What Happens in a Sweat Lodge Ceremony?
Native American groups conduct sweat lodges using different methods, but there are several fundamental sweat lodge practices and formalities. Sweat lodge participants are always encouraged to participate in the lodge with an open mind and gracious heart. Sometimes participants are asked to fast before the ritual in order to detoxify their bodies. Frequently, participants are asked to speak their intentions and what they would like to get out of the experience before a ceremony. Normally no more than 15 people take part in a sweat lodge ceremony. Some groups hold separate sweat lodges for men and women. Others allow men and women to participate in the same ceremony. Some Native American groups encourage women to wait until the end of their menstrual cycle to participate in a sweat lodge. A lodge leader or medicine person conducts the sweat lodge ceremony. The lodge leader is responsible for the well-being of all the participants taking part in the ceremony. A fire tender or fire leader
