Saturday my husband and I attended a symposium and pioneers. One BYU prof of Ancient Scriptures gave a talk about 'Sacred Journeys', listed some of them (Ny to Kirtland, Nauvoo to SLC, the Great Exodus (Moses), and gave 7 common characterists.
1. God commands and person feels prompted to take a 'sacred journey'
2. Journey requires great faith and has challenges
3. While it involves phyusical movement, the journey is really one of the heart/mind
4. SJ increases spitituality, takes faith and endurance, and a commitment to God. We do it to increase our love of God
5. There are no time limits, some may last 40 years, others years.
6. Builds commitment
7. Those who participate effect future generations (i.e., Hyrum Smiths vs Joseph Smith's family)