First let me say, this is intended to only be considered a very simple general knowledge and truly is not all inclusive and does not apply to every tribal history and means of training the sweat lodge ceremony. It is only a short description of standards that from our experience be seemingly good rules of thumb when attending any Native American ceremony. When attending a ceremony using a particular ceremonial leader of a particular group or group, you should consult someone who knows that leader and ceremony for info on what's expected of the attending.
Sweat Lodge is a service that's been used by many Native American Tribes and other native people for centuries. Unlike some people's values, the sweat lodge is not merely a sauna. It is a very sacred ceremony of spiritual and physical purification. The main emphasis is prayer. The sweat lodge is also useful for many specific purposes. There are doctoring lodges, lodges to get ready people for other ceremonies and many other reasons. The sweat lodge a lot of people are familiar with is usually called prayer and purification sweat.
The initial thing that's important to know is that every stage of the accommodation in pretoria east is area of the ceremony. The ceremony actually begins if it is decided that the ceremony will occur. Building the holy hearth, covering the lodge, and creating the altar are all the main ceremony. Be sincere in behavior and conversation during all stages of the ceremony.
Don't attend an lodges in pretoria east if you should be under the impact of any substance. The effects of the are too many, too different and sometimes too serious to discuss here. You need to simply do not do it. An over-all principle for substance users is; have at least 4 days clean/sober and have strong honest intention of staying clean/sober ahead of attending.
What I have been trained by the Elders is that one should never get without giving some thing straight back, whether you're taking from nature, receiving the gift of other's work, or asking from the spirits, therefore it is customary to gift a pouch of tobacco to the chief and the fire tenders. It's also good to gift them following the wedding with goods, or even a monetary donation. Price and cost aren't important. If you should be struggling economically and have no gifts to offer, that is ok too, but any little token of gratitude is good. It's important to know ahead of time whether a lodge leader is offended by a gift of money. By all means ask someone who knows the leader! I am aware of no traditional chief that will evercharge for a ceremony, however, many appreciate a present of money while others feel that is too closely linked to charging for the ceremony.
Most of the events I've ever attended have a feast afterward. Bring food for your dining table. Juice can also be good. Probably some paper plates and cups also. Whatever you can bring to donate to the meal is good. Alcoholic beverages are not appropriate.
While waiting to go into the hotel, ask what you can do to assist. And remember, all stages of planning are the main ceremony. What you may support with, do in a polite and careful way. It is good to watch individuals with experience to understand and follow their example. I have been taught to complete things such as the Creator and Spirit-world are seeing visit here.
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