"Thankyou for such an incredible VisionFast; for looking after me so beautifully especially when I appeared, overwhelmed, at the threshold and for weaving stories and poetry into our days and teaching that the mundane things in life are sacred too. I felt wonderfully held. "
Becoming who you are
How do we become fully human, whole beings capable of living our lives in authentic meaningful ways? How do we become fully alive, in love with what our daily lives throw at us? How do we step forward as earth citizens, mature and initiated so that we can be present to both the joy and pain that is part of our path? What can we do to feel a sense of living in alignment with our values, and bring our gifts fully into the world?
If these are the kinds of question you have, then you're in the right place. Our species is searching and hungry for more than we can gain as consumers , and in doing that many people are turning to ways that bring us into direction connection to a source that may be much wiser than our human minds. By learning from ancient ways, by making real relationships with places and nature and learning to listen to what they bring, then some answers may emerge.
The Vision Fast is an opportunity to dive right in, to be fully immersed in those old ways, to be guided and held, and perhaps to have it all fall apart. It can be tough, and it is quite simple.
If these are the kinds of question you have, then you're in the right place. Our species is searching and hungry for more than we can gain as consumers , and in doing that many people are turning to ways that bring us into direction connection to a source that may be much wiser than our human minds. By learning from ancient ways, by making real relationships with places and nature and learning to listen to what they bring, then some answers may emerge.
The Vision Fast is an opportunity to dive right in, to be fully immersed in those old ways, to be guided and held, and perhaps to have it all fall apart. It can be tough, and it is quite simple.
What is a Vision Fast?
This Vision Fast is a powerful nature based initiation process. It is a ceremony for all involved, and a time-out-of-time that creates and encourages deep connection with the sacred. It is a rite of passage; the marking and claiming of a change in a person’s life.
As a rite of passage, it honours the pattern that many cultures have discovered work well, stages that we also can see in nature if we take time to look. It is about being immersed in a ‘wild’ place; where there is direct and immediate connection with nature and where she/he can be guide, mirror and bring forward what is needed. Fasters are asked to be open to what Nature has to say, in whatever way things are said. It breaks down the lie that we humans as separate from the rest of nature.
The design grows from ancestors in many lands; it is pan-cultural, so works for people of any faith, orientation and background. Pioneered by Meredith Little and the late Steven Foster and the School of Lost Borders in California, the Vision Fast form that I work with is also used by many people and organisations around the world. (And by the way, I do not call Vision Quest as the native elders in the lands where I trained asked us not to use those words; they belong to them).
As a rite of passage, it honours the pattern that many cultures have discovered work well, stages that we also can see in nature if we take time to look. It is about being immersed in a ‘wild’ place; where there is direct and immediate connection with nature and where she/he can be guide, mirror and bring forward what is needed. Fasters are asked to be open to what Nature has to say, in whatever way things are said. It breaks down the lie that we humans as separate from the rest of nature.
The design grows from ancestors in many lands; it is pan-cultural, so works for people of any faith, orientation and background. Pioneered by Meredith Little and the late Steven Foster and the School of Lost Borders in California, the Vision Fast form that I work with is also used by many people and organisations around the world. (And by the way, I do not call Vision Quest as the native elders in the lands where I trained asked us not to use those words; they belong to them).
The Details
This immersive experience lasts for 12 days / 11 nights. The first 3 days are based at Young Wood basecamp on the Blackdown Hills in Somerset, then we move to re-wilding land on Dartmoor for 5 nights, when you will Fast for four days and nights; we then return to Young Wood basecamp.
We journey around the cycle or wheel of the Four Shields in the four preparation days for the solo fasting time. This time is one of severance, of cutting ousels away from the everyday. Each day will have a rhythm of sitting in circle, learning about cycles and the ways of ceremony, practical guidance, poems and songs and then walking or being with the land and exploring an aspect of the Shields. After lunch there is solo time, and then we regather as a circle to unpick and hear what has been brought forward. Each day you step closer to the Fast, and your intention is honed piece by piece. We check equipment, make sure all the practical details are covered for solo time and that everyone has what they need.
Moving slowly to Dartmoor, we gather and explore the new land, making a connection and finding spots for the Fast time and gathering together for a final meal. This is when you cross your threshold into the unknown, so the next morning you step out of the circle alone, into the experience that is already waiting for you. After four days and nights, you will return at dawn, and be welcomed back. What happens in this time whilst you are "out" is a mystery, for you and spirit/source/nature/God to work out.
Again, moving slowly we come back to the Young Wood, and begin the phase of bringing it home, bringing you home into your body and your life - incorporation. We will feast together, wash or swim, visit shops perhaps and stock up with new essentials. Then we come back into our circle and make space to listen and to really hear each story that comes back from the Fasting time. What needs to be said, witnessed in order to to grow and become? The circle is held gently and with compassion for each person and whatever magic or deep story they need to tell.
Then we are done. There is a strong invitation to stay in touch with your Fasting community and to come back and be involved in the community of the woods or the land. If wanted 1:1 sessions can be planned (at extra cost) to check in with the unfolding of the story over the year. The coming back and living of your story is important to consider at the outset.
We journey around the cycle or wheel of the Four Shields in the four preparation days for the solo fasting time. This time is one of severance, of cutting ousels away from the everyday. Each day will have a rhythm of sitting in circle, learning about cycles and the ways of ceremony, practical guidance, poems and songs and then walking or being with the land and exploring an aspect of the Shields. After lunch there is solo time, and then we regather as a circle to unpick and hear what has been brought forward. Each day you step closer to the Fast, and your intention is honed piece by piece. We check equipment, make sure all the practical details are covered for solo time and that everyone has what they need.
Moving slowly to Dartmoor, we gather and explore the new land, making a connection and finding spots for the Fast time and gathering together for a final meal. This is when you cross your threshold into the unknown, so the next morning you step out of the circle alone, into the experience that is already waiting for you. After four days and nights, you will return at dawn, and be welcomed back. What happens in this time whilst you are "out" is a mystery, for you and spirit/source/nature/God to work out.
Again, moving slowly we come back to the Young Wood, and begin the phase of bringing it home, bringing you home into your body and your life - incorporation. We will feast together, wash or swim, visit shops perhaps and stock up with new essentials. Then we come back into our circle and make space to listen and to really hear each story that comes back from the Fasting time. What needs to be said, witnessed in order to to grow and become? The circle is held gently and with compassion for each person and whatever magic or deep story they need to tell.
Then we are done. There is a strong invitation to stay in touch with your Fasting community and to come back and be involved in the community of the woods or the land. If wanted 1:1 sessions can be planned (at extra cost) to check in with the unfolding of the story over the year. The coming back and living of your story is important to consider at the outset.
Key Facts
Dates: June 24th to July 5th 2023
Guiding Fee: £650-£750 depending on your ability to pay. (Deposit of £200 secures place)
Guides: Jenny Archard assisted by Sarah Churchill
Number of Places: Six
Preparation activities: Two things. 1) Day-long walk in nature, written up and sent at least 3 weeks before the Fast. 2) A brief story of your life to this point, and your intention for the time fasting. Full Instructions will be given when you book.
Guiding Fee: £650-£750 depending on your ability to pay. (Deposit of £200 secures place)
Guides: Jenny Archard assisted by Sarah Churchill
Number of Places: Six
Preparation activities: Two things. 1) Day-long walk in nature, written up and sent at least 3 weeks before the Fast. 2) A brief story of your life to this point, and your intention for the time fasting. Full Instructions will be given when you book.
One person's view from their Fast...
My landing was very gentle and it has taken quite a while to get used to daily life. For the first few days I found myself wandering around local woods and finding the house a bit claustrophobic. I didn’t want to talk to anyone for several days. I didn’t want to risk losing the gold I’d found by turning what couldn’t be spoken of, into ordinary words - that wouldn’t come close to expressing my experience. My partners return home helped me to re-engage with the world!
My relationship with nature feels very different - more connected, flowing with it and a sense of the sacred; my heart feels very open especially when I'm surrounded by trees and greenness… and I’m really aware that my connection is from my heart now not my head. I was perhaps a little too open at first but I feel more earthed as the days go by. Interestingly, friends have noticed a difference in me - one friend said I looked ’shiny’ and more present… and I really feel that. A sense that my feet are planted on the ground, a greater confidence and relaxedness with myself and others…. a ‘coloured-inness'.
I’ve been harvesting herbs too and pressing all the tinctures I made over the summer. I started making apple cider vinegar at the w/e with windfalls and created an altar with things I’d found and from my medicine walk. Work has revved up too and I’m now working 2 days a week at the clinic which I’m really enjoying. My energy is good and I feel very positive that my health is really improving at last….it’s been a long journey!
Thankyou for such an incredible VisionFast; for looking after me so beautifully especially when I appeared, overwhelmed, at the threshold and for weaving stories and poetry into our days and teaching that the mundane things in life are sacred too. I felt wonderfully held by you and Sarah - you’re a great team!
Natures Altar
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Basecamp @ Young Wood
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Roundhouse Space @ Young Wood
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