Getting in touch with Nature and Mother Earth is the best way! Come celebrate and commune with Spirit at an Earth Sky (sweat) Lodge  at Spirit of Nature Retreat with Raven

• Experience the power of renewal.
• Through prayer, song and the setting of intention you heal and purify yourself as well as Mother Earth.
• Gain new insight into your true path.
• Connect with your Medicine Path, the unseen world around you, you alies, guides, & teachers.
• After honoring the powers and energies of Spirit through ceremony you leave the womb of mother earth a new person, leaving behind that which no longer serves you.
• Meet new people and have lots of fun!

One Woman's Experience of the Earth Sky Lodge:

To provide a doorway or access to parts of yourself and parts of the Universe that are usually hidden from view. The ceremony and the Lodge offer you a time of renewal and reflection. The Earth Sky Lodge is a safe sacred space that allows for purification, transformation, and deep healing.

We begin with the lighting of the Sacred Fire. The Fire heats the Grandfather Stones that are used in the lodge. The number of stone people used in each lodge varies but is usually between 16 and 28. There is a Fire Tender that is in charge of working with the fire and the energies for getting the stones and lodge area prepared for ceremony. Usually we have a teaching circle and discussions about the lodge and any special intention that is being set for that day. Following this we prepare our selves by smudging, praying to the fire and the stone people and enter the lodge. We enter the lodge on hands and knees, being humble before Creator and leaving our egos and expectations at the door.

Lodge - The lodge represents the womb of Mother Earth. It is the place that we go to be reborn, to purify ourselves and to heal. Inside is dark, warm and wet just like the womb of our own mother. It is through this womb that we begin a new.

Fire - The Sacred Fire represents the Fire of Creation. It is the place where the Grandfathers are heated and return to their original form. It is the place where we give back all that no longer serves us to be transmuted and returned to Creator to be made useful again. The fire is sacred in many traditions and often burns for the duration of an event. This could be several days. Do not approach the fire without permission of the fire tender. Always ask before offering tobacco to the fire.

Alter - The alter is between the fire pit and the lodge. It represents all of creation. It creates a bridge to connect the physical and spiritual worlds. It also connects the lodge and the sacred fire. This is where offerings and sacred objects are placed to be charged (or blessed) with the energy of the ceremony.

Line between the fire and the alter - this is the line of communication between the fire and the lodge. It is sacred and should never be crossed as this could interfere with the energies that are being created. The fire tender and ceremonial leader will often cross this line, however they are intimately involved in what is happening and this does not interfere with the energies.

7 directions - The directions are honored in many different ways. They represent the teachings and wisdom of our ancestors, Mother Earth, Father Sky, the elements, animals and all of our relations. Each direction has a color, animal, plant and mineral that correspond to it.

Grandfather Stones - The ancient wisdom of Mother Earth is contained within the stone people. If we listen and watch we can receive messages from them in the lodge that will assist us in our own lives. We use the stone people until they split open, giving up all of their wisdom and power to us at that time. They are then placed around the fire pit to watch over their relatives.

Smudging - to cleanse ourselves and clear away any negative or lower vibrational energies to be returned to Creator to be transformed.

Sage - a sacred plant used in smudging.

Sweetgrass - after smudging, sweetgrass helps to bring in the sweetness of life and balance our energy.

Drumming - the drum is sacred and represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. It connects us with Creator through song and sound.

Singing - the songs we sing open us for healing and strengthen our connection to each other and Source.

Rounds - There are usually 4 rounds. Each round has a different purpose and can vary from lodge to lodge.

Spirit Medicine - This is what all of the different plants, songs, prayers are called. They are all medicine because they help us heal. We call the lodge a Medicine Lodge because the whole purpose is about becoming whole and finding our Medicine Path.

All participants will need to bring: a tobacco offering (any loose leaf or pipe tobacco), a small gift for the fire tender (crystal, candle, tobacco, sweetgrass, sage, handmade item), two towels, water bottle, lodge clothing - which is a dress or sarong for women and shorts or swim trunks for men. We have a feast and sharing after the lodge and we ask people to bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share. Please DO NOT bring pets. Bring children ONLY by prior arrangement or if you are bringing your own babysitter. Thanks.

Energy Exchange for the Ceremony

 
Within native culture everyone knows that there is always an energetic exchange given to the medicine person or facilitator for healing or ceremony. There is not that same understanding in non-native cultures unless they have been taught. And these non-native people are primarily who visit the Spirit of Nature lodge. That is why there is a minimum donation. Because in white society, if you don't ask or at least explain about energetic exchange, many give nothing.
 
The Earth Sky (sweat) Lodge is not a traditional lodge. It is based on the many forms of sweat experience available throughout the world and the prayers and inner guidance received by Raven. Numerous natives from a variety of traditions have participated in the Earth Sky (sweat) Lodge including two who proclaimed that it was one of the most powerful lodges they have ever experienced. Several teachers, including native elders, who lead workshops in Santa Fe, often have Raven facilitate a lodge as part of their experience in the Southwest. The "white" groups typically bring money and tobacco. The "native" people typically bring gifts and tobacco. Both are simply giving what is common within their society.
 
Raven spends the entire day preparing the space and the Lodge in order for people to have the sacred and powerful experience that they do. He doesn't own the property and it takes much money and time to keep the space available. He lives in white western society where products and services are exchanged for money. He requests an energetic exchange that he feels is fair and affordable. He therefore feels that receiving a monetary donation is equivalent to the traditional gifts always offered to a shaman, medicine person, or ceremonial leader in an indigenous culture.

Lodge Offering and Minimum Donations:

Community Sweat Lodge: $40 per person. Held periodically throughout the year. Call Raven 505-913-0199 for dates and to reserve your spot.

Private Individual and Group Lodges: $160 for 1st 4 people. $40 for each additional person. Call Raven 505-913-0199 as far in advance as possible to check availability and make arrangements.

How to Get the Most Benefit:

Ask yourself why you are attending and set a strong intention. Speak with your guides and helpers and ask that they be there to assist you as you heal and purify. Come with an open heart and a clear mind. Leave your judgments and expectations at home.

Contact Raven for further information or call 505-913-0199.

Daho, Megwetch, Thank you.

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