How to Prepare for a Sweat Lodge Ceremony

A sweat lodge is a sacred Native American ritual that is often used for purification and healing. The ceremony involves a number of people sitting inside a covered, dome-shaped structure, into which heated rocks have been placed. The person conducting the ceremony sprinkles hot water on the red-hot rocks, creating steam. As the inside of the lodge heats up, participants can pray, sing and drum under the direction of the lodge holder. If you wish to experience the sweat lodge for the first time, there are a number of steps to take to ensure you stay safe during the ceremony.

Things You'll Need

• Sweat clothes
• Towel or two
• Water
• Snack
• Tobacco
• Offering or gift

Instructions

Be prepared to sweat safely

1. Scrutinize the lodge holder. In the Native American culture, lodge holders spend many years learning under the direction of an experienced elder. Choose a legitimate, reputable sweat-lodge holder and check that person out. Talk to friends and acquaintances who have attended lodges run by the person to make sure he has been properly taught.

2. Ask about the customs. Each lodge holder has her own way to run a lodge depending on how she was taught. Some lodge holders do not allow non-native people to participate, others turn away women who are on their "moon-time." It is important to respect the customs of the person running the lodge, even if you are not able to participate.

3. Pack comfortable clothes for the ceremony--shorts or swim trunks for men, a T-shirt and long cotton skirt or flannel nightgown for women. Include towels to carry inside, water to drink between rounds and a light snack. Don't forget some tobacco to give to the lodge holder, along with a small gift or donation. (Tobacco can't fill a car's gas tank.)

4. Disclose any health issues. Inform the lodge holder before the ceremony about any health conditions you may have, including high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, claustrophobia or a heart condition. A properly trained sweat-lodge holder will know what to do, and will tell you if you should not participate in the ceremony.

5. Respect the fire. The sacred fire is an important part of the ceremony, and participants may be asked to place tobacco or other offerings into the fire. Watch your clothing around the fire, and be careful not to step on any hot coals, cinders or fragments of the hot rocks.

6. Listen carefully. To ensure your safety, the lodge holder may give instructions on how to enter the sweat lodge, where you should sit once inside, and what you should or should not do during the ceremony. Please listen carefully, as these safety measures are routinely used and followed.

7. Don't be afraid to speak up. During the ceremony, let someone know if you get frightened, or if you feel faint or have trouble breathing. A legitimate lodge holder will guide you through your fear, or will stop the ceremony and let you go outside. If this does not happen, stay calm and leave the lodge as soon as the round ends. Once outside, decide if you feel well enough to go back in, or if it is time to end your sweat-lodge experience.

References

• The Native American Sweat Lodge; Joseph Bruchac; The Crossing Press, Freedom, California, 1993