A supported wilderness solo in nature
Northern New Mexico
June 2023 (exact dates to be determined with participants)  

$995 per person  Register Now

“The clearest way into the Universe is through the wilderness.”  John Muir, environmentalist

We warmly invite you to join us for a wilderness solo, a powerful initiation supported by nature. Solos are an excellent way to reconnect with yourself — something we all need to do in our fast-paced world. Our experienced wilderness guides, each a student of shamanic and nature-based traditions and practices, will support your experience through ceremony, conversation and prayer.  Such experiences, also known as vision quests, are a time-honored tradition of many indigenous cultures used to mark an important rite of passage.  Whether you’re going through a transition in your life or are looking for a vision to guide your next phase, a solo can be incredibly helpful.  We welcome all who are interested in experiencing profound transformation.  

For our base camp for the solo, we’ll stay in the tall forested pine groves near the Pecos Wilderness area an hour from Santa Fe.  The land is spectacularly beautiful — combining large grassy meadows, old growth Ponderosas, aspen groves and views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.  There are many solo sites with lots of privacy, without needing to be too far from base camp.

And the more of us who spend time alone in nature regrounding and in self-care, the better the world will be.

What you’ll gain:

• Clarity on your life’s purpose
• Experience of becoming one with nature, sharing in her gifts
• Confidence to do things you hadn’t imagined you could
• A stronger connection to nature and the four elements — water, air, fire and earth — as vital forces living within and worthy of nourishing relationships with
• Insight into the power of working with spirit animals as allies for your journey
• New perspectives on key areas of focus in your life
• An ecological lens on the self, with a greater sense of how we are more like the forest or desert than not.
• A deepening of your own mindfulness, meditation, or other supportive self-care practices
• A community to witness this shift in you

Our itinerary for the Wilderness Solo: 

• Day 1: arrive at campsite in the afternoon to set up camp and introduce yourself to the land; evening ceremony to set our intentions
• Day 2: enjoy an eco-hike and explore the meadows and boulders to find your personal solo spot; create a group altar after dinner
• Day 3: depart in morning with drumming and smudging
• Day 4:  return in the morning with drumming and smudging; sacred circle to share experiences; a celebratory meal
• Day 5: closing circle and remembrance ceremony; gratitude to the spirits of the land; return to Santa Fe or Albuquerque by mid-afternoon

If you don’t live locally, consider arriving in Santa Fe a day early to help adjust to the altitude.  Please bring whatever food you feel is most appropriate for you before, during and after the solo.  We have supported people who fast during their solo as well as people who opt to eat.  We each know what we need for this type of experience and trust that you’ll take good care of yourself.

To register, please either contact us at cheryl@leadfeather.org or click here to register online.  If have questions about the solo, please email cheryl@leadfeather.org. A portion of your fees go to support our efforts to protect New Mexico’s wild areas.

“If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself.  If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself.  Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.”  Lao Tzu

This program is in partnership with Larry Glover and Nell DeVito.