What is a “sweat”, what is a Sweat Lodge?
Sweat lodge rituals are an ancient tradition, dating back hundreds of years. We include them as part of the Solstice gathering because they are invariably a highlight for many of the women who attend. Sweats are lead by experienced and gifted “pourers” who guide the experience for the other participants. Women enter a small, darkened structure, where large stones heated in a firepit are placed in the center. The leader of the ceremony pours water and herbs over the rocks, which creates a sauna-like effect. Women are asked in turn to respond to various questions or themes presented by the sweat pourer, usually in four rounds corresponding with the four directions. The exact structure of the ceremony depends largely on who leads it, as is true with most spiritual experiences in our community. Women who are new to sweats as a spiritual practice may let the pourer know, in order to gain additional information about the traditions and guidelines inherent in the process.
