Autumn Quest 8th – 15th March 2025 Goulburn River National Park, NSW
“On a Vision Quest, we stand at the threshold, about to enter the primal realm. We enter nature, wilderness, the territory of the unknown… How could we possibly have an encounter with the unknown while staying in our houses?” -Sparrow Hart
The Wild Callings Soul Quest is a journey through an ancient, archetypal rite of passage. It’s a journey of deep listening, connection and remembering. Remembering your true, authentic nature and essence, and your relationship with nature- Mother Earth and the Cosmos- that is your birthright.
The quest is an invitation to return to the call of your wild, indigenous spirit and soul- to return to the sacred ways. An invitation to reawaken to the wisdom that lives in your cells, running back through your bloodlines to ancestors that lived in closer relationship with the dragonflies and the breeze, the moon, stars, sun and Spirit.
Indigenous cultures around the world, and the ways of all of our ancestors, knew the importance of initiation, of ritual and ceremony- of marking rites of passages and transitions throughout life. And of how these journeys of initiation were journeys of symbolic death and rebirth. How they facilitated and supported the shedding of the old and the birth and emergence of the new. It was at these times of change that they removed themselves from the day-to-day world and community, and sought out the wisdom and medicine of wild nature (both around and within) on Vision Quest or walkabout.
With the demands and distractions of the busy, modern world, we can go our whole lives without taking the time to truly sit deeply with ourselves and this earth that holds us.
Modern life moves at such a pace, that we can forget the steady, gentle pulse and hum of the Earth beneath our feet… her seasons and cycles, her cadence and rhythm… In quest, we come back into resonance with her and with our own natural vibration. And in this state, doors open within to our deeper selves- our deeper soul knowing and wisdom.
In the space and silence of the quest, we become attuned to the messages of nature- to the birdsong and butterfly, the warmth of the sun, the whispers on the breeze. The language of life all around us, speaking to us each moment. And in this spaciousness, we can hear the ‘still, small voice within’ that’s rarely heard or paid attention to. In the solitude of the quest, you’re able to hear, recognise and remember the very call of your soul, the call of your bones.
People come to quest from all walks of life and in all stages. Some come ‘crying for a vision’, for clarity, insight, direction. Some come to mark and honour a life transition- an ending and new beginning. Some come to face their fears, and in doing so, discover their courage, strength and aliveness. Others come for healing- to rest and be held in the lap of the Great Mother… Whatever calls one to a quest, it’s a portal, a doorway, a ‘womb in the wilderness’ for transition and transformation.
Questors leave an old way behind. They set out with their intentions in their heart … And return with sparkling eyes, and deeper self-knowledge, clarity and confidence- reborn, reconnected and renewed.
Welcomed back, witnessed and celebrated by the group- and ripe with gifts and medicine (the “give-away”) to take back into their lives, families and communities.
Phases of the Quest: Separation, Liminal, Return:
The Vision Quest consists of three phases: the preparation/separation phase where we work with your intention for your quest- asking what is calling you to quest, what are you seeking? What’s arising? What doubts and fears? (every quest has them)
Then the actual quest (liminal phase) is either 3 or 4 days and nights spent solo in the wilderness- free from distractions, generally fasting… where you can come into deeper relationship and connection with yourself and nature… to be open to a response to your seeking/intent.
Then the return phase, where you return to base camp- bringing back your experience… we sit and share stories around the fire and gather the medicine and wisdom that you’ve received from your quest journey… Here we also look at how to integrate this into your life as you return to the world and your life renewed.
“Deep down you know the truth. You must cross the border. You must take the step. You must inherit your life. You must grow, because growth is required in order for you to survive…” -Steven Foster & Meredith Little, The Book of the Vision Quest
Details of your individual quest experience:
Quest traditions and ‘ways of questing’ vary. In some traditions, you stay within a 10-foot circle for the entire quest time, while others you are free to wander and explore the land (go ‘walkabout’)… Fasting for your solo time is standard practice as it helps to take you into a deep state of purification, and expanded awareness … However, depending on your needs and intent for questing, there is the option of having one simple meal per day (delivered without contact/sighting, to a pre-arranged place)
The solo time is either 3 days/nights or 4 days/nights. We explore this with the group in our pre-quest Zoom meeting to come to a consensus. Either can be accommodated within the group program (in my first experience of questing, 2 of the participants quested for 4 days while the rest of us quested for 3 days)
The details on how you’d like to quest are up to you. I personally love to do a wandering quest, with fasting, as this clarifies my body and removes food as a distraction. Our personal needs and edges are unique to us, and different at different times of our lives, so trust your own guidance and intuition in this.
The initial preparation days and the return/integration days will be at base camp, which will be occupied and held at all times during the solo time.
Quest Site: Goulburn River National Park
The upcoming Spring Quest will be located at Goulburn River National Park- located 213 km’s northwest of Sydney near Mudgee. It’s a beautiful, welcoming quest site, with it’s open woodlands, rocky gorges and caves, green, grassy dens and winding river. As well as wombats, emus, roos and abundant birdlife. See the next few photos below.
Quest Program
(This is a basic outline, though each quest has an organic life and spirit of its own… there’s flexibility within this, to stay true to what’s present and alive in the group and the moment)
Pre-quest: Group Zoom meeting a few weeks before the quest to connect, check in, cover details and any questions, and see what’s been arising for you leading up to the quest- how has the quest been ‘working you’?
Day 1: Arrive 10am. Set up base camp, settle in, meet the land, explore intent. Drum journey and creative process.
Day 2 : More time to explore the land and find your quest site. Clarifying of intent. Exploring what’s been coming up in the lead up to the quest- fears, doubts, triggers, and excitement and anticipation- hopes & dreams. Talk through ceremony and options for when on quest. Talk through first aid, safety, logistics etc. Fire ceremony and rituals. The medicine wheel as a map for your journey.
Day 3: For those on a 4-day quest, this is the first day of solo time- rising and heading out to your quest site at sunrise. For those on a 3-day quest, today allows further time for exploration and preparation before heading out at sunrise on day 4.
Days 4-6: Solo time (option of night-vigil ‘Mandala of Life’ ceremony on last solo night)
Day 7: Return to base camp at sunrise, break-fast, morning rest, journaling, then sharing and mirroring of story- gathering gifts and insights from your quest. Celebration and ceremony of return.
Day 8: Integration- taking your gifts to the community and walking a new way in the world. We look at ways to incorporate and live this new self into the life you return to. Complete around/after lunchtime- between 1 and 3pm.
Post-quest: We’ll also have a group Zoom meeting a few weeks after the quest to see how your integration is going and how the quest is unfolding and living in you.
“When the challenge is accepted and the commitment to the journey is made, allies appear. There are friends, healing forces and guiding spirits in the primal realm as well.” -Sparrow Hart, The Vision Quest
These are ‘bespoke’ small-group quests with a maximum of 6 participants, with a minimum of 2 facilitators/guides, so there is plenty of time to tend to each person’s journey and needs with care and attention. Each quest has it’s own unique spirit made from the unique constellation of people that come together. While the basic quest framework and structure is the same, I listen to the themes and threads of the group to craft a quest that weaves in processes, ritual and practices that will best support the journey of the particular group and each person within it.
I’m always happy to talk through quest options and any concerns or questions with you. Feel free to reach out to connect and have a chat about the quest and whether it’s right for you at this time.
Once you’ve confirmed your space, I’ll send out more detailed information on personal preparation leading up to the quest, an equipment list/what to bring, and recommended or suggested practices and readings.
Payments
I offer a sliding scale from $1200 – $1600. I recognise that there’s a broad range of financial capacities within our community & culture. Please reflect and choose whatever’s appropriate for you and your means. This includes healthy meals and snacks pre and post quest (just bring your lunch for the first day). I ask for a $200 deposit upfront to confirm, with the remainder paid by the quest in whatever way best suits you. You can pay in instalments or as a whole lump sum.
Get in touch to have a chat about the quest in your current situation and life stage, to book and for payment details to secure your space.
And feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at all. Quests are my life calling and passion, and I’m more than happy to talk quest with you 🙂
…And for those courageous souls who are following an inner call to quest, I look forward to the honour of guiding and supporting you through this sacred journey.
Wildest blessings,
Belinda
0421 244 254 Email: belinda@pathofheart.com.au
Note: I also hold quests on request, so if you have your own small group you’d like to quest with, would like a one-on-one quest, or have particular land you’d like to quest with, then reach out for a chat and we can see what we can dream up and create together.
Testimonials
“I wish I could tell you in person how nourishing and deeply transformative my soul quest with Belinda was. Her gentle but oh so powerful strength and wisdom, her deep soulful connection with Mother Earth, the immense knowledge, combined with this deep-seated joy, warmth and passion is just incredibly healing and nourishing in guiding you on your journey. She tailored my soul quest just so beautifully to my needs and her attention to detail was extraordinary. I felt I was given a precious gift being able to trust her with my soul quest and meeting her in person. If you are wanting to embark on a soul quest, I highly and wholeheartedly recommend Belinda.” -Birdy, Holistic Clinical Psychologist, Blue Mountains
“Questing is transformational work. It can be difficult, even dangerous, without the right guide. The care, consideration, and nourishment provided by Bel and Ella was truly next level. Between them they created a safe and supportive space in which I could face the challenges of my quest with confidence and composure. Unlike some other approaches this was a truly bespoke experience. The authenticity and vulnerability shown by both of them created a beautiful connection, and the flexibility allowed me to meet my edge in a way that has already created a profound shift in my life. If you are thinking of questing, I’d suggest reaching out to Bel. It won’t take long to see exactly what I mean; truly a golden hearted individual who knows what she is doing, spiritually, emotionally, and practically.” Brendan, Clinical Psychologist, Sydney
“I still don’t believe how beautiful my vision quest was. The best word to summarise is Magic! It was a challenging experience of course, but so magic. Thanks to Belinda I could tap into a very deep source of healing and wisdom by feeling safe. I was really surprised by the outcomes from my vision quest and feel so grateful for the gifts and lessons that feel like deep shifts from inside- a real rebirth happened at mind, body and soul level. Belinda has helped so much to get the best from this experience. She is so generous regarding her time, care and wisdom- you will love to be around and guided by her. If you are looking for a powerful journey, a transformative experience, do not hesitate to listen to your heart and follow the path that Belinda can help you take. ” –Dounia, France
