Sweat Lodge

Sweat Lodges are held at Felipe's house on or as near as possible to the Equinoxes and the Solstices. The lodge starts at sundown, so the time varies with the time of year.

Apache Two Spirit Sweatlodge

The sweat lodge is a Two-Spirit lodge in the Apache Tradition. There are four rounds, honoring the hac'tsim of the East, South, West & North. Each round is opened by a song to that particular direction and a prayer by the water pourer.

The lodge has only three rules that need to be followed:

1. No shoes & no shiny objects to be worn for the eagle feather blessing/empowerment;
2. We have a second rule that insures that the water pourer will not be left alone, in the lodge, after a silent prayer.
3. And finally, Feasting may begin once the water pourer has received water in the 4th round and a Spirit plate with food has been placed outside, as the Spirits who helped in lodge have to be fed;

Everything else is expressed as a preference and so, it is a gentle lodge with which to be introduced to the tradition of sweating.

Gifting

Suggested Donation: $10-$20 per person.

The Apache understanding of lodge is based on Reciprocal Giving. This is an understanding of giving and receiving, recognizing what has been given and gifting in return. Traditionally, the gifts that were brought to lodge, supported the lodge and gifted the personnel involved (Waterpourer & Fire tender) for the sacrifice they had made. The gifts included wood for the fire, food for the feast & a gift for the water pourer and Firetenders.

These days, firewood, towels and the main food for the feast are provided by Felipe's house. The lodge is prepared, the fire for the stones lit and everything made ready for participants. It costs upwards of $300 a night to hold a sweatlodge. It is therefore more practical for those who attend to make a monetary donation to the house to off set the cost of firewood, laundry, food & maintenance. Where possible, it is suggested that participants donate at least $10 per head.

Gifts for the feast (side dishes or dessert), & for the Water Pourer and Fire Tender are also appreciated. Medicine items like Tobacco, Sage, copal, smudge sticks, crystals are also welcome.

Please be clear that attendance at lodge is not dependent on one's ability to donate, but we do ask that those who can support the lodge in this way, do so generously.

Preparation:

1. Drink plenty of fluids on a day you attend lodge. Water, fruit/vegetable juices and electrolyte drinks are all suitable.
2. Attendees do not need to fast but it is recommended that you eat lightly from mid day on. Fruit, vegetables and some protein are all good. Remember that the lodge is a sunset lodge and the feast will be late that evening after lodge. Pace yourself accordingly.
3. If you have items that you want blessed by the lodge, bring them with you. (see the note on altars below).
4. Shower facilities are provided. Bring your own unscented soaps/shampoos.

Clothing:

The lodge is clothing optional where people dress to their own level of comfort for entry to lodge. Blankets for sitting on and towels are provided.

Scent-free Environment :

Please use scent free and un-perfumed products: lotions, soaps, deodorants etc. coming to lodge. Do not wear scented products while at Felipe’s house as he is very allergic to such items.

Altars

There is an altar outside the door of the lodge where people leave objects, photos of loved ones, etc. for the duration of the lodge, so that those objects can be empowered by the lodge. There is also an altar in the Medicine room on which gifts for the house may be left.

How to Find out more:

Come to lodge and experience it! Participants can arrive about ½ hour before the lodge is due to begin, as there is always is a short introduction, led by the water pourer for the night, before each lodge. The 'confab' allows newcomers to introduce themselves and get a full overview of the lodge and ask any questions they need to.

 

If you wish to receive notice about forthcoming lodges, please email