Welcome Home
The Rite of Return is a rite of passage for veterans seeking to answer the soul’s call for deep healing in the wilderness in order to lay down what longer serves and step into who you are truly called to be after military service. Separated from society, in solidarity and solitude, cross the threshold as to answer Who Am I? What’s My Purpose? Where do I Belong?
This ancient, cross-cultural rite of passage has proven to drastically reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and suicidal ideation by embracing the wholeness of our human experience and true nature.
The Rite of Return
The 12 day rite of passage will be held in the wilderness of Eastern Washington with trained veteran and non-veteran guides. Participants experience time in community with other vets, four days of solo time, fasting in the wilderness, and a marked return where their stories are shared and witnessed in a community council. This return marks the beginning of a veteran’s process of incorporating that which they have gained and learned during their time in service and explored in the context of time alone in the wilderness, so they may bring their gifts home, able to participate more fully in service of their families and their community. Initiates will be supported throughout their incorporation year by Veteran Rites and the circle of whole veterans they are initiated with.
Eligibility
The Rite of Return is available to Current and Prior Military Service Members, Spouses, Partners, Gold Star (18+), and Dependent Survivors of Veteran Suicide. Veteran Rites will work with every called participant to the land to fully prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for their Rite of Return journey and address unique barriers and conditions that may prevent participation.
HELD IN THE WILDERNESS OF EASTERN WASHINGTON SEP 14- SEP 25, 2024
RITE OF RETURN CEREMONIES ARE LIMITED TO (10) PARTICIPANTS
Email Ryan Mielcarek at council@veteranrites.org if you have any problems in filling out this form or have any questions. We are here for you.
