Baaxpée and the Vision Quest
Baaxpée is the sacred power of God (Akbaatatdia) in Crow belief, meaning 'power transcending the ordinary.' To acquire Baaxpée, a Crow must go on a vision quest (bilisshíissanne—'to fast from water'). The quester goes alone to an isolated peak, usually in the Wolf Mountains, fasting without food or water for two to three days. Self-mortification, including finger removal, is sometimes offered to show devotion. When a spirit pities the quester, it induces a vision, adopting the Crow as a child and bestowing Baaxpée. The spirit becomes a 'Medicine Father' who guides the Crow throughout life. The