Life as a Ceremony
A Quest for Truth

Frequently Asked Questions

...and Answers:


What is a ceremony?

A ceremony is a conscious alignment with the energies of the universe to change our reality. It can be long or short, individual or group. A constant theme is the invitation to Spirit and the ceremonialist’s commitment to being present, open and respectful.

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What exactly is a Sweat Lodge?

A Sweat Lodge is a time honoured and widely used method of cleansing, either physically or spiritually or both. There are many traditional ways for a sweat lodge to be run. This discussion of the Sweat Lodge refers to how we run our Lodges at Dream Blazers.

The lodge is constructed in a ceremonial manner from tree saplings that are butted into the ground in a circle then tied together in a dome shape. Prayers accompany the work. This structure lasts a few years and is used often. Every time it is used it is covered with blankets and tarps.

A fire is built outside the lodge and rocks are heated in the fire. When the people are seated in the lodge the rocks are carried in and placed in a hole in the ground. The flap is closed and the Lodge Leader starts to pour water on the rocks and make prayers. It gets dark and steamy and magical.

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Can anyone do a Sweat Lodge?

There are certain health conditions that are not helped by being in a Sweat Lodge:

  • Talk to the Lodge Leader about any health problems you may have;
  • Children under 16 may sweat in a Lodge dedicated to them but not in an adult lodge.

Many people who don’t enjoy the heat are well able to tolerate a Sweat Lodge because the heightened energy present allows individuals to move past limitations.

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What should I bring to a Sweat Lodge?

Please bring:

  • 2 towels, one to sit on in the lodge and one to dry off with afterwards;
  • A bottle of water;
  • A donation to cover costs;
  • One small gift for the people who run the Lodge;
  • A prayer bundle: take a few moment before you come to hold a pinch of tobacco to the Sky and pray for a strong and wise ceremony for yourself and for everyone else in the Lodge. Then tie the tobacco into a small cloth to make a bundle and bring it along.

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How long will a Sweat Lodge last?

How long the ceremony lasts depends partly on how many people are in the lodge. The lodges generally hold 15 people and last an hour and a half.

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What is Shamanic Coaching?

A Shamanic Coach is someone who has trained in healing techniques and ceremonies. The coach works one on one with individuals to help the client create the desired changes in their life. The techniques can involve crystal work, drum journeys, personal recapitulation and personal ceremony.

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Why are some things by donation and some have a fixed cost?

We are committed to making it possible for everyone to have access to ceremony.

Ceremony is a healing gift of Spirit from which we don’t wish to profit. If we ask for a donation then those, who have little, can offer what they are able, and those, who have more, can offer more. Our desire is to cover our costs for ceremony.

For classes and workshops, the teachers need to get supported in their lives and be honoured for their time and expertise. We try to keep costs reasonable and work exchanges can be arranged.

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Where is your Sweat Lodge located?

Our Sweat Lodge is in Carp, northwest of Ottawa.

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