The Sweat Lodge

Posted by: admin on Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

At Open Sky, the sweat lodge ceremony is based on Native American practices, although similar ceremonies have been found around the world and in many diverse traditions. The Scandinavian practice of the sauna, for instance, has its roots in traditional Northern European tribal ceremonies. The sweat lodge is a powerful medium for purification, emotional renewal and spiritual inspiration. Some of our students have expressed that the sweat lodge offered them their first real spiritual experience. As a community, the students and guides construct a domed structure using saplings, tarps, and blankets. The finished structure resembles a dome tent, which creates complete darkness inside when the door is closed. In addition to the building of the lodge, stones are gathered and heated in a large fire for several hours. When the stones are glowing red, the community enters the lodge and the first round begins. Water is poured on the stones and participants share prayers, songs and speak from the heart. At Open Sky, sweat lodges are used in times of transition and celebration, such as for the Vision Quest, graduation, and other important events.

Sweat Lodges & Safety

Sweat lodges are powerful and need to be approached respectfully. Drinking plenty of water, minimum two quarts before entering the lodge, maintaining electrolytes, taking into consideration any medical conditions and medications a student is on are important. Please consult with and receive approval from the student’s therapist and Open Sky doctor prior to allowing participation in the sweat. Certain medications such as lithium are sensitive to dehydration. Field guides will need to be certified that they know both the ceremonial and safety aspects of the healing and transformational use of the Sweat lodge.