When you draw the protective circle within which you will remain until your vision arrives, use a stick or an elk bone. Do not use your finger.
Never taunt your vision quest, no matter how long it’s taking.
Do not masturbate unless your vision encourages it, which is highly unlikely although not completely without precedent **.
If an animal comes into your circle, you may kill it and eat it since it is clearly a provision from the Spirit World. However, you may not kill the animal if it does not cross into the circle. You may only watch it and imagine the taste of its raw heart in your mouth.
Don’t drink your urine. This is a vision quest after all. Nearly dying of thirst is 95% of it.
Dancing is permitted, and singing. Shouting for its own sake is frowned upon.
Snake bites should be allowed to fester. Do not suck out the poison. This will only prolong the vision quest, and bring about a much harsher lesson, such as a buffalo trampling.
Most importantly, if a wolf or a buffalo presents itself, introduce yourself. Yes, the Spirit Animal will know who you are already, but common courtesy is expected.
** Black Elk’s vision-quest-masturbation story remains the most legendary tale of auto-erotica in the Dakotas.


{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Epic.