Let me first say that this is intended to be only very basic general knowledge and is certainly not all inclusive and does not apply to all tribal traditions and ways of practicing the sweat lodge ceremony. It is just a brief description of the protocols which, based on my personal experience, seem to be good rules of thumb when attending any Native American ceremony. When attending a ceremony with a particular ceremonial leader from a particular tribe or group, you should consult someone who knows that leader and ceremony for information on what is expected of those in attendance.
Sweat Lodge is a ceremony that has been used by many Native American tribes and other indigenous peoples for centuries. Contrary to the beliefs of some people, the sweat lodge is not just a sauna. It is a very sacred ceremony of spiritual and physical purification. The main focus is prayer. The sweat lodge is also used for many specific purposes. There are medical lodges, lodges to prepare people for other ceremonies, and many other purposes. The sweat lodge that most people are familiar with is commonly called the sweat of prayer and purification.
The first thing that is important to know is that each stage of the sweat lodge is part of the ceremony. The ceremony actually begins when it is determined that the ceremony will take place. Lighting the sacred fire, covering the hut, and creating the altar are all part of the ceremony. Be respectful in behavior and speech during all stages of the ceremony.
Do not wait for a steam bath if you are under the influence of any substance. The repercussions of this are too many, too varied, and sometimes too serious to discuss here. You just shouldn’t. A general rule for substance users is; have at least 4 days clean/sober and have a sincere and deep intention to stay clean/sober before attending.
What the Elders have taught me is that one should never take without giving something back, whether one is taking from nature, receiving the gift of others’ work, or asking the spirits, therefore it is customary to give a bag of tobacco as a gift. to the leader and the firemen. It’s also nice to gift them after the ceremony with goods or a monetary donation. Value and cost are not important. If you’re struggling financially and don’t have gifts to offer, that’s fine too, but any small token of gratitude is fine. It is important to know in advance if a lodge leader is offended by a gift of money. Of course, ask someone who knows the leader! I don’t know of any traditional leader who ever charges for a ceremony, however, many appreciate a gift of money while others feel it is too related to charging for the ceremony.
All the ceremonies I have attended have a feast afterwards. Bring food for the table. Juice is good too. Maybe also some paper plates and cups. Anything you can bring to contribute to the party is good. Alcoholic beverages are not appropriate.
As you wait to get into the shelter, ask what you can do to help. And remember, all the stages of preparation are part of the ceremony. Whatever you help with, please do so respectfully and carefully. It is good to observe those who have experience to learn and follow their example. I’ve been taught to do things as if the Creator and the spirit world were watching. (mainly because they are!)
Don’t touch other people’s belongings. There will be many holy items present for the sweat lodge such as bundles of holy pipes, rattles, drums, and many other items. Yes, they are very pretty and seem to attract the touch, however, do not touch them. These items are personal sacred and ceremonial objects of those present and it is considered gross disrespect and desecration to touch them unless invited to do so.
The sweat lodge is a place to humble yourself before the Creator and the Spirit world. Don’t wear makeup. It won’t stay on anyway, it will run down your face, get in your eyes and irritate you. It is also important to remove jewelry and any other displays of vanity.
Do not pass between the sacred fire and the lodge structure. There are many reasons for this. It can disrupt the flow of spiritual energy, it can make you sick, and many other reasons. If you need to get to the other side, walk all the way.
Do not pass in front of the elders. Now here’s the hard part. The elderly are not always elderly, and sometimes they are even younger than you. The lodge leader is his elder, he sits in front of you at the ceremony, therefore he is his elder. Little things count too, for example, if an old man is approaching from the same path as you, pull over and stop until the old man has passed.
I won’t talk specifically about women’s issues here, however, if you are a woman of childbearing age, it is important that you speak with an experienced woman about attending the sweat lodge ceremony before you attend. She will know what to tell you.
When it is time to enter the lodge, the leader usually speaks and gives instructions. Listen and follow instructions. If you don’t understand, again, he looks to those who have experience and follows his example. Go to the ceremony without expectations and with a humble heart and attitude. You will be hurt.
Once inside the lodge, the heated Grandfather Stones will be brought. Depending on the leader and the tradition that is followed, pipes can be smoked, food can be passed around, the leader can take time to speak and teach and as I said, go with no expectations as every ceremony and every leader is different. Once the door is closed, it will be completely dark. The leader will pour water on the stones, steam will be produced and it will be very hot. Usually everyone will be asked to pray, songs may be sung, drums may be played, or rattles may be used. Most sweat lodge ceremonies have 4 rounds, or the door will close and open 4 times. Again, this can vary with different tribes and leaders.
Security Issues Around the Sweat Lodge Ceremony
In light of recent events at a (so-called) Arizona sweat lodge during which several people died and several others required medical attention, I now want to talk about security issues surrounding the sweat lodge ceremony. Let me start by saying that I have been attending sweat lodge ceremonies for many years and I have never been to a sweat lodge where someone needed medical attention or died. Of course, I have never attended a sweat lodge with a self-help guru as the leader. I have only attended traditional Native American sweat lodges and have always been very safe there.
Know who you’re sweating with. If you do not know the lodge leader personally, ask those who do about the leader’s experience, training, history, background and reputation. If you feel you can’t trust them, find another place to attend the ceremony. Many times I attend a sweat lodge as a helper just for the purpose of observing, getting to know the leader, and gaining a spiritual sense of the leader’s energy and experience. It is very important that you trust the leader of your lodge as your physical and spiritual safety may be in his hands.
If a price is set and money is charged for a sweat lodge, this is a good indicator that you should not attend. The point of so-called sweat lodges is to make a profit and you can bet they’ll pack as many people as possible. Traditional ceremonial leaders will never set a price or charge for a ceremony and if there are too many people who need to pray, most of us will do two sweat lodges in a row to take care of all the people who need to pray instead of packing. people in too tight.
If you have medical conditions or physical limitations, please let us know. Always discuss the sweat lodge ceremony with your doctor before attending to understand how heat and steam can affect your condition. An experienced sweat lodge leader will know how to help you with any security issue and will do so without hesitation.
Hydration is very important. Drink plenty of water before entering the sweat lodge. Many leaders will also be passed water to drink between rounds when the gate is open. An experienced leader will also allow you to go out between rounds if necessary or stay out for the rest of the ceremony if necessary. Again, make your needs known. The sweat lodge is all about prayer and if all you are praying for is survival then the purpose has not been served. The sweat lodge is not an endurance contest or to show how “tough” you are. It is about prayer, purification, healing and humility.
Make sure to wear light cotton clothing. Some synthetic fabrics can melt during the ceremony, so cotton is best. Be sure to ask beforehand what draws are appropriate for the sweat lodge you’re attending. Bring a towel. Remove all metal jewelry as it will get hot and can cause burns. Take off contact lenses and glasses, these can also melt and cause eye damage.
Many people will experience some distress during their first sauna ceremony, such as feelings of claustrophobia, shortness of breath, and some begin to hyperventilate. Don’t be embarrassed by this and certainly don’t be afraid to say something. Sitting next to someone with experience can help, as they will know the skills to help you get through it. Some good things to remember are; focus on your breath, breathe in and out slowly and rhythmically, start to focus on your sentences as you breathe. It’s much cooler next to Earth, lie down if you have to. Everyone at the hostel is there to help each other and will make room for you to lie down and help you through any difficulties you may experience. If you can’t get over your distress, don’t be afraid to ask for the door to be opened. An experienced leader will open the door immediately.
The sweat lodge ceremony is a sacred ceremony and a very healing experience, as well as an intense spiritual experience when performed correctly, according to tradition, and in a deeply respectful manner. The sweat lodge has helped thousands heal, overcome limitations, and grow personally and spiritually, and it should always be that way.
If you choose to attend a sweat lodge ceremony, I hope you find these things I’ve talked about helpful, and as I said at the beginning, this list is not all-inclusive and does not necessarily apply to all tribal traditions or types of sweat lodges. . ceremonies. But it should be pretty close. Travel well.