I'm a sweat lodge convert!
This weekend I went to Awakening Isis (a pagan festival in Kazabazoua, Québec: http://www.awakeningisis.com) and participated in a sweat lodge. It was an amazing experience and I can't believe I've waited this long to go into my first sweat hut ---well second actually, when you consider that it represents our (Earth) Mother's womb.
The building of it was really cool and the ceremony, from very beginning to very end is something I will not forget.
Before doing this, I was afraid of passing out because of the steam or heat, etc. But after asking the Grandmother Rock to rid me of my fears, I was fine and was able to breath ok...by controlling sometimes the timing and deepness of my breaths. You know I have a new appreciation for my nose and how it functions :-)
Needless to say that I recommend the experience to all, making sure however that you have native elders to lead it for you: I wouldn't attempt to do it otherwise. Well, I guess if you do, it would then be a simple sauna, which is beneficial in its own right.
During our goodbyes at the end of the festival, people reminded me that that Kaleidoscope Gathering (http://www.kaleidoscope-gathering.com) is only one month away! I can't wait for new experiences, new learnings and visiting with new/old friends -all things you can always count on at pagan fests, especially KG (I think because of its size).
The building of it was really cool and the ceremony, from very beginning to very end is something I will not forget.
Before doing this, I was afraid of passing out because of the steam or heat, etc. But after asking the Grandmother Rock to rid me of my fears, I was fine and was able to breath ok...by controlling sometimes the timing and deepness of my breaths. You know I have a new appreciation for my nose and how it functions :-)
Needless to say that I recommend the experience to all, making sure however that you have native elders to lead it for you: I wouldn't attempt to do it otherwise. Well, I guess if you do, it would then be a simple sauna, which is beneficial in its own right.
During our goodbyes at the end of the festival, people reminded me that that Kaleidoscope Gathering (http://www.kaleidoscope-gathering.com) is only one month away! I can't wait for new experiences, new learnings and visiting with new/old friends -all things you can always count on at pagan fests, especially KG (I think because of its size).