The Sacred Sweatlodge; Powerful Ceremony or Gimmick?
By Lynn Gosney
The Sacred Sweatlodge; Powerful Ceremony or Gimmick?
For many years now I have been privileged to be able to facilitate this wonderful healing and prayer ceremony. I do so with intent, respect and great honour. I was born and raised in this country and of my roots and heritage I am proud. Over years I have come across many people who have had very different experience with the Lodge and felt I wanted to share these thoughts.
When I first felt the call of the Lodge I was guided by spirit to the right teachers and I owe much to a friend called Eli who, along with another two very dear friends, showed me the way. I was confused as, not being Native American myself, how could I run another cultures ceremony? When I started to look deeper I found that this ceremony took on many different forms across the world in many countries, throughout history. It was not just a Native America Ceremony. With this in mind I set out on an amazing journey.
I could validate myself by giving you the names of these friends- they are all great medicine people. I could validate myself by giving you a name for myself that sounds real cool, it could sound something like “little bird, she who sings in the tree tops and walks with wolves” - would that make me or anyone with such an impressive name any better than those without? As with our Native cousins, many I am sure do have spiritual names, but they are kept for private use and for ceremony, not to glorify the ego and sound impressive to the gullible.
I find it hard to understand why our own heritage and our own ceremonies seem so undervalued, thought to be not as colourful or as powerful, when in fact they are every bit as valid as those from other cultures.
So you are thinking how do I run my Lodge? Easy.... I let spirit be my guide.
I have a profound connection with America and the Arizona desert, I have been given so much by Native American people - their traditions and ceremonies are so close to my own beliefs. Within my Lodge we use elements from various traditions; Native American, Sufi, Buddhist, Hindu, Celtic- whatever seems appropriate and respectful.
This way we do not alienate people of differing beliefs and religions, we can harmonise together within the essential spirit and structure of the Sweatlodge.
The Lodge is a commitment, it is a commitment to spirit, the ancestors, the Creator and to the people who enter. It is not a gimmick or a curiosity object. The lodge is a beautiful and safe place when treated with respect; it’s the most moving and honest ceremony that can take you to the source, the centre of the universe. The powers of the prayers are real and they work as they are heard. Healing, connection and wholeness quicken as people who have worked together during the day building the lodge, getting the rocks ready and placing their intent come together in song, chant and prayer. Deep in the dark, the waters turns to steam, carrying your prayers till you emerge cleansed in mind, body and spirit.
Be sure you are 100% comfortable; honour your inner self and your intuition if you wish to experience a Lodge. A good introduction is to go to a Lodge recommended by someone you trust. If facilitated with integrity a Sweatlodge truly is a wonderful experience, one that can change your life and show you the real magic of Spirit.
Lynn Gosney
This article was posted by lynn gosney
