Explore the healing power of guided meditation and deeply relaxing breathing exercises taught by Dermot O'Hara
PREPARING FOR THE SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY
CHECK IN EARLY
CHECK IN EARLY
CHECK IN EARLY
It is good to call ahead to see what may be needed and to get there early so you can partake in the whole Ceremony
DO NOT BRING
CHECK IN EARLY
CHECK IN EARLY
Please do not bring Pets Please absolutely no alcoholic beverages or drugs allowed. Do bring dried Cedar Tobacco herbs as an offering.
WHAT TO WEAR
CHECK IN EARLY
WHAT TO BRING
To assist in holding our thoughts and minds in a prayerful manner we are asked to be modest and to keep ourselves clothed-Bathing Suits Shorts t shirts or Towels.
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT TO BRING
Bring food to share. The sharing of food is always a part of the Ceremony -Light and healthy fare is good. Meals are a combined effort of those participating, as well as clean up afterwards
MOONTIME
WHAT TO BRING
THE ALTAR
Menstruating women do not participate in this ceremony. Ancient laws explains that it is during this special time that women are cleansed by nature.I t is a woman's own time to be with herself for meditation,centering and becoming close with Mother Earth.
THE ALTAR
WHAT TO BRING
THE ALTAR
The mound of earth outside the lodge is the altar. It is sacred and powerful. Please do not touch any objects you see on it ,and please be respectful anywhere around it.
RESPECT AND LISTEN
OFFER PRAYERS AND CHANT
OFFER PRAYERS AND CHANT
Please give full respect and attention to the Lodge keeper. who is conducting the ceremony as they will know the ceremony and will lead you through it. Listen to what is being asked of you and what is being prayed for. If you are asked to make a prayer or chant do so.
OFFER PRAYERS AND CHANT
OFFER PRAYERS AND CHANT
OFFER PRAYERS AND CHANT
Please remember that there may be up to 20 or more others in the lodge with you, all of them wanting to pray also so please do not offer a sermon when you are asked to share. It can get VERY HOT during a round if 10 out of the 20 decide to offer a five minute prayer.
FASTING AND HEAT
OFFER PRAYERS AND CHANT
FASTING AND HEAT
Fasting before a ceremony is very beneficial and will heighten awareness. If you are too hot in the lodge, keep you face to the ground and breathe in the coolness of the Earth and let go of what may be holding you back and pray hard
INSIDE THE LODGE
INTEGRATION & GROUNDING
FASTING AND HEAT
Within the sweat lodge when you are offered water to drink remember this is the life blood of Mother Earth so try to allow its healing life giving force flow through you as you slowly swallow it.The duration of the Ceremony can vary depending on the Lodge keeper and participants .Let Spirit and the Lodge Keeper guide you.
REFLECTION TIME
INTEGRATION & GROUNDING
INTEGRATION & GROUNDING
After leaving the lodge it is important that you crawl on all fours to the side of the fire pit and give thanks Take time to fully re orientate and ground before attempting to stand. Some Yoga postures and reflective meditation time are recommended to assist this.
INTEGRATION & GROUNDING
INTEGRATION & GROUNDING
INTEGRATION & GROUNDING
Straight after the lodge Its also good to rinse your body to wash away the toxins you have released and to close the pours .This can be a very deep intense healing experience and it is recommended that you spend as much time as possible on the earth as you integrate the new awareness and healing you have received.
THE LODGE AND LIFE
If we find our path through the Lodge ,we are encourage to see the Lodge as a source of beginnings,rather than a source of everything that we will need on our journey. That is why there is a door on the Lodge that opens up to life, it invites us in,but it also encourages us to go out again and live in the mystery.
it is important for us to remember that wisdom is a combination lessons and tests we get the test first and the valuable lesson/insight of wisdom later. For the experience of the Lodge to become real, it must me lived Two hands teaching and experience clasped together make a prayer. Walk in Beauty always.
THE CIRCLE OF LIFE AND THE LODGE
The circle of the Sweat Lodge, infinite life in its cycling process-inhaling and exhaling. The Sun draws moisture from the Earth and disperses it back to us in a continual movement around the clock called life. We are all on a journey of giving and receiving the Sun and Moon and Stars are all around and travel in cycles. Our cycle should be the most beautiful of all for we are life and Spirit. Even the Seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The Divine knew we would not be self sufficient and gave us willing hands and loving hearts with which to give and receive.
