"Thank you so much for this opportunity to spend the day on the land with such a spirit filled experience." Marlene Soiland, Santa Rosa RITES OF PASSAGE PROGRAMS Northern California DayQuests The DayQuest is a ceremony when we step out of ordinary time and go alone into nature where we can seek some answers to our most compelling questions, mark a transition in our lives or simply find the rest we need from a busy life.   Being in nature allows us to pay deep attention to how our own nature and the symbols of our inward journey are reflected by the earth. Wandering along tails, or resting beneath an ancient tree, spending time writing or drawing...we slow down enough to listen to the stories the wind has to tell, to explore our sensual connection to the landscape, to notice what the animals might be teaching us. We set aside this time fasting and in solitude, to honor our own rhythm so that our hearts can lead us toward that which we long for the most.   Supported by a loving community before and after solo time on beautiful Sonoma County land, we will clarify, confirm and celebrate whatever it is we intend to call in for ourselves.       Wilderness Vision Quest At various times in our lives, something beckons and we know it's time for a change. In the ceremony of the Vision Quest, we leave behind what has begun to die in our lives and go alone into wild nature seeking renewal and clarity. When it is time to turn your back on the wild and prepare to return to your daily life, we help you to incorporate your Quest experience. This then becomes the challenge: How to become what you have lived so that your Quest experience benefits not only your personal life but the life of your community as well? In preparatory meetings with the entire questing group, you will learn what you will need to know about equipment and using a backpack, safety procedures, wilderness ethics and minimal impact camping. We thoroughly prepare you to live in the wilderness. We also guide you in such areas as self-generated ceremony, deep listening and the practice of council, the Four Shields of human nature, community building, fasting, terrain, flora & fauna and psychological tools. It is not necessary to have prior experience in any of these areas to participate in a Vision Quest.     "I crossed the threshold into Nature's timeless world and found myself an honored guest...an ancient connection has been renewed and all of life is different." Linda Thomas, Aviation Specialist Custom Designed Rites of Passage Group Rites of Passage Perhaps you would like to bring together a group of your special people in support, celebration or confirmation of an important passage; something you wish to affirm or manifest in your life, an important birthday or a significant loss, or anything else that holds deep meaning for you. Individual Rites of Passage You may feel the longing to create an individual rite of passage that you can enact in solitude. We will help you to clarify your intention and give you support and guidance so that you can create a self-generated ceremony that has personal meaning and power for you. We are happy to discuss the possibilities for your custom Rite of Passage. Fees for Custom Rites of Passage vary depending on type, length, size of group and location. "I spent one day alone on the land, singing silently in tune with the life force of the Mother, in a profound state of expansion and connection with myself...a loving and much needed unwinding within my psyche and soul." Fran Carbonaro, Voice Teacher, Singer, Songwriter       EarthWays Policies & Procedures   Deposits: EW requires a deposit of 50% of the total fee. Deposits are non-refundable at any time unless we cancel the program or you are not accepted into the program.   Cancellations: If we receive notice of cancellation 4 weeks or more before the start date of a program, the deposit & any fees paid can be credited for a later program of the same type; in this case, the deposit remains non-refundable. For cancellations made less than 4 weeks before the start date of a program, all deposit/fees paid are forfeited.   Fees and Payments: You can make a deposit or pay the entire fee upon enrollment. If you pay the deposit only, the final payment for DayQuests & Vision Quests is due at the preparation gathering; for Workshops, final payment is due at the first meeting. See registration details for your particular program.   Scholarships: We offer a limited number of scholarships. Payment plans are available. Please contact us for further information.     To register for any of our programs, or if you would like to know more about us, feel free to contact us at: EarthWays@comcast.net