Vision Quest Schedule & Description

• June 9-14, 2007 in Gore, VA at The Land Celebration
• August 18-23, 2007 in Spencer, NY, at Rune Hill

In June we will gather in the beautiful hills of Virginia at The Land Celebration. This property of 49 acres has been used as a place of meditation and healing for many seekers. There are sacred grounds, with labyrinths, a pond, and it is a very inviting place for those new to the Vision Quest experience. The facilities are restful and comfortable--a two hour drive from the DC area. We will gather Saturday, June 9th and official end time is Thursday, June 14th. Rose recommends staying a day or two to rest and re-orient before returning to a busy life. Petros Heichler and Melissa Benjamin will be assisting Rose at this Quest.

In August we will be traveling up north to the beautiful land of Rune Hill. This is a 200-acre Retreat Center that is rustic, wild and incredibly powerful. Our time on the land fasting will be the same as June. Rose encourages folks to stay a day on to re-integrate. It is a six hour drive from the DC area. Lauren Chambliss will be assisting Rose for this Quest.

When you have committed, you will need to make a deposit. There is spiritual preparation. A 4-6 month period to prepare is recommended.

Guides: Rose Khalsa, assisted by Petros Heichler, Melissa Benjamin & Lauren Chambliss
Cost: $650
Application: Send $200 deposit made out to Rose Khalsa, 9 Philadelphia Ave., Takoma Park. Md 20912. Balance is due by one week before the start date.
For more info please contact Rose at 301-891-1599 or <rosediana[at]erols[dot]com>

General Itinerary

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

Now is the time to start moving on a path of power and purpose that is yours and yours alone. Nature can show you the way. Dive into the waters of your deepest soul. Still waters quests nature-based spiritual programs create a rite of passage for us to embrace our whole selves, our true selves, to discover our individual uniqueness and to unearth the gift we alone carry to the world.

"We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people the permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Nelson Mandela, 1992.

Schedule*: The Quest takes place over a six-day period. We will start on Saturday morning with time to explore the land, get settled into our lodging, rest and have our first Sweat Lodge followed by our potluck meal.
Sunday will be a day of deepening our connection to the spirits of the land, sitting in our first Council Ceremony and finding our Quest sites.
At dusk on Sunday, we will move into silence, enter the Lodge, emerging and being guided into nature for our solo time, fasting, and praying for three days and nights.
Rose and her assistants will be holding sacred space for all those fasting. This will include daily shamanic journeys to each participant’s spirit allies, along with being checked on daily, with prayers offered for healing and protection.
Wednesday at dusk, Rose and her assistants will guide each Quester back to the Lodge to end the solo journey and begin the sharing of their quest. This is a very sacred time when most are still very connected to the spirit world. Rose will share her insights as she hears messages from the spirits in the Lodge as a gift to each Quester.
That evening we will be slowly feeding you foods that will allow your digestion to re-awaken. It will be a time for showers, journaling, and deep reflection.
Thursday we will start with our second Council Ceremony. This will be a time to share as a sacred circle from our heart what we learned on the land during our Quest.
We will end with time on the land to thank the spirits and make prayers of gratitude. Then, we will have our “thank you” meal. and a closing ceremony to officially end the Quest.
Everyone is welcome to stay as long as they would like, they would need to let Rose know in advance and make arrangements with The Land Celebration.*

Accommodations*: The Land Celebration has a beautiful facility and while we are not questing, we will be in shared dormitory style beds with bathrooms and showers. One will have limited access to phones. There is a pond for swimming.

*The descriptions of the schedule and accomodations are specific to The Land Celebration, but expect a similar scenario at Rune Hill. Email or call Rose for more details.

Food: We will be providing wholesome food while we are at base camp. During your solo time, fasting enhances the experience and increases your receptivity to your own soul and to Mother Nature. However, if you need minimal sustenance for health reasons, please select items with care -- food chosen for survival, not pleasure. Please also notify us in advance if you have a health condition that necessitates eating during the solo time. Drinking significant quantities of water is necessary to eliminate toxins.

Women: Come prepared for menstruation. Early onset is a common occurrence on Vision Quests. When you deeply connect with Mother Earth, the divine feminine bursts forth in all sorts of surprising ways!

Fear: Some people expect time alone in nature to be boring. Some can't wait. Some feel mildly anxious. And for others, the thought of three nights alone is accompanied by great fear and trepidation. Feeling fear is completely normal and we would be surprised -- and worried -- if you didn't experience at least some anxiety when embarking on this uniquely intense personal journey. However, if fear about your personal safety becomes overwhelming, it can get in the way. We will discuss all of this during our time together pre-solo and teach you some ways to cope. If you find yourself bothered by a specific concern, please call and discuss it with us. We will be happy to outline the safety precautions in more detail with you at any time prior to the Quest.

Doubts: You will likely be plagued by doubts as the time draws closer and may find seemingly legitimate reasons to back out. Money, work complications, scheduling difficulties, family concerns -- these are some of the potential barriers that frequently crop up. Recognize this and know it is part of the preparation process. The sacrifice and effort you make on the path to the VQ will intensify your experience.

Preparation:

We suggest you begin preparing four to six months in advance by spending a few moments every day contemplating the quest through prayer, journal writing, walks in the woods, or any other way you can reaffirm your commitment. This will lay the foundation for the main part of the quest, the solo fasting period of three nights and days you spend alone, embraced by nature.

Application:

If you are ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime, please contact Rose for details and an application package: Rose Khalsa, 301-891-1599, rosediana[at]erols[dot]com. U.S. Mail: 9 Philadelphia Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912.