Vision Quest

 

    A vision quest can be described as a turning point in one’s life, or as a coming of age procedure. It can also be taken at times of uncertainty and stress. This quest is intended to help individuals find spirituality unique to themselves with the guidance of a spirit helper. A vision quest is performed using specific techniques which allow an Indian to come to terms with their everyday life.

    The Indian culture plays an enormous role throughout a vision quest, varying from the form their spirit helper takes, to the items an Indian places inside of his medicine bundle. The various aspects of culture influence an Indian’s outlook on his vision quest. Culture gives meaning to what was experienced during this time of solitude.

 

Primary Sources

Sacred, William Walk. "Native American Vision Quest." Native Americans Online. http://www.native-americans-online.com/native-american-vision.html (accessed April 28, 2011).

This source gave a first-hand account of William Walk Sacred’s vision quest. Eagle Man shares what his venture into nature taught him, and the knowledge he learned from this powerful experience.

Man, Eagle. "Vision Quest." Native Americans Online. http://www.native-americans-online.com/native-american-vision-quest.html (accessed April 28, 2011).

In this source the author, Eagle Man, tells about his vision quest. This article begins by laying out the basic foundations of a vision quest, and then gives a detailed account of Eagle Man's personal vision quest.

Elk, Black, and John G. Neihardt. Black Elk Speaks. Lincoln and London: University of Nebraska Press, 1932.

The Ogalala medicine man, Black Elk, told about his vision quest through John G. Neihardt. A great deal of Lakota culture and religion was revealed through the vision quest experienced by Black Elk.


DeMallie, Raymond J., and Douglas R. Parks. Sioux Indian Religion. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1987.

Professor DeMallie is an anthropologist who focused a great deal on rituals, belief systems, and symbolism. He told of the fundamental beliefs and traditions of religion that underlie the aspects of everyday life.

"Vision Quest (Native American religion) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2011. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/630694/vision-quest>.

The information given outlined basic techniques used while on a vision quest. This source led me to other sources that I found useful while researching about vision quests and Indian culture.

"Vision Quest." Crystalinks Home Page. http://www.crystalinks.com/visionquest.html (accessed April 28, 2011).

I found this source to be of great use while researching about the origins of a vision quest. It provided me with information about the essential foundations of a vision quest.

"Vision Quest Healing of Oliver Pahdopony." Native Americans Online. http://www.native-americans-online.com/native-american-quest.html (accessed April 28, 2011).

This source elaborated on a specific vision quest, the quest of Oliver Pahdopony. It helped to expand my knowledge of the cultural influences on a vision quest. It gave details about specific rituals performed while on a vision quest.<>



Joan Vinson