This group is to organise the hosting of traditional Lakota Sweatlodge in the Moray/north Scotland. UPCOMING- 6th and 7th of December. Aurora Borealis Centre, Muir of Ord. Joseph Rising Sun. One Sweat Each Day
What is an Inipi or sweatlodge? 16 Willow branches are bent into a low dome and covered in blankets and a tarp. Participants gather closely, sitting on the earth. Glowing hot stones are brought in from the fire outside and placed in a pit in the centre. The door is closed and in the darkness water is poured on the stones. Traditional Lakota songs are sung, prayers are shared and stories are told.
It is an intense ritual of purification through heat, sweat, song and the beat of the drum. It is done in four rounds, in between each round the door is opened and we cool off.
The power of prayer is amplified in this space as we call upon the help that we need in our lives. It is a ritual of healing and re-birth, we emerge cleansed and renewed.
It is an intense and potentially difficult ceremony, but the rewards are many. We can touch a deep place within ourselves through this difficulty. We can speak from our hearts to the creator, and connect to one another on a deeper level, one in which we recognise that we are all relatives, walking the road of life together.
Please invite anyone who you think is ready for this journey.
Joseph Christlow (Joseph Rising Sun)
Joseph is a native of Great Britain and Yorkshire. A father, a son, a brother, a community leader and a visionary. He spent many years travelling the world and Asia, learning various esoteric traditions, until he found the Red Road in Colombia, at a Sundance founded by the Lakota "Chief of Chiefs", Leonard Crow Dog. He has since committed his life to walking this path, completing his cycle of four vision quests and dancing in 10 Sundances. Both of these are powerful 4 day ceremonies without food nor water, either in solitude (VQ) or dancing in a group. Joseph organised a Lakota Vision Quest in this year in Glastonbury, and is holding a strong prayer to bring the Sundance to Glastonbury next year.
He walks in sincerity, humbleness and power, always focussed on the wellbeing of each individual in the group as he raises our prayers to the creator.
Preparation.
Expect the ceremony to last 4 hours. Preparing the fire another two.
Get clear on your intention. Why are you entering this ceremony? What do you need to release, what are you calling in? What insight and guidance do you seek? What do you seek greater connection to?
Please refrain from drugs and alcohol for at least 4 days before this ceremony. Making this sacrifice shows you are willing to give up something to receive something greater.
Get as hydrated as possible, taking extra salt and magnesium especially, in the preceding days.
This is a ceremony of prayer, where our attention is not based around our bodies or physical appearance. Because of this, these traditions ask that we dress modestly in the sweatlodge, with women having their shoulders covered, wearing a long skirt if possible.
You will get muddy and wet inside the sweat. In winter the earth will be cold, so please bring a towel you don’t mind getting dirty to sit on.
We will break bread together with a pot luck supper afterwards. Please bring some yums.
Aurora Borealis is generously hosting us, and beds are available at additional donation. Doing both sweatlodges is encouraged, and staying overnight would create a powerful mini retreat.
EXCHANGE-
In Lakota culture these ceremonies should always been shared freely, without commodification, with all those who need the medicine of the lodge.
The principle and spirit of generosity guides these ways, and we seek to support all those who are ready for this medicine as well as supporting those who dedicate themselves to providing this medicine.
There will be no price tag for this lodge. Donations will be taken anonymously and without question, big or small. The suggested donation is around £70. This would cover costs and support the travel and life of Joseph, who has dedicated himself to this path. Do not let money be in the way of you being here, and if you are in a position of financial abundance, you are very welcome to support others by giving more. 10% of the proceeds will be sent to worthy causes on the Lakota reservation.
We do however require commitment to this lodge, and are asking for a deposit of £30 to secure your place. Non-refundable within 48 hours. (If this is also too much, just get in touch)
Please contact me, Joey, either through messenger or Whatsapp on 07440762023 with questions and your booking.
Until we meet around the fire..
Aho Mitakoye Oyasin- We Are All Related.
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