Regular Events – Sweat Lodge, festival celebrations

From the Oak Dragon School, we run regular public events such as Sweat Lodges and celebrations of the eight festivals.

Sweat Lodge:

We hold a Sweat Lodge every half moon, which is free to the public. Please contact the Oak Dragon School for further details by telephone or e-mail if you wish to attend.

Although there is archaeological evidence that suggests the use of Sweat Lodges in ancient Britain, the Sweat Lodge is generally viewed as a Native American tradition that can be most easily described as a form of ceremonial sauna. This description however does little to convey the magic and beauty of such an experience.

The physical structure of the Sweat Lodge is created out of hazel rods that are in a circle, having been pushed firmly into the ground. They are then bent over to meet each other and tied together to create the frame of a small dome. This dome is then covered in many layers of blankets and tarpaulins (or traditionally animal skins) in order to insulate the lodge. A depression is created on the ground in the centre of the lodge and the ground surrounding that depression is then covered with reeds.

Outside of the Sweat Lodge a large fire is built with a ‘cradle’ on which a dozen or so large rocks are placed. The fire is fed and burns for two or three hours, slowly heating the rocks until they are red hot. During this waiting period the energy is slowly building up too, often aided by drumming and dancing around the fire.

Eventually the wood has all burnt away and the rocks are at their hottest. At this point the group of people who are participating in the Sweat Lodge remove their clothes and some experienced Sweat Lodge goers begin to carry the hot rocks into the Lodge where they are piled up in the central depression created earlier.

The group then circle around the remains of the fire before entering into the darkness of the Lodge. Crawling on their hands and knees, sunwise, folk go around the glowing rocks in the centre, until all have entered and the door is closed. Water is then sprinkled onto the rocks releasing steam.

What then happens in the lodge can vary depending on what the theme is. We don’t use the ceremonies and rituals that may be used in a Native American Sweat Lodge as we are very much coming from a different tradition, that of the Tipi Valley community where Sweat Lodges have been a regular custom for over twenty years.

Once everyone has entered the Lodge we usually begin a series of chants to the four elements, which is a great help in distracting one’s attention from the initial shock of the heat. This can then lead to more chanting on different themes, silent meditations and spoken prayers etc.

Our Sweat Lodges are performed in a fairly relaxed way, with people being able to enter and leave the Lodge at their own free will, whenever they feel ready. On leaving the Lodge it is highly recommended that one should wash off as this completes the cleansing process. We normally do this by jumping into the stream or using buckets of water. Covering one’s self with cold water may seem like a daunting prospect, however after being in the Sweat Lodge it is extremely refreshing.

The Sweat Lodge can be a very powerful experience. For many it is not just seen as a cleansing experience, but often as a re-birthing. Entering the darkness of the Lodge is comparable to re-entering the womb – going deeply into our Mother Earth’s body. From within the body of the Lodge we are exposed to feelings and sensations that may not have been felt since before birth. This experience can lead to powerful visions, spiritual awakenings and a re-connection with the Earth.