Rowen Cooke 37, Melbourne Australiadied in a sweat lodge November 4, 2004
Kylie Watts, 30 Byron Bay in New South Walesdied in a sweat lodge in 2003
Kirsten"Kris" Babcock 34 Redding, California died in a sweat lodge on June 21, 2002 David Thomas Hawker, 36, of Union City, California died in a sweat lodge on June 21, 2002 Gordon Reynolds, 43 of Twickenham, West London died in a sweat lodge on November 21, 1996 Kelly Rice, 35 of Austin, Texas, housekeeper and masseuse, died of accidental heatstroke inside a sweat lodge in June 1993 Ronald Delgado of Santa Barbara California was killed in Archie Fire Lame Deer's 'Vision Quest' on July 12, 1980
Please remember these victims in your prayers and don't let these deaths be forgotten. They were all human beings and none of them deserved to die like this.
I think that their deaths should be seen as a warning. For thousands and thousands of years, no one died in a sweat lodge. When people decided to sell them, seven people, that we know of, died on 28 years. The act of subjecting spirituality to Capitalism is what makes them poisonous to the spirit. This is what happens when indigenous people lose sovereignty over our own spiritual practices. This is inevitably what happens when one engages in the absurd act of subjecting spirituality to free market forces. Because in Capitalism, the customer is always right. To make the maximum profit, service must be adapted to the greatest number of customers – the lowest common denominators.
The lesson that the frauds refuse to learn is protocol. The counterculture shuns rationality, accountability, sacrifice, discipline and protocol and embraces narcissism and self indulgence. These were never indigenous values. When people reject our protocol out of ignorance and arrogance and try to take the empty form of our spiritual practices, they will harm themselves. They will remain empty. They will lose their integrity, they will lose their money and some of them will lose their lives. The frauds will always try to trick their targets into believing they are following protocol. And most people are too lazy and ignorant to know who to check out their claims.
Many of these people died in sweats held on very hot days around the summer solstice. With the popularity of the twinkie sweat lodge ever increasing there’s an increased probability that someone will die this weekend. Some New Age businesses think it’s enough to force participants to sign waivers. This only protects the business and does not hold the New Age Capitalist accountable for any acts of negligent homicide. To this date, none of the frauds running these deadly sweats have been prosecuted for their crimes. Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society is still running sweats in Australia. When you think about it, it really reveals the true character of people perpetuating this fraud when you see that their primary response to this horrible event was to protect themselves legally in the event of future deaths. This refusal to be held accountable for one’s actions is definitely NOT indigenous.
Don’t Pay to Pray has been keeping statistics on the number and cost of non-NDN sweat lodges since 2001. We found that the average cost of sweats reported to us from people across the United States and Canada has increased from $46.67 in 2001 to $95.00 in 2007 and it skyrocketed to $965.26 in 2008. The number reported to us has risen nearly 900%. It appears that the sweat-lodge cottage industry is not a mainstream high-end service. The popularity of the inauthentic sweat only increases the probability that someone will die this weekend.
The frauds who conduct these sweats are getting bolder in creating specious rhetoric to finagle payment for their services. Unfortunately, a lie repeated often enough becomes the truth in the sustainable community and more and more people are simply taking the frauds at their word. Most are claiming that payment is merely an “exchange of energy” and that it is no longer appropriate just to give the twinkie shame-man blankets, food or gas etc. We’re hearing over and over again that it’s appropriate to give large sums of “energy” (meaning money). As activists, we can’t let our voices be drowned out by those who would commercialize our spirituality.
What does it mean for the future of indigenous spiritual practices when more non-NDN people have participated in sweat lodges than have NDN people?
It was recently pointed out to me that it’s probably now true that more non-NDN people have participated in sweat lodges than have NDN people. Through their numbers and their resources, non NDNs have barged into our communities and have nearly supplanted us from our own cultures. This weekend millions of people all over the world will attend twisted versions of sweat lodge ceremonies believing they are doing something good that is sanctioned by indigenous spiritual leaders. They simply are not.
While the price of the average twinkie sweat lodge is rapidly growing beyond the means of the poorest people, these businesses have priced out everybody but the richest, whitest people from the trendiest sweats. A New Age sweat lodge is now one of the whitest events one can attend. I don’t really think this was completely unintentional. Whether they intend it or not, those who claim to respect our religion are supplanting authentic native people from our own religious practices.
I think that what is necessary to stop this perversion of indigenous spiritual practices is for all the well meaning non-NDNS to start educating themselves and to start looking at themselves in a brutally honest fashion. Indigenous people have no real power to fight the superior resources of those who profit from the exploitation of native spiritual practices, so I think what we need to do is to culture jam -- that is to de-cool the sweat lodge as a countercultural practice. When people who truly support indigenous people start confronting those who brag about attending a sweat lodge and let them know that this contributes to the destruction of native spiritualities and is definitely NOT COOL, then indigenous people will start to reclaim control over OUR birthright. If the well-meaning sustainable/green community can understand why it is essential to simply leave some environments alone, then they can certainly understand why it is essential that they leave our spiritual environment alone. If they truly respect for our spirituality it and wish it to continue, they’ll leave it to us. Native people, not New Age Capitalists, must have full sovereignty over OUR spiritual practices.
The simple truth is this: subjecting Sweat lodges to the Capitalist marketplace is NOT a SUSTAINABLE practice. The counterculture is at a crossroads. Will they choose to leave our spirituality alone so that it can be preserved or will they say and do nothing while it is exploited to extinction? Can the left take an honest look at themselves and make the necessary changes? Or will their hypocrisy continue?
What follows is a list of individuals who are not entitled to conduct sweat ceremonies who are charging people for the service. Some call it “tuition”; some call it a “love donation” some use distorted rationalizations about exchanging “energies”. When you clear away the rhetoric, you have a pay-to-pray scam. Don’t Pay to Pray has been keeping statistics since 2001. We found that this, year the number of pay-to-pray sweat lodges held around the summer solstice has skyrocketed. So has the cost. The actual sweat lodge has become high end entertainment for the privileged classes who are deliberately kept ignorant as to its true meaning and purpose. Please take the time to contact your spiritual and political leaders and tell them of this disrespect. Please feel free to forward this information to whatever tribal organizations you think are appropriate.
UNITED STATES
ARKANSAS
WHO: Jim PathFinder Ewing (who is allegedly Cherokee) and wrote the book, Reiki Shamanism WHAT: 6th Annual Summer Solstice Celebration and World Soul Retrieval Day WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: Russellville, Arkansas COST: DESCRIPTION: “Sweat lodge and Bear Dance In the Dance, the dancers wear bear skins and “become” the Bear. They “take on” all the ills of the people assembled, and the ills are transmuted into healing power. It is not the dancers who heal the people, but the healing power of the Bear. The wing men keep the dancers bathed in sage smoke, so that the dancers themselves don’t “take on” the illnesses.
“In the shamanic way, we are taught to dance our power animals; we do this to honor them. Anyone can honor their power animals, and I highly advise it, to keep your connection strong. Our power animals guide and protect us; they are always with us. It is good to honor them, by keeping pictures of them around, thinking of them, thanking them, or dancing them. To dance your power animal, allow yourself the time and space to “be” with your power animal – whether it be a bird, fish, whatever – and while listening to a drumming tape, or having someone drum, allow yourself to be guided into a dance. Even if only for a few moments, it can be powerful and refreshing”
“You are encouraged to fast and ask to enter the sweat lodge before ceremonies begin. In the Sweat Lodge, women wear dresses and men wear cut-offs. Hydrate and fast before arrival. Potluck meal to follow - Bring a dish or other food/beverages, if you wish to participate. The sweat lodge here follows Yokuts, Cherokee and other traditions as may be the case with the ways of the water pourer.” http://www.blueskywaters.com/beardancehome.html Contact info: Address: Healing The Earth/OurselvesP.O. Box 387 Lena, MS 39094 Telephone: 601-654-3301 Email: blueskywaters@att.net Website: http://www.blueskywaters.com/ Fax:
ARIZONA
Northern Arizona
Sedona
WHO: Dr. Susan Shumsky WHAT: Journey of Awakening"Summer Solstice Retreat WHEN: June 20 to 23, 2008: WHERE: COST: DESCRIPTION: Contact info: Address: Divine RevelationP.O. Box 7185New York, NY 10116Telephone: 212-946-5132Email: divinerevl@aol.com Website: Fax: June 20 to 23, 2008:Journey of AwakeningSummer Solstice Retreat Dr. Susan Shumsky Divine RevelationP.O. Box 7185New York, NY 10116212-946-5132divinerevl@aol.com
Sedona
WHO: Clay Miller Sedona Aleh-zonSacred Healing Journeys WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: Sedona DESCRIPTION: ”Keep in mind that all my offered experiences are private. They are tailored to your interests and needs. We surrender to the agenda that awaits. COST: 3 1/2 - 5 hours $155.00 per person with two People$115 with three or more people $265.00 for single person” “Base price is $695 for one person and $595 per person for two or more. You can make a deposit of $195 with credit card through PayPal. Or you can send a check to: Clay Miller, 405 W. Yuma St. Cottonwood, Arizona. Deposit for more than one person is $350.” Contact info: Address: Alehzon Sacred Journeys 405 W. YumaCottonwood, AZ 8632686326 Telephone: 928 634-3497 Email: soul@arizonahealingtours.com Website: http://www.arizonahealingtours.com/home.html Fax:
Sedona
WHO: Susan Shumsky WHAT: Journey of Awakening Summer Solstice Retreat WHEN: June 20 to 23, 2008: WHERE: COST: DESCRIPTION: Contact info: Address: P.O. Box 7185New York, NY 10116 Telephone: (212)946-5132Email: divinerevl@aol.com Website: http://www.divinerevelation.org/Retreats.html Fax:
WHO: Maya Rose WHAT: Associated with the Wild Rose Sweat Lodge WHEN: June 21, 2008 WHERE: Northern Arizona – Sedona area DESCRIPTION:” The Shamanic Wild Rose Dreamers Lodge is a center for the study and practice of esoteric healing and psychology, energy work, spiritual astrology and prophecy, metaphysics, and flowering tree and other shamanic ceremonial rituals. Magickal (white magick) exploration of universal and planetary energies, integrating unconditional love and sacred intent, is the focus of the lodge. Led by Dance Chief Lyn “Starflyer” Hopkins, the lodge holds classes on shamanism, conducts vision quest and sweat lodge ceremonies, drum team gatherings, and Eagle Dream Dances. We also design and conduct shamanic healing rituals and ceremonies as needed for particular occasions. “ COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Lyn at starflyer@thewildrose.net Website: http://www.thewildrose.net/ Fax:
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Phoenix WHO: Deer Tribe Medicine Society WHAT:Sweat Lodges and Pipe cermonies WHEN: Sweat June 6-8, 2008 Pipe ceremony June 21, 2008 WHERE: all over the world COST: $2500 to complete all their ‘gateways’ Website: http://www.dtmms.org Email: RedLodgeAZ@dtmms.org Address: Scottsdale, Arizona Telephone: (480) 443-3851 COST: $2500 to complete all their ‘gateways’ Also in Germany, Italy, Australia, England, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland http://www.dtmms.org/locations.htm
Tucson
WHO: Ku Istan WHAT: Womyn’s Sweat Lodge WHEN: Summer Solstice WHERE: Tucson, Arizona DESCRIPTION: “Prayer in a Native American format. 1st Saturday on/after full moon, 3:00 - 7:30pm. Bring towels, dry clothes for after, a gift for the pipe, food to share for the Potluck after (no pork), a Frog Skin donation ($) to help with expenses, and wood (nails must be removed). Call in advance for info.” COST: (averages $100) Contact info: Address: Tucson, AZ Phone: 520-690-0546Telephone: 520-690-0546Email: kuistan@hotmail.com Fax: Website: http://www.wingspan.org/content/res_category_detail.php?desca=Community&descb=Religious+and+Spiritual+Organizations&totaldescc=Other Tucson
WHO: Reverend Ann Marie Clock, a “manufacturing, process, validation, and electronic documentation consultant” turned white shaman. (her resume: http://www.spiritgathering.com/MyOtherLife.htm) WHEN: June 17, 2008 DESCRIPTION: Reservations are required for Sweat Lodge and sleep over in the Guest Room, $60 Breakfast included “The Buffalo Lodge clears the mind, detoxifies the body and heals the Spirit. This is a nontraditional lodge. It is a place to die and be reborn. ALL MY RELATIONS“ WHERE: The sweat lodge is held in New Mexico in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. CONTACT INFO: Spirit Gathering Tucson Center 7878 W Tree Frog Trail Tucson, Arizona 85735 COST: Website: http://www.spiritgathering.com/default.html Information: Information 520-820-8019 Email: mailto:spiritgathering@comcast.net/
CALIFORNIA
Mount Shasta WHO: Sue Sutton Leland Earth Circle Foundation/Association WHAT: Women’s Sweat Lodges conducted by Thomas WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: COST: DESCRIPTION: Contact info: Address: Joyce Jones, President Earth Circle Association 501 N. Main St., Yreka, CA 96097 or Earth Circle 2227 P.O. Box 706 Fort Jones, CA 96032 Telephone: 530-842-6157 or Charlie Thom's number is 530-468-2277 or 530-468-2277 Email: jonezee57@yahoo.com Website: Fax:
Mount Shasta/Weed WHO: Spirit of the Wind / Walking Eagle (claims to be a Karuk spiritual leader) WHAT: WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: COST: DESCRIPTION:” Spirit of the Wind staff welcomes you to the sacred Sweat Lodge Purification Ceremony on the sacred grounds of Stewart Mineral Springs.” Contact info: Address: 4617 Stewart Springs RoadWeed, California 96094 Telephone: Email: Website: http://www.stewartmineralsprings.com/sweat_lodge.htm Fax:
Boulder Creek / Santa Cruz WHO: Char Lynn WHAT: WHEN: June 21, 2008 WHERE: Boulder Creek, CA (Santa Cruz Mountains) DESCRIPTION: ”June 21st we are celebrating our connection to the Earth Mother. We will hike in the redwoods, share a potluck dinner, create and talk around an evening fire and weave together a Dream Circle inside the Sweat Lodge Grandmother. I ask for a $40-100 donation to honor the land, the materials, and time invested in this ceremony.” “June 21st we are celebrating our connection to the Earth Mother. We will hike in the redwoods, share a potluck dinner, create and talk around an evening fire and weave together a Dream Circle inside the Sweat Lodge Grandmother. TIME: 3-10pm COST:$75 or $140 for the whole weekend's ceremony June 22nd we step into the Santa Cruz Mountain's Indigenous Medicine Wheel for teachings of our 'Spiraling Growth,' share a meal together (provided), create art from our hearts and dance the Medicine Wheel Pole of Alignment. “ “ROOM TOWELS: ROOM TOWELS ARE FOR ROOM USE ONLY! Please do not take Room towels to the Bathhouse, Indian Sweat or Creek. Towels for these activities will be provided at the Bathhouse. Guests violating these rules will be charged the cost of a new towel.” “Stewart Mineral Springs reserves the right to vary our prices, vary charges and to amend any of our Rules and Regulations at any time as we see necessary.” COST: $20.00 MINIMUM donation TIME: 9:30am-4:30pm COST:$75 or $140 for the whole weekend. Overnight accommodations available: Zen Garden Room (1 queen bed, can be shared) $75/room Mountain Roon (2 twin beds, shared) $80/room Sun Room (2 full beds, shared) $80/room Peacock Room (single air mattresses, indoor camping) $30/person Outdoor Camping available- $10/person Breakfast will be included for all overnight guests. Rooms available first come basis.” Website: http://spirituality.meetup.com/243/calendar/7991970/ Contact info: Address: Telephone: 831-338-2996 Email: charlynn@weavingunity.com or MtnChar7@aol.com Fax:
CALIFORNIA
Fortuna
WHO: Rosalind Skyhawk Ojala of the Loving Hands Institute CLAIMS: Rosalind claims to be an Interdenominational Minister, a Metis Pipe Carrier, a Ceremonial Sweatlodge Leader, the Chief Of the Pan American Indian Association Thunderbird Clan of Redwood River Lodge, and a Life Member of the Pipestone Indian Shrine Association. WHAT: Sweat lodge WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 11am - 4pm WHERE: DESCRIPTION:”The ceremony is based on the Based on the Sacred Tree Teachings. COST: Tuition $1500 Contact info: Address: Loving Hands Institute 639 11th StreetFortuna, CA 95540 Telephone: (707) 725-9627 Email: mailto:%20skyhawk@northcoast.com Website: http://www.lovinghandsinstitute.com/htm/dr_ojala.htm Fax: (707) 725-2471
Palomar Mountain WHO: Kevin Norton is leading the sweat. He claims to have been following a Native spiritual path since 1993 with the Cheyenne River Lakota community in South Dakota. He claims to be a pipe carrier in the Lakota tradition and to have participated in 5 Sundance’s and many years of purification ceremonies. “His life partner Lisa Ezzard, who is a Moon Dancer and amazing woman, has participated in the Dansa de la Luna in Mexico for the past eight years with women from around the world. This ceremony takes place near the Sun and Moon pyramids on lands sacred to the Nawatil people. Together Lisa and Kevin lead the Purification Ceremony (Inipi). Their balance between the warrior and the sacred feminine is a powerful and moving experience.” WHAT: Spirit Weekend Traditional Style Native American Purification Ceremony WHEN: September 22-23, 2007 or October 13-14, 2007 WHERE: Pacha Mama's Grove on Palomar Mountain, CA 18187 Nate Harrison Grade RoadPalomar Mountain, CA 92060 (not a mailing address?) COST: $85 DESCRIPTION: “Traditional Style Native American Purification Ceremony. Come celebrate the Birthing of a New Lodge at Pacha Mama's Grove on Palomar Mountain, CA.”Contact info: Address: Telephone: (619)865-3905 Email: susie@pachamamasgrove.org Website: http://www.pachamamasgrove.org Fax:
PASADENA WHO: Wild Rose sweat lodge Starflyer (AKA Lyn Hopkins, M.S.W., Ph.D.) is chief of the Wild Rose Dreamers Lodge WHAT: The Wild Rose Dreamers Lodge founded in in 1993 by Lyn Hopkins, continuing today as Lodge Chief and Drum Team Chief. She offers weekly shamanic classes, sweat lodges, ceremonial weekends and shamanic healing. WHEN: Summer Solstice sweat Saturday June 21, 2008 6:00 pm and also the weekend June 27, 2008 – June 29, 2008 WHERE: Pasadena, California Lightning Point Campground at Angeles Crest COST: $65 per class $200.00 for the weekend (includes camp fees, teachings, materials, ceremonies and individual feedback) DESCRIPTION: Lynn Hopkins claim to conduct ceremonies comes from her study with Thunder Strikes, Humbatz Men, Don Miguel Ruiz, Wallace Black Elk, the late Sun Bear. She is the author of THE MEDICINE WHEEL AND YOU Luminous Egg Cocoon. “Beginning with the Harmonic Convergence, followed by the 11/11, the 12/12, the August 11th Eclipse, the May 5th, 2000 Planetary Alignment, and the Harmonic Concordance. Lodge Chief Lyn "Starflyer" Hopkins, Ph.D., and her Assistant Director, Shama, CHT, CDC, TDE have joined the lightworker community to sponsor ceremonial conclaves to work with the magickal energies of this time of history. Their intent is to connect with light workers throughout the world in order to awaken our divine nature and take our power as sacred humans by helping to sculpt the New Dream for the Age of Aquarius. The May 5th, 2000 event was held at the Wright Land in Malibu, California, sponsored by Lyn and Shama and The Wild Rose Dreamers Shamanic Lodge. We commemorated the Birthing of the New Dream, the planetary alignment of the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn - all within 27 degrees of Taurus. See the Planetary Alignment page to find out more.” Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Lyn at starflyer@thewildrose.net Website: http://www.thewildrose.net/ Fax:
San Diego
WHO: Gadohi Usquanigodi of San Diego / Ven. Running Wolf is leader of the Thunder PeopleWHAT:Sweat Lodge Ceremonies WHEN: the second Saturday of each month @ 4pm WHERE: DESCRIPTION:” We are a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Native American Spiritual Center, offering monthly sweat lodge & prayer circles. Mission Statement: Our mission statement is to provide a safe place to pray and form community with others, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation or beliefs. Additional Information; Sweat Lodge Ceremony is the last Saturday of each month @ 10 am. Prayer circle is the second Saturday of each month @ 4pm. We offer workshops and additional ceremonies” COST: You must be a member, minimum donation is $25.00 Gadohi Usquanigodi Native American Spiritual Center P.O. Box 578 Inola, OK74036-0578 Contact info: Address: 1450 Starship St San Diego, CA Telephone: (619) 766-3316 Email: Eaglewomen1177@aol.com or mailto:gadohi@laplaza.org Website: http://www.gadohi.org/contact.htm Fax: San Francisco
WHO: Bay Area Pagans WHAT: Litha Sweat Lodge WHEN: WHERE: DESCRIPTION:” Bay Area Pagan Sweat Lodge Energy Medicine DowsingLabyrinthCore Bits DowsingMen's Sweat LodgeWomen's Sweat LodgeHarrison Hot Springs Dowsing” COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Website: http://bapa.net/ Fax:
COLORADO
Fort Collins
WHO: Christina Eala A Place for Every Woman's Spirituality CLAIMS: “Christinia Eala is considered a young elder among the Lakota People. The Divine Feminine nudged her awake at a very young age and after much searching, her primary passion is following the Red Road, the Spiritual Path of the Lakota. She has worked helping others to bring Wicosani (a Lakota word meaning ?Balance in the four aspects of one?s life?- mental, physical, emotional, and Spiritual) back into their lives.” WHAT: WHEN: Saturday, June 21, 2 to 6 p.m. ? WHERE: COST: Cost: $30 or $125 for the entire series DESCRIPTION:” When attending an Inipi ceremony (sweat lodge), it appears deceptively simple. You go into the lodge and pray, get out, smoke the Sacred Pipe, eat, and leave; ah, but there is so very much more to it than this. This final workshop will advise how to ?sponsor? a sweat lodge ceremony in a good and sacred manner” Contact info: Address: 1304 S College Ave #6 Fort Collins, CO 80524 Telephone: 970-556-3111 Email: Website: Fax:
CONNECTICUT
Newtown WHO: Vicky Lagoudis who is a “metaphysical practioner, a Reiki Master and a Transformational Healaer(sic)” WHAT: DAY of HEALING & SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY~WHEN: Sunday June 22nd 9:00 am – 4:30 pm WHERE: Newton Connecticut COST: $95 Advance sign up is required, space is limited.DESCRIPTION: “Please join us for an entire day at Sticks and Stones as we celebrate this season of the year and of our lives. The Sweat Lodge Ceremony is the traditional Native American way of cleansing body, mind and spirit. Experience a more balanced relationship with ourselves, the Earth and all that surrounds us as we cleanse our bodies of toxins, our minds of negativities and help to heighten our spirits. Men and woman both welcome.”This journey of renewal will take you through a Morning Tea, Sweat Lodge Ceremony, Healthy Vegetarian Lunch, Guided Woodland Walk and afternoon” Contact info: Address: Sticks and Stones East 201 Huntingtown Road Newtown, CT 06470 and Sticks and Stones West Pahoa Hawaii Telephone: (203)270-8820 or Cathy (203) 938-3195, Email: cwheels33@sbcglobal.net for info: Annie: anniesands@gmail.com Website: http://www.sticksandstonesfarm.com/ Fax:
OXFORD
WHO: Medicine Wind Society Lori-Ann Locke pours the lodge CLAIMS: Money goes to the Lakota WHAT: Open Sweat Lodge WHERE: 500 Chestnut Tree Hill Road, Oxford, Connecticut. WHEN: monthly COST: DESCRIPTION: “Although I am of Cherokee ancestry, I make no claim to represent the Cherokee Nation in any capacity. ““the Shaking Tent or Spirit Calling Ceremony was once one of the most widely known and used ceremonies in North America. Among the Crow, Gros Ventre, and Blackfoot the ritual was most often performed by female medicine elders. Respected female healers and ceremonialists “ CONTACT INFO: TELEPHONE: 203-815-5365 EMAIL: lori-ann@sweatlodges.info or kangipejuta@yahoo.com WEBSITE: www.sweatlodges.info FAX:
Suspicious appeal to money for Pine Ridge http://www.sweatlodges.info/id76.html
DELEWARE
Georgetown Washington DC /Deleware
WHO: Troupe of the Starry Door Jim Welch, RN HNC was formerly High Priest of Keepers of the Holly Chalice, the founding coven of the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel. He has been active in the Wiccan/Pagan community since 1981. He was the chair of the committee that wrote the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel's code of ethics. He teaches a variety of workshops that focus on ethics. He is a Waterpourer and conducts Sweat ceremonies using Wiccan protocols. WHAT: Wiccan Litha Sweat lodges WHEN: Litha: Saturday, June 21, 2008 WHERE: 14914 Deer Forest Road Georgetown, DE 19947 DESCRIPTION: COST: Contact info: Address: Seelie Court 14914 Deer Forest Road Georgetown, DE 19947 Telephone: (302) 855-9422.Email: Website: http://www.sacredwheel.org/tsd/ Fax:
GEORGIA
Hiawassee
WHO: Gary Adler FourStaris currently the President of the Many Horses Foundation an organization dedicated to the elders, the children, the earth, wild horses and earth cultures and teachings. Gary is an enrolled member of the Costanoan-Rumsen Carmel Tribe (Ohlone), and the son of Jerome FourStar, an Assiniboine Elder from the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana CLAIMS: WHAT: Enota Mountain Retreat Sweat Lodge CeremonyWHEN: June 28 2008 (Saturday) at 2:00 p.m WHERE: DESCRIPTION: “Everyone who joins us on the property must be a conservation member of Enota. There is a $10 conservation membership fee per person per visit. This fee is an impact fee on Enota's land which is in trust. There is also a $10 facility fee for each person participating in ceremonies. This fee covers the operational and maintenance costs of producing ceremonies at Enota. There is no charge for ceremony, however please understand that the Ceremony organizers incurs substantial costs to perform the ceremony (rocks, woods, blankets, gasoline, etc.). It is customary in the Native American Tradition to honor the sweat facilitator and fire keepers with some type of offering. In the past this has been with food and blankets. Currently a monetary offering is a more appropriate exchange for services and benefits derived from the ceremony.” COST: minimum $20.00 Contact info: Address: 1000 Highway 180Hiawassee, GA 30546Telephone: 706-896-9966 800-990-8869 Email: debby@manyhorses.org Website: http://www.manyhorses.org/ Fax:
Talbotton
WHO: Rose Hill / SomaVeda Institute The leader for this ceremony will be Dr. Anthony B. James LMT, ND, MDAM. Dr. James a fully adopted Crow tribal Member of the Whistling Water Clan, son of the late medicine man Floyd Realbird. Cost: there is no charge for ceremony however we are holding this on SomaVeda Institute property , SomaVeda Institutes regular day fee of $7.00 per person applies for all activities on the premises. This applies whether you sweat or walk in the gardens! CLAIMS: “The leader for this ceremony will be Dr. Anthony B. James LMT, ND, MDAM. Dr. James claims to be a “fully adopted Crow tribal Member of the Whistling Water Clan, son of the late medicine man Floyd Realbird. Dr. James is one of four living persons given the Crow Chanupa or pipe ceremony directly by Chief Realbird. Dr. James was introduced to the Sweat Lodge ceremony by the late elder Sun Bear of the Bear Medicine Tribe, progressed in his education under Charla and Tarwater of Spirit Wind (Cherokee Nation, Ala.), trained under Crow medicine men and women on Crow Agency, Montana for seven years. He was also assistant fire keeper at the first three Sun dances (Pipe Carriers Sun Dance) held at the Memorial at Pipestone National Monument under Sun dance Chiefs Chris Leaf, Clyde Bellecourt, Leanard Crowdog and others. Dr. James was given the right and honor to conduct the sacred lodge by his adopted father, Chief Floyd Realbird (Past president NAC- Native American Church), Robert Littlelight (Past President NAC) and Richard Realbird (Past President Crow Nation, Gary Owen , Montana). Additional training and authorization was received from Acasio Acatecatl Oltehua Spiritual Leader and healer, born in the Nahuatl Nation of Veracruz , Mexico. The Tehkulle of Kalpulle Olmeca in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico and the spiritual leader of Kalpulli Tonal Teokalli in El Paso Texas.” As we are peoples from many and various backgrounds the lodge is set up and run in an eclectic fashion suitable for this purpose. This means elements of tradition are borrowed and incorporated from Crow, Ojibway, Lakota, Dakota, Cherokee, Huichol, Tarahumara and Rainbow traditions as described by Black Elk, Sun Bear, Floyd Realbird, Tarwater, Acasio Acatecatl Oltehua and Ed Mcgaa of Mother Earth Spirituality and . Prayers will be made, Sacred fire fashioned and water pored in a good way. We begin and end with the pipe ceremony. This ceremony will be made clear for beginners and elders alike. All good people are welcome. The Lodge will be co-ed.”: http://www.thaiyogacenter.com/tyc/sweat.html WHAT: Full Moon Coed Sweat Lodge WHEN: Saturday June 21st. 2008 WHERE: The SomaVeda Institute 390 North Washington Ave. Talbotton, GA 31827 Located in the Piggley Wiggley Shopping plaza! COST: DESCRIPTION: Contact info: Address: The Thai Yoga Center PO Box 367, Talbotton, GA 31827 Telephone: (706) 358-8646 Ask for Dr. J, Julie or Michael! Email: itta@core.com Website: http://www.thaiyogacenter.com/ Fax:
ILLINOIS (odorless twinkie sweat lodge) WHO: Relax4Life Center WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: Barrington, IL COST: $60 non-refundable donation which goes to St. Joseph's Indian School DESCRIPTION: ” Note* the "sweat" that is released during the ceremony tends to have no odor, so the ceremony feels very cleansing to all.” “As a reminder: for the sake of those with environmental allergies, you will not be permitted to participate if you or your clothes are fragrant. Perfumes, Colognes, Scented Skin Cremes/Hairsprays/Lotions/Deodorants/Shampoos, Aromatic Oils are just a few of the products that are not permitted in or around the center. There is also no smoking of cigarrettes in or on the property.” “Ceremonial Gift: Terry Kinsey, the sweat leader, follows a Buddhist tradition of DANA, or mutual giving. It has supported monks in the Buddhist culture for 2500 years. The monks offer their guidance and the people support the monastery and fill the monks’ begging bowls each morning as they walk through the village on alms rounds. It is a beautiful exchange, in which the hearts of both the giver and receiver are opened in joy and gratitude, and love flows between them. Terry donates his time and energy as our lodge leader and does not receive any money for doing so. If after a lodge, you wish to offer Terry some money in appreciation of his time and energy (which he donates to charity), it will be warmly and gratefully received. A DANA bowl will be placed in the "feasting" area with his name on it toward the end of each lodge experience. You are always very welcome here whether or not you choose to or are capable of placing a donation in the DANA bowl for Terry. “ http://www.relax4life.com/sweatlodge.html Contact info: Address: Telephone: (847) 842-1752 Terry Kinsey, the sweat leader at 708-383-3957 Email: mailto:relax4life@comcast.net Or terrykinsey@comcast.net Website: http://www.motherearthadventures.com/ Fax:
MICHIGAN
WHO: Shirley Jons CLAIMS: Lakota WHAT: The Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival WHEN:August 5, 2008 - WHERE: Hart, Michigan DESCRIPTION: COST: 5 days $420.00 Contact info: Address: WWTMC Box 22 Walhalla, MI 49458. Telephone: (231) 757-4766 Email: Website: Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/michfest Fax:
MARYLAND
Darnestown WHO: Brooke BrodyWHAT: WHEN: June 14, 2008WHERE: Meet at Potomac Pathways. Transportation provided from here.COST: DESCRIPTION:” We will be doing a Native American Sweat lodge, which you may be familiar with. Lunch will be provided, and everything that you will need to have an awesome and safe experience. You can expect to have a meaningful and an awesome experience. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring: swim suit and at least one towel (I recommend two). See you there!”Contact info: Address: Potomac Pathways 15720 Seneca RoadDarnestown, MD 20874 Telephone: (301) 987-7284 Email: bbrody@potomacpathways.org Website: Fax: (240) 246-7851
MASSACHUSETTES
Plymouth
WHO: Sanctuary Studios WHAT: Sweat Lodge, WHEN: Saturday, June 21st begins at sundown, please call for registration - spaces are very limited. WHERE: Downtown Plymouth, MA DESCRIPTION: COST: Contact info: Address: 47 Court Street Plymouth, MA 02360 Telephone: (774) 454-7290 Email: Website: http://www.thesanctuaryofplymouth.com/ Fax:
MICHIGAN WHO: Rebecca Medicine Owl (AKA Rebecca Denton-Wuerth )Center of Light Spirituality Center WHAT: Native American Sweat Lodge WHEN: June 21, 2008 WHERE: Oxford, MI DESCRIPTION:” Join us in Sacred Ceremony As Rebecca Medicine Owl leads us in a powerful sweat lodge” COST: A LOVE OFFERing for the The Center is traditional ($10.00) “In Native American tradition the community took care of ALL the Medicine Mans/Womans needs, as they took care of the communities needs. We hold to this tradition. Contact info: Address: 5898 Baldwin Rd. Oxford, MI 48371 Telephone: (248) 236-0432 Email: Website: http://spiritualitycenter.centeroflight.us/html/SweatLodge.html Fax: THEY HAVE A GUEST BOOK! http://us.1.p8.webhosting.yahoo.com/gb/view?member=colcom33
MONTANNA
Billings
WHO: Dreamweaver Lodge Jaqui Thier WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: 45 minutes south of Billings, MT near theRed Lodge Mountain Ski Area, the Beartooth Highway and the northeast entrance to Yellowstone Park. East of the Crow Indian reservation COST: “Dreamquests” cost DREAM QUESTS: $1250 for six day and $1500 for a seven day DESCRIPTION: ”The Rainbow Lodge was given to me in 1990, by a native woman of African American and American Indian ancestry. In the world of ordinary reality, she is a social worker and also a native healer and teacher. I was introduced to her by my Qigong teacher at a time when I was preparing for my first vision quest which took place in the summer of 1990. To honor her privacy, I will call her Oya after the African Goddess. She and others helped me to prepare for my quest and the gift of the lodge and its ritual was part of that preparation. In the spring of the year, the Rainbow Lodge was built by me and the women who were part of a Ceremonial Circle that met monthly at my home in the mountains above Boulder, CO. Oya conducted a "Consecration of the Land Ritual", naming me as Keeper of the Land and the Lodge. She instructed me and the women in the building of the lodge and conducted the first sweats for us while tutoring me in the ritual. At that time, the lodge was primarily a woman's lodge. Honoring the feminine principal through this earth centered ritual has always been a strong focus of the lodge even after we began to conduct co-ed lodges.” http://www.dreamweaverlodge.com/sweatlodge.html Contact info: Address: Jaqui Thier, M.A.P.O. Box 1686Red Lodge, MT 59068Telephone: (406) 445-2517Email: info@dreamweaverlodge.comWebsite: http://www.dreamweaverlodge.com Fax: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Website: Fax:
WHO: Turtleshire Mountain Ranch WHAT:Solstice Sweat Lodge WHEN: WHERE: Turtleshire Mountain Ranch Magdalena New Mexico DESCRIPTION: “Full Moon is on the 21st of June during Solstice ceremonies where there are evening sweat and fire ceremonies “Spirit names are given to those who do not know their names by which the spirits know them. There is medicine in your spirit name. Your medicine, who you are, have been and will be. The medicine of your soul that you have, that is you, that you can learn to share with others. The pipe also sometimes awards clans, the totem medicine of your brothers and sisters in the spirit world. Teachings of the four shields and the four directions are passed, and some learn in which direction of the wheel they were born. This helps them understand their medicine even further. The pipe will sometimes take things from us that are no longer ours to carry, or give things to us as need demands. When the circle is complete, when all the helping and healing spirits that have come are finished, the lodge pipe is closed and it is on to the next ceremony.” COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Website: learn@turtleshire.org Fax:
Ruidoso/Alto
WHO: High Mesa Healing Center in Ruidoso New Mexico Barbara Mader WHAT: Sweat Lodge WHEN: weekly – Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: It’s just past the KOKOPELLI, Gated Community! DESCRIPTION:” Here at High Mesa the Lakoka Sioux Ceremony is practiced. While the sweat lodge itself is simple enough to describe, the actual experience cannot be rendered in words. You have to participate in it to truly realize its fullness and depth. From the preparation of the fire, covering of the frame, making the tobacco prayer ties and on through the many facets of the ritual, the seeker is involved in a sacred inner journey that can be profoundly transforming. Every second Saturday of the month, weather and fire conditions willing, we celebrate this ancient method of purification through the ceremony and pot-luck meal afterwards.” http://www.ruidoso.net/highmesa/sweatlodge.html COST: Contact info: Address: 101Mader LanePO Box 834Alto, New Mexico 88312 Telephone: 505.336.7777Email: http://www.sonnie@gmackre.com/ or highmesahc@beyondbb.com Website: http://www.ruidoso.net/highmesa/MainHome.html Fax: 505.336.4808 (also a fax) Santa Fe
WHO:The Swan Foundation WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: DESCRIPTION: NORTH RETREAT:COST: “4 Day January 23rd - 26th, 2009 Only 4 participats for both.$940 7 Day: January 23rd - January 29th, 2009Extended retreat includes experiencing more of the Santa Fe area.$1300 Includes: Food, lodging, program and transportation.” “A $50 non-refundable deposit is due within 10 days of booking. Remainder of balance due 60 days prior to start of retreat.” Contact Info: Address: Heyokah Retreat Center7 Avenida Vista Grande, #326Santa Fe, NM 87508 USATelephone: 505-989-8981 Email: info@swanfoundation.org Website: http://www.heyokahcenter.org/id4.html Fax:
NEW MEXICO
Galisteo
WHO: Vista Clara Ranch Resort & Spa Julie Rivers and Dona Wilder CLAIMS: “Julie Rivers returned to her Indian "heart" felt roots when she and her partner, a Cochiti Indian, owned and operated a tour business that took visitors to the Pueblos, ruins and ceremonies in northern New Mexico.” Julie claims to be a water pourer for the intertribal purification "Sweat" lodges .Dona Wilder, a registered nurse, spiritual leader and counselor returned to New Mexico six years ago to assist Julie at the Heyokah Center in expanding the programs offered. Julie and Dona claim to have had the opportunity to experience Pueblo, Seneca, Cherokee, Shumash, and Lakota traditions” WHAT: Weekly Sweat Lodge WHEN: June 21, 2008 WHERE: Northern New Mexico nestled in the historic Galisteo Basin just twenty minutes south of Santa Fe COST: 3 night summer weekend special $1,549.00 per person http://www.vistaclara.com/int.php?re=news-specials DESCRIPTION: “Julie leads our guests in discovering the native way of viewing life through the Medicine Wheel. These Teachings explore the Seven Cardinal Directions North, East, South, West, Mother Earth, Father Sky and the Sacred Space within. Learn the subtle meanings of the tribal drums, the heartbeat of the Mother Earth, and how each of us connects with the earth and the sky. Guests will conclude the evening by creating their own Medicine Bag as a reminder of the cultural experience. After lessons in Ancestral Ways, our guests are invited to join Julie and Dona in a purification ceremony in the sacred Sweat Lodge at Vista Clara Ranch. This ritual is challenging, yet has been carefully designed for the novice. It releases toxins from the body, while anxieties of the mind are replaced with quietness of inner peace. The spirit is rejuvenated with the feeling of unlimited freedom. The celebration of new beginnings continues by sharing a traditional native meal prepared by Vista Clara Ranch's Executive Chef.” http://www.vistaclara.com/int.php?re=visit-fitness-sweat A $1500 weekend package includes:Luxury Southwest Lodging, Two Massages or Body Treatments, One Yonka Facial, One half-hour Manicure or Pedicure, One half-hour Reflexology or Hikers Foot Massage,All Scheduled Fitness Classes, All Scheduled Activities, Three Gourmet Meals Daily Snacks, Use of All Resort Facilities, Native Ancestral Ways Program, Sweat Lodge Ceremony, Breathtaking Views of the Galisteo Basin, Special does not include service charge or taxes” Contact info: Address: Vista Clara Ranch Resort & Spa40 Camino Vista ClaraGalisteo, NM 87540 Telephone: (505) 466-4772 Email: Website: http://www.newmexico.org/relax/resorts/vista_clara.php Fax:
Jemez Springs
WHO: Wolf Martinez and Hunter Flournoy “Wolf will once again be supporting the Summer Retreat. He will be offering his "Transformational Body Therapy", a incredible blend of body work and spirit work. He also will be supporting us in many other ways, as only he can. Wolf is a two spirited, third gender, walks between worlds student of life. He has studied extensively with keepers of traditions in the Amazon, Andes, Mexico, and across North America as well as learning the Oriental medicinal practice of Shiatsu from a Japanese Master. Combining the medicine ways of the ancients, along with intuition and spirit, Wolf has developed for 10 years his practice of "Transformational Body Therapy". He has also been given the privilege to lead the Pipe Ceremony and Sweat Lodge “ “Hunter Flournoy (pictured right) is a lover of life and a messenger of life's sacred passion. A shaman, seer, poet and storyteller, he distills the deepest wisdom of the Toltec, Christian, Sufi, Buddhist, and indigenous healing traditions of the world into a crystal clear vision of personal revolution. Hunter is a teacher in the Toltec Eagle Knight lineage of Don Miguel Ruiz (author of The Four Agreements), a shamanic healer in the lineage of Rebecca Crystal, facilitates healing sweat lodges, and serves as a pastor for Amigos de Dios, a mystical Christian fellowship. Hunter has an MS in counseling, an MFA in creative writing, and has been coaching individual clients and leading workshops in intuitive awareness, holistic healing, and personal freedom for fifteen years in the US and Mexico. For more information on Hunter visit http://www.newdestinies.com/.” WHAT: 16th Annual Summer Retreat WHEN: August 11, 2008 to August 17, 2008 WHERE: Jemez Springs, New Mexico DESCRIPTION: This Retreat is for Gay and Bi Men COST: $1295.00 A deposit of $300.00 is required to reserve space for this journey. To register, use the "Register for this Journey" button on this page. Payment in full is requested by June 27, 2008 Contact info: Address: Spirit Journeys 134 River RoadNew Milford, NJ 07646 Telephone: VOX: 828-258-8880 VOX: 800-754-1875FAX: 828-281-0334 Email: info@spiritjourneys.com Website: http://www.spiritjourneys.com Fax:
NEW YORK WHO: Sparky Shooting Star WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: The Center for Symbolic Studies New Paltz, New York DESCRIPTION: COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: (631)766-5936 or Liz (917)294-8636 Email: Eesh21@gmail.comWebsite:
WHO: Zoe Bryant WHAT: Solstice Full Lovers Moon Sweat Lodge WHEN:June 21, 2008 WHERE: Swannanoa, NC COST: DESCRIPTION: “June is called the "Full Lover's Moon" or to the Natives "The Making of Fat" or "Strong Sun Moon"” “Come early and we will clean and revitalize Sun Bear's Medicine Wheel which he dedicated on this land over 20 years ago.’ http://spiritualism.meetup.com/274/calendar/7397705/ Contact info: Address: 302 Old Fellowship RD Swannanoa, NC 28778 Telephone: (828) 298 3935 Email: Website: Fax:
OREGON
Beaverton
WHO: WHAT: An Earth Awareness Festival WHEN: June 19-22, 2008 WHERE: Silver Falls State Park (the Ranch Area)DESCRIPTION:” A Magickal three day camp-out!An Earth-friendly event honoring diversityand promoting Earth Harmony worldwide!” COST: $150.00 per person Contact info: Address: 9598 SW Whittford Ln Beaverton OR Telephone: Kathy (503) 319-1273 (503) 502-1415 Email: Website: http://www.earthgatherings.org/ Fax:
Detroit
WHO: Breitenbush Retreat and Conference Center WHAT: WHEN: June 12, 2008 WHERE: Just outside Salem Oregon near the Cleator Bend Campground DESCRIPTION:” Breitenbush is privileged to offer a sweat lodge once a month which is open to everyone, free of charge. Traditionally, participants make offerings to the leader and fire tender such as pipe tobacco, spiritual gifts, food or money. Breitenbush also appreciates any offerings that offset the costs of wood and caring for the leaders. Participants are responsible for any other Breitenbush services they use (hot springs, meals, lodging...reservations are required and space is limited). Please call (503.854.3320) in advance if you wish to attend the Sweat Lodge Ceremony.” COST: $92.00/night to stay in a cabinContact info: Address: Breitenbush Hot SpringsPO Box 578Detroit, OR 97342 Telephone: (503) 854-3320 Email: office@breitenbush.comWebsite: Fax:
Salem
WHO: Robin Lynne Rainbow Feather WHAT: Solstice Sweat Lodge WHEN: June 20, 2008 2 pm WHERE: RiverBank Farm in Surrey County - about 50 minutes North of Winston-Salem Riverbank Farm, a quiet sanctuary, is located along the Dan River and is only a 20 minute drive from Pilot Mountain DESCRIPTION: “Robin began her training with Will Rockingbear, a Cherokee Teacher and Healer in Western North Carolina. She now holds weekly healing circles, a bi-monthly Clan Mothers Circle, as well as private healing sessions and ceremonies. Robin offers healing through the Soul Retrieval Ceremony, Twin Heart Dreaming Ceremony, Calling Ceremony and other ceremonies; and vibrational, energetic healing through Tibetan Singing Bowls, Native American Drumming, Laying-on-of-Hands, Sacred Feathers, Stone Medicine Beings and Animal Totems.”
Robin began facilitating monthly Clan Mother Circles (based on The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams) in 1991, after experiencing the Clan Mothers for herself. They not only assisted Robin in her own feminine journey and personal healing but shared with her the ceremony of Twin Heart Dreaming to assist others in healing their own wounded hearts.” “Please join us for the Little Boys and Little Girls Arapaho Sweat Lodge with Water Pourer Zoe Allison-Rockingbear to celebrate the Summer Solstice. This is a gentle, balanced sweat lodge for men and women, adult and child, beginner and experienced. COST: Because I work in the native, traditional way, I do not have a set fee or cost for the services I provide. However, monetary gifting is appropriate. This is the way I feed my family and earn my living. The amount you gift is entirely up to you. My teaching from my elders is that I show up to do my work and the amount you gift to me is between you and Spirit. There is a gifting bowl in the Flower Eagle Medicine Lodge for your monetary gifts. Cash is preferred but checks are acceptable. Contact info: Address: Robin Lynne 2960 Bennington CourtWinston-Salem, NC 27106 Telephone: (336) 416-7553 Email: robin@flowereagle.com Website: http://www.flowereagle.com/cd_info.cfm http://www.flowereagle.com/www.flowereagle.com Fax:
PENNSYLVANIA
Center Valley
WHO: Snow Star Raven Hawk WHAT: WHERE: Center Valley, PA Eight miles South of Allentown WHEN: COST: DESCRIPTION: “She also conducts Native American Sweat Lodges & Medicine Wheel Ceremonies, Monthly Circles, Marriage Re-dedication & Baptism Ceremonies. Spiritual readins performed in a sacred space are also available. Sacred Path and Medicine Cards are tools used in these spiritual channelings and have been designed to bring spiritual messages & initiate healing. She also performs reiki, shamonic, crystal healing, teaching and ceremonies. She will read for someone over the telephone “ CONTACT INFO: TELEPHONE: (610)351-9428 EMAIL: WEBSITE: http://www.freewebs.com/snowstarravenhawk FAX: Youtube: Spiritual Reading with Snow Star Raven Hawk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEf41AdmEzY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEf41AdmEzY
Malvern
WHO: Jim Frank and Byron Katie WHAT: Malvern Sweat Lodge WHEN:June 21, 2008 WHERE: COST: ” How much does it cost? : Money is a problem, isn't it? The Sweat Lodge Ceremony is our prayer and you can't buy it at any cost. But people do need to make a contribution and money is the most common way. We open our home and there are expenses. We put out a basket at the pot luck and donations are anonymous. Donations go to cover expenses. If each person attending contributed $20 the lodge would be self sustaining. So plan on a give away donation of labor, fire wood, or money.” DESCRIPTION: Today, at age 63, Jim Frank maintains a standing sweat lodge at his home in Malvern, PA. Since 1995 we have kept a standing sweat lodge in the way taught to him by Beautiful Painted Arrow, Joseph Rael.” Contact info: Address: P.O. Box 503, Malvern, PA 19355 Telephone: (610)-648-0953 Email: jim@malvernsweatlodge.com or mailto:info@malvernsweatlodge.com?subject=more%20info,%20please Website: Fax: NOTE: As of May 5, 2008, all workshops have been canceled in Malvern
RHODE ISLAND
Providence
WHO: WHAT: Rhode Island Sustainable living Festival sweat lodge WHEN: WHERE: Enviromental Education Center: 451 Hammet RoadCoventry, Rhode Island DESCRIPTION:” The Deadline for registering is Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 (Earth Day). After the deadline, call to check availability. Space is limited! Make checks payable to The Apeiron Institute, 17 Gordon Ave, Suite 207, Providence, RI 02905, or register on-line at http://www.apeiron.org/” COST: The cost of the 2-day Earth Awareness Retreat & Sweat Lodge Ceremony is $150 including 3 meals and on-site camping accommodations. Contact info: Address: Apeiron Institute 17 Gordon Ave, Suite 207 Providence, RI 02905 Telephone: (401) 228-7930 Email: nfo@apeiron.org Website: http://www.apeiron.org/ Fax:
TENNESSEE
Pinewood/Nully WHO: Laughing Winds/Recovery Ranch Dede Beasley Sweat lodge facilitator CLAIMS: Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are performed by therapeutic staff with extensive training in the Lakota Sweat Lodge Tradition” WHAT:Theurapeutic Sweat Lodges WHEN: WHERE: DESCRIPTION: Equine Therapist and Jeanmarie Guthery (Mama), Animal tender says: “We have learned from one of our teachers that the wheel can be understood as a symbol of this journey called life; a guide for our own self-discovery. Like life our wheel has undertaken many changes. The design came in a vision after Jeremy and Davids first trip to sundance. They also found the center stone on that trip a 60# piece of rose quartz crystal. “ “At Laughing Winds we use our wheel to celebrate birth and honor death. We go there to pray, meditate, and to practice listening. Our wheel is filled with all kinds of healing herbs. The wheel reminds us of our own beauty. We share with others how the wheel helps guide us on our journey back to self.” “The Sweat Lodge process provides several invaluable therapeutic opportunities, including the opportunity to recognize and overcome habitual responses to fear, discomfort, and self-judgment; mobilize new coping responses to these common relapse triggers; increased awareness of internal visceral and affective responses and their impact; recognition of personal defense mechanisms; movement from intellectualized and rationalized self-expression to more authentic, feeling-based expression; and supported opportunities for clients to ask for what they need.” COST: All inclusive; except airfare, $1,495.00 per person double occupancy Contact info: Address: The RanchP.O. Box 38 Nunnelly, TN 37137Telephone: (615)446-4594 or Call Toll-Free: 800-849-5969! Email: Website: http://www.laughingwinds.com/index.php?p=Home http://recoveryranch.com/recovery/default.asp?page=lodge Fax: 931.729.9632
Washburn
WHO: Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center WHAT: Summer Solstice Celebration sacred circle cosmic walk WHEN: June 21, 2008 7:00 pm Vision quest June 21-29, 2008 WHERE: Mac Smith Resource Center at the Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center COST: $50 deposit is due by March 15, 2008 DESCRIPTION: ”Participants will experience several days of preparation and training, a time of fasting alone on a mountain near Narrow Ridge Center, and several days of processing including a sweat lodge ceremony. Past participants have reported significant increases in clarity about life directions, decisions, and purpose, in addition to finding the experience profoundly restorative in terms of feelings of health and well-being. Vision Quests have been part of the rites of passage of many different cultures since time immemorial.“ Contact info: Address: Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center 1936 Liberty Hill Rd. Washburn TN 37888 Telephone: Mitzi Wood-Von Mizener at 615-419-6970 or (865) 497-2753 Email: community@narrowridge.org or mitziz1@bellsouth.net Website: http://www.narrowridge.org/ Fax: They have a guestbook! http://www.earth-learning.org/page.aspx?navid=2437
TEXAS
West Point
Mary Thunder Sweat Lodge WHO: Mary Thunder, Leonard Crow Dog, JoAnn Parks, Sparky Shooting Star WHAT: WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: Thunder Ranch West Point, Texas DESCRIPTION:” “Fasting before a ceremony is very beneficial could heighten awareness. If you are too hot in the lodge, please wait until the song or the prayer is finished before speaking up and telling the water pourer you need help. The Old ones used to say, “It is supposed to be hot. Keep your face to the ground and breathe in the coolness of the Earth, let go of what may be holding you back, and pray hard.” Within the sweat lodge, when you are offered water to drink, remember this is the lifeblood of the Earth Mother, feel its healing energy flowing through you. The length of the ceremony can vary greatly depending upon the leader and the participants. Let Sweat lodge leader and Spirit guide you. After leaving the lodge it is best to rinse your body to wash away the toxins you have released and to close your pores. If you have to wait for your lodge to begin, please be patient, and use the time to consider what you want to release and what prayers you would make for yourself, your loved ones, your Earth Mother and your relations upon Her. This is a very powerful healing ceremony, I have seen many heal! “ COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Website: http://www.marythunder.com/SpiritualServicesEvents/Events/Sweatlodge/SweatLodge.htm Fax:
Fort Worth
WHO: Randy Crow Parsons WHAT: WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: Fort Worth, Texas area DESCRIPTION: COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: 817 221-3772 Email: sacredtreeusa@yahoo.com Website: Fax:
UTAH
Salt Lake City
WHO: Queer Spirit nonNDNs Jerry Buie and John Cottrell WHAT: Weekend retreats for gay men shamanic sweat lodgges WHEN: monthly WHERE: Windwalker Lodge in Spring City, Utah COST: DESCRIPTION: “Although Buie is not Native American, he was taught to pour Sweat – that is, to conduct the Lodge – by Ute leader Carolyn Sanders and closely mentored by several Elders. He has participated in Lodges for 12 years and has poured them for nine. He regularly pours “two to three” times each month for the Utah community.“Auntie Brucie invites you to queer summer camp” http://queerspirit.blogspot.com/ Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Website: www. queerspirit.org Fax:
VIRGINIA
Charlottesville
WHO: Katy Cannon, a fourth-year student at the University of Virginia WHAT: public art piece "Our Sweat" WHERE: Charlottesville University of Virginia between Dell I and Ruffner Hall. WHEN: Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. COST: DESCRIPTION: ” Cannon said, "This structure of a sweat lodge is universally known, yet, for each culture it has a unique and specific use. The aim of my work is to find a way to bridge cultural specificities through this universal structure." Those attending this performance should bring a rock or similar item that can be heated and then wet to produce the steam for the sweat lodge.” CONTACT INFO: TELEPHONE: 804-387-1672 EMAIL: kgc5e@virginia.edu WEBSITE: FAX:
Gore
WHO: The Land Celebration WHAT: Solstice sweat lodge ceremony WHEN: Friday, June 20-Sunday, June 22, 2008 7:00 am Saturday WHERE:Virginia COST: $250.00 for festival plus “love offering” for sweat DESCRIPTION:” Summer Solstice Retreat at The Land Celebration Our 10th Annual Summer Solstice Retreat featuring workshops on Color Therapy, Building Your Dreams, Sweat Lodge Ceremony, Wellness Wash, yoga, and the music of Armand and Angelina. Swimming pond, hot-tub, three labyrinths, medicine wheel and meditation trails.” “While our Lodges are based in the Native American tradition, we honor many other paths as well, and the gifts of all are welcome to be shared in the Lodge.” http://www.thelandcelebration.org/lchapel2/sweat.htm Contact info: Address: The Land Celebration 411 Three Oaks Drive Gore, VA 22637 Telephone: 540-858-2776 Email: info@thelandcelebration.org Website: http://www.thelandcelebration.org/ Fax:
WASHINGTON
Tacoma
WHO: WHAT: Change of Seasons Sweat Lodge Summer Solstice Sweat LodgeWHEN: June 21, 2008 - June 22, 2008 2 pm WHERE: DESCRIPTION: “Inuit Sweat Lodge to Celebrate the Solstice with Gratitude. Spend the night, bring a tent, sleep under the stars. RSVP” http://seattle.consciouschoice.com/calendar/6/21/2008 COST: $10 donation for wood if possible or some kind of energyTobacco offerings if you have special prayers Contact info: Wayne and Dianne Address: 5425 S. K StreetTacoma, WA 98408Telephone: (425) 760-2918Email: info@ unionwithtruth.com info@unionwithtruth.com Website: http://www.unionwithtruth.com/Fax:
WEST VIRGINIA
Elk Garden
WHO: Chief Lightning Wolf (Sweat Lodge facilitator)Water Pourer- Leonora Lantella and the Fire Tenders:Mole Woman and Rainbow Spider Founded by Vince Lombardi. Vince's multi-cultural background comes from having traveled the world extensively including several places in the Middle East (Jordan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates), parts of South Asia (India, Nepal), Europe, Central America (Costa Rica, Mexico) and the whole USA WHAT: Sweat Lodge Ceremony -- A Guided Spiritual Journey:In Native American tradition and style WHEN:June 21, 2008 WHERE: Abram's Creek Lodge & Campground Meet at the Peaceful Spirit Sweat Lodge between Campsites #5 and #6 in Sector I.DESCRIPTION: native American style Sweat Lodge, Ceremony, and Ritual.Liability waiver required. http://www.abramscreek.com/cautions.html COST: $20 donation to Lodge Facilitators (under 18, $10 donation). Cash or Check in advance please Contact info: Address: Abram's Creek Retreat & CampgroundRR 1 Box 118Elk Garden, WV 26717 Telephone: Lodge House - Campground: (Business Only) 304-446-5383 Social Calls: 304-446-5113Vince Cell: 703-328-1840Email: vlombardi2003@msn.com Website: http://www.abramscreek.com/Lodge_schedule.html Fax: They have a guest book!!! http://www.theguestbook.com/sign.php/617146
CANADA
MANITOBA
WHO: Robert Currie WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: COST: DESCRIPTION: “Wir Sprechen Auch Deutsch. We have been supplying high quality eco-adventure canoe trips to the national and international market since 1996. Our packages are all inclusive and include hotels, food, and special add-ons such as beluga whale watching tours, First Nations Sweat Lodge ceremonies and tours of various Canadian National Historic Sites.” Contact info: Address: Wilderness Spirit 696 McMillan Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3M 0V1 Telephone: (204)452-7049 or 1 (866) 287-1591 Call tollfree (in North America) 1 (866) 287 1591 or 1 (204) 452 7049 Email: Rob@WildernessSpirit.com Website: http://www.wildernessspirit.com/ Fax: (204) 452-7049
ONTARIO
Barrie
WHO: WHAT: Shamanic healing retreat at WHEN: WHERE: located at 461 Penetanguishene Road (Hywy 93), RR # 1 Barrie, Ontario 461 Penetanguishene Road here in Barrie Ontario DESCRIPTION: “We are Rainbow Spirits , Eclectic thinkers, following a Multi-Cultural Medicine Way. We offer you a glimpse of multi-cultural spiritualism through products, resources, services, workshops and events from around the world.” COST: Contact info: Address: 461 Penetanguishene Road Barrie Ontario Telephone: Email: Website: http://earthandskyconnection.com/dcontent/13042 Fax:
Guelph Ontario
WHO: Dirt Time Trackers (The does anybody know how to do this? Sweat) WHAT: Summer Solstice Sweat Lodge and Tipi Finishing GatheringWHEN: Saturday & Sunday June 21 & 22, 2008 WHERE: the home of Kathy & David Browne which is 20 minutes north of Georgetown, just south of Erin. Arrival can be anytime after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning DESCRIPTION: “As noted already, we will be having a Sweat Lodge. We will require 2 people to facilitate the Sweat. We need a Sweat Chief and a Fire Keeper. The Sweat Chief manages the entire Sweat with the assistance of the Fire Keeper who takes care of the fire and heating the rocks. There is much more to these roles. These simple definitions don't even scratch the surface of their true job descriptions. If you would like to participate in either of these roles, make yourself known to the group. Dress code for the Sweat is a bathing suit or similar attire. We expect to start the fire at 7:00 p.m. and enter the Lodge around 9:00 p.m.” COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Kathy Browne at (905) 702-9649 Email: brownes@tbcinc.com Website: http://www.dirttimetrackers.com/invites/solstice-06-08.htm Fax:
Orangeville
WHO: Kerrie Dancing Butterfly WHAT: WHEN: July 16th ~ 20th, 2008 WHERE: DESCRIPTION:” Kerrie Dancing Butterfly will be leading the ceremonial aspects of the retreat including the Fire Offering Ceremony, Cofacilitating the Sweat Lodge and initiating the daily intentions. Kerrie will also be offering Private Shamangelic Transformational Empowerment Healing Sessions and Spiritual Card Readings.“ COST: Investment in Your Health is $695-$1095 US depending on choice and availability of accommodations. Contact info: Address: Ecology Retreat Centre Journeys for the Soul 978 Temple Hills Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Mailing Address: 308046 Hockley Rd. RR#1, OrangevilleOntario, Canada L9W 2Y8 Telephone: 949.294.2966 Email: journeysforthesoul@hotmail.com or mailto:bookings@ecologyretreatcentre.com?subject=Contact%20Email%20from%20the%20ERC%20website Website: http://www.journeysforthesoul.com/summer_rejuvenation_july_2008.htm Fax:
MEXICO
San Miguel de Allende
WHO: Casa Dharma PATRICIA FELDMAN GONZALEZ Patricia is one of the pioneers of spiritual life in San Miguel, having made this her home for the past 25 years. She is a gifted communicator with experience in community building, groups,meditation and practical spirituality. Early in life she began a path that led her to Tibetan Buddhism. Her teachers include Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Chogyam Trungpa and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Patricia has dedicated her life to nurturing others on the path to spiritual enlightenment. BEN-ZION Ben Zion Ptashnik, a former State Senator from Vermont, was born in Jaffa, Israel, the son of Holocaust survivors. Ben-Zion has been in service for most of his adult life, first as a peace activist, and later organizing organic farmers, consumer cooperatives, and environmental organizations. He is the founder of the Stopnitz Fund, a charitable foundation which is dedicated to human rights, cultural survival, and the elimination of genocide WHAT: Summer Solstice Sweat Lodge and Children's Sweat Lodge with Roland WHEN: June 18, 2008 8:00 a.m. Sweat Lodge Camp - June 21, 2008 – June 22, 2008WHERE: Bestwood Country Park DESCRIPTION: “Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a weekend of sweat lodges, children’s sweat lodge building, ceremonies and healing. For further information please contact Jason Sewell” COST: A charge applies to this event and pre-booking is essential Contact info: Address: Telephone: 0115 956 9603 International & Mexico: +01 52 415 152 6336 Direct US Line: 802 526 1020 Email: Jason: turtlelodge@btinternet.com info@casadharma.com or groups@casadharma.com Website: http://www.casadharma.com/san-miguel-events.asp Fax: 01 52 415 152 8986
EUROPE
United Kingdom Devon WHO: Sacred Earth Camps offer sweats conducted Sun Eagle Heart (AKA Bethlehem Taylor), an alleged Rainbow Elder and Pipe Carrier, and Lodge-Leader Whispers-in-the-wind (AKA Sara Drew). WHAT: Sweat Lodges WHEN: June 13 –15, 2008 WHERE: Tiverton, Devon COST: ” Cheques payable to:- Sacred Earth Please send to:- 3 Rainbows, Stoodleigh, Tiverton, Devon. EX16 9QQ Now, let us begin to build the second teaching wheel. The wheel of the six directions - the wheel of the spirit Grandmothers and Grandfathers. So, we now introduce another dimension which gives the wheel tension. This represents the dynamic of opposites - duality and our place as humans on the wheel of life.(left) The Polar Axis . costs 25 English pounds” “3 Day Camps - £90 (Concessions £85) 4 Day Camps - £120 (Concessions £110)One Day Sweat Lodge - £30Includes good vegetarian FoodPeople faced with a long or difficult return journey may stay over until the Monday.” DESCRIPTION: ” All the shamanic tools you need for personal empowerment and transformation. The four days, with two sweat lodges, allows us more time to explore the mystery teachings of the medicine wheels: Pluging energy leaks. Increased vitality and inner radiance equals increased heightened awareness. Earth energy healing alignments using the drum, connects us to the spirit.” Contact info: Address: Rainbows, Stoodleigh, Tiverton, Devon. EX16 9QQ Telephone: 01884 881467 Email: Website: http://www.sacred-earth-camps.co.uk/ Fax:
Crowborough
WHO: Eagles Wing Centre For Contemporary Shamanism WHAT: Women's Sweat Lodge Ceremonies Spring and Shaman and Men's Sweatlodge Weekend WHEN: June 21, 2008 WHERE: Hourne Farm, Crowborough, TN6 2SQ DESCRIPTION: COST: £150; Deposit: £50 Contact info: Address: Eagles Wing Centre For Contemporary ShamanismSteel CrossHourne Farm, Crowborough, TN6 2SQ Telephone: Email: Website: Fax:
AUSTRALIA
WHO: Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society (SOTEMS) NOTE: This is the group that was responsible for the negligent homicide of Rowen Cooke in 2004 Website: http://www.sotems.com.au/sweat_lodge.htm
Western Australia Mixed Sweat Lodges Every Thursday 6:30pm Brad 08 9331 2461 Fremantle
Mens Sweat Lodges Every Sunday 6pm Paul 0414 224 269 Fremantle
Womens Sweat Lodges First Friday of the month 6pm Erycka 0419 332 558 Fremantle
Southern Australia AT MCLAREN VALE Women's Dark Moon Sweat Lodge 7pm Contact Prue to confirm details Prue 0419819089 McLaren Vale
Mixed Full Moon Sweat Lodge 7pm Contact Prue to confirm details Prue 0419819089 McLaren Vale
PLEASE NOTE If the forecast temperature is 35 degrees Celsius or above the sweat lodge will be Mixed Sweats 2007
Every Sunday at 6pm First Sweat 2008: 3 February
Book on Sweat line 95135959 CERES cancelled. Please check the weather forecast before coming.
Men's Sweat Lodge First Monday of the month 7pm First Men's sweat 2008: 4 February, 3 March, 7 April, 5 May, 2 June, 7 July, 4 August, 1 Sept, 6 Oct, 3 Nov, 1 Dec. Book on Sweat line 95135959 CERES
Women's Sweat Lodge First Thursday of the Month 7pm First Women's sweat 2008 7 February, 6 March, 3 April, 1 May, 5 June, 3 July, 7 August, 4 September, 2 October, 6 November, 4 December. Book on Sweat line 95135959 CERES
Men's Initiation By Invitation 10 & 11 Nov 2007 Kamalesh Mobile 0427224604 Bunyip State Forest Shamanism for Women Travelling the Worlds of Self 7-9 March 2008 16-18 May 2008 26-28 September 2008 21-23 November 2008 Residential Workshop Phoenix Institute 95104264 Healesville
Shamanic Practice Workshop 10 & 11 May, 2008 Phoenix Institute 95104264 Healesville
Shamanism for Men 28 & 29 June 2008 Phoenix Institute 95104264 Phoenix Prahran
Queensland Sweat Lodges For details contact Martin Kornaus 0410 286 746 Rocklea Brisbane Men's Sweat Lodges 6pm First Sunday of the month Contact Les to confirm details Lez 0439494633 McLaren Vale
You can see for yourself what kind of offensive and disrespectful behavior goes on at these unauthorized sweat ceremonies. There are several offensive Sweats that have been videotaped on put on Youtube:
Please join YouTube, give them a low ranking, make comments and flag the videos you see fit.
Ward Churchill, Academic, Literary and Indian Fraud
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