Facts You May Not Know About A First Nation Sweat
Alright, so I may have enticed you with a sweaty belly to come and check out what the traditional Native American Sweat is all about. In actuality, this is what my belly and entire body looked like after three and a half hours of sweating profusely in a 112 degree ancient cave just the other day.
Many people do not understand what the term Sweat means or the purpose of this ancient ceremony. In this blog, I will explain what the ancient First Nation Sweat means and the importance of this practice within all tribes. As a child I recall always wanting to attend a Sweat, but I was always claustrophobic especially after my Near Death Experience, I shared in a previous post. I had an idea in my mind that I would not attend a Sweat unless it was authentically First Nation, it could not be overly crowded, and it must be lead by a First Nation medicine man or spiritual leader.
As time progressed, it was not until I reached Colorado that my dreams came true and I came upon the amazing scenario that I currently practice as a woman of the First Nation. First, let me explain what a Sweat actually means and what it takes to prepare for the ceremony.
Basic Information
Typically, a sweat lodge is a dome shaped wooden structure or lodge house used for purifying, healing and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The heat that is generated in a lodge is so intense that it creates steam. There are heated rocks that water is poured over to create immense sweating.
The most common practice is to heat stones in a fire and cover the dome structure with buffalo or deer hides. Oftentimes, there will be an altar located near the heated rocks and kept outside of the structure. Before the ceremony begins an offering will be made at the altar. The doorway of the structure face east or change throughout the year, but this custom depends on the tribe.
The sweat is encourage in order to remove toxins and negative energy. The lodge will cleanse the entire body, mind, and soul. There are many rules depending on the tribe. For instance, in some tribes a woman is not allowed into a Sweat during her moon cycle. Some tribes restrict a Sweat for just men, women, children, or members of the tribe. At other times the lodge is open to all members of the tribe.
During the time a Sweat will occur, fasting is required as well as the encouragement not to drink, smoke, or imbibe drugs. The lodge is a sacred place and most commonly referred to as Mother Earth’s womb. The Sweat a deeply spiritual and cultural experience. Sweat locations are honorably placed, built, and operated. The people who care for a Sweat structure are called keepers and it is often a chief, elder, or healer that presides over the ceremony.
The presiding official will conduct a Sweat in a traditional and honorable manner. This must be done safely and effectively for all present.It is customary to give gifts to the one presiding in the form of tobacco or cloth. The intention of the Sweat is not to generate revenue but to heal and cleanse the body and soul. Those who are of the First Nation and familiar with the sacred tradition are the only ones allowed to preside over a Sweat.
When the ceremony begins, everyone is sitting in a circle within the structure around the fire pit. Everyone stays within the Sweat for a few hours, music is played and prayers are recited throughout the ceremony. An invitation to healing spirits are asked to enter the sacred space and sometimes people are asked to speak about why they are present at the lodge. This is each person’s chance to speak to Creator, share personal experiences, and to meditate about life.
At the end of the ceremony, the conductor will thank Mother Earth, Creator, and all the healing spirits that came to help. Elders may smoke the sacred pipes during this part of the ceremony. The fire keeper will then open the door and the Sweat is over.
Many people who have experienced a Sweat have described it as physically and mentally challenging. While others have proclaimed it has cured their fatal diseases. The heat and the dark atmosphere of the lodge can be challenging for some and has been known to cause hallucinations. The Sweat forces one to look within and acknowledge personal struggles.
People have stated that the lodge is a way to connect with Mother Earth since fire, earth, air, and water are the elements used in the ceremony and a natural way to heal. For the First Nation, a Sweat is way to connect spiritual, cultural, and practical purposes. Most importantly, to communicate with Creator and nature, and to restore order and balance to life.
The Sweat is a reminder of the cultural strength and continued practice that was nearly annihilated within the First Nation. The tradition lives on through elders and chiefs that take the time to teach the tribes so the practice of purification, blessing, and clearing may continue for years to come. Now let me tell you what Creator gifted me with when I moved to Colorado.
Ancient Caves
Shortly after I moved to Colorado I met a Ute Chief that conducts a Sweat every month in ancient caves on old Ute land. There are usually visitors from all over the world, including locals. What is most interesting is the Chief assists people by donation and does this of his own free will to assist in healing the people of all nations. He is truly a gift to many. There have been reports of major recoveries of many diseases and mental conditions.
There are so many things that I love about this ceremony, and that is the place is not ever too crowded and the guests that usually come are fellow First Nation and they participate in drumming, singing, and rattling. The last Sweat I attended, there was an amazing healing that took place for a First Nation woman and I got to assist. This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
After a Sweat the feeling is like no other, there is a peaceful sweet calm that comes over the body and soul, and it is pure bliss. So, if you are ever in the vicinity of an authentic First Nation Sweat ceremony and you are invited by a Chief or elder take my word on this and do not hesitate to accept the invitation. You will never regret your decision to participate in one of the most enlightening ceremonies of your life. Peace.
