PREPARING FOR THE SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY

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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

Please do not bring Pets Please absolutely no alcoholic beverages or drugs allowed. Do bring  dried Cedar Tobacco herbs as an offering.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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 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

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. 

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.

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.