Alice Springs, Central Australia
Details for the 2008 Vision Quest
can be found here [Vision
Quest 2008]
 The
Vision Quest is one of the most powerful and enduring experiences which is
available to us in our contemporary society.
It is an opportunity to step
outside of all the routines of everyday life and see one’s self and one’s life
through a new set of lenses. Drawing upon the ritual and traditions of
indigenous cultures from around the world, and framed by the spiritual landscape
of Australia, the Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society [SOTEMS] takes each
participant into the wilderness to encounter the opening of a personal,
spiritual pathway, a cleansing and renewal so that each may return regenerated.
There are few opportunities like this within our contemporary society wherein we
can step out of everyday life and submit ourselves to a process which clears our
horizons. It is a peerless experience.
Some of the Questers from NSW in the Central Desert
The Vision Quest involves:
- A meditation in nature, alone, within a medicine wheel
- It occurs in a place which speaks to you and you alone
- It spans three days and three nights
- It requires the discipline of fasting and diminished sleep
- It involves facing the east each morning as the sun crosses the horizon so
that Spirit may speak and renew you
- You are given songs and meditations which enrich and focus your vigil and
search
- It begins and ends with the traditional purification of the sweat lodge
ceremony
- There is the opportunity to share your story and to have your personal
needs for integration of the experience met
- It is overall, a ceremony of transition and renewal
- For one week before the quest proper begins, you will be required to do
daily meditations. Once you are registered for the quest, the details of these
practices will be supplied to you
Throughout and beyond the vigil, you are supported by highly trained,
professional personnel from SOTEMS, the Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society.
Being a wilderness area we use satellite phones for emergency communication and
the safety of our participants which is paramount.
The Vision Quest Leader
Dr. Ralph Locke
Dr. Ralph Locke, the Ceremonial Leader of SOTEMS, who is an initiated shaman
and medicine person within Native American Traditions and who has worked with
healers and shamans in many cultures. He has been conducting Vision Quests for
over 20 years.
The Location
The Vision Quest is held in wilderness areas so that there is no contact with
the circumstances of everyday life and immersion in Nature is maximised. Care is
taken to select an area, which does not cause any distress for Aboriginal
people.
Breakfast after the Fast at Alice
In 2007 the Quest near Alice Springs Northern Territory will be held from September 6 - 11 (Three day Quest) or September 6 - 13
September (Five day Quest) Participants should arrange to
travel to Alice Springs where they will be met and transported to the Quest
location on 5th September, 2007.
Building the Sweat Lodge
REGISTRATION
Please download the application form [
VQ Application Form] and complete it
and send this together with a deposit of $150 made out to SOTEMS to
- Dr. Ralph Locke
Box 525, Freemantle 6959
FOR THE VISION QUEST IN ALICE SPRINGS
For specific information or to register your interest
about the Central Australian Vision Quest
please contact Dr. Ralph
Locke (08) 93351145
Participants intending to do the five or ten day quest must
first discuss this with Dr. Locke as it takes considerably greater preparation.
Please click here [Vision
Quest 2008] for further details
Upon registration a package of information will be sent which covers:
- Preparation for the Quest
- What you should bring
- Travel and meeting arrangements
- Follow up arrangements
- A request for information on your personal health status and needs
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