Many religions promote fasting as a means of becoming more spiritually connected, mainly through the process of detoxification. The biggest commonality that I have seen in this practice is the idea that by ridding our bodies of impurities through privation, we allow for a clearer connection and perspective of Spirit.
In some indiginous traditions, the fasting is a means of bringing the body closer to death. In doing this, the veil between the Worlds is thinner to the individual and one can appreciate and understand the messages the other side has to offer us.
In the Lakota Tradition, there is a rite called "Hanbleyca", or "Crying for a Dream/Vision." Most people know this as a "Vision Quest." During this four-day ritual, the participant neither eats nor drinks nor sleeps. The messages they receive from Spirit during this period become a guide for how they live their lives.
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