Sweatlodges
A sweatlodge is a powerful purification ritual that has been passed to the modern world from Native American and other First Nations’ people. It involves sitting on Mother Earth, in complete darkness, in a simple lodge. Hot rocks are brought in from a fire pit, water is poured on them, prayers are spoken and sung.
There are many different traditions and rituals around how sweatlodges are conducted. The sweatlodges held at Sacred Groves are “Rainbow” Lodges which means we welcome all traditions. Although we are not offering a traditional Native American sweatlodge, we conduct our lodges in a serious and sacred way. Our intention is to show deep respect for the traditions of First Nations peoples and those who have retained and shared this ceremony with us. The ceremony generally lasts several hours starting when the fire is laid and lit, then entering the lodge for four rounds (usually at least 3 hours with breaks between the ’rounds.’)
For more information about indigenous Native American teachings, click here for First Peoples Voices and click here for Four Directions Teachings..
Open sweatlodges for men and women are offered once a season, around the time of the season’s change, generally co-facilitated by Therese, Tere and Kendra E. Thornbury. Our next open sweatlodge is September 11th, to usher in the autumn. Check the calendar for exact date., Co-facilitated by Therese, Tere and Kendra. Arrival time will be around 10am. Please RSVP for more details.
Sweatlodges for women only are offered once or twice a year as part of the Earth Mothers Circle. The next one will be Saturday September 18th.
Private sweatlodges can be arranged upon request.
