Most indigenous people used sweat lodge ceremonies in their traditions. The Sweat Lodge Ceremony that will be presented to our workshop participants will be based in the Lakota tradition.

The Lakota Sweat Lodge, correctly termed, Inipi literally means to “be reborn again”. The Inipi is a place where Lakota people not only purify themselves but also learn about themselves. They grow and enrich their lives thought the ritual practice of prayer and song within the protective and spiritual environment of “their earth mother’s womb”. This is an earth-based ceremony that combines the elements of earth, wind and fire.

This ceremony requires the participant to enter an environment that is entered in respect through an opening in the “lodge” that requires them to crawl on hand and knees and remain sitting for long periods of time. An Inipi ceremony combines darkness and heat via steam with song, prayer and teachings to give the participant an individual and collective spiritual experience.

There will be four door openings, commonly referred to as rounds, when the lodge will be opened and water will be given to drink. Participants will be confined in a small, damp and hot environment; however, sharing an Inipi ceremony will change their lives.

An Inipi ceremony can be done in an existing lodge or a lodge can be built. In choosing to build a lodge care should be given to allow enough time to gather the necessary materials from nature, build the lodge and at the same time build the fire for heating the stones.

Existing lodges can be used or lodges can be built on private land that has been set aside for a permanent location. When this is done the person whose land it is on, or who has been given permission to use this land, will become the “Lodge Keeper”. It is preferred that this type of lodge be built for and maintained by someone with previous knowledge or the desire to become trained in that knowledge of the Inipi. This requirement is to honor the sanctity of the Lodge and preserve it’s proper use and respect.

Also, as part of a multi-day seminar lodges can be built and used, then the site returned to its previous state. The seminar participants will build, use and then take down the Inipi and return the land to the exact state that it originally was.

Regardless of the type of lodge that is being practiced it is very important to understand that women on their Moon may never participate in the ceremony nor be in the immediate area. This holds true for any ceremony where a pipe will be used. Please understand it is not a question of any prejudices or societal misconceptions. It is a matter of energy. A woman in her minstrel cycle is in one of her highest states of personal energy. This energy “cycles” differently than other energies and can actually disrupt the flow of other ceremonies. The Chinese recognize that energy has a Ying and Yang flow, which are complete cycles of opposites and necessary to complete the whole. This is a simple explanation and one that is very brief. Depending on the number of participants and the request of the women on their Moon an explanation and teaching will be given at that time. This teaching is good for all present, male and female, and has helped to clarify a situation that modern times has treated without understanding.

Also, teachings can be given to the women during the sweat lodge that are feminine in nature and usually men do not participate.

People with heart conditions and/or high blood pressure as well as pregnant women should not participate in a sweat lodge. It is best to discuss any type of medication with the lodge leader to determine if you should not go into the lodge. Also, no drugs or alcohol is allowed in the lodge. Participants should be advised, in advance, that they should be clear of any alcohol or drugs for at least 24 hours before entering the lodge. Also, they should refrain from a large meal for at least four hours prior to the lodge.

Recommended number of people: Lodges can be built to accommodate 23-30 people comfortably. But you can also do more than one lodge depending on the number of teacher’s present or have lodges each day with participants choosing the day they will join in the ceremony.

Materials:

Blankets
The number of blankets will depend on the size of the lodge but should always be enough to insure total darkness. A good source is always the local thrift shops.

Tarp
Though not a requirement a canvas top large enough to completely cover the lodge will reduce the number of blankets needed and is the best material for blocking light.

Willow
Willow trees are the traditional source of framing for an Inipi. The willow stand located should be checked for long and straight willow that is small enough in circumference to bend easily yet support the blankets and tarp. Usually 1 ½ is a good measurement. Sixteen willow poles of this size should be available for the frame and an equal number of smaller polls for the sides. It is important that the willow is not cut more than a day before the lodge is built so that it can still bend easily.

Strong Cotton String or Hemp
There should be enough to tie the willows together. Willow bark is preferred for a traditional lodge but this depends on the time of year and the time allowed to build the lodge.

Saws, knives, shovel, and a pitchfork

Clean water bucket – medium size w/ladle

Firewood
There should be enough firewood and starter material to build a large fire to cook the rocks and maintain the heat during the ceremony. Approximately 1/3 cord is recommended. Pine or other fast burning wood is the best choice.

Rocks
Usually 24 rocks about the size of a soccer ball. The rocks should be lava, granite or any material that does not hold water as they will be heated in the fire and may explode.

Cotton cloth and cotton string for prayer ties
The cloth is easily obtained from fabric stores. Solid colors of red, green, blue, black, yellow and white will be needed.

Tobacco
A small amount of loose tobacco will be used in making the prayer ties there should be enough material and tobacco for each participant, or each participant can be asked to bring their own material and tobacco to the seminar.

Appropriate dress for participants:

Men – bathing trunks
Women – cotton tee shirt with sleeves and cotton skirt

Each participant should bring a towel

Time needed: Inipi ceremony in existing lodge
To build fire and heat rocks: 2 hours
Actual ceremony: 3-4 hours

Inipi ceremony building lodge

Plan for 7-8 hours w/snack or lunch break in middle of day

Please note: When a permanent lodge is being built and a Lodge Keeper is assuming responsibility it is necessary that this person previously contact Kam Lau and make arrangements for this to occur.