Near Fort Belknap Indian Community in Blaine County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
The Vision Quest
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 21, 2022
1. The Vision Quest Marker
Inscription.
The Vision Quest. . High points such as mountaintops and tabletop buttes are considered powerful and sacred areas by many Indian peoples. Snake Butte is one such location, often used as a place for the spiritual rite of vision questing. The individual vision quest is an intensely private ritual in which a man or woman seeks supernatural power or medicine. The Supreme Being grants this power through an intermediary spirit which can be a living or non-living entity such as an animal, a spider, a snake, or a rock. The devout quester may acquire powers of war, wealth, love, doctoring, or prophesy which must be used only to good ends; misuse brings very serious consequences, even death. First cleansing the body through a sweat lodge purification ceremony, the quester then withdraws to a secluded location for three to four days. Fasting and praying, the quester seeks contact with a spiritual being. The successful vision quest takes great concentration and courage. Not all quests are successful, but for those so chosen, acceptance of the power offered is a great responsibility, sometimes not without a price. It is said that those who acquire certain powers never live a long life.
High points such as mountaintops and tabletop buttes are considered powerful and sacred areas by many Indian peoples. Snake Butte is one such location, often used as a place for the spiritual rite of vision questing. The individual vision quest is an intensely private ritual in which a man or woman seeks supernatural power or medicine. The Supreme Being grants this power through an intermediary spirit which can be a living or non-living entity such as an animal, a spider, a snake, or a rock. The devout quester may acquire powers of war, wealth, love, doctoring, or prophesy which must be used only to good ends; misuse brings very serious consequences, even death. First cleansing the body through a sweat lodge purification ceremony, the quester then withdraws to a secluded location for three to four days. Fasting and praying, the quester seeks contact with a spiritual being. The successful vision quest takes great concentration and courage. Not all quests are successful, but for those so chosen, acceptance of the power offered is a great responsibility, sometimes not without a price. It is said that those who acquire certain powers never live a long life.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans.
Location. 48° 28.934′ N, 108°
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45.447′ W. Marker is near Fort Belknap Indian Community, Montana, in Blaine County. Marker is at the intersection of Agency Main Street and Agency Main Street, on the left when traveling west on Agency Main Street. Marker is in parking lot, approaching the Fort Belknap Veterans Memorial Park , adjacent to the “Fort Belknap Reservation” marker. This site is just off US 2. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Assiniboine Street, Harlem MT 59526, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort Belknap Reservation (a few steps from this marker); Fort Belknap Roll of Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); Airmen Memorial (approx. 3.4 miles away).
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 21, 2022
2. The Vision Quest Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on September 9, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
