Sweat Lodges
In the Native American tradition, the sweat lodge is a re-birthing in the womb of Earth Mother, where participants go back to the beginning, release their pains and fears to the sacred fire, and move forward, cleansed, to start their lives refreshed and renewed.
The ceremony starts with prayer, building of the sacred fire which is follow by layering blankets over a willow frame until the interior of the lodge is absolutely dark. Celebrants offer their intent with tobacco, and enter the lodge for prayer and singing. The lodge leader – who pours water over hot stones brought inside the lodge – leads prayer rounds and summons healing spirits from the Four Directions, asking celebrants to contribute song or prayer, and to transmute negative energy by releasing it to the Stone People. The Lodge connects celebrants to the powerful energies of Earth Mother, helps them to remember their origins, and purifies all who come within.
The Spirits guide the Elders in giving permission to selected leaders to pour water. Those who pour water in a sweat lodge have traveled the Red Road for many years, are Pipe Carriers and Sun Dancers, and have completed a rigorous apprenticeship. They are bound by respect for the Native American traditions, knowledge of the ceremonies, spiritual reverence and community responsibility.