VARRI GREEN FARM
GROWING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE


SWEAT LODGE ETIQUETTE
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• Bring a towel in the lodge.  Wear no makeup or metal jewelry of any kind.
• In the lodge, men wear swim trunks or shorts with no metal on them.
• When you arrive, be sure to shake hands with the people and introduce yourself.  
• Be aware that there will be many sacred items sitting on the alter in front of the lodge.
• Do not throw anything in the sacred fire.  It is not a bonfire.
• You may bring tobacco to put on the alter before you go into the lodge.
• Women go into the lodge first.  Women on their cycle are not permitted in the lodge.
• Be sure to listen to the medicine man (Horse Eagle Lance) for any special instructions. 
• The firekeeper will smudge you with sacred sage or cedar
• First the medicine man (Horse Eagle Lance) will load his "Channunpa" (sacred pipe) with tobacco while a song is sung.. 
• Allow the Lakota women and elder women to go in first unless you have been instructed otherwise.
• Turn in a clockwise circle at the door, then crawl in and say "Mitakuyese" or "All my relations" as you enter the opening.
•  We crawl in to humble ourselves and then remind ourselves that we are all related and to show respect for the mother. 
• Crawl in a clockwise manner sitting next to the person ahead of you.  Be silent.
  
• When the grandfather stones come in there should be no talking.
  
• We pray to the directions of the four winds at that time.
• When all the stone people are in, the ceremony begins.  
• The door will open and close 4 times.
• Sacred songs will be sung when the door is closed.  
• Prayer begins when the door is closed while looking at the Grandfather Stone People.  
• Do not attempt to leave the lodge while the door is closed.
• Do not pull up the sides while the door is closed.
• Do not open the door unless the medicine man (Horse Eagle Lance) gives you permission.
• It is good to drink plenty of water the day of a lodge and some will fast for the day.
• Be sure not to over eat before a lodge.  You may become nauseous.
• Be sure to ask questions if you are not sure what to do. 
• After the 4th round (door) we will go out and get dry clothes on and come back and
  
form a circle and smoke the "Channunpa" and eat the spirit food.

NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL ARE PERMITTED.

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