Mother Earth Lodges
Please check our EVENTS PAGE for details of the next lodges being held
In running a Mother Earth Lodge in 'The Old Ways', one can experience a true connection between oneself and nature. Once you enter into the arms of the Earth Mother, she will help you to cleanse, purify and re-connect to the source of the power.
In 'The Old Ways', the Lodge was known as the womb of Mother Earth. It was a place to reconnect oneself to Spirit, Mind and Body. A place for self-healing from stress and emotions of everyday living. Unlike other types of lodges it is not a place to suffer, it is a place to connect.
What To Expect From a Mother Earth Lodge
The mother earth lodge is a sacred spiritual place for cleansing, purification, healing and renewal at all levels. Unlike some lodges like a sweat lodge it is not a place to suffer. The lodge site will be in a seculded area, probably with trees nearby. The lodge is constructed by building a frame using 28 poles of Willow which represent the 28 ribs of a woman, into a dome shape. This construction is then covered with blankets and tarpaulin and the ground inside with mats and blanket so that when closed it is completely dark inside. A flap is left open to offer access. A shallow pit is dug in the centre of the lodge to receive heated stones which are heated on a fire built close to the lodge and watched over by the firekeeper.
The stones heated in the fire are called the Elders, being our oldest living relations and having been here long before people. They are our grandfathers and grandmothers and they will absorb illness, impurities, negative energies and heat.
Water, representing the fluid in the womb of mother earth is poured over the stones to make steam inside the lodge which is both purifying and cleansing. Steam opens up the pores allowing the realease of toxins and impurities from the body. Sweating has a deep siritual meaning, it brings balance and health to the spirit, mind and body. It can also bring clarity to specific problems, call on helpul spirits and reconnect us with the source of the power. One enters the lodge as a seed in the womb of mother earth who nutures them with love and compassion. On entering the lodge one should say "to all my relations" and move in a clockwise direction to find their place and once everyone is seated the ceremony begins. The hot stones are brought in, the flap is closed and total darkness prevails. The heat begins to rise, aromatic fragrances fill the air and the water is poured onto the stones to begin the cleansing process. Prayers and sacred songs are offered and the connection and cleansing begins.
There are four "rounds" of stones brought in and the flap opened between each to let the steam out and to allow time for rest. The first round is to call in the energies, life force energies and spirits from the Four Directions to honour Mother Earth and the Creator. The second round is for personal prayer, the third for healing and the fourth to thank all who have helped and to bid them farewell.
People then leave the lodge, again in a clockwise direction saying "to all my relations" as the exit. There is always time for talk and questions as everyone enjoys and shares the comfort of the fire outside.
You are advised to bring plenty of drinking water and some food for after the lodge. You will also need a blanket or groundsheet outside to sit on and a towel to dry yourself with. Light and comfortable clothing is required inside the lodge and you are advised not to wear hevy jewellery or bring valuables to the site. Pets are not allowed. You should not eneter the ldge having taken strong medicine, alcohol or non-prescribed drugs. Nudity is not appropriate.
Some more information, not from WaNaNeeChe and also relating to sweat lodges is available here
