Sweat Lodge

Sweat Lodge is a rite of purification, A Sacred Steam Bath

Said to be the oldest rite, the Sweat Lodge Ceremony is one of purification. A temazcal is a type of sweat lodge which originated with pre-Hispanic Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. The word temazcal comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word temazcalli which comes from two words, temas which means bath (or teme to bathe), and calli meaning house. Sweat lodges have been used in the northern cultures not only of the Americas but also Europe. One of the early European occurrences can be found in the fifth century B.C.E., when Scythians constructed pole and woolen cloth sweat baths for purification purposes, particularly following a death. Vapor baths are also documented in Roman times by Vitruvius. Steam baths have been found in Turkey, Russia, Korea, Greece, Rome, Ireland, and other countries as well.

In our tradition, individuals crawl to the left (ladies first) and clockwise to their spots. Hot lava rocks are heated outside of the lodge on a fire. They are then carried into a cloth covered willow frame hut to be placed into a pit. After the door is shut the inside of the lodge is pitch black with the exception of the red stones.

An intimate experience, we share the breath of our Grandfathers and Grandmothers, the stone nation. They give a part of themselves so that we may live better lives. Rejuvenating, purifying, sometimes challenging, and always grounding, we enter our womb mother in the darkness of Creation. The endless universe where the Spirits come to doctor us, this Ceremony can help us to leave behind unnecessary thought patterns, bodily pains, and spirit entities.

Herbs such as cedar and sweetgrass are then placed on the stones to assist in the healing of the Ceremony. Hot steam envelopes the lodge as the leader pours water upon the glowing stones. The loud drum throbs steadily as the singers join in with the appropriate songs. Participants are encouraged to connect in their own prayer to Great Spirit (God) while focusing on what is needing attention at that particular time. When the time is right someone calls out, All of My Relations! The flap is then opened. We do this for 4 doors and then exit the lodge to enjoy a feast together.

Sweat Lodge Preparatory Details:        

We would like to warmly invite you back to the womb of the mother in our sacred sweat lodge ceremony.

Arriving 1/2 hour to 1 hour prior to the stated time for each lodge is suggested. By arriving early individuals become better acquainted and allows them time to make prayer ties. These ties are used in to project intentions (make prayers) before hand. Details like this may vary according to the situation or the intercessor. Lodges may last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.

Please bring a towel and a change of clothing if necessary. Women typically wear a long dress that covers the shoulders or a skirt and t-shirt. Men wear swim trunks. We would ask that women having their sacred menses or moon time to stay out of the lodge in order to maintain the energy in a flowing manner. Ladies on menses are welcome to stay in the house if they like. Please leave your pets at home and do not attend our Ceremonies intoxicated. We are happy to offer a clean, drug free environment.

In our lineage it is tradition to offer tobacco of any size to the person pouring water so we ask for everyone to bring this offering. We look forward to joining in prayer to share with one another.

Women’s Temazcal Sweat Lodge

The nature of a women’s lodge is the same as if it were for both men and women. There is a special quality however to attending an all women’s lodge. It is a gentle yet intensely strong experience. Creating a desperately needed bond between the women at this time, we are always brought together in a new way.