My Sweatlodge Experience
Aug 28, 2023
Let me start off by saying, what an amazing experience. From the nervous wondering if I would be able to 'make it' through the entire process, to the connections made within the ceremony.
I will not go into details about the place of this sweat lodge, or the people that supported it and attended. This is out of respect for the man who ran the ceremony and the individuals in attendance.
I attended with a long time friend. We have both wondered what a sweat ceremony may be like for a long time. When we arrived there was a large fire burning in an equally large pit. Rocks in a crescent moon surrounded the top of the pit and burning fire. There was a smell of burning sage and cedar in the air. I felt curious, wondering what I had just walked into. Flags hung on a fence around the lodge, there was a wide circle of chairs set up, and coloured fabrics hung from the trees around us.
I did not research information about sweat ceremonies prior to going, only afterwards. I wanted the experience to be new, and I didn't want to ruin it by having an idea of what it should be prior to what it was. Sort of like reading a book before watching the movie and spending the 120 minutes comparing each scene to how it 'should be'.
Sweat ceremonies involve setting intentional and meaningful fires. The fire holds deep symbolism and significance representing several spiritual and transformative elements. The fire symbolizes the energy of purification and cleansing. Fire has long been associated with the spiritual realm in many indigenous cultures. In the sweat lodge ceremony, the fire represents a connection to the spiritual world and the ancestors. The fire's light and warmth are seen as a way to communicate with higher powers and receive guidance. Frequently we were reminded of the grandfathers and grandmothers that may be included through the fire in our ceremony.
Fire is a natural symbol of transformation and change. Just as fire transforms wood into ashes and heat, participants in the sweat lodge seek personal transformation, growth, and renewal. The intense heat and the process of sweating are seen as a form of spiritual rebirth. Fire is considered a sacred element in many indigenous traditions. The fire's powerful and transformative energy helps to create a sacred and protected space within the sweat lodge, where participants can engage in prayer, meditation, and reflection.
Fire's warmth and light are often associated with the energy of the sun, which is essential for life on Earth. The sun is often considered masculine energy. The sweat lodge ceremony can be seen as a microcosmic representation of the world, with the fire symbolizing the life-giving energy of the sun.
In some sweat lodge traditions, offerings and prayers are made to the fire before entering the lodge. These offerings symbolize gratitude, respect, and humility, as participants seek blessings and guidance for their intentions. I had set the intention of clearing any remaining limiting beliefs I hold, and to gain the guidance of messages from my own spirit guides even before I had gotten out of my car. We furthered our intention setting through the act of tobacco offering. Folding some tobacco in a piece of cloth and tying it up.
I had to check in with that nagging feeling of need to be perfect in the fact that I did not fold it perfectly around the tobacco in that moment. Releasing that need of perfection and being pleased with the little packet of intention to offer the fire. We tossed our cloth wrapped tobacco into the flames of the fire to offer intention to the fire and the grandfathers present within prior to entering the sweat lodge.
The heat generated by the fire heats the rocks (grandfathers or hot stones) inside the sweat lodge, which in turn creates steam when water is poured over them. This steam is believed to cleanse participants both physically and spiritually, purifying their bodies, minds, and spirits. But first the rocks. I love rocks. I have always loved finding unique, shiny, pretty, or meaningfully shaped rocks wherever I go. My mother would go on trips when I was young and return with a rock from wherever she had gone. So the rocks instantly interested me.
In a sweat lodge ceremony, the rocks, often referred to as "grandfathers" or "hot stones," hold significant spiritual and symbolic meaning. These heated rocks play a crucial role in creating the steam that generates the intense heat and humidity within the sweat lodge. The heated rocks are considered spiritual allies and conduits between the physical and spiritual realms. They are believed to carry the energy of the Earth and the ancestors. The rocks are chosen with care, often based on their unique qualities and shapes, which are thought to hold specific energies that contribute to the ceremony. Our rocks came from the area where we are, where we live, which there are plenty of. Even the man who started our fire referred to them as "Lanark County top soil".
In the ceremony, the rocks represent the Earth's healing energy. As they are heated, they absorb and radiate heat, which, when combined with water, creates steam that purifies and cleanses participants' bodies and spirits. The steam is believed to carry away negative energies, toxins, and emotional blockages. It definitely creates the heat and sweat within the ceremony and our bodies.
The rocks symbolize the element of Earth and its connection to the other elements. When heated, they transform solid matter into a powerful combination of heat, steam (water), and air. The fire, water, and air elements merge within the sweat lodge to create an environment of transformation and healing. In many indigenous beliefs, rocks are considered ancient beings with a strong connection to the Earth's life force. As an earth sign I can definitely relate to how rocks have their own energetic resonance with our inner and outer worlds. In the sweat lodge the rocks' heat represents the life force within the Earth and serves as a reminder of the ongoing cycle of creation, growth, and transformation.
The act of placing the heated rocks in the fire and then transferring them into the sweat lodge is considered a sacred ritual. It's a way of offering gratitude and respect to the Earth and the spiritual forces at play. This process is often done with mindfulness and prayer, infusing the rocks with intention and energy.
A man who was in attendance, who is learning various ceremonies and working towards becoming a shaman carried the title of fire starter. He placed the rocks into the sweat lodge during the ceremony. Each section of the ceremony included placing more rocks, and he placed them in specific directions to symbolize each. The placement of the rocks within the sweat lodge contributes to the balance of energy and heat distribution during the ceremony. The arrangement of the rocks is carefully considered to ensure that participants are exposed to the transformative heat and steam evenly. The heated rocks in a sweat lodge ceremony symbolize connection, transformation, purification, and the bridging of physical and spiritual realms. Their role is integral to creating the sacred and transformative environment that defines the sweat lodge experience.
In our ceremony we began with seven rocks for honouring feminine aspect, fourteen rocks to honour masculine energy, twenty one rocks for healing sweat and twenty eight, the remaining rocks were placed for gratitude sweat. The heat in the lodge grew during each sweat of the ceremony.
Even before we entered the sweat lodge itself there was a ritualistic process that involved a number of protocols to honour its sacred space and the ceremonial intentions. It was explained to us how the process can vary from each indigenous culture and specific sweat lodge leader.
The exact procedure can vary depending on cultural traditions and the specific sweat lodge leader or facilitator. We were told that typically a man will wear shorts and a t-shirt with a towel around his waist and women the same or a skirt with an additional towel around her shoulders. Loose, comfortable clothing that is modest is recommended out of respect for the sacredness of the ceremony. Lightweight cotton is typically the best - for the actual sweating!
In many indigenous traditions, participants are smudged with the smoke of sacred herbs like sage, sweetgrass, or cedar before entering the sweat lodge. This is believed to cleanse and purify their energy and what we used. We smudged by cupping the smoke of the sacred herbs and directing it over our heads, eyes for what we envision, nose for what we smell, mouth for what we speak, ears for what we hear, and bodies for what we carry.
It's customary to acknowledge and greet the elders or the sweat lodge leader before entering. This is a sign of respect and gratitude for their guidance and the teachings they offer. We did this with intention, some of us also put our tobacco in the fire, and others paused at a type of alter that was set up on the representation of mother earth, sand forming the shape of a turtle at the entrance to the lodge.
We approached the lodge women first moving clockwise - as does the earth - around the fire to the lodge entrance. We were shown to approach the sweat lodge and pause at the entrance to offer a silent prayer or intention. Some of the attendees gently touched the ground before entering as a symbolic connection to Mother Earth. Traditionally, participants enter the sweat lodge on their hands and knees, as a sign of humility and respect for the sacred space. This crawling movement also signifies leaving the outside world behind and entering a different realm.
Inside the sweat lodge, there was a specific seating arrangements based on a clockwise circle. The facilitator sat facing the east, facing the door of the lodge. The women in attendance entered first, and moved around clockwise to settle on the cedar that was inside covering the dirt floor beneath. The men entered afterwards surrounding the rest of the central pit.
Participants typically sit cross-legged or on their heels during the ceremony. It's important to be comfortable while maintaining proper etiquette within the circle. At moments I struggled with this factor. Feet going to sleep, the heat getting to my nervous system. At one point I even curled up into a yogi childs pose. But I soon returned to sitting 'criss cross applesauce', as my daughter would say.
Once inside the sweat lodge, participants connect with each other and the energy of the space. Many sweat lodges begin with prayers, songs, or guided meditations to set the tone for the ceremony. Participants may also offer their personal intentions or prayers during this time. Our facilitator put various herbs onto the stones as each was added. The herbs would glitter and sparkle in a magical and intentional way. He used herbs such as lavender, for self love, sweet grass, for healing and peace, bear root for healing, anise for feminine energy.
Throughout the ceremony, participants remain mindful of their movements and actions to maintain the sacredness of the space. Speaking softly and being attentive to the ceremony's rhythm is important. We only spoke during our time to offer up words of honour or prayer.
It's essential to note that the procedures and rituals associated with entering a sweat lodge may vary based on the cultural background and teachings of the facilitator. It's always respectful to follow the guidance provided by the sweat lodge leader and to approach the ceremony with an open heart and a willingness to honour the traditions and practices of the community. Ours vocalized that he was inclusive and would not object to anyone needing to leave, or needing to question an aspect, he was pretty relaxed in the process. He did ask that we not take pictures of the sacred fire.
The first part of the ceremony involved honouring the feminine side. Our leader pointed out that we are nearing a full moon and it is a great time of energy for feminine focus. Each of us in the lodge circle gave honour to the women in our lives and the great mother earth. It was beautiful to honour my own mother, grandmothers and daughters as well as the many role models and friends who have gifted me lessons.
The next part of the ceremony where there were more rocks placed we gave honour to the masculine energy of life. Each of us offered honour to the men in our lives who have taught us lessons, provided healing, or impacted our lives in both positive and negative ways. After each person gave their honour and prayer the facilitator added water by means of cedar branch onto the rocks.
During each part of the ceremony there was singing and drumming. I an no singer by far, I sing loud and proud since I cannot sing well,(at least in the shower) but even I participated in the group singing. Singing holds great significance in the context of a sweat lodge ceremony, as it serves multiple purposes that contribute to the overall experience and spiritual journey of the participants. The act of singing, often accompanied by traditional songs and chants, adds depth and richness to the ceremony.
Singing definitely uplifts the energy within the sweat lodge. The vibration of voices harmonizing in song creates a powerful resonance that can enhance the spiritual atmosphere and help participants connect more deeply to themselves, each other, and the energies of the ceremony. It had me thinking of an experience where a temple may be filled with the chanting of 'om', or the beautiful chants of a Hawaiian meditation I once participated in.
Group singing fosters a sense of unity and connection among participants. As our voices joined together in the shared melodies and rhythms of our leader, a feeling of oneness emerged, helping to dissolve barriers and differences among us. The songs sung in the sweat lodge carried specific intentions, messages, and energies. They set the tone for the ceremony, guiding us through each sweat with energy.
In sweat lodge ceremonies, the songs chosen and sung hold unique meanings and purposes. We were encouraged to join in the singing, allowing our voices to become part of the collective energy and experience. Whether through traditional chants or spontaneous melodies, singing adds a profound dimension to the sweat lodge ceremony, contributing to the spiritual, emotional, and energetic aspects of the journey.
The third sweat we requested healing in whatever areas we chose. We did this all at once in our own languages, softly requesting to the creator and the grandfathers in the rocks what we were hoping to achieve from the sweat. I gave my requests of clearing my limiting beliefs and receiving guidance with intent. The darkness of the sweat provides this sacred space to be alone with the experience, while knowing from the sounds of the others you have this inclusive support.
The final sweat, which was so hot I had moments where I wanted to escape, provided space to offer gratitude. I offered a short and sweet gratitude for the experience, the leader, my past lessons, present state, and amazing future to come.
When it was over there was a wave of adrenaline for the achievement, mixed with purity of peace and clarity. I not only succeeded in remaining, I had done so with mindfulness and presence of mind and body, which is what I had hoped for on arrival.
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