What exactly is a "Sweat Lodge?" A sweat lodge is rooted in Native American tradition, and something like a Spiritual awakening retreat. Two types of sweat lodges are traditional and new age. When one attends either sweat lodge, the sweat begins with a day of fasting - excluding caffeine, alcohol and other mood-altering substances. Both sweats incorporate purification using sage or cedar smokes. The smoke is passed from each person about to enter the sweat lodge.
In a traditional sweat lodge, individuals can enter in a pair of shorts and a towel; in a new age sweat lodge, most individuals are nude. Upon entering the sweat lodge, all persons place a number of rocks in the small hole centered in the lodge. While each rock is tossed inside, cedar or sage is sprinkled on the rocks. Any buckets are placed outdoors, and the sweat lodge door is closed.
In traditional sweat lodges, there may be guided prayer, chanting and/or drumming. In some traditional sweat lodges, there is absolute silence. Each traditional sweat lodge session lasts up to 45 minuts, and individuals may step out between rounds; however, some individuals may remain between rounds.
Sweat lodges vary from place to place, and may be in the form of a tent, wigwam, cave, or cabin. To learn more about attending a sweat lodge, or if you would like to share your sweat lodge experience, feel free to visit our sweat lodge directory for updated events and listings; or submit your sweat lodge experience to our experiences and/or article areas of Holistic Junction today.
Sweat Lodge