Sweat Lodge

The Stone Peoples Lodge ¹ îWí ¹ The stone peoples lodge (often called a ‘sweat lodge’) is an ancient method of cleansing found in many cultures around the world such as the European sauna and Russian sweat bath as well as the sweat ceremony of Africa.

The purpose, style, and use of the sweat vary among cultures. Here in the United States, the First Nation People (aka Native Americans) used the sweat lodge not only as a means of purification, but as a very sacred act of healing through prayer.

Nations of the northeast, southeast, west, and northwest differed in the way they built and conducted their sweat lodges. Here in the southeast, the structure at one time was typically an earth mound or small cave dug into the side of a hill by a stream. The rocks are heated in an outside fire and brought into our small, round, covered lodge where ‘doctored’ water is poured over them. The conduct of our sweat lodge is led in the tradition of the ‘Star Clan-Little Bear’ Creek people of the Chiaha. Although the sweat lodge is a very healing experience, it is not recommended for everyone.

People suffering from certain lung diseases, heart conditions, and other ailments such as fibromyalgia, should exercise caution in choosing to do a sweat lodge.

As well, one should only come to a sweat when they are ready to surrender and be cleansed. One should enter a sweat with reverence, a clear mind, and a pure heart - open and willing to experience transformation and release.

To honor the lodge for which you are preparing, it is customary to fast for some duration prior to entering the lodge. Fasting is a means of slowing down the physical processes of the body allowing energy to focus on consciousness instead. It is also a way to show reverence for and detachment from the material world. If fasting is not an option, drinking pure water and limiting food intake to raw fruits and vegetables provides a form of “fasting” that recognizes preparation for the lodge.

As well, prayer and time spent meditating on the purpose of your sweat lodge should be exercised as far in advance as possible to prepare for the sweat. On the day of the ceremony it is customary to arrive in time to participate in the entire process of creating the experience. From choosing the stones, getting the wood, securing the blankets, preparing the area, working with the food, honoring the altar, the making of prayer ties, and a host of other activities in and around the lodge itself.

We suggest that those that would like to participate show up as early as possible. Think of this as an all day event or at least half a day. Having said this, do not let this deter you from seeking the healing of the lodge if your time is just too limited. Also realize that not everyone goes into the lodge. There is plenty to do around the lodge to assist in creating the sacred healing space needed to conduct the lodge. It’s critical to the success of the lodge to have enough support for the lodge. Once preparations have been made and you are ready to sweat, here are some recommendations for the actual participation:

Protocol andTradition: There are traditional and ceremonial ways of a sweat lodge that you will be made aware of before entering the lodge. It is however inappropriate to bring alcohol, drugs, weapons of any kind or profane language to the ceremony. We also suggest that if you must smoke for recreation we will have a designated place for this.

Clothing: You will want to take off any jewelry or contact lenses or glasses before entering the lodge. Those with long hair may be more comfortable with it pulled up. Light and loose fitting clothing is highly recommended. Gym shorts, T-shirts, bathing-suit trunks, and sundresses are commonly worn. Bring at least two towels to use inside the lodge and for cleaning up afterward. Bring warm clothing to put on after the sweat such as sweat pants and jerseys. The night air in the mountains can be cool.

Moontime: Women on their “Moontime” or menstrual period will not want to enter the lodge, but are encouraged to come and be present in ceremony and support for the lodge. Moontime is a powerful energy time that is traditionally highly respected and revered.

Food: There is no eating before the lodge, but a potluck “mostly” vegetarian meal will follow. Please bring a “dish” or food item to share for the meal.

Offerings: Ceremonies at the Stone Peoples Lodge are free of charge; however, it is customary and fitting to prepare an offering in exchange for the upkeep and preparation of the lodge and the lodge grounds and to assist in creating an intentional space for our spiritual community to grow. The Stone Peoples Lodge is a gathering of our spiritual community, an extraordinary healing experience and a deep and profound awareness of all our relations. With this type of visit in mind your monetary donation of support (a minimum suggested donation of $20.00 per person has been initiated by the elders of the community) will help us to be able to continue this ancient tradition of the “Healing Hot-House” known in Creek as the ‘Asi’ or Spirit Place.

If there is any question regarding the monetary gift/offering don’t hesitate to contact us to inquire about this traditional custom.

Thank You and I look forward to being in ceremony with you.

Peace,
Tom Bluewolf

Earthkeepers
One Tribe Trading Company
PO Box 333
Talking Rock, GA 30175
Land 706-517-0545
Cell 770-337-8735
www.earthkeepers.net