Central Desert
Australia September 2010
 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.
The Vision Quest involves:
- A meditation in nature, alone, within a dreaming wheel
- It occurs in a place which speaks to you and you alone
- It spans three/five days and three/five 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 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. Rafael Locke
Dr. Rafael 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. Dr. Locke will be assisted by trained SOTEMS personnel.
The Location
The Vision Quest for 2010 will be around the following dates :
(please check closer to the time for confirmation of the following dates) :
- 2nd September to 7th September 2010 (3 day)
- 2nd September to 9th September 2010 (5 day)
- 2nd September to 13th September 2010 (10 day)
The Quest will be held near Alice Springs in a beautiful natural
setting. Participants should arrange to travel to Alice Springs where they will
be met and transported to the Quest location. It is best to arrive the day
before the Quest begins.
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.
Panorama view of the landscape
The Quest near Alice Springs Northern Territory will be held
in September 2010 for both the Three and Five day Quest. Participants should arrange to
travel to Alice Springs where they will be met and transported to the Quest
location. Further details will be made available closer to the time.
REGISTRATION
For specific information or to register your interest
about the Central Australian Vision Quest
please contact Dr. Rafael Locke (08)
9433-5586 or email
rafael43@bigpond.com
Participants intending to do the five or ten day quest must
first discuss this with Dr. Locke as it takes considerably greater preparation.
The basic VQ involves a 3-day vigil
with preparation and debriefing. A 5-day and 10-day option is available also, preferably to
experienced VQ persons.
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SOTEMS Member |
Non SOTEMS Member |
| 3 Day |
~ 2/9 - 7/9 |
$895.00 |
$ 1095.00 |
| 5 Day |
~ 7/9 - 9/9 |
$1095.00 |
$ 1295.00 |
All Participants need to be in Alice
Springs at least a day before the start of the VQ.
Please download the application form [
VQ Application Form] and
the Health Information Form [VQ
Health Information Form] and complete them both
and send this together with a deposit of $150 made out to :
- Dr. Rafael Locke
Box 525, Freemantle 6959
FOR THE VISION QUEST IN ALICE SPRINGS
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
Additional pictures of the Vision Quest Location
Acknowledgement and respect is given to the traditional owners of this land
who provide us with permission to facilitate these quests within this beautiful
site.
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Sunrise during the VQ |
Trees
within the VQ site |
Footprints in the sand |
By being still and reflective, we
develop the ability to tune in to and communicate with the nature that
surrounds us |
Sunset from camp |
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