A vision quest, sometimes called a vision fast, is undertaken with other participants under the guidance of experienced wilderness facilitators. At the Seventh Quest, there are three essential phases of the experience.
 

Severance  (Departure)

This is the time of preparing for your journey. It involves severing yourself from your personal responsibilities and current way of being. Through recommended readings, journaling, and walks in nature, you will begin to discern your “Intent” for your upcoming solo adventure. The Seventh Quest guides will assist you in clarifying your Intent – your purpose for engaging in this rites of passage ceremony. They also instruct you in wilderness safety, leave-no-trace camping techniques, and self-generated ceremonies.

 

Threshold  (Trial/Initiation)

This is the heart of the vision quest. From one to four days (depending on the length of the quest), you will be alone in the wilderness on a fasting retreat, accompanied only by your emotions, thoughts, dreams, and your Intent. Without food (this is a water-only fast), shelter or companionship, you enter the threshold of the wilderness and discover what nature wants to reveal. As you perform your own ceremonies, the natural world will mirror back to you, guiding you toward a personal vision. This is your sacred time, your spiritual retreat – a time and space for healing emotions, unearthing gifts and rediscovering your true nature. The threshold time invites you to embrace a new vision of a meaningful, purpose-driven life.

  
 
 

Incorporation  (Return)

The incorporation phase of the vision quest welcomes you back into the “body” of the group and into your new life. Each person shares his or her story, while the guides honor each one, mirroring back the insights and reclaimed gifts. The guides also facilitate questers in integrating their new visions and stepping forth to share that with their communities.