There will be both a Native American sweat lodge ceremony and a Celtic sweat lodge ceremony. Our intention in the sweat lodge ceremonies is to purify and pray together. Clear instructions will be given on procedure before you go in. If it is your first sweat, please tell the leaders. We will gladly answer your questions and guide you sensitively through the experience.

1. Cleansing

If you wish to cleanse before the sweat lodge, elders recommend you begin at least four days prior to the ceremony. You may choose to abstain from recreational drugs and alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and red meat.
It is required that you refrain from alcohol/recreational drugs 24 hours prior before you enter the Native lodge ceremony.

2. Ceremonial Attire

We ask that women wear skirts (or a shawl over pants) around the sacred fire, a tradition in Native American ceremonies. Skirts allow the energy to flow freely between the wearer and the earth, honouring the feminine principle.
In the Native American ceremony men usually wear shorts and women wear skirts with sleeved tops, or dresses with sleeves.
In the Celtic Lodge sarongs are acceptable and once in the lodge, clothing is optional during the ceremony.

3. What to Bring to the Lodge:

– Two towels
– A blanket (not DDL blanket but one of your own to sit on)
– A warm change of clothes for after the lodge
– Drinking water/snacks if you may get hungry during the ceremony
– Drums, rattles
– Personal medicine items for the altar: prayer bundles, feathers, stones, crystals, medicine bags, etc.
– A gift of tobacco is welcomed at the lodge and through offerings at the fire
– Flashlight (lodge may end after dark)

No scented products please in the sweat lodge.
You will keep footwear outside the lodge and can leave metal jewelry and glasses on the altar for safekeeping.

4. Restrictions (For the Native American ceremony only)

Women on their moon time (having their period) are advised to stay within the area of the lodge but not to enter it.

5. Sacred Fire

The sacred fire will be tended during the entire Convergence, 24 hours a day. Volunteers are welcome to attend the fire day or night– speak to David Nodding, Firekeeper or Carla Silver, Lodgekeeper.