Post by Lone4eagle on Jan 1, 2008 13:39:57 GMT -6
Traditions need to be passed down, to preserve them for future generations. The Sweat Lodge ceremony was developed to heal and cleanse Natives from the hurts and poisoning of, the kind of society we live in. Here I have put together the basics of the Native American Sweat Lodge.
Starting A Sweat Lodge
Tree saplings are lashed together forming the curved topped, low round shaped framework of the Sweat Lodge. About a 2 ft wide shallow pit is in the center to hold the fire heated rocks. Traditionally, the entrance is to the East. A fire pit outside is for heating up the rocks. Between the entrance and fire pit, the sacred alter is set up with a pipe rack. The Sacred Pipe Ceremony may take place first and/or the smudging of those who wish to enter. Once everyone is inside, the doorway is closed off by the fire tender.
When entering a Sweat Lodge, people crawl their way in following the wall clockwise (Sun-wise). They sit during the ceremony cross-legged, along the wall in a circle. If anyone desires to leave, they exit the same way (Sun-wise). Others will move in toward the center slightly, to allow them to pass by in the traditional manner. Dress for men is shorts plus towels and women short skirt, thin shirt, towels. Only personal items allowed into the Sweat Lodge should be feathers, a Medicine Bag, and similar things.
In a Sweat Lodge Ceremony, water is dipped out and poured over very hot stones to produce steam. A shallow pit within the Sweat Lodge holds up to seven stones which have been heated in a fire outside the entrance. Stones are placed clockwise (Sun-wise) in the pit, starting with the West, the direction of water and the spirit world. A stone representing the Grandfather in the center and also two stones for the Grandmother, all People or Relatives. Enough water is dipped, once over each directional stone to fill the Sweat Lodge with steam. But before any water is dipped, a water drum is used and spirit helpers called from the four directions.
Prayers and singing songs, to the Grandfather now bring blessing to the ceremony. This is a time for cleansing, healing of the human spirit. The Talking Stick is passed around with each telling about who they are spiritually and in the mundane world. It is a time of visions, prayer, and help from spirit guides. The ceremony is divided into four parts, each an interval of less than an hour. A time-out is between and new heated stones replace the already used ones (if needed). A new direction is focused on as the ceremony progresses. Starting in the West (for seeking spirit guides)), then North (for purifying, stamina), East (for knowledge, wisdom) and finishing South (for spiritual growth, healing).
THE FOUR DIRECTIONS
WEST
Sweat Lodge, sacred rocks, ancestors, and balanced emotions through the braiding of the sweet grass. Women sit in the West. The Black West is the place where rain originates, the direction representing the end or finality of all things. Deeds done in the dark are here become final.
NORTH
Wisdom of the ages, rebirth, sustaining of physical life through prayer and stamina. The White North gives a cleansing, purifying and strengthening power. Just as winter does when it cleanses the Earth Mother of all that is weak. The White North sends tests and teaches courage, endurance and wisdom that comes with the trials of life.
EAST
Where Grandfather Sun begins his walk, a place for wisdom and strength of the mind. Elders sit in the East and is where the stories of Indigenous people are told. The Red East is a place where peace, light and new life rise up each day. Blood and birth are from the East.
SOUTH
Represents the feeling of warm winds, gentleness, and caring ways. Children sit in the South. The Yellow South sees a Sun that is strongest when facing this direction. Symbolizing an interaction or giving to humans (of tree, plant, and animal beings).
Starting A Sweat Lodge
Tree saplings are lashed together forming the curved topped, low round shaped framework of the Sweat Lodge. About a 2 ft wide shallow pit is in the center to hold the fire heated rocks. Traditionally, the entrance is to the East. A fire pit outside is for heating up the rocks. Between the entrance and fire pit, the sacred alter is set up with a pipe rack. The Sacred Pipe Ceremony may take place first and/or the smudging of those who wish to enter. Once everyone is inside, the doorway is closed off by the fire tender.
When entering a Sweat Lodge, people crawl their way in following the wall clockwise (Sun-wise). They sit during the ceremony cross-legged, along the wall in a circle. If anyone desires to leave, they exit the same way (Sun-wise). Others will move in toward the center slightly, to allow them to pass by in the traditional manner. Dress for men is shorts plus towels and women short skirt, thin shirt, towels. Only personal items allowed into the Sweat Lodge should be feathers, a Medicine Bag, and similar things.
In a Sweat Lodge Ceremony, water is dipped out and poured over very hot stones to produce steam. A shallow pit within the Sweat Lodge holds up to seven stones which have been heated in a fire outside the entrance. Stones are placed clockwise (Sun-wise) in the pit, starting with the West, the direction of water and the spirit world. A stone representing the Grandfather in the center and also two stones for the Grandmother, all People or Relatives. Enough water is dipped, once over each directional stone to fill the Sweat Lodge with steam. But before any water is dipped, a water drum is used and spirit helpers called from the four directions.
Prayers and singing songs, to the Grandfather now bring blessing to the ceremony. This is a time for cleansing, healing of the human spirit. The Talking Stick is passed around with each telling about who they are spiritually and in the mundane world. It is a time of visions, prayer, and help from spirit guides. The ceremony is divided into four parts, each an interval of less than an hour. A time-out is between and new heated stones replace the already used ones (if needed). A new direction is focused on as the ceremony progresses. Starting in the West (for seeking spirit guides)), then North (for purifying, stamina), East (for knowledge, wisdom) and finishing South (for spiritual growth, healing).
THE FOUR DIRECTIONS
WEST
Sweat Lodge, sacred rocks, ancestors, and balanced emotions through the braiding of the sweet grass. Women sit in the West. The Black West is the place where rain originates, the direction representing the end or finality of all things. Deeds done in the dark are here become final.
NORTH
Wisdom of the ages, rebirth, sustaining of physical life through prayer and stamina. The White North gives a cleansing, purifying and strengthening power. Just as winter does when it cleanses the Earth Mother of all that is weak. The White North sends tests and teaches courage, endurance and wisdom that comes with the trials of life.
EAST
Where Grandfather Sun begins his walk, a place for wisdom and strength of the mind. Elders sit in the East and is where the stories of Indigenous people are told. The Red East is a place where peace, light and new life rise up each day. Blood and birth are from the East.
SOUTH
Represents the feeling of warm winds, gentleness, and caring ways. Children sit in the South. The Yellow South sees a Sun that is strongest when facing this direction. Symbolizing an interaction or giving to humans (of tree, plant, and animal beings).