Last evening I participated in a Native American sweat lodge ceremony. It was quite intense.

When we got there, there was a strong fire going and a dome shaped tent. We had a briefing and got in the tent.

The tent was to represent the Earth’s womb, the opening of the tent represents the birth canal. Inside the tent is a pit it represents the Earth’s belly button. Of ceremony is about being born again and connecting with your ancestry.

We all got into tent, and then they started bringing red hot stones from the fire. They were growing red hot. The stones were put in the center of the tent in the pit. We started with 15 stones, all bigger than a grapefruit.

The doors were closed on the tent and in the total darkness, water was poured on the stones using a water dipper made from a gourd.

There were three rounds, first with 15 stones, then two rounds with 10 stones each. If you wanted to get out you had to say”In Memory Of My Ancestors”. Several people got out after the first round but none after the second. It was extremely hot and very steamy. The steam burned the nose. The breath coming out of the nose was cooler in the air being inhaled. It was a very meditative experience.

I would do it again.

Today is the last day of the retreat. This afternoon I’m off to visit some friends.

have a happy monday!