Temazcal The Temazcal, or Sweat lodge, is a sacred ceremony to cleanse and purify the mind, body, and spirit using the elements of Mother Nature. The word temazcal comes from the Nahuatl word "temazcalli" (the language of the Aztecs), although many of the indigenous groups had this practice, including the Mayans, Toltecs, and Zapotecs. It is a combination of the words tema, meaning "steam" or "bath," and calli, meaning "house."
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The Temazcal tradition that is being offered on this land was passed down by Mexica elders from the Moon Dance tradition in Mexico. In essence, the lodge is a dome structure built from sticks with a cloth placed over to create a completely dark space. The lodge represents the womb, a healing space, and when you exit, it is considered a "Rebirth." There is a door, or Puerta, from which everyone enters and exits, and the stones or “Grandmothers and Grandfathers) are being passed in. These stones are placed in a pit in the center of the lodge, and then water is poured on top to create heat and steam.
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The lodge normally lasts about 4 “rounds”. Each round honors a different direction and has songs, stories, and sometimes sharing. When the water is poured on the stones, it is creating a negative ion charge, which is beneficial because it pulls off positive ions from our bodies (ex. stagnant energy, EMFs, Dis-ease, mental fog.) This “Wet” heat goes deep into our bodies, our muscles, and organs to create a detoxifying experience. The lodge can help alleviate many ailments including: muscle pain, arthritis, liver toxicity, lymph and skin conditions, and more. Plus, sitting on the earth keeps you grounded and back in tune with nature.
Songs are sung during this process and everyone is encouraged to sing even if they don’t know the words- By singing it is relaxing your diaphragm, and calming your nervous system. Also, singing helps keep you in the present moment and connects you to the community voice.
To cultivate a harmonious experience for all, we ask that you read the following.
Guidelines:
- When entering the lodge do so by entering on your hands and knees and placing your forehead or third eye down on the earth in humility and say, “I come in beauty for all my relations.” You then can enter but stay on your hands and knees and keep moving clockwise until you have found your spot.
- More experienced sweaters can sit in the front row, they are nearest to the stones and will be absorbing the most heat. Less experienced people can sit in the back rows, and people that feel like they might want to leave suddenly can sit near the door but must be communicated early on.
- If you are feeling too hot, you can lower your head to the earth to cool yourself.
- Please do not bring anything else besides you inside the lodge without asking permission. Things that are allowed with permission are- Sacred drums, rattles, incense (Copal, Cedar).
- Keep quiet unless singing a song or sharing with the group. People joining are here to do deep healing work and go within. If you are talking, you can be disturbing others trying to process.
- If you need to ask something, please say, “Permission to Speak,” and the lodge pourer will acknowledge you.
- Do not put anything in the sacred fire outside the lodge, especially no trash. We will have a fire tender taking care of the fire and only they will be able to put wood, stones, and tobacco in the fire.
- Do not cross the line between the fire and the lodge- Once the sacred fire is lit, this path is then designated for the spirits and energy to pass, not humans. Please walk around the fire line. We will point this out for each lodge and gently remind everyone.
- We will open the door in between rounds, if you need to use the restroom you may do so at this time but return before we start the next round.
- Please do your best to stay the whole time, oftentimes it is our minds that can distract us and pull us out of the experience.
- If any emotions come up, this is a safe space to grieve, cry, sing, and be present. Please keep all the shared information private as this is a vulnerable space for everyone to share.
- Please be respectful of others at all times.
Dresscode
For the traditional temazcal, women wear sweat lodge dresses. If you don't have one, you can wear dresses that are light fabric, darker colors covering their shoulders. Loose t-shirts and skirts can work too. We will be sitting cross-legged on the floor, please bring a dress or skirt no higher than mid-thigh that will allow you to move and sit. Remember your clothing will be soaked and possibly see-through if you are wearing white. Men can wear long shorts. Elders are allowed to bring a towel or bamboo mat to sit on.
No Heavy PerfumesPlease do not wear heavy perfumes or toxic chemicals on your body.
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No ShoesEveryone is barefoot in the lodge.
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No Metal JewelryMetal can heat up and is unsafe to wear.
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Getting Ready
What to eat?
Eat a light and healthy meal in the afternoon. Please do not eat a couple of hours before to avoid nausea. Drink lots of water a couple of days before we begin and a lot of water the day of the sweat.
What to bring?
A towel, change of clothes, Tobacco offering (Bagged pipe tobacco can work and can be shared with other people), filtered water, coconut water, fruits, your sacred crystals, talismans, healthy (Vegan) snacks to share.
Who cannot join?
Women on their moon cycles, (Menstruating women)- Women are extremely powerful at this time and it can overwhelm others energetically. We ask women on their cycle to not join in the lodge but they can still sit around the fire and hold space for the others. If the group is all women, then we can open to all women, including menstruating women. People intoxicated on alcohol are not allowed. People with health concerns should contact the lodge organizers and see if the lodge is a good fit for you. There are ways to accommodate many different health conditions.
Eat a light and healthy meal in the afternoon. Please do not eat a couple of hours before to avoid nausea. Drink lots of water a couple of days before we begin and a lot of water the day of the sweat.
What to bring?
A towel, change of clothes, Tobacco offering (Bagged pipe tobacco can work and can be shared with other people), filtered water, coconut water, fruits, your sacred crystals, talismans, healthy (Vegan) snacks to share.
Who cannot join?
Women on their moon cycles, (Menstruating women)- Women are extremely powerful at this time and it can overwhelm others energetically. We ask women on their cycle to not join in the lodge but they can still sit around the fire and hold space for the others. If the group is all women, then we can open to all women, including menstruating women. People intoxicated on alcohol are not allowed. People with health concerns should contact the lodge organizers and see if the lodge is a good fit for you. There are ways to accommodate many different health conditions.
FAQ
Can I leave the lodge?
We will open the door in between rounds, if you need to use the restroom you may do so at this time but return before we start the next round.
Please wait for the round to end before you try to exit. Please do your best to stay the whole time, oftentimes It is our minds that can distract us and pull us out of the experience.
Will we have water?
Please prepare and drink lots of water before we enter. Each person that hosts the lodge is different and some people will bring in water to share (In between rounds) and some will not.
What can I do if I have anxiety?
Sit with it and ask your anxiety what it is trying to tell you? Take deep breaths, slow down your mind. Meditate, or sing with the group.
If you are feeling overly hot, you can lower your head to the earth to cool down.
What do I do after the lodge?
Eat a meal to help ground your experience, drink lots of water or coconut water, connect with the community, Rest!
What can I expect to feel after the lodge?
Many accounts say that they feel lighter, happier, have more clarity and a sense of community.
Is the lodge safe?
People from all over the world in various traditions have been doing lodges for thousands of years. Some women even choose to give birth in these spaces. Mothers often bring their babies and children in for a round or two. Babies to elders can enjoy this space as it is a multi-generational experience.
We will open the door in between rounds, if you need to use the restroom you may do so at this time but return before we start the next round.
Please wait for the round to end before you try to exit. Please do your best to stay the whole time, oftentimes It is our minds that can distract us and pull us out of the experience.
Will we have water?
Please prepare and drink lots of water before we enter. Each person that hosts the lodge is different and some people will bring in water to share (In between rounds) and some will not.
What can I do if I have anxiety?
Sit with it and ask your anxiety what it is trying to tell you? Take deep breaths, slow down your mind. Meditate, or sing with the group.
If you are feeling overly hot, you can lower your head to the earth to cool down.
What do I do after the lodge?
Eat a meal to help ground your experience, drink lots of water or coconut water, connect with the community, Rest!
What can I expect to feel after the lodge?
Many accounts say that they feel lighter, happier, have more clarity and a sense of community.
Is the lodge safe?
People from all over the world in various traditions have been doing lodges for thousands of years. Some women even choose to give birth in these spaces. Mothers often bring their babies and children in for a round or two. Babies to elders can enjoy this space as it is a multi-generational experience.
