Vision Quest for Elderhood—Stories from the Elders

Our wonderful Elder Women of the Water Ceremonies have written a book about their experiences you might want to read. Just five short stories, but do they give some awesome insights about the journey of elderhood and the process of becoming initiated as an Elder.

Check it out at:

Read stories from elders who have completed their initiations.

The Power of Elderhood

In June of this year, several dedicated women were initiated as Elders of the Women's Water Ceremonies. After many months of preparation they listened in the silence for three days to know the three goals they would fulfill before their death. They bravely watched for a vision of their death so they can live fully all the days they remain here on earth.

Such a rite of passage transforms your entire life. Here is what one of the elders had to say about her incredible spiritual journey into elderhood.

The Elderhood ceremony has transformed my life for the better. It made me deal with my issues, and become a more loving and compassionate person. The ceremony caused me to become far more aware of my position in and responsibilities to the community we all live in. I have stepped into my power through this ceremony. It is an incredible lesson in living in
community, in integrity, and in service. I recommend this to anyone who is in the "elder" years of their lives. -Sandra Watt, Ph.D

Catapulting Your Spiritual Growth

Have you been feeling as though there is something really significant for you to do in the world, but you can't quite put your finger on it? Or you know what it is, but it scares the heck out of you? Or maybe you just don't know where to begin?

Perhaps you are feeling a bit restless or anxious, like the spirit world is pushing on you to get busy with something. Do you find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, confused, or not ready? (Soul Purpose has a great story on "Are We Ever Really Confused?" worth checking out. Link to the site is in the right hand column.)

This is your spirit, your spiritual momentum pushing on you to act now, because there are others in the web of of life who are counting on you—counting on your gifts, talents, message, touch or love. This is you—your inner spirit—nudging you (sometimes just down right, pushing you) to fulfill your destiny.

Our ancestors understood this energy and created Rites of Passage Ceremonies to help you transform the feeling of urgency inside you into outward action. If you really want to catapult your spiritual growth, consider doing a Rites of Passage Ceremony.

There are many kinds of ceremonies, any one of which could be supportive to you in your journey of spiritual growth. If you are feeling the nudge, you are blessed and you deserve to be spiritually and emotionally supported in your commitment of service.

Here are some Rites of Passage Ceremonies for you to consider:

Menses—the beginning of the journey into womanhood
Womanhood—acknowledging Spirit as your mother and parent; claiming your purpose
Manhood—acknowledging Spirit as your father and parent; claiming your purpose
Life Purpose—discovering your life purpose and making a public commitment to fulfillment
Ministry—committing to service as a spiritual minister
Elderhood—committing to greater service to your community; visioning the world to come
Naming—fully accepting your personal power expressed through a sacred name

And if you have a little one, a Welcoming Ceremony is a wonderful way to welcome him or her into their own unique spiritual path here on earth.

At SpiritQuest we draw from ancient Native American Ceremonies and we create new ceremonies to help you move through your transition into profound spiritual awareness, commitment and action to fulfilling your purpose.

A whole community of people and your spirit guides surround you with love, prayers and support as you enter into the mystical world of spiritual transformation. Your life becomes extremely focused and dedicated the moment you commit to doing the ceremony. This is what SpiritQuest is all about. As a community, we help each other make our spiritual transitions, catapulting us into greater spiritual awakening and service.

Preparations for such ceremonies begin 10 months prior to SpiritQuest. That means, with SpiritQuest taking place the end of June, we begin preparations in September. If you would like to learn more about the Rites of Passage Ceremonies of SpiritQuest, join us on one of these two calls:

SpiritQuest Rites of Passage Ceremonies on Wednesday, August 8th 5:45 Pacific time
Women's Elderhood Ceremony on Monday, August 13th, 5:45 Pacific time

Call: 605-990-0550
Access Code 135303#

Looking forward to connecting with you about your spiritual journey!

Reverend Misa
Spiritual Director
New Dream Foundation

SpiritQuest 2007 — The Sacred Fire is Still Burning

Hi Friends,

Wow! What an incredible and powerful year. This is our 11th year of questing, and without a doubt this is one of the richest years we have shared. Being the first year we offered so many initiation ceremonies at one time, we didn't know what to expect, and I believe our lives were all deeply blessed in a special way this year with the gifts of the sacred fire, the Grandmothers, the Cherokee spirits, and the hearts of each person in the community.

Several of you have shared some beautiful reflections with me. I hope you will share them with the entire community, here on this blog site.

When Jeffrey and I arrived home, a young buck and doe took up part time residence under our deck. Maybe they were the same buck and doe that blessed our Solstice Ceremony??!! And new birth in the form of baby bunnies have also been venturing forth from beneath our deck. We have not yet seen our backyard bears, but I'm sure they'll be over for a visit before the summer is over. All in all, SpiritQuest has once again deepened our bond with Mother Earth and all her creatures.

We LOVED having many of you over to our home before and after ceremony. Maybe next year, more of you will come by and even spend a little more time with us. Thank you for bringing your peace and blessings to our home.

QUESTING FOR NEXT YEAR - If you think you might be interested in doing a Song Quest, Elderhood initiation, or any other type of initiation (currently offered or something we create especially for you), please let me know by the first week of August. These initiations take time to prepare, and I want you to have plenty of time.

REMEMBER THE CANDLES — Spreading peace as you travel by lighting a candle in the home of whoever you visit with your personal prayer for peace is a great way to spread the love of the sacred fire we still hold in our hearts.

I look forward to reading your thoughts, feelings and questions since Quest. As always you remain in my grateful heart and songs,

Reverend Misa