Any suggestions for a vision quest?

[GliderGuider]

I'm planning a three-day vision quest for next week (Sunday morning to Wednesday morning), and I'm looking for suggestions. Here's what I have planned so far:

I'll be doing it alone, in the Southern Ontario (Canada) woods at a location I've already scouted. The place has excellent energy, and is watched over by my totem (the vulture).
I'll be opening sacred space in a ten-foot diameter circle, marked out by a natural fiber rope.
I'll be dedicating the four cardinal points to qualities I've chosen: East for awakening, South for passion, West for grounding, North for wisdom.
I'll be smudging myself and the circle.
I will take into the circle only a mat, a blanket, my journal and water.
Clothing will be minimal, but will include a poncho for rain.
No food.
No cell phone (I'll be about a kilometer from the closest phone).
No bug spray :-)
I will spend the entire time in the circle, except for bio-breaks.
Most of the time I expect to spend in meditation or just sitting. I don't plan to sleep, but I won't beat myself up if I doze off.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? Is there anything I've missed?

[Delphinus]

1. Ooh, Glider,

it sounds like you've got all that you need - except a watcher. Is there anyone who can check in on you?

[GliderGuider]

2. I've decided not to have a watcher during the quest.

I'll be in the woods behind my parents' farm. I've told them to come looking for me if I'm not back by Wednesday night, but under no circumstances to come out before then. They've agreed to that. Basically I want to be utterly on my own for three days, but to be assured I'll be found before my totems have finished me...

[Delphinus]

18. Ok.

Sounds like you're good to go - I cannot WAIT to hear about it!!

Be well, my friend ... may this bring you all you need, want, and desire.

[GliderGuider]

19. Thank you. I'll post the story late next week.

In the meantime, if any of you are traveling in the Upper World between Sunday and Wednesday, and see a aging pot-bellied guy with a shaved head wandering around with a confused expression, be sure and say hi :hi:

[OneGrassRoot]

3. I have no suggestions to offer...

but I wish you all that you wish for yourself in this quest.

And, if you are so inclined, I can't WAIT to hear about this experience when you return.

Fantastic!

Godspeed, GliderGuider :applause:

:hug:

[kentauros]

6. I second that for wishing you the best and

wanting to know all about it when you return :D

I know this is one of those spiritual journey events that I have found difficult to recreate in fiction without having first experienced it, too. I may have to pick your brain(s) on some things ;)

Good luck!

[winyanstaz]

4. Sounds like you are on the right track

However, there are bio-degradable bug sprays that wont break any rules or hurt any bugs but will allow you to focus better. Even us Native Americans used bug repellents you know :P
Yarrow is an excellent one and there are some already made on the market..one I use is a citrus based one and it works well. You just have to put it on more often.
Remember your Totem will show itself in 4 ways and/or do something to show you it is from Spirit. I hope you get a Power Song as well. :)
Blessed Be in your quest.

[kentauros]

5. I didn't know that about Yarrow.

What part of the plant is used as a repellent?

I have read that catnip oil will effectively repel mosquitoes, though I don't know about other bugs.

[winyanstaz]

11. you make an infusion of the flower tops....

[kentauros]

14. Okay, thanks

:)

I assume you then spray or rub it on...
I've used yarrow in the past for internal healing, so this is new info.

[winyanstaz]

15. yw...you can also add catnip leaves to your tea...also citrus works as well

and yes spray or rub it on.

[GliderGuider]

8. The bug spray thing isn't about not harming the bugs

I know there are non-harmful bug repellents like citronella. It's about the process. Part of the point of a vision quest is to have a direct, unmediated interaction with nature, and bug repellent puts up an artificial barrier that can't help but be alienating at some level. I'm having a hard enough time with the idea of clothing and a bit of rain gear. The other point of letting the bugs in is that some level of physical discomfort is valuable for bringing your awareness to your body. I also understand that bug bites are traditional. :-)

I'll keep an eye out for the four ways, and an ear out for the Power Song, thanks.

[winyanstaz]

16. When I take my students for vision quests or out of body to get their Totems...

we put the body to sleep and keep the mind awake.
To access the Universal mind we hold our mind still/one pointedness and it will turn inwards to the Universal mind.
Being aware of the body will only snap you back to the physical plane.
When we dont eat, let go of the mundane world by going off alone, focus on our intent, don't have people around or outside distractions etc, it is to help us focus and turn inwards.
If your intent is strong enough however..it will not matter what is going on...even bugs biting.
I wish you all the best.

[MagickMuffin]

7. You've got it covered, however, if it were me I'd still take my cell phone

just to be safe. You can turn it off, but it would be there with you in case there was a serious emergency and you couldn't make it to the closest phone.

Good Luck on your Quest!

[GliderGuider]

10. I understand, but I don't want to leave myself too many outs.

The question that comes up for me around this is, at what point does wanting to have a "hard-core" experience turn into an ego-driven display? I do trust that if my resistance to softening the experience is egoic, the universe will eventually point that out to me...

[Pharaoh]

9. I would have a fire in the circle

even if you need to make it bigger.

Goodluck.

[GliderGuider]

12. Thanks, on reflection I think I'll do that.

That would give me all four elements - earth, air, water and fire. :thumbsup:

[Pharaoh]

13. And warmth

and the smoke will keep alot of the bugs away:party:

[Pharaoh]

17. I would take

some fruit juice also.

[GliderGuider]

20. I just realized that the full moon and a lunar eclipse will both happen when I'm out there.

How cool is that?

[Delphinus]

21. Apropos

for what you are seeking, I would think.

Have a great journey!

[winyanstaz]

22. I also found a great video on making a tinture of yarrow and oil and alcohol...

for a bug spray....

here you go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmr9nWy0i0g&feature=channel