Sweat Lodge Experience In My Life

Sunday, April 9th will hold a special day in my life as it was the first time I got to participate in a traditional Sweat Lodge experience from the start to finish. I arrived at Victor’s home by 8am to help with all the preparation that occurs before the sweat. Victor’s home is situation on the Saanich Pennisula, directly across from the ocean. When I step out of my car, the smell of the ocean was strong and the fresh crisp air made me feel alive. The first task I was given was to count 41 lava rocks. These lava rocks are heated and then used during the sweat. The rocks are from Williams Lake. Lava rocks are used during sweats as they do not crack and hold on to the heat. The 41 rocks are placed in the bottom of the fire in the shape of a turtle’s back. It was explained to me that we would do four rounds in the sweat lodge, each round would consist of 10 new rocks

This round was for the live givers, or the women in our lives. We all discussed and prayed for our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends, sisters and women around the world. The third round again was hotter as it consisted of 30 rocks. This round was for the warriors, or the men in our life. We thanked our fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles and friends. The last round was the hottest as there was 40 rocks. This round was for ourselves. Victor shared how this is a round where we thank ourselves and forgive ourselves. He shared that we should use this time to reflect upon who we are as individuals and who we want to be. I always leave the sweat lodge feeling very peaceful. I feel very connected and aware of my surroundings. I always feel very blessed and honored to be included in such a touching ritual and ultimately be exposed to the Indigenous culture surrounding where I have grown up. I use ceremonies such as the sweat lodge as an opportunity to expand my knowledge and honor the lands, I call home which really aren’t