Sweat Lodge Ceremonies
Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are intrinsic to the Native American Medicine Wheel teachings, a rich and sophisticated spiritual system that honours and respects the Earth as a Mother, the Sky as a Father and the whole of Creation as kin.
One day ceremonies to be held on:
Sat 17 & Sun 18 April
Sat 15 & Sun 16 May
Sat 12 & Sun 13 June
Sat 10 & Sun 11 July
Sat 11 & Sun 12 September
Sat 16 & Sun 17 October
From 10am to 8pm
*March 23rd: TALK - Introduction to The Wisdom of The Medicine Wheel Way*
Location: Near Bath, and 17 miles from Bristol, the site is set in magical, secluded wild woodland where badger, deer, fox and rabbit dwell. It is here that we will work with, and in nature. Directions will be sent on receipt of booking.
The Sweat Lodge Ceremony
The Inipi (Lakota name for Sweat Lodge Ceremony) means sacred place. Our inipi is a traditional four round sweat lodge with prayers to the four directions; East, South, West and North. We come into the sweat lodge as a return to the womb of Mother Earth, where we purify ourselves of all negativities and unwanted states of being.
The Inipi is a crucible, a shamanic crucible where the elements of air, fire, water and earth are alchemically unified skillfully by the sweat lodge leader. In our Inipi, Sun Eagle Heart, who has many years experience, helps us to embrace the sacred powers that enable us to engage with the transformative process - which is part of our growth into being alive with a life that has purpose and meaning on a deep inner level.
In the Inipi, we are introduced to the spirit of water (minni-la). When water is poured onto the hot rocks inside the earth womb, the water turns to steam, which represents the purifying and cleansing aspects of minni-la. Although it is hot, the power of minni-la to purify and cleanse us on a deep level is experienced and understood as support for our own healing process.
In our circle we are supporting and encouraging each other to endure the sweat lodge, so that we each may find and build our connection to all that is sacred. This in itself, empowers us as individuals to sit in our power and to speak our truth in a kind, gentle and compassionate loving manner that will continue to grow in our heart after the sweat lodge ceremony is completed.
The completion of the Inipi ceremony is where we sit together, eat, reflect on and enjoy our shared experience of having endured the Inipi. It brings us a sense of having participated in something wondrous, magical and yet sacred. Sun Eagle Heart may also give us words of encouragement, support and guidance to enable us to bring our new experience of wholeness into our everyday lives.
These sweats are co-ordinated and facilitated by Bethlehem Taylor (Sun Eagle Heart), Water Pourer & Lodge Leader, and Melanie Wright (Turquoise Moon Song), Fire Tender & Stone Carrier.
Important - As part of the ceremony the preparation of collecting wood, blessing the rocks, laying the fire and making tobacco prayer ties is essential to setting our intent. It is by working together harmoniously as a group that builds the foundation of our sweat lodge, so that it may contain the power of great spirit.
Post-sweat support - If afterwards you have any questions or difficulties, you are welcome to call either me or Bethlehem.
Cost: £60 or £50 conc. (per ceremony)
Nobody is turned away from these teachings through an inability to pay. If you would like to participate and need to discuss a price that is reachable for you then please call me.
Booking: Contact me on 0117 951 2639 or info@melaniewright.org.uk. Click here for information about practical arrangements.