SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY
The Sweat Lodge was given to the Native people for the cleansing of the body, mind and spirit. It is a place of healing for physical, mental and spiritual well being.
The lodge is built from willow and covered to create complete darkness inside. A fire is built to heat the stones and when ready, the stones are placed in a pit inside the lodge. Offerings of cloth, tobacco and food are brought to the lodge for the ceremony.
Cloth and tobacco are given to the sweat lodge leader at least four to seven days before the ceremony takes place. This is so the leader has time to prepare for the ceremony. On the day of the ceremony, everyone gathers to help prepare. This is an important and one of the biggest parts of the ceremony. Everyone helps by cutting wood, building the fire, preparing the lodge coverings, gathering rocks as well as haring in anything else that needs to be done. Sometimes preparing food for a feast after the ceremony is also a way everyone helps.
On that day the leader explains what takes place before the ceremony starts. Contact Allan if you would like to have a ceremony. More information and details will be given to you when you offer cloth and tobacco to Allan and request a sweat.
Many people with physical illness who do not respond to western medicines have found relief and healing at the Sweat Lodge.
Preparing for the Ceremony
What you need to know about the sweat:
Women who have (or are very close) to their monthly time are asked to stay away from the ceremony. We can explain more about this in person.
bring about 1m of broadcloth, white, blue, turquoise, green, red, any colour that attracts you. It is a good idea to spend 4 days before the sweat making prayers with the cloth. This is an offering to the Spirits, so praying with the cloth about what you are asking the Spirit for help with will help you to focus your mind about why you are there.
Bring a small pouch of tobacco, this is offering as well. for a better understanding about the practice and use of tobacco read about the Pipe Ceremony.
Ladies wear a cotton nightgown or a plain skirt with elastic or loose waist and t-shirt, its best if the skirt or night gown is below the knee.
Gents wear shorts.
Make sure what ever you wear has no metal (snaps, zips etc) because that attracts the heat and it gets uncomfortable.
Also remove any jewelry before going in for the same reason.
Other than that, just bring some towels.
