A time of reflection, connection and transformation.
Months before the ceremony, questers set their intention by making 405 tobacco prayer ties. With sage burning, participants wrap small cotton squares of material around pinches of tobacco. What one is ready to let go of is offered, what one intends to receive is welcomed. The prayer ties, once finished are taken on the quest and used to surround one's sacred space, communicating to all of creation why we have come.
Four colors of cotton material are used representing each of the four directions: yellow for the east (physical), red for the south (emotional), black for the west (mental) and white for the north (spiritual). A single continuous strand of red cotton yarn is used to connect the prayer ties, which are wrapped around a 2-4 foot long, 2-3 inch wide stick.
Along with the prayer ties, questers also write a letter of intention, addressed to the great spirit and to be placed on the alter at the opening fire circle. Within it, questers share their fears, challenges, losses and deepest intention; why one is questing.
Participants spend three days and nights in the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on their backs, a sleeping bag and rain gear. Without food, water and our daily distractions, there is a quickening.
Questing provides the opportunity to see coyote's tricks (the ego's dance of control, fear and desire). In welcoming sadness, guilt, shame, anger and the deeper layers of rage and despair, a doorway opens. With an open mind and heart, the gift of grace flows naturally and we eventually drop into the sea of energy that words can only point towards.
The sacred fire that burns at base camp during the quest, is the same light of consciousness that burns within each of us. By welcoming and fully meeting our direct experience, the sacred fire burns away everything false. Are we ready to receive the gift of this life, the radiant consciousness that is our own true self?
What do supporters do during the quest? Hold the space energetically through prayer, meditation, mindfulness. Sharing meals, drumming and singing, helping with wood and stone collection, cleaning and organizing.... Time to read, write and play as well. We also need someone to sleep by the fire and keep it going each night. All supporters are encouraged to stay on site to keep the focus and energy. Seva (service): please consider how you can give to the community and meeting space while attending gatherings. There are many projects to participate in to help leave the space better than we found it.
Jorge will collect the questers Sunday morning. Questers please honor silence and do not speak to anyone, drink or eat anything until after the lodge. Please place your gear near the fire and immediately enter the lodge for the final two rounds. Supporters will provide your sweat clothing and any additional help.
Whopela: Immediately following the closing lodge, questers eat fruit, hydrate and get cleaned us. About 30 minutes following the lodge, we meet at the fire for the closing ceremony. Questers gather their prayer ties and offer them to the fire, one by one, with a pinch of tobacco. Words of truth are shared. Quester and supporters offer a gift of great significance to the spirit of the fire. This is usually a metaphorical object representing an aspect of our life we are releasing.
Closing the Circle of Giving and Receiving: There is never a set fee for ceremony and all are welcome to participate regardless of their ability to give. Gifts are shared following the tobacco and prayers offerings at the sacred fire, in a red envelop or material with a pouch of tobacco or prayer tie. If you have any questions, please contact Branden and he can share how he and others like to close the hoop of giving and receiving. Gifting the ceremonial leader is an important aspect of personal responsibility, respect and closure. It's making a statement to universe, "I value you this work and I am willing to give my energy to it."
Vision quest takes place at True Nature Healing Arts in Lenado, CO every June and September. Hosted by Branden Cohen, facilitated by his longtime teacher of the "Red Road," Jorge Arenivar. In great gratitude to our Lakota family on the Pine Ridge Reservation, in Allen, South Dakota for their love and support. All are welcome regardless of age, race, religion or level of experience. "The color our skin is the same color of our mother earth. We are of her and she is of us."
Logistics
Contact Branden at 970-618-0039 to reserve your place on the quest. There is a deposit required to cover Jorge's travel expenses and True Nature facility use.
Arrival: Wednesday anytime before 7PM. It is important to spend time acclimating to the land before entering the lodge Thursday morning.
Supporters are welcome to sweat Thursday morning 9am to send the questers out, Saturday 6pm and Sunday 9am to welcome questers back. Please arrive at least one hour before lodges. You are welcome to stay for the entire ceremony, camping out.
Sleeping: it is customary for both questers and supporters to set up a tent for sleeping and storing gear. If you don't have a tent, please borrow one from a friend. If you want to sleep under the stars on Wednesday that is fine. We will go into the lodge Thursday morning, exact time not known, so please be ready with your prayer ties, backpack with gear and sweat clothing by 8am. Supporters, there are a few beds available in the retreat by reservation.
What to Bring: Gear (questers): long underwear tops and bottoms, insulating layer and water proof shell. Warm hat, gloves, socks and warm boots. Do not bring cotton clothing, stick to wool or synthetics. An 8x10 tarp with and rope to create coverage. A winter rated sleeping bag and full body length pad or thermarest. Small flash light for emergency, toilet paper and plastic bag for paper waste. Lighter, sage sticks, your chanupa (prayer pipe) if you carry one and tobacco. Feminine hygiene products. Anything else will only be a distraction. Regardless of the weather, the above will keep you warm and dry. Put your sleeping bag in the highest location on your site. Think to yourself, where will water collect and put your pad and bag elsewhere.
Kitchen and Grounds: The kitchen will be set up on the deck with stove, coolers and the basics. Supporters will be responsible for organizing meals, purchasing ice for coolers and buying food. I recommend one prepared meal late in the day, for breakfast and lunch - keep it simple. It is best if someone can take the lead and organize the kitchen. It is important to offer food to the fire first, called the spirit plate. This food is fed to the spirit of the fire with love and prayers for the questers.
True Nature Healing Arts Lodging Fee and Waivers: To cover expenses of building upkeep and grounds maintenance, there is a lodging fee of $25 per person/per day this includes questers. Each guest will be asked to sign a release of liability form. Even though no one has ever bee hurt, due to our litigous culture, we have been encouraged to cover ourselves. You will also need to sign a medical information form prior to arriving so that we can be aware of your health history.
Pilamayeh (thank you), Branden
DIRECTIONS
Lenado Address: 8901 Woody Creek Road, Lenado, Colorado, Phone: 970-618-0039
From Glenwood Springs: Take highway 82 east towards Aspen. Pass through the towns of Carbondale and Basalt. Continue on 82 until mile marker 31. Look for a green sign "To Woody Creek Canyon." (It takes about thirty-five to forty minutes on 82 to get this far). Make a left off 82 onto Gerbaz Way. Veer to the right on Upper River Rd. In 2 miles veer left on Woody Creek Rd., also known as CR Rd 18. Follow "Woody Creek" directions.
From Aspen: Take 82 west. 2.8 miles west of the Aspen airport light, turn right at sign marked - to Woody Creek Canyon on Smith Rd. Next turn left on Upper River Rd. Pass post office and Woody Creek Tavern. Take the first right turn passed the Tavern. You are now on Woody Creek Rd. Follow "Woody Creek" directions.
Woody Creek: Stay on Woody Creek Rd. for 8.7 miles, passing through the old mining town of Lenado. Cross the single track bridge and make your first possible left in 150 feet. Mapquest on the web will only direct you to the city of Woody Creek, not to Lenado.
