A sweat lodge is a ceremonial structure used in many Indigenous cultures for healing, prayer, and purification. The sweat lodge is typically constructed using natural materials such as saplings, canvas or hides, and blankets, and is covered with earth to create a dome-shaped structure. Participants sit inside the lodge in a circle around a central pit filled with heated stones, and water is poured over the stones to create steam, creating a very hot and humid environment.
During the sweat lodge ceremony, participants typically engage in prayer, meditation, and reflection. The intense heat and humidity are believed to help purify the body and mind, and provide a space for spiritual connection and healing. Participants may also share their experiences or insights with the group, and the ceremony is often led by a shamanic practitioner or other spiritual leader who guides the group through the experience.
Sweat lodges are considered sacred spaces and should only be entered with respect and reverence for the tradition and the participants. It is important to be prepared for the physical and emotional intensity of the experience, and to follow any guidelines or instructions provided by the facilitator. Embracing Shamanism offers sweatlodge training. Learn more here.