What to expect

Everyone experiences Lodge in their own individual way and no two Sweats are the same. The ceremonial experience, as with all of Life's experiences, can be influenced by mood (both mental and emotional), diet, health, where we are on our Path (or the sum total of our beliefs and personal realisations) and how well we are centered and grounded at that time. We must also acknowledge the myriad of environmental influences such as the Sun, the Moon, the Seasons, or whether you've been sat next to a stream or frying underneath a high voltage power cable!!

In Lodge some people may experience more or less heat than others. Some Lodges may appear to be hot to one whilst perceived as cool to another. The experience can often be influenced by our perspective (i.e. dwelling on self, or focusing on others) and the weight of baggage that we may be carrying (mental, emotional etc).

All said and done it is probably best that you forget all of this and expect nothing! The best way to enter a Sweat Lodge Ceremony is with an open and loving mind and heart, and a knowing that whatever you are meant to experience in Lodge, will be your experience (even if this means you end up leaving the Lodge in the first round). It is important to remember that the Ceremony is not a test of human endurance in a competitive, and hence ego, sense but more one of focus and sacrifice.

What to bring

Please note:  no alcohol or drugs should be consumed 24 hours before attending a Sweat Lodge Ceremony.

• A torch if you have one may be useful.
• Tent and equipment if you are camping.
• Warm clothes, wellies and waterproofs (hopefully you won't need them, but this is the South West)! A change of clothes is also a good idea. 
• For the Sweat Lodge, a sarong, or large towel, and/or a bathing suit (you can wear shorts and t-shirt if you prefer but remember, it's going to be hot and you're going to sweat!). Also a towel to sit on in lodge (though some prefer to sit directly on the Earth) and a towel for afterwards. There is no nudity outside the Sweat Lodge!
• If you wear contact lenses you will need your lens case as glasses, contact lenses and all jewelry must be removed before entering Lodge (these can be placed on the Altar).
• Any snacks you may want to have during the day (lunch and dinner will be provided).
• An offering (Give Away) for the Lodge Pourer, Fire Keeper & Stone Carrier. This is traditionally in the form of Tobacco or Smudge herbs such as Sage, Cedar, Sweetgrass, Lavender etc.
• We are currently requesting that a donation of £20 per person is made towards the cost of necessary materials (wood, stones, food etc.).  If this is a problem then please let us know and we will discuss individual situations.
• An open heart & mind.

A Typical Day

Participants will usually arrive at 10am (if not on the evening before) and a typical schedule may include the following activities:

• Introductions and discussion of the day ahead
• Preparation of the Lodge site (trimming grass, tidying the Altar and the Fire Pit etc)
• Chopping wood and preparing kindling
• Dressing the Grandmother Lodge
• Placing of the Stone Peoples
• Lunch
• Fire lighting ceremony
• Making Prayer Ties and discussion of ceremony & symbolism
• Final smudging of site and participants before entering the Lodge
• Sweat Lodge Ceremony
• Talking Circle

If the ceremony is to be a weekend event, a one round Lodge ceremony is usually held on the following morning and is generally followed by a period of contemplation. The weekend is brought to completion with a mid-day feast and celebration before participants finally disembark.

<< Back | Next >>