The Bear is My Father by Bear Heart

Author:Bear Heart
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Synergetic Press
Published: 2021-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Our Mother Earth is very old, but she still gives to us—things we wear, things we eat, things we live in, things we drive. In our very small way, when some of our people shed their blood, it rejuvenates the life of our Mother. It’s a way of saying thank you, acknowledging that she is a real mother to us and all things.”

CHAPTER 12

VISION QUESTS

Native Americans have gone on vision quests for hundreds of years. Originally it was done for the safety of the tribes—young warriors or tribal leaders would go out for several days without food or water to commune with the Great Presence. They were seeking strength and guidance in a world where battles with other tribes were common and when the presence of deer and buffalo couldn’t be counted upon.

Today, vision quests are used mainly to find direction in our lives. They usually last up to four days and may involve many questers who go out at the same time, each to a different solitary spot. People often find a personal power symbol on their quest, like an animal or plant, and afterward may be given a name by the quest leader. In a vision quest, you don’t eat or drink. No food or water. When you are fasting, you empty yourself so you can receive something from above—something to motivate you, inspire you, guide you in a way that you should go. That’s the purpose of a vision quest.

When I first get to the vision quest gathering spot in the morning, I put down an offering of tobacco. The fire that will burn throughout the quest has been started, the rocks for the first sweat are heating, and the questers go out to find their individual places. As they are looking, I pray for permission to use the areas the questers will use.

Often the spots are under the charge of some particular bird or animal. Through my prayers, I tell them that we’re going to take up some of their space, but we’re not going to destroy anything. I tell them that when they see my people out there, they’re there for a certain reason, and the people won’t harm them or their place in any way. And all around, I ask the birds and animals to hold back. I ask if they come to my people, please do so only to give them certain things that they can use in their lives. I pray like that and put tobacco in the fire. That’s just the beginning.

About nine o’clock in the morning, there’s a four-door sweat lodge to cleanse and prepare the questers. Because the sweat is for the questers, supporters can fill in only if there’s space. I like a single circle, but on occasion, if there are not too many, three or four can sit up in front of the others. I tell them about what they are going to do and give them some general instructions. I also tell them not to accidentally spill the drinking water that is being passed around, or it will rain.

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