Secrets of Shamanism

JOSE ATID LEIIA STEVENS 207

CHOOSING THE TIME

Decide how long your journey will be. Longer is not nec-

essarily better. There are no macho points in shamanism. If

you are unclear how long you need, ask your power animal

for advice. If you are going overnight or for several days, you

may need to take more things with you than for an afternoon

quest. Select a time when you will be free of most of your

commitments. Birthdays and other important anniversaries

are usually good dates for vision quests if you are not already

heavily committed socially.

CHOOSING THE QUESTION

Reflect on what you are asking about. Are you looking

for a general direction in your life or are you seeking the

answer to a difficult problem? Ask your guardian spirit for

advice on this matter. Reflect on your question for a few

days before the quest.

PREPARING TOR THE QUEST

Fasting is a traditional practice both before and during a

vision quest. It is seen as a personal sacrifice and a sign that

you are seriously asking for help. There is no need to un-

dergo severe fasting however, because in many cases it can

be injurious to your health unless you are already an expert.

Lowering your food intake for a couple of days before and

abstaining from alcohol and drugs is recommended. On the

quest itself, you may want to limit your food intake to a little

juice or have water only. Your own state of health and any

medical conditions will determine your special needs.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Your materials need be few. Water, drum, rattle, sage,

matches, jacket, blanket, sunglasses, journal, pen, or tape

recorder may be part of your paraphernalia. Sometimes peo-

ple bring an inspirational book, poems, I Ching, Tarot deck

or the like. In general, however, the fewer distractions you

have, the better. Leave radios and munchies at home.

WHAT TO Do

When you have arrived at the general site of your quest,

find the exact location for sitting by using your rattle. Shake