Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony


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You are invited to share the sweat lodge with Red Hawk, a full-blooded Native American spiritual leader and medicine man from Northern California. He will guide us in the sacred Sweat Lodge Purification Ceremony, the traditional way of cleansing body, mind, and spirit. By sweat and prayer, we clean our bodies of toxins, our minds of negativities, and heighten our spirits -- come into a balanced relationship with ourselves, the Earth, and everything that surrounds us.

Timing of Weekend Sweats:
Sweat Ceremony typically begins Saturday at around 7:30 to 8am. There will be another ceremony starting about 2 to 3pm Saturday and another at daybreak Sunday, finishing by noon. You are welcome to arrive Friday evening and stay for the entire weekend or to come for a whole or half-day.

What should I bring?
Clothing such as a bathing suit, shorts or cotton sweat dress/wrap are worn in the sweat lodge. We suggest that you bring a towel, thongs or sandals, and a flashlight for night use. Camping is available at all sites. Please bring your own camping gear and meal provisions. We often share a pot luck meal after a ceremony. You may want to bring some extra food to share with others. Individual campfires are prohibited in most areas. An orientation will be provided for all newcomers. Please see more information on dates and directions.

We ask that all pets be kept on a leash at all times and where possible, please leave them at home.

Individuals who have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the 24 hours preceding the ceremony do not enter the ceremonial area or the sweat lodge.

Women and men usually participate in the ceremony together.   Following Native American tradition, Moontime (menstruating) women do not enter the ceremonial area. Pregnant women do not enter the sweat lodge.  Please abide by these traditions.

If you have questions and are not sure what is appropriate for you or your condition at the time, be sure to ask the ceremonial leader or a knowledgeable staff person before entering any ceremony.

The Offering: By tradition, an offering is always given by each participant before entering into ceremony. Traditionally and historically, the offering is one considered valuable and of support to the expense of the ceremony and to the support of the ceremonial leader. The participant determines the amount based upon his or her spiritual guidance and intentions. We are attempting to maintain this tradition, however we have found many people have questions and ask for suggestions, so we suggest a donation comparable to a doctors visit, are greatly appreciated, needed and appropriate.

Out of respect and by natural law, we always give an offering before we take anything for our needs.  No one is turned away from participation if they cannot afford a donation.  We always leave our ceremonial areas and campsites clean and natural. We ask that you refrain from any activities that disturb or damage the natural habitat.

 

Please extend this invitation to your friends and loved ones!
You are Welcome and Thank You for your Support!


© 1996 Earth Circle Association. All Rights Reserved.
The Earth Circle Association Is A Non Profit Organization
Phone:
530-468-2227 P.O. Box 706 Fort Jones, CA 96032
Thank you.