Sweat Lodges are ceremonies of
Prayer and Purification. Healing is at the crux of the ceremony. It is a mending
of the broken connections between us and ‘all
my relations,' words that are used when we pray. These words create a kinship
with other people, the land, plants, insects, water life, animals and all
creation. It is a sacred act of renewal
Tom and Kristen (Water
Pourers) have been taught by Joseph Rael.
We have found that
the 10 AM start time is works well. It gives everyone an opportunity to assist
with the fire building ceremony and other preparations. We then have fruitful
discussions and sharing about various Joseph Rael teachings. When people show up
on time, there is no distraction from the ceremony by late comers. All are able
to commit, cooperate and contribute.
The Elders of the chamber
encourage all of you to walk the land before the lodge, and convey your thoughts
of gratitude to the land. We have cornmeal and ceremonial tobacco which you can
feed to the trees and the land on your short meditative walk. Also, there will
be materials for the making of Prayer Ties which you may carry into the
Lodge. Someone will be on hand to remind you how to do this.
Come early for
sweat lodge ceremonies. The usual 1 pm time is the time we plan to enter
the lodge and everyone needs to be present before then to help with the process,
invest in the ceremony, get acquainted with others and be educated with the
introduction. The ceremony actually starts with laying the fire so the
suggested time of arrival is 10am. All are encouraged to be here for
the entire ceremony, but definitely by 12 noon.
About the Sweat Lodge Ceremony: The
actual sweat lodge, with the introduction lasts about two hours. There will be a
potluck meal after the lodge. Please bring food, not snacks.
Bring clothes for wearing after the
lodge. Attire for the lodge should be modest and non-revealing: men: loose
swimsuit or shorts; women: long dress, preferably w/sleeves or sleeved top and
long skirt. Bring a towel and a water bottle and work gloves, if you have them.
The ceremony and protocols are explained before the lodge. You may leave the
lodge at any time. Understand that sitting by the fire you are also in the
ceremony: a powerful time to pray and meditate. If you need to leave the lodge
itself the ceremony continues for you around the fire. Participants are allowed
to come back into the lodge if they need to sit outside for a portion of the
ceremony.
Please call Tom or Kristen at
610-469-9029 for information and confirmation. Donations for Lodges and Chamber
are appreciated.