Vision Quest Ceremony 2 - Onto the Hill and Into the Pit

Vision Quest Ceremony 2 - Onto the Hill and Into the Pit

It was late afternoon when Michael, one of Brad’s friends and mentor, stopped by to tell us that it was time. Catrina donned her ceremonial dress, Brad stripped to the waist and they gathered all their quest supplies. They walked hand in hand down the dirt road that led to the sweat lodge. The rest of the camp was waiting for them, including us.

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Vision Quest Ceremony – Part 1

 Vision Quest Ceremony – Part 1

We moved closer to the lodge, sat quietly and listened. Harold spoke for a brief time, but we could not hear his words. Singing ensued, a few more words from Harold and about 15 minutes later, the flap finally opened and people began emerging. One woman was going on her quest that evening and she remained in the lodge. She would be escorted to her quest site by the group and we were allowed to tag along to observe the proceedings. Other members of the group provided guidance and we paid careful attention to protocol.

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Preparing for the Lakota Vision Quest – Part 2

Preparing for the Lakota Vision Quest – Part 2

Throughout the day, we would gather together in a shady area... they would be working assiduously and we'd be looking on, asking questions and observing their activities. As they painstakingly completed their tasks, they patiently answered our many queries. We wondered and asked when the actual ceremony would take place and Brad answered 'when it's time'.

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