SWEAT LODGE by Cynthia Farley

First I'd like to express my gratitude to all the lodge leaders and participants that have shared their traditions, teachings and experiences with me.

When I first started going to lodges I'd usually arrive in time to change my cloths and get in line for the smudging. It is only now that I can appreciate all the preparation that is involved. The earlier I arrived the more I found out was going on. The making of prayer ties was one of my favorites. The materials used are small squares of cloth, tobacco and a length of red cord. A small bit of tobacco is placed onto the cloth square along with your particular prayer, hope or intention. The bundle is folded or rolled to seal and tied with the red string. Several (7) bundles are tied along the string. One can make as many prayer ties as desired. These bundles are tied to the ceiling of the lodge and removed when the lodge is completed. This process assists the participant to focus on the reason(s) for coming to the sweat.

A sweat lodge is a group or individual physical, mental and spiritual event. It is an offering, a service, and a sacrifice. It is similar to church, satsung, and meditation where everyone has the opportunity for expression. The lodge heat goes deep into the body and psyche, facilitating releases from both.

The following are comments on the various aspects of a sweat lodge. I have left out the very beautiful ceremonial details that enhance the scared nature of the event.

Smudging is done with smoke from burning sage. The body is "smudged" from foot to head. The purpose is purification. This is done when the person first arrives at the lodge site and before entering the lodge.

The lodge is a "get down on your knees to enter" low dome shaped structure made from wood branches with one opening. This frame is covered with blankets, sleeping bags, spreads, etc., and finally covered with a black tarp. The idea is to end up with a space that will hold the heat in and be totally dark when the lodge door is closed. We enter into the womb of Mother earth. There is a hole in the center of the floor to hold the hot rocks. Mats are placed on the swept earth floor and when available fresh flowers and herbs are strewn over the floor and mats.

The fire is started at least four hours before the lodge is to begin. The firekeepers are very important. They start, feed, monitor, nurture and dance with the fire. It is very fulfilling to work with such a powerful natural element. Special rocks are heated, removed, dusted off and placed into lodge pit. The rocks may all be brought into the lodge in the beginning or the fire/door keeper may bring in more between rounds. Firekeeper may participate in the sweat or remain outside as an attentive doorkeeper, opening and closing the lodge door when requested.

Same sex sweats are often done in the nude. Clothing varies: swim ware, shorts and tees, long cotton skirts and shirts, leggings and halter-tops. Layer if one is unsure. It can get very hot so being able to remove clothing is a good idea. A larger towel is nice to stretch out on.

In some lodges the water, (often flavored with mint leaves), is provided by the lodge leader. In others participants bring in their own water bottles.

Procedure:
The fire is started and the rocks are prepared. The grounds are hollowed by the lodge leader. The people are prepared. A Pipe ceremony may be preformed. The lodge leader smudges the participants and they enter going to the left, saying "All My Relations" or what sounds like Mee-Tauk-a-Quoisen to indicate whom this sweat will affect. The lodge leader enters last and the door is closed. After a few minutes the heated rocks may be brought in.

Sweat Lodge ceremonies vary widely. A sweat may be called for a specific purpose, to celebrate a birth or death, wedding, new beginnings, endings moon phases, seasons and so on. The lodge is opened with a welcoming, instruction, introductions and general settling in. There are usually at least four rounds. The four directions celebrate the east, west, north and south along with their attributes. In the generations sweat honors the ancestors, unborn, youth and adults are honored. The rounds are begun with water being splashed on the hot rocks and end with the door being open to refresh the participants. The "sweaters" are allowed to leave and reenter the lodge whenever they feel the need. All are encouraged to endure and if necessary leave between rounds.

The lodge is closed with an expression of gratitude and release. The doors are opened. Spirit food may be passed around. Smoking of the peace pipe may also occur at this time

Participants change cloths. The lodge is dismantled or covers removed and stored away. The event is followed by a PotLuck.

You are strongly urged to participate if the opportunity presents itself. Be on the lookout for the YTOC sweat lodge at Seven Hearts Retreat and Study Center in the summer of 2002. If you have any questions regarding sweat lodges or other programs at Seven Hearts, please contact Cynthia Farley at 303-744-8828 or e-mail cynthia.farley@us.andersen.com.