Rituals and traditions associated with sweating vary regionally and culturally, however, the sweat lodge (also called purification ceremony or simply sweat) is typically used by Indigenous peoples of the Americas for ceremonial steam baths and often include traditional prayers and songs. 

There are examples of ritual sweating in other cultures, though often without any ceremonial or mystical significance. Secular uses around the world include the indigenous people around the Bering Strait, ancient Greeks, ancient Romans, the northern Finns and Laplanders, and the "Turkish bath" in England.  In some cultures drumming and offerings to the spirit world may be part of the ceremony, or a sweat lodge ceremony may be a part of another, longer ceremony such as a Sun Dance. The ancient Mesoamerican tribes of Mexico, such as the Aztec and Olmec, practiced a sweat bath ceremony know as temazcal as a religious rite of penance and purification. (Visit the Wikipedia site for additional info.)

The sweat lodge (also called purification ceremony or simply sweat) is a hut, typically dome-shaped and made with natural materials. (As you see in our pictures, our construction is a teepee). The lodge is generally built with great care, and with respect for the environment and for the materials being used. Many traditions construct the lodge in complete silence, some have a drum playing while they build, other traditions have the builders fast during construction.

What to wear: Participants usually wear a simple garment such as shorts or a loose dress. Layers are important, depending on the weather. Shoes that are easy to slip off, yet rugged soles, are reccomended.
 

What to expect: Many traditions consider it important that sweats be done in complete darkness. We typically use low light, according to the consensus of the group. Stones are typically heated and then water poured over them to create steam. As in ceremonial usage, these ritual actions are accompanied by traditional prayers and songs. Your spiritual lead, Judith, usually starts and/or follows the ceremony with a walk along Highland Sactuary's creek and property, and serves her homemade "cleansing" soup (vegetable based).

When to schedule: Sweats at Highland Sanctuary typically start in early spring and end mid-late October (weather permitting). Please check our availability calendar. Most ceremonies last 2-4 hours. Overnight stays are welcome, but need to be scheduled and organized ahead of time by the owners (teepees are available for use). See our menu of services for pricing.

NAVTIVE SWEAT CEREMOIES

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