March 31, 2021
Members of the Ceremony team rebuilding the Sweat Lodge frame, Spring 2019.
On Saturday April 17, 2021 we shall gather on the Land to rebuild the Sweat Lodge in Main Camp and we need your help. Lodge frames are subject to wear and the elements, and the stresses of ceremony. So from time to time they need to be de-commissioned and replaced. So, we invite all those with an interest to join the ceremony team and lend their hands to the effort. We expect it to be an all-day project and the more hands on board, the faster the labor, and if you're not watching out, you might even learn something! It is also a Labyrinth Build day! So plenty of opportunities to roll up your sleeves in a good way and give back to the Land.
We are ever grateful for the energy, effort and gifts of this labor to these sacred ceremonies and their service to the People. A Lodge Build is a powerful way to be of service and to add your energy to this good work. With enough help, and the work done in good time, in a good way, we might even get to sweat in the rebuilt lodge! (Official First Sweat is scheduled for Beltaine - April 30-May 2, 2021) This work is deeply ceremonial. The work itself is sacred, and an integral, critical part of the Sweat Lodge ceremony and it is how we learn. We often say around the Lodge, “we learn by doing.”
In addition, some of the Ceremony Team plans to journey down to the quarries of Virginia on Friday, April 16, and secure new Stones for the season. It would be good to have hands on the Land to help us unload and welcome these ancient Stone People who give their lives to help, heal, teach and purify the community. Help, do good work, experience Ceremony in Service, support the community and learn something new. Yes, there is a bit of a theme here!
Running Sweat involves a lot of Chop Wood, Carry Water, Haul Stones... Ceremony does not begin when the flap is closed, or when we bring in the Stones, or when we light, or prepare the sacred fire. Ceremony begins the moment we manifest our intention to do so. Over the winter, we have already begun our ceremonies with planning to provide ceremony for the people for the 2021 season. All of this is done with intention, prayer, and in a sacred manner.
We offer thanks and gratitude - pilamaye, woplila tanka - to each and every person who participated in ceremony in 2020. We had a very successful season, despite the extraordinary conditions of the Plague Year. We had good people join us at Sweat. Some of you rolled up your sleeves in a good way. We had the challenges of COVID-19, and with care and caution, we were able to provide ceremony without mishap and no known infections. Woplila tanka for that blessing.
If you are interested in this event, just call or email the office - 814-784-3080 • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know you'll be joining us. Or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You will need work clothes, boots, and work gloves are a big help. There are no charges other than grounds fees for those who are overnight camping, but we do welcome donations and sacred offerings. Depending on weather conditions, we may postpone to Sunday or Beltaine as backup dates. If things look extreme, please call us.
About COVID-19
We were very careful and upfront about risks and our protocols to make things as safe as possible for everyone involved in 2020. The Ceremony team has determined that we shall continue to provide Sweat Lodge ceremony in 2021 subject to the “Extreme Informed Consent” of all participants, based on the principle of Shared Risk, Shared Responsibility. We recognize that even though the peak of the crisis seems to have passed, there is still some continuing risk. All participants will continue to be screened, and guided through COVID-19 Mitigation Policies and measures. Please read the Sweat Lodge Covid-19 Policy on the Sweat Page for more information. Mitaquye Oyasin.
Visit the Sweat Page to learn more about Sweat Lodge at Four Quarters.