The Sweat Lodge, or the womb of Mother Earth, is a place where healing, cleansing and transformation happens. A timeless space where everything has its place and is honored. A space in which we become aware, possibly receive visions, transform old things into fire, purify ourselves and ask for blessings for ourselves, our fellow human beings and Mother Earth. Guided by songs, stories and prayers, we connect in this sacred space with all that is, was and will be.

Our ancestors in particular – represented by the glowing stones that are carried from the fire (male) into the hut (female) and provide the heat – are invited into this ceremony and asked for support for our transformation and healing. The connection of the masculine and feminine energies within ourselves, represented by the fire and the lodge, are also an important healing aspect of this powerful ritual.

The ceremony begins with us building the fire together, placing our ancestral stones in it and lighting it together. We cover the hut with materials and prepare ourselves for the topics and intentions with which we will enter the sweat lodge. We also decorate the altar with mementos and beloved objects to invite our ancestors and family members in.