Sweat Lodge
All are welcome to pray, to remember their connection with the Creator, or to remember what has been forgotten. We ask all who come to respect the Lodge, the grounds, the people, animals, plants and spirits as they are sacred. The following are some guidelines and information that may help those new to this Ceremony and these ways. Purification Ceremony Protocol "All people are welcome, and we turn no one away." CLOTHES - it is traditional to wear clothing during the ceremony. Men usually wear shorts and women traditionally wear a cotton shift or something appropriately modest. Shoes are not worn inside the Lodge. Jewelry generally is not worn due to the heat. It's a good idea to bring a towel to sit on while inside the Lodge. Showers or hoses may be available after the ceremony.
Your help in covering the Lodge with blankets and then uncovering the Lodge after the ceremony is greatly appreciated.
Part of the Purification Ceremony is the meal afterwards; it is traditional for those attending to bring food to share and to help set up and clean up after the feast.
While walking around the grounds before the ceremony, please do not walk between the fire and the Lodge.
You are welcome to participate in the Songs and Ceremonies that are experienced in this sacred ceremony. However, please be aware that these Songs and Ceremonies belong to this Lodge and should stay with this Lodge. Please do not take them elsewhere.
Women who are on their moontime (menstrual cycle) cannot enter the Lodge. Please seek out one of the women and ask her to explain. Women who are on their moontime are also asked to stand far back from the fire, the Lodge area, and any Medicine or Ceremonial objects.
In these ways it is customary to help the leader of the ceremony (the water pourer) cover any expenses that may have been incurred or help him/her on their journey. One gives what one considers or perceives is the value of what one receives from the ceremony; but there is never a charge for ceremonies.
Donations of wood or blankets are always appreciated.
If you have any questions about what you see, please don't hesitate to ask someone. You may notice several people tending the fire. These are "fire keepers" and may help answer any questions you may have. If you are a first time visitor, there will be an individual who will greet you and you may ask questions of this person as well.
There is no charge for Ceremonies.
For more information
in Georgia contact: jasonamf@gmail.com
in Colorado contact: debby@manyhorses.org
Mancos Colorado- Thunderbird Ranch:
Sweat Lodge
Georgia:
Sweat Lodge
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