Sweat Lodge Purification Ceremony
(Temazcal)
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​A Native American Sweat Lodge - also known as Temazcal, originating from the Nahuatl word for "house of heat" or "sweat lodge" - is a dome-shaped structure used for purification ceremonies that involve heating rocks to create steam. Sweat lodges are traditional sacred spaces for spiritual healing, cleansing the body, mind, and spirit, and connecting with Nature.
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The ceremonies, led by the Ceremonial Leader or Shaman, include preparation, prayer, chants, drumming, and purification. Participants sit in the darkened lodge, and water is poured over the heated stones. Natural healing herbs enhance the steam's cleansing effect.
This holistic practice detoxifies the body, purifies the soul, and restores balance. The combination
of physical heat and spiritual rituals provides profound relaxation and mental clarity.
We form a balanced relationship with our Earth, our Self, and the Community of Life around us.​​​
We offer monthly Public Sweat Lodge Purification Ceremonies that are open for the community, and everybody is welcome to participate.
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Next Public Sweat Lodge Purification Ceremony
(Temazcal)
Saturday, August 23, 6 PM.
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Location: Weed, CA, 96094
(Please contact us via email or text message for the detailed location and how to get there.)
The Ceremony lasts around 60 minutes.
To help everyone acclimate, we recommend that participants arrive one hour before the start time.
Please refrain from wearing any perfume or cologne.
We also offer private Ceremories for groups upon booking and reservation.
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Email contact@spiritofthewind.org,
Phone/WhatsApp at +1 (310) 895-8149.
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​​​Walking Eagle, our Ceremonial Leader:
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​​Walking Eagle (Jack Thom, Sr.) is a devoted, healthy, and sober living advocate.
He teaches by example and constantly reminds us that our prayers contain the answers to our questions.
He supports the spiritual growth and healing of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds worldwide.
He has dedicated his life to the service of prayer and leads the Ceremonies with reverence, laughter, and healing to all who will receive it.​
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Walking Eagle is the nephew of Charlie "Red Hawk" Thom (1928-2013), a legendary Káruk Medicine Man born in Quartz Valley, California, who became a notorious ceremonial leader, a knowledgeable culture bearer, and a protector of the environment and sacred sites.​​​​
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What should you bring?
Bring a towel and wear comfortable clothes.
Make sure you don't have any metallic details on your clothes due to the heat inside the lodge.
Before entering the sweat lodge, you must remove your shoes, glasses, and metal objects (i.e., necklaces, bracelets, rings).
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Out of respect for natural law, we always make a tobacco offering to the Fire before taking anything for our needs.
We always leave our ceremonial areas clean.
We ask that you refrain from any activities that disturb or damage the natural habitat.
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​​Dress Codes:
Dress code for Men:
Men should wear shorts.
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Dress code for Women:
The dress code for women is covered shoulders and preferably a long skirt.
(A good old t-shirt and maxi skirt work great.)
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Women on their “Moon Time”
​Women on their “Moon Time” (having their monthly period) will not be permitted to attend the lodge, as this is a sacred time when the body is already naturally purifying.
A designated space is available for prayer and song during the sweat lodge.​
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Public Sweat Lodge Offering:
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The Public Ceremonies are open to the community and free of cost, although cash donations are appreciated and needed to cover our ceremony-related expenses, which are:
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• firewood burned to heat the rocks used at the ceremony (we pay for the firewood at every ceremony),
• tobacco offered to the fire by every participant at the ceremony,
• sage and other sacred herbs,
• fuel for the chainsaws,
• fuel for Walking Eagle and Gentle Spring's commute (they have to travel to get to the location),
• monthly insurance payments,
to mention a few.
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No minimum amount is required.
Each participant decides the amount they feel like contributing.
Donations are accepted in person, at the ceremony, or virtually, via our PayPal Tip Jar (Spirit of the Wind is a confirmed Charity on PayPal) or Venmo.
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Come and drum with us into the Creator's heart melody!
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Water and Hydration:
Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water before and after the ceremony.
Water is not permitted inside the lodge.
We also encourage the participants to be well-hydrated on the days preceding the ceremony.
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Drugs or Alcohol:
Individuals who have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
within 24 hours preceding the ceremony, are not allowed to enter the Ceremonial area
of the Sweat Lodge and will be asked to leave.
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We will not tolerate any drug use before or at our ceremony,
and that includes recreational drugs (i.e., marijuana),
psychotropic drugs (i.e., cocaine), or psychedelic drugs (like ayahuasca, for example).
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Pictures:
Pictures are not allowed during the ceremony, especially after the lit fire.
Pictures are not allowed inside the sweat lodge!
Group Pictures are allowed and welcome before or after the ceremony.
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*DISCLAIMER*
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Spirit of the Wind Sweat Lodge Release Form and Guest List:
A "Sweat Lodge Release Form" is a document that individuals must sign before participating in a sweat lodge ceremony. It serves as a waiver in which participants acknowledge the potential risks involved in the ceremony, such as high heat, confined space, and possible physical discomfort, while releasing the organizers from any liability for injuries that may occur during the experience.
Participants are required to disclose any pre-existing health conditions that could be affected by the sweat lodge. These include, but are not limited to, diabetes, seizures, heart disease, high or low blood pressure, pregnancy, and the use of certain medications.
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The ceremony typically lasts 60 minutes.
To help everyone acclimate, we recommend that participants arrive at least one hour earlier.
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Gentle Springs (Barbara Humiston) will have the Release Forms for participants to sign at each sweat lodge ceremony.
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PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN THE FORM EVERY TIME THEY ATTEND THE SWEAT LODGE.
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This requirement applies even to participants who attend the sweat lodge monthly, as a person’s health condition can change within that time.
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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Email: contact@spiritofthewind.org
Thank you! Aho! 🪶
Daniel Pruett
(Cloud Eagle) Wintun Nomlaki
President/CEO, Spirit of the Wind.
January 1, 2025.
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Donate to Spirit of the Wind:
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Spirit of the Wind is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning donations are eligible for tax deduction.
We are operated almost exclusively by volunteers.
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We have recognized the importance of promoting and preserving Native American Culture, Values, and Traditions through strong Community support and our growing role in the Community over the last years.​
Through our activities, we keep the Native American Culture alive.
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​Donations are accepted through PayPal, Venmo, and Bank Account deposits.
Spirit of the Wind is a Confirmed Charity on PayPal.
To donate on PayPal:
Spirit of the Wind Inc
Email: contact@spiritofthewind.org
Or scan the QR Code below:
To donate on Venmo:
​@SpiritOfTheWindInc
Email: contact@spiritofthewind.org
Or scan the QR Code below:
Thank you! Aho! 🪶