Rites of Passage -
Guiding Transformative Rites of Passage for 35 Years
Welcome
Rites of Passage offers Vision Quests, retreats and training programs that bring people into a deep encounter with the natural world, exploring the human-nature connection to reflect and transform the inner world. This work begins with hearing the call to quest, an impulse as ancient as humanity: the path of the hero/ine. It will appeal to men, women and young people in life transition or change, and to those wanting to deepen their spiritual path and sense of purpose. See below for more information about our programs.
Note: look below in the right column for links to videos about our youth and adult programs.
In traditional cultures, rites of passage ceremonies serve to support individuals to recognize and take possession of their unique gifts and potentials, for the benefit of the entire community. We affirm this same principle in offering our programs for the modern world, helping men, women and young people to undertake their passages with courage and insight, discovering gifts of love to bring back to their people. Read more...
There comes a time when you must leave family, friends and work behind and go off alone, looking within to discover your changes in the circle of life. The Vision Quest is the name of this journey. The Vision Quest is an ancient rite of passage ceremony, enabling men, women and youth to engage an age-old ceremonial pattern: completion of an old life, movement through the threshold of the unknown, and return to the world reborn. People in any life stage or transition will find meaning in this powerful process.
This is a path that has been followed by human beings for thousands of years. You hear these questions calling you-- "Who am I?” "What do I have to give?" "How can I heal my wounds?" Despite being afraid, you know this is something you have to do. So you meet with others like yourself, and guided by caring staff you prepare yourself for the journey. You learn about the wilderness terrain, putting together the necessary equipment, about physical safety and survival, and about the inner terrain, going over the story that has brought you to this threshold. You study ancient symbols and teachings that will help illuminate your way. All the while, the small group is becoming a community, offering support and love. Read more...
With its core elements of wilderness, solitude and self-reliance, our youth Vision Quest provides an opportunity for young people on the threshold of adulthood to test their courage, self-understanding and capacity to live independently. For younger teens, we offer programs that serve as "stepping stones" toward the achievement of independence. As one young man wrote, "Just go. It is an experience you cannot get any other way. Everyone should be able to see life in this way." Read more...
Based on the core principles of a rite of passage, Rites of Passage workshops support individuals to navigate life transitions, crises or changes with authenticity, courage and insight--plus a good dose of fun. Workshops feature: clarification of purpose, earth-based spiritual tools that assist in the journey, intentional time spent in the natural world, reflection and deepening of the healing stories that emerge. Read more...
Training Program 
Focused on learning about rites of passage in nature, utilizing practices and tools derived from native and non-native teachers and teachings, spiritual pathways, ecopsychology, and wilderness experience. For personal and professional development; for healers and leaders. "This workshop served as powerful incorporation work and a bookend to the Vision Quest I undertook over four years ago." --Tom Anderson, Mirroring Workshop, December 2010 Read more...
The last weeks since the quest have unfolded in such a sweet and magical way, so much movement, and such a greater acceptance and understanding of myself. In moments I have thought back to the scene from my site--the view down into the planes, the color on the mountains, the days of silence. It was everything it needed to be for me and I feel so blessed, so grateful to have gone through that process in your capable hands. I've recommended it to many people since then, and I will continue to share what I can with others. I know a time will come when I'll venture to do this again, the solo is and will be a home for me that I can always return to. It's invaluable.
~Dashielle Vawter
Ordained Minister and Wilderness Guide
It was a journey rich with unexpected gifts of insight and unfiltered experiences of truth and beauty. The guidance was masterful--with just the right combination of experienced wisdom, open invitation, loving support, and gentle challenge.
~Ed Claassen
Vice President & Director,
The Grove Consultants International
To read more testimonials, follow this link.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel
and kiss the ground.
~Rumi
In recent years, we've presented programs in diverse countries and for participants from different areas of the world. In the current year (2012), we have guided a Vision Quest in Australia and worked with a group of Russian and Lithuanian business people on the Big Island of Hawaii. Both programs were great successes. We plan to return to Australia for the 5th time in early 2013.