THE VISION QUEST  (Crying for a Vision)

This is one of the important rituals of the North-american traditional indian people. The Sun Dance tradition in Mexico also celebrate this ritual of serching for a vision in the wildland. At first the initiate asks respectfully to an spiritual elder for guidance to celebrate this ceremony that starts with a purifying sweat lodge and pipe ceremony; then the initiate is guided to a secluded place in nature  without eating or drinking, he or she waits for a time he accords with the elder -  three or four days, sometimes more - and cry or search for a vision; a message to be gived by the Mother Earth o Father Sky. The searcher has to be very attentive physically, mentally and spiritually, because a sign will be gived  by an apparition of an animal, bird, stone,cloud, storm or dream ( even memory or thought) or sign in any direction around him or her, and such is the message and vision that he will have to remember and interpret himself and with the help of the spiritual elder. It´s needed to say that sign here is not only a representation of nature or God, but the earth and sky entity, God itself.

The initiate has to take this answer to his prayers very seriously and with real humbleness, in this way he may find a vision that give solution to his problems and needs. In this way, thru his or her inner self will trascend the ego.

Completed alone the number of days in the wildland the initiate is picked up by a fellow companion and taked to the elder to carry on a sweat lodge purification ritual, then he or she is asked about the experience in the search ; what he or she saw, felt or what entity came to answer his prayers and sorrow. In this way the elder help she or he to find the interpretation of the vision and carry its commands.

People search for vision by many reasons: wanting to find his (her) soul and destiny; asking for the healing of a friend and relative; before starting a difficult challenge ; to prepare for a very energetic situation that demands skill and cautiousness; to get a clear mind for a family solution or ritual of transition in his or her  path of life.

This powerful ceremony of of "Crying or Searching for a Vision"  help us to hear the truthful voice of our almighty Father Sky that we all have in our higher self, and treat Mother Earth, nature and beings in the patient and correct way they deserve.  By being in such peaceful balance while using the inner power of the Medicine Wheel we understand the cycles and direction of the life flows in a very simple and intuitive way, thus we act with humbleness, joy and wisdom.

The spiritual elder confirms with us the inner visions and interpretation, is in our path as maybe we are going to be for someone in the future, and give respect and honor to the ancestors, as the living tradition we also will be, devouting to serve "All Our Relations" that encompass as all living network our Great Spirit.

This is the way to his inner and trascendental self; by searching for a vision we transform ourselves.
Andres King Cobos
Huehuecoyotl ; Mexico