Sacred Stone Peoples Lodge* This is the oldest ceremony known to mankind. It has been shared in many cultures, but it is the Native American way that has gained so much popularity in the last fifteen years. Each lodge and ceremony is very different, depending on the purpose and the people involved. It is said that the water and the rocks do the work and the water pourer (leader of the ceremony) is merely an instrument of the spirits. It is a ceremony that brings together the power of the elements; the earth, the water, the fire, and the air. The Sweat Lodge, or Inipi, is the return to the womb of the Mother Earth for a release and purification. It provides a mighty healing for those needing to sweat out the toxins of dis-ease. It provides a balance for those wishing to soothe the troubled emotions and get balanced to function again. Today, many doctors, chiropractors and psychologists are sending their patients to the Sweat Lodge to complete the healing process. The lodge is a small hut that looks like a turtle. It is low and dark. As you get on your hands and knees to enter, it is hard to carry a bad attitude into the darkness of your ignorance. The stones that are about the size of a cantaloupe are heated in a ceremonial fire for about two hours, and glow red as they enter the pit in the center of the lodge. They are brought in to honor each of the sacred powers in a sacred numerology depending on the leaders choice of ceremony to be performed. There are as many styles to how this ritual is performed as there are water pourers. Good water pourers have trained for a long time and have served in each of the four positions of the lodge before they ever take on this responsibility. They have been trained in the healing properties of the body, mind, and spirit and are aware of the potential dangers as well as the positive effects of the lodge. They have a ceremony for marriage, for funerals and blessings as well as preparations for elevated ceremonies such as the Vision Quest. There are four main positions or keepers of the lodge, the fire keeper, the door keeper, the drummer/singer and the water pourer. All work in unison and brings all of their energy into the lodge. For some, the Sweat Lodge is a one time experience out of curiosity, for others it is the gateway to an awakening of spirit that will last a lifetime.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 03:20:15 +0000
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