This nine-day program will be begin at Cabine Soleil, a retreat center near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The program will move on the 2nd day to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, where we have have permission to use First Nations land, with its resident herd of wild horses, for our base camp. We’ll return to Cabine Soleil for the last night of the program.
This is a classic Vision Quest program in the tradition of Rites of Passage , which has offered this program for over 35 years. The first 3 days are Severance or preparation time for the solo. Meeting in Council sessions, the group will explore a range of subjects related to the Vision Quest solo, including safety-related issues: flora/fauna, weather-related concerns (heat, cold, lightning), essential first aid, our buddy system, and tarp-tying. The group will also explore eco-spiritual tools that can be of great value in preparing, such as the Medicine Wheel teachings, exploration of Intent and development of a Confirmation Sentence, self-generated ceremonial practices, and teachings from the Death Lodge. Group members will have several hours to follow their calling to find a solo site to hold them in the wilderness for days and nights. The final 3 days, following the return from the solo, will be devoted to taking the necessary steps of return or Incorporation in a fully conscious way. This process begins with a Council session where each participant has the opportunity to tell the story of their Vision Quest solo and to receive essential feedback and confirmation from staff regarding what has been achieved.
