About Our Sweatlodge Ceremonies

Sweat Lodge: An Empowering Journey of Purification

The sacred Sweat Lodge Ceremony, revered as a ritual of purification, boasts its ancient origins in the rich cultures of Native Americans, Mexicans, and Irish. In the Irish tradition, it’s known as the “teach allais,” or “sweat house,” with its roots tracing back to time-honored practices.

In our unique tradition, we follow the native American lodge ceremonies, participants enter the lodge by crawling to the left (with ladies going first), following a clockwise path. Outside the lodge, the radiant grandfather rocks are carefully heated within a fire and then thoughtfully placed inside a willow-framed hut, carefully draped in cloth. As the door is sealed, the interior becomes an abyss of darkness, with only the warm glow of the red stones providing a flicker of light.

This intimate experience draws us closer to the benevolent spirits of the Grandfathers and Grandmothers, embodied by the stone nation. They generously offer a piece of themselves to aid us in living more fulfilling lives. The Sweat Lodge Ceremony acts as a rejuvenating and grounding force, helping us release unnecessary thought patterns, physical discomfort, and spiritual burdens.

Upon entering this sacred site, you’ll encounter the “Welcome Fire” at the entrance—an inviting space to unwind, reconnect, share moments with your companions, and find inner balance. Just before you reach the Lodge fire, where the stones are prepared, there’s a small altar adorned with sacred herbs. Here, you have the opportunity to offer a bit of tobacco to the sacred fire, sending your prayers, intentions, or connections skyward as the tobacco smoke carries your requests to the Great Spirit. Please remember that this fire is sacred, and we kindly request that you refrain from placing anything except tobacco into it. The Fire Keepers are responsible for tending the fire, adding wood, and managing its sacred aspects. Feel free to approach them with any questions you may have.

The Sweat Lodge Ceremony is inclusive of all age groups. Ensure you bring a towel, a drinking vessel, and dress comfortably in a way that feels right for you. It’s essential to stay well-hydrated during the ceremony, and consider your food choices mindfully. Many individuals choose to eat lightly or fast prior to the ceremony, respecting their body’s needs. However, we strongly discourage water fasting.

Typically, a Lodge consists of four rounds. During each round, the door is closed, and water is poured onto the heated stones. Brief breaks are taken between rounds, symbolising the significance of the sacred fours in various spiritual traditions. While it’s beneficial to participate in all four rounds, it’s not obligatory. A typical ceremony usually lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, but the duration can vary based on the Water Pourer’s tradition and the number of participants. Most ceremony leaders allow participants to exit between rounds if they need a break, and they will provide guidance based on their specific ceremonial practices.

As we venture into the lodge, we do so in a humble manner, crawling on our knees like infants, gently circling in a clockwise direction, symbolising our closeness to Earth Mother. We acknowledge that the entirety of Creation dwells within the boundless Universe—the womb of our Mother.

Throughout the ceremony, aromatic herbs such as cedar and sweetgrass are thoughtfully placed on the stones to enhance the healing process. The lodge fills with warm steam as the leader carefully pours water over the glowing stones. The rhythmic beat of the drum and sacred songs create a soothing backdrop. Participants are encouraged to offer their individual prayers to the Great Spirit (God), focusing on their specific needs. When the moment is right, someone utters the call, “All of My Relations!” and the lodge’s flap is opened. This sequence repeats four times before we exit the lodge and convene to share a communal feast.

Preparation for the Sweat Lodge: We extend a heartfelt invitation to return to the mother’s womb through our sacred sweat lodge ceremony. Arriving 30 minutes to an hour before the scheduled time is recommended. Early arrivals provide an opportunity for participants to form connections and create prayer ties, which help express intentions in advance. Specific details may vary based on the situation or the intercessor, and the duration of the lodge can vary from 1 to 3 hours.

Women experiencing their sacred menses or moon time are encouraged to maintain the energy flow by refraining from entering the lodge. They are welcome to explore the woodland and attend other events. Pets should be left at home.

In our lodge tradition, it is customary to present an offering of tobacco, of any size, to the individual pouring water. We kindly request that everyone bring this offering. We happily anticipate the shared experience of prayer and connection with one another.

Refrain from participating in ceremony intoxicated, or in a substance-altered state. Alcohol in particular around ceremonies is deeply disrespectful of almost every sweat tradition we are aware of, especially Native American. It is also dangerous for both participants and the ceremony leaders, and the spirits don’t like it. Furthermore, do not bring intoxicants into the Sweat Lodge area. Unsure about this? Refrain and ask us about it. However, this restriction does not apply to prescription medications. If you have any specific health issues you are concerned about, please inform the ceremony leader before entering the Lodge

Sweat Lodge Guidelines

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