Sweatlodges
The Sweatlodge is an ancient purification ceremony. The structure is built to an exact alchemical design out of willow or hazel saplings.
Before the ceremony, the lodge is covered with blankets and a sacred fire is built to heat the rocks.
The lodge is then blessed and awakened with the Powers of the Universe.
Sweatlodge Building Video
Once the rocks are glowing red, we enter. Rocks are brought in and placed in a pit. The door is closed and in the darkness, the Powers are called in as water is poured onto the rocks.
Everybody has the opportunity to pray for themselves and others. After this it is time to 'giveaway' old habits and patterns that hold us back.
The ceremony ends with thanking the Powers for their presence and the gifts they have brought us. You are thus purified in all aspects. The sweat that runs from your body carries out toxins, your prayers cleanse your emotions and mental limitations. Your spirit is expanded through connection with and direct experience of the Powers.
A Sweatlodge ceremony usually lasts about 1 1/2 hours in everyday time. You may experience it as over in a flash or an endless time! It is possible to leave during the ceremony if you need to.
We welcome new people to our open sweats and you will be given clear instructions beforehand with an opportunity to ask your questions.
No charge is made for ceremony so we ask you to bring a gift for the Dance Chief (the person running the sweat) and the Fire Chief who takes care of the fire. This ensures an equal energy exchange.
There is a charge for the hire of the venue, cost of wood and other materials. This is currently £10 for non-Lodge members.
Come and join us for this beautiful and expansive ceremony
Full Moon Sweats for Women
Sweatlodge Fire with Full Moon
Painting by Elaine Cat Moon Casey
Every full moon, women gather for a sweatlodge to connect with the natural cycles within us and our connection with the cycles of the moon.
We begin with preparation of the lodge and then gather in a circle. After a brief introduction to the astrological placement of the Moon and inspiring words from the Grandmothers, we share whatever we are bringing from our lives. This is an opportunity for reflection, cleansing and bringing in new vision for the coming month.
Many women find this time out of their busy lives invaluable and are strengthened by the support of other women.
The full moon is a powerful time for us and this is a perfect way to acknowledge our natural connection with Grandmother Earth and her Sister Moon.
Full Moon Sweatlodges for women 2008
June 18th, Wednesday - Sagittarius
July, no sweat - Sundance
August, no sweat – Medicine camp
Click here for a printable PDF leaflet about the Women's Full Moon Sweatlodges
Contact - Elaine Cat Moon Casey - moonsnake@peec.fsnet.co.ukNew Moon Sweats for Men
On our new moon sweatlodge we gather as men to plant seeds for the month and the year ahead. From the time we arrive and work together to prepare the fire and space we are building a powerful container. In our gathering circle we look at where we are in the natural cycle, what’s happening in our lives, and at the astrology of the time, and from this develop a theme for the ceremony.
Our thanks go to the sisters who come to support our ceremony and run the fire. There is an open invitation to all men to join our space and use it to manifest their dreams.
New Moon Sweatlodges for men planned for 2008
June 2nd, Monday
July 3rd, Thursday
Click here for a printable PDF leaflet about the Men's New Moon Sweatlodges
Contact - Pete Spotted Snake Edwards - moonsnake@peec.fsnet.co.uk or Steve Baker - pqrsteve@blueyonder.co.uk
Solstices and Equinoxes
At these changing times, we gather as women and men to sweat and to align with the seasonal energies for dreaming in new aspects of our lives.
Contact - Elaine Cat Moon Casey - moonsnake@peec.fsnet.co.uk
Open Mixed Sweats
Occasionally throughout the year we have open mixed (women and men) sweats.
Contact - Elaine Cat Moon Casey - moonsnake@peec.fsnet.co.uk
Sweats in Somerset, These sweatlodges are led by Jean and John on Saturdays.
Contact - Jean Rankin and John Speirs - 01458 241831 or crouchingcat@hotmail.com