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Prayer lodge
Each month, on the full moon, a traditional sweat lodge is conducted. This is an open lodge, mixed, and absolutely free. All are invited to come and pray here with the white and black buffalo. You need shorts and a towel if you are male, a "hippie" dress or skirt and top and towel if you are female. Remember, modesty is extremely important. Use clothing that has no metal, likes snaps or buttons, as this may get a little warm while you are in the lodge. Follow protocol, be respectful, remember why you have come. If you are traveling here from any distance and need a place to stay, or want to camp, you are more than welcome to stay overnight or longer as you need. All Elders and recognized Spiritual Leaders are welcome to pour water for the People. Singers are always welcome. If you have questions, call me (724.516.2751)
Next lodge
Sat. Dec. 13. Try to be at the lodge between 6 and 7 pm so we can begin around 8 pm
It is a Native form of prayer, sort of like church in a
sauna, just so you have an idea of what the physical
environment may be like.
The lodge itself is an "igloo" shaped structure
that is completely covered. It will be very dark inside and
may be close quarters.
There are usually 4 "rounds" - each one
designated for a purpose such as calling in the ancestors,
praying for the people, gratitude, and the like. Usually the
leader will open the door of the lodge between rounds for a
moment.
Female participants should wear cotton skirt and top, or
cotton lightweight dress, no metal (zippers, etc.) Men
should wear cotton shorts (cut off sweatpants work well) -
again - no metal. No jewelry, no glasses, etc. Do not wear
clothing you expect to use for any other purpose in the
future - it will be mud stained, you will be crawling in the
dirt to get in and out of the lodge. Bring two towels - one
for in the sweat; and a change of clothes and a towel for
after the sweat.
Women should not participate while on their menstrual cycle
(called moontime in Native tradition.) You can come and help
prepare the feast, wait for the people to come back after
the lodge, participate in the celebration part, but not the
ceremonial part while on your moontime. And no, it's not
a judgement about being "unclean" - it's about
energies and not mixing them up.
The leader of the sweat will guide you, and will pour the
water on the hot rocks that have been brought into the
lodge. This will generate a lot of very hot steam. If you
really, really, really feel badly and feel that you
absolutely must leave at the end of a round, ask permission
of the leader respectfully. The leader may or may not grant
your request when you ask it.
Do not bring any other prayer or traditions into the lodge.
Respect the Native traditions in which you are
participating.
It is traditional to bring a pouch of tobacco as a gift to
the leader of the lodge, as a sign of respect for the
teaching they are sharing. Also bring something to add to
the feast after. Lodges are for the good of the people
and do not charge an entrance fee.
Your experience from participating in a lodge may or may
not be like an experience someone else had. In fact, your
experiences may differ lodge to lodge. Come with no
expectations and just be in the experience.
