Sweat lodge
Benefits
Sweating rids the body of wastes. In this modern sedentary age of pollution, artificial environments, synthetic clothing and lack of regular exercise, a sweat bath can open clogged skin pores and stimulate the healthy flow of a body's own natural sweat. Body sweat flushes toxic metals. Sweat can also remove excessive salts. Sweat may also draw out lactic acid responsible for stiff muscles and a contributor to general fatigue. Sweat lodge heat dilates capillaries; this increases blood flow to the skin. The heart beats faster and impurities in vital organs are flushed out by the flow of fluids. Lungs benefit, too. Clogged respiratory passages are opened by heat; Sweat baths are not recommended for persons with pneumonia and major respiratory problems. The heat of a sweat bath and the often rapid cooling afterwards, conditions the body. A well-tuned body is more resistant to colds, disease and infection.
Through the surrender to the increasing heat you will loose your defensive patterns, which are blocking your true self to be expressed and realized. Sharing, singing, praying, crying, story telling, emotional release, silence, meditation… all has its place during the ceremony. You will be facing all the elements benefit out of their powers. The transcendental experience might bring you eternal bliss and oneness with all. The physical, mental and spiritual rebirth.
Preparation
To prepare yourself for a sweat lodge, fasting is recommended. Have a proper bath and purify yourself through meditation. Leave your talismans and jewelry on the Altar to absorb the protective energies. Metal jewelry in the lodge can burn your skin. Towel may be useful to rub the skin and soak the sweat. If you are uncomfortable sitting on the ground, bring a pillow or mat
Stone Placing Ritual
Collecting the wood, building the fire, placing the stones with prayers and positive resolves.
Fire Starting Ritual
Singing, drumming, dancing, the fire heats the stones about four hours
Purification in herbal smoke with shamanic drum
The sweat lodge is not recommended for menstruating women, people with serious illness, nor is it a pleasant experience for anyone with claustrophobia or an aversion to heat.
Ritual
There are four rounds of purification. The door is opened at the end of each round so participants may exit to cool off if needed. Drinking water is passed around the circle and new rocks are brought into the center pit in the lodge from the fire outside. Traditionally "birthday suits" are the best. In the respect of limitation of the local culture we cover our selves. After smudging, participants enter the lodge down the Path of Life from the Heart Fire. Inside the lodge, we move clock wise around the circle to our places. During each round, the lodge is totally dark. Hot rocks from the Heart Fire are placed in the center pit and water and herbs are poured on the rocks to create steam. The water with herbs is passed around the circle, who has the water speak, at the end of sharing, praying or whatever, sacrifice a little water on the stones. Others are silently listening until it is their turn.
All four elements: the earth, air (steam), fire and water are engaged. Each round is dedicated to one of the four directions and corresponding four elements.
The first stone is placed as the center stone. The second is placed in the East and touches the center stone. The Eastern direction is the Eagle. The color is yellow and the season is the Spring. The East is the spiritual direction and the Eagle is strong carrying our prayers to "Great Spirit." The third rock is placed in the South. The season is summer. The color is Red. The spirit keeper is the Coyote or Wolf. The jumping mouse also sits in the south. This direction is the one of love, emotion, community and introspection. The forth stone is placed in the West. The season is Fall. The color is Black. Bear sits here and represents both the physical strength and healing. The fifth stone is placed in the North. The color is White. The season is winter. White Buffalo sits here as does the Salmon. This is the direction of Wisdom and of sacrifice.
After the first 5 rocks have entered the next 7 are brought to make a total of 12. The number 12 is very significant. There are 12 moons, 12 tail feathers on the eagle, 12 months and so on. Next the water bucket is brought.The door is closed.
First round The East is birth and new beginnings; here we set intentions. Self reflection. With deep faith and humbleness we share our hearts, the future, set a positive resolve.
Second round The South is childhood and relationships; here we pray for others. May all the beings in all the worlds be happy. We share the past.
Third round The West (the hottest spot) is the going within time, a place of death, rebirth and healing; here we pray to let go of our impurities, and for healing for ourselves and others. The presence.
Fourth round The North is the place of the ancestors, the deep quiet wisdom of the ages, purification, endurance and preparation for rebirth. Self surrender. We ask for strength and guidance to endure the suffering of our existence and to understand what it is we are being born to. This round is silent.
* subject to extra costs
