effects of outdoor physical activity, including sight-seeking, in treating young relapsing heroin addicts. His study, spread over one year, allowed him to observe that the time for reflection imposed by the quest had had positive repercussions.³. For more than 20 years, he has used this approach with people struggling with addiction issues and also with terminally ill people.

To our knowledge, no research evaluating the effectiveness of this approach has been published in scientific journals.

• There are no formal contraindications to the quest for vision. However, before taking this step, the guide should ensure that the experience does not present any risk to the health of the participant by having him fill out a medical questionnaire. He can also ask him to consult a doctor or obtain a medical opinion to avoid any incident.

Practical details

Vision quests are available in Quebec, in other Canadian provinces, in the United States, as well as in Europe. Some quests are organized for specific age groups like 14 to 21 year olds or seniors.

Preparations for this great inner journey begin long before the group arrives at the camp base. The facilitator asks the participant to specify the meaning of his approach in a letter of intent (expectations and objectives). In addition, there is a medical questionnaire to complete, additional instructions and often a telephone interview.

Generally, the quest is done in a group (6 to 12 people) with two guides. It usually lasts eleven days and has three phases: the preparatory phase (four days); the vision quest, during which the initiate retires alone to a place chosen beforehand near the camp base where he fasts for four days; and finally, reintegration into the group with the vision received (three days).

During the preparatory phase, the guides accompany the participants in various rituals and activities aimed at fostering contact with the spiritual world. These exercises allow you to explore your inner wounds, to tame silence and nature, to face your fears (death, loneliness, fasting), to work with the two aspects of your being (bright and dark), to create your own own ritual, to communicate with other species, to enter a trance by dancing and dreaming, etc. In short, it is about learning to see differently.

Some aspects of the process can be changed, for example, going on a restricted diet instead of a full fast when a person has hypoglycemia. Finally, security measures are planned, in particular the display of a flag, as a distress signal.

For an introduction to the approach, growth centers sometimes offer workshops-conferences on the subject.

Training

To follow a formation in search of vision, it is necessary to have already lived the experience. The apprentice guide training generally lasts two weeks and is given in the field, that is to say as part of an organized vision quest.

Blue Eagle. The spiritual heritage of the Amerindians. Editions de Mortagne, Canada, 2000.

Of Algonquin descent, the author shares with us the secrets of Amerindian spirituality, a heritage he has collected from elders for twenty years. Advocating a return to harmony and unity, it addresses above all to the heart. Aigle Bleu lives near Quebec City and travels to several countries to pass on its knowledge.

Casavant Bernard. Solo: Tale of a Vision Quest. Editions du Roseau, Canada, 2000.

The author recounts his personal experience of a quest for a vision that he lived alone on an island in northern Quebec. He tells us about his moods, his vulnerability, the fabulations of his unconscious, and the hope that looms on the horizon.

Plotkin Bill. Soulcraft — Crossing Into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche, New World Library, United States, 2003.

Guide to vision quests since 1980, the author suggests that we rediscover the links that unite nature and our nature. Inspiring.

Animas Valley Institute

Very good explanation of the vision quest process. Bill Plotkin, psychologist and guide since 1980, presents the first chapter of his book Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche (click on the About Soulcraft section then on See Chapter 1).

www.animas.org

Ho Rites of Passage

The site of one of the first centers to offer vision quests in Quebec.

www.horites.com

The School of Lost Borders

The site of Steven Foster and Meredith Little, the pioneers of the vision quest in America. The links lead to many interesting references.

www.schooloflostborders.com

Wilderness Guides Council

An international body that has developed a code of ethics and standards that apply to the practice of vision-seeking and other traditional rites. The site provides a directory of guides around the world (especially English speaking).

www.wildernessguidescouncil.org