Native American Vision Quest Summary

In today’s diverse and changing age there are many different forms of religion and how it is practiced. Their are the ancient methods that are studied by historians and psychologists, as well as many other studies. There cultures are often times Greek, Buddhism, Pagan, and early forms of Christianity. In the modern time period Christianity is what is seen throughout most of the country, but every religion has spread and gained slight popularity. The lesser known regions have their own special rites and ceremonies, often time the most popular of these celebrations being the Native American vision quest. This involves a member of a tribe going out into the wilderness with no food or water until a vision comes to them of their destiny and they are known as a respected figure in the tribe. The vision quest is primarily a coping …show more content…
Relating back to the idea of the Native Americans idea of a vision quest, it is essential for the young man to become a member of the tribe, but it is necessary for the tribe so that the group is able to grow and expand. In Vision Quest by Encyclopaedia Britannica it is informed that “Usually an individual’s first vision quest was preceded by a period of preparation with a religious specialist.” There is the clear message that it is a journey that is needed for the individual in his future, and for the tribe to gain their future, but all of the intentions are clearly seen as being involved in a religious practice. The vision quest is known to have not only religious meanings, but people are recorded to have seen their respective God(s). In visions David Martinez explains how “More than the results of ritualized fasting and sleep deprivation, the vision quest expresses perceiving the land in mythological terms.” In The Soul of the Indian: Lakota Philosophy and the Vision