The Sweat Lodge Ceremony supports the purification of the body, heart, mind and spirit. Before entering the lodge, it’s vital to know why we are participating. Our intention guides the flow of energy. With good intention, we make medicine for the healing of us all. Healing is manifested through chant, prayer and meditation.
Next Ceremonies: At this point in time, there are no scheduled lodges. Please check back in the future. Thank you.
Please arrive at lease one hour before to help prepare the lodge, connect with the land and set intention. Carpool from the Third Street Center parking lot, two hours before lodge.
Vision Quest: August 1st -5th(Opening Fire Wed 7pm, Closing Fire Sunday 4pm).
What to Bring: two towels, your favorite (non-alcoholic) hydrating beverage, a natural fiber mat to sit upon (especially in the spring and fall when it can be wet inside the lodge) and a healthful meal to share with all. True Nature, Lenado is drug and alcohol free.
While our lodges are influenced by the Lakota tradition, we do not offer strict Lakota lodges. We do honor the four doors, four directions, and the seven sacred rites handed down from the White Buffalo Calf Woman: including the chanupa (sacred pipe), inipi (sweat lodge of purification) and hanbleycha (vision quest). While the Lakota tradition and songs are very important to us, we also share chants from many traditions and cultures.
We place stones in the fire several hours before the lodge begins. Once they are hot, we enter the lodge and begin the ceremony. Participants enter in silence wearing comfortable clothing and a towel or mat to sit on. Questions can be asked at anytime by saying “all my relations” or “matak oyasin”, the facilitator will create space for you to share.
Our protocols are designed to create a trusting and safe environment. If you need to leave the lodge, just say all my relationship and share your intention before exiting.
Each lodge contains four doors (sessions) which last approximately 20-30 minutes. Between each door, we lift the tarp allowing fresh air and light in. The first door is dedicated to the physical, we then move into heart, mind and spirit. The four elements of earth, air, fire and water are here to help as are the spirits of the land and the seven directions.
Following the lodge we close the ceremony by the sacred fire with the chanupa or prayer pipe. Together we put away the tarps, clean up the site and share in a pot luck meal of healthy foods prepared by the participants. Please bring a healthy meal to share with all.
There is never a set fee for ceremony, though we do appreciate monetary donations to help us remain sustainable. For additional information, please email branden.
Pilamayeh (Thank you)