SWEAT LODGE CEREMONIES
The sweat lodge has been amongst the People since time immemorial as a means of coming into harmony and being with Creator. There is some variation from Nation to Nation on how the ceremony is conducted and not all agree on the protocol and rituals. Below is how our pipe carrier explains it: it is one of but many paths and all are welcome in our lodge who wish to walk the Red road.
The sweat lodge is a return to our mother's womb, to be reborn in spirit form--a cleaning of the body, mind and spirit. It is a time of sharing our challenges with other people and praying for the needs of our innermost self. It is about our relationship with the teachings and the Creator in a sacred space.
The Fire keeper and Lodge keeper/pourer are there for guidance and support. They too, are like you, also doing their own spiritual work. It is up to individuals to pray in their own way to the Creator and to bring about their own healing. Then after the rounds are completed, you re-enter Creation, reborn with new hope and connection.
We offer a number of sweat ceremonies and are happy to assist you in finding a lodge in your area.
Some important things to know:
* We ask that you abstain from harmful substance 4 days before and 4 days afterward (drugs & alcohol)
*Stay hydrated; make sure you drink water the night before the lodge. You may drink water when the lodge door is open and there is light. It is customary not to drink when it is dark. Some people choose to abstain from food before ceremonies--each to their own teachings.
*People remove all accessories like watches, rings, and glasses. Most remove medicine bags, leaving them on the sacred mound in front of the lodge between the fire for cleansing. In the old time, many would enter Skyclad/naked. Today, we require loose fitting, non-revealing clothing as is expected in most lodges.
*Many traditions believe in sacrificing both water in the lodge and blood and tobacco outside the lodge. Every care is made for the personal safety of those wishing to sacrifice however, it is not required. It is important to remember our ceremonies are about developing direct relations with the Creator and forming proper intentions in the ceremony. Our ceremonies are about purification--not about searing heat, which could cause fatality. Every care is made to ensure the safety of the community.
*To some it is a tradition to give a gift to the lodge and its Keepers, this is not required. We ask however, that you pay it forward, by maintaining the spiritual path and gifts of the lodge. We also ask that you not place or use toxic elements in the ceremony--this includes commercially produced tobacco. If there are objects requiring to be burnt in the fire that may impede the process ask the Fire keeper for assistance after the sweat is over.
*Everyone has their own ways and traditions, we do our best to honour them all while maintaining our own traditions.
*It is general expected that everyone will stay in the lodge once the ceremony begins however, you can call for the door at any time if you need to exit.
*When it is your turn to pray in the lodge if you are doing so silently, say “All my relations” when your prayer is completed so the next can take their turn. Do the same when you're done your praying/turn, at other times so the next person knows it is their turn.
* When you are done the ceremony maintain the good feelings and intentions--share it with the community as long as you can until you return again to sweat.
*Many want to know how long is the ceremony--it takes as long as it takes. Ceremony ends when it ends, one should expect a minimum of four to five hours but some may go as long as six or more hours. It belongs to its own time and space.
Things to bring:
*sweats or cut-offs/swim suits, baggy shirt
*dry clothes for after
*towel
*water bottle
*healthy snack to share
*blanket or small cusion to sit on (if desired)
*ceremonial objects as appropriate
*drums and rattles
*Sacred Tobacco or other offerings as is to your teachings (not required)
For more information about out sweat lodge times and/or lodges in your area, please contact our Medicine man below.
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