United Kingdom·November
Experience Transformation: Lakota Inipi Sweat Lodge Journey
Reconnect with the medicine of Nature, Spirit and Body in the Heart of Ancient Tradition
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Overview
The traditional Lakota Inipi sweat lodge, also known as a sweat ceremony, is a sacred and ancient Native American ritual that has been practiced by the Lakota people and other indigenous tribes for many generations. The Sweat is a powerful and spiritually significant experience designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional purification, as well as a deep connection to the spiritual world. The structure is a small dome-shaped lodge made of willow branches and blankets, representing a connection between the physical and spiritual realms. The ceremony consists of four rounds, each with distinct purposes: physical purification, emotional release, spiritual connection, and gratitude. Participants offer prayers and intentions, guided by our ceremony leader Omah who is highly experienced and Lakota trained. White hot stones heat the structure and ceremonial songs play central roles. This transformative experience emphasises respect for Lakota culture and the interconnectedness of all living things, aiming to foster personal growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of one's place in the universe. You can choose how involved you want to get with the set up and when you want to leave. 🏗️ 10 am - Arrival for those who want to help with setup. 🔥 11 am - Arrival for those assisting with the fire. 🕐 1 pm - Main sweat ceremony begins (Don't miss this!) ⏳ 1 pm to 5 pm - Enjoy the main sweat ceremony. 🕔 5 pm - Conclusion of the sweat lodge. 🍽️ 5:15 pm - Shared meal. 🔥 Late into the night - Gather around the fire and enjoy the evening. Remember, it's advisable to be there before 1 pm to fully engage in the central ceremony. 🔥🌅
Highlights
The Inipi Sweat Lodge
The Inipi sweat lodge is a small, dome-shaped structure made from a frame of willow or hazel branches covered with blankets. It is a representation of the Lakota worldview and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
Personal Transformation:
The Lakota Inipi sweat lodge journey is seen as a transformative experience that can lead to personal growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of oneself and one's place in the universe.
Ritual
The Inipi is a deeply ritualistic ceremony, steeped in symbolism and significance . Every aspect of the lodge, from its structure and orientation to the placement of sacred stones and the sequence of rounds, carries profound meaning. The lodge itself represents the womb of Mother Earth, symbolizing rebirth and the interconnectedness of all life.
Respect and Reverence
We approach the ceremony with respect, humility, and an open heart. Participating in a traditional Lakota Inipi sweat lodge ceremony should be done with utmost respect and reverence for the land, the elements, culture and traditions of the Lakota people.
Sacred Stones
Inside the sweat lodge, hot stones, known as "grandmothers" "grandfathers" or "Inyan," are heated in a fire outside until they become red-hot. The heated stones, "grandfathers," symbolize the ancestors' wisdom and the transformative power of heat and steam.
Hosts
We have a variety of facilitators and guides to help you on your mission.
Omar
Meet Omar: Your Trusted Lakota Inipi Guide
Omar, hailing from the vibrant culture of Mexico, is a seasoned and deeply respected Lakota Inipi guide with a wealth of experience in leading sacred ceremonies. With a profound connection to Lakota traditions and spirituality, Omar has completed numerous Sundances and Vision Quests, earning him a revered place among his peers and the Lakota community.
His commitment to preserving the authenticity of Lakota rituals, combined with his warm and nurturing presence, has made each sweat lodge experience we have had with him (many!).. a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Sam
Introducing Sam, a remarkable individual deeply dedicated to the well-being and satisfaction of our guests. Sam hosts most of our saunas, and with an expertise in ancient breathwork practices, Sam has become known for offering unparalleled transformative breathwork sessions.
Beyond his mastery of breathwork, Sam is also a virtuoso of multiple musical instruments, including the handpans, guitar, flute, and sitar. These melodious talents seamlessly intertwine with our experiences, crafting an enchanting and immersive experience for our valued guests. Sam's commitment to your well-being and his musical prowess ensure an unforgettable journey .
Danny
Danny is the founder of Whitby Wellbeing and is experienced in helping people access higher states of consciousness with the medicine of nature. Daniel has guided 1000s of people on meditation and breath work journies on the beaches, moors and woodland of North Yorkshire. Danny will guide you through the process, make sure you are safe and feeling comfortable within the experience...and take you safely, nicely and gently to the edge of your comfort zone- where the growth takes place.
Schedule
Here's the breakdown of the unique journey that you will not forget
Previous
Next
Build the sweat lodge
The first step involves constructing the sweat lodge itself. Made from willow or hazel with blankets on top the stricture is highly symbolic. For example; It is oriented east to west, with the entrance facing east to greet the rising sun. The construction process is a ceremonial act, reflecting the Lakota belief in the interconnectedness of all things. It is not essential to attend this part of the ceremony but it is fun!
Preparing the Fire for the Stones with Blessings
A fire is carefully kindled and tended to throughout the ceremony. This fire is sacred and represents the heart of the ceremony. Stones, often referred to as "grandmothers", "grandfathers" or "Inyan," are heated in the fire until they become red-hot. Each stone is considered a spiritual being, and as they are prepared, they are blessed with prayers and intentions, infusing them with spiritual energy.
Setting Intentions
Before entering the sweat lodge, we all gather outside to set their intentions for the ceremony. This is a deeply personal and reflective moment where you bring your hopes, wishes, blessings, prayers, and reasons for being part of the ceremony into the awareness. The intentions can be shared with the group (or kept private) to create a collective focus for the experience.
Entering the Lodge
As we enter the lodge, we are smudged with the smoke of sacred herbs, such as sage, cedar. We enter the sweat lodge one by one, women first, moving in a clockwise direction. This movement mirrors the natural flow of the sun and moon and is a symbol of the cyclical nature of life. Inside the lodge, we sit in a circle around the central pit where the hot stones will be placed
The Four Rounds:
Ok this is it! This is the heart of the ceremony. The sweat consists of four rounds, each with its own specific prayers and purposes. At the start of each round stones are brought in and the lodge heats up. At the end of each round the door is opened and cool air refreshes! In each round there are songs wishes blessings and prayers which get you through the heat!
Sharing and community
After completing the four rounds, participants exit the sweat lodge, again moving clockwise. After we have all had our moments to recover and come back into our bodies, we gather in a circle to share experiences and insights gained during the ceremony. This sharing is an essential part of the process, as it allows participants to integrate their experiences and support one another on their spiritual journeys.
Food
Following the ceremony, we come together to nourish both body and soul with a communal meal. Yummy! We share comforting dishes, including soup and other grounding foods. As a gesture of unity and togetherness, we invite you to contribute to this communal feast by bringing a little bit of deliciousness to share with your newfound friends.
Tickets
Abundant Blessing
Donation: This tier is designed for those who have the financial means to contribute more generously.
Harmony Blessing
Donation: This tier is for those earning an average income.
Community Blessings
This tier is for individuals with limited financial resources.
A beautiful peaceful meadow by a lovely river surrounded by ancient trees.
We are secluded and on private land.
We are located deep in the countryside. 10 mins drive South of Whitby. There are no other people. The air is clean. The water is clean. We are surrounded by woods and fields nestled in a deep valley. The lodge is in a meadow next to a beautiful deep river.
Trip Tips
Bring a bottle of water
You will be doing a lot of sweating, so it is good to bring water for afterwards!
Golden Silence
Try to remain in Golden Silence throughout. You will go deeper if you can be present and undistracted. This especially applies in the hour building up to and the hour after the sweat lodge.
Managing the heat
It gets hot in there! So contact with the floor can help dump heat from your body. Get low down. Focus on your breath. Bring your awareness into your heart space.
FAQs
What is a sweat lodge?
A sweat lodge is a sacred and traditional Native American ceremonial structure used for purification, healing, and spiritual connection. It's made of a frame covered with blankets or hides and is used to conduct sweat ceremonies.
How hot does it get inside a sweat lodge?
The temperature inside a sweat lodge can vary, but it can reach high temperatures, often exceeding 30/40 degrees Celsius. If you have been to our saunas they are as hot as that but it is a different kind of heat. The heat is generated by heating stones and adding water infused with sacred herbs to create steam.
What should I wear to a sweat lodge ceremony?
Participants usually wear modest and comfortable clothing, such as loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made of natural fibers like cotton. Avoid synthetic materials, and it's customary to dress respectfully. Shorts are OK for the men. Shorts and top are ok for women or even light dresses.
Are sweat lodge ceremonies safe?
When conducted by experienced and knowledgeable ceremony leaders such as our guides, where we prioritise safety, sweat lodge ceremonies are safe. However, individuals with heart and cardio vascular medical conditions or those who are pregnant should consult a healthcare professional before participating.
If it is too hot can I get out?
Yes absolutely!! But we will give you hints and tips to be able to manage the heat. You will be surprised at what you can achieve.
Why are there varying prices for the sweat lodge ceremony?
Traditionally, sweat lodge ceremonies operate on a donation-based or even free model. However, we've chosen to implement pricing tiers to ensure accessibility for individuals from diverse income backgrounds. It's important to note that organising and conducting these ceremonies (pay for the experienced guides, the land, the wood etc) comes with significant costs for us. At this moment, it is easier to ask for donations rather than the community bringing all these things voluntarily. Therefore, we kindly ask that you contribute what you can afford, as your support allows us to continue sharing this meaningful tradition with a wide and inclusive community.
Is there any use of sacred plants and herbs in the sweat lodge?
Yes, sacred plants and herbs are often used in the sweat lodge ceremony. During the ceremony, water is poured onto the heated stones, creating steam. This water is often infused with sacred herbs such as sage, cedar, or sweetgrass. The use of these herbs is considered a traditional and symbolic practice, believed to cleanse and purify both the physical and spiritual aspects of the participants. The aroma of these herbs is also thought to invoke a connection to the spiritual world and enhance the overall experience. However, it's important to note that the specific herbs used may vary depending on the tradition and the ceremony leader's preferences. You will be consulted and educated on the use of any sacred plants.
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