Thank you all for posting your concerns regarding this guy. I knew nothing about this guy and didn't know he claimed to be Cherokee. One of my friends invited me to attend a lodge held on his property, so I decided to look him up. That's when I found and all this! Needless to say, I won't be going.
For those who expressed concern about exactly what he was doing, I have posted below some of the information he sends out.
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Guidelines for Lodge Ceremony:
1. Respect others—These are community events meant to bring people
together in a positive environment. Showing up on time, reading and
signing the paperwork, and putting the needs of others before us will help
enhance the experience for all.
2. I request that all participants arrive a little early for the sweat lodge--
early enough to register, to change clothes if needed, to store belongings,
speak personally to the lodge leader, and to take care of any other
personal needs before the sweat begins. Arriving at least 30 minutes
before the lodge is scheduled is best. All invited lodge participants will
receive an arrival time and a lodge start time.
3. I ask you to recognize the right of each participant to fulfill his or her
own needs without disturbing other persons.
4. Participants have the right to create their own experiences without
unsolicited advice. Do not try to instruct others on how to sweat or what
to say or do.
5. All Sweats require the wearing of clothing within the sweat lodge. Wear
comfortable, loose fitting clothing for the sweat. (Men traditionally wear
only a pair of shorts or swim trunks, Women may want to wear shorts
and a t-shirt, a loose-fitting light skirt of knee length or longer and a
shirt, or a light dress.)
6. All information shared within the sweat lodge is held in sacred trust. It is
not to be shared by anyone outside of lodge.
7. Sweat lodge participants are requested to bring a blanket to sit on in the
lodge, a reusable water bottle and a towel or two to dry off with.
8. There is no need to suffer within the lodge or force yourself to endure
something that your body is unable to withstand. In my tradition it is not
disrespectful for a person to leave the lodge if they need to. It is okay to
leave the lodge when the sweat has begun, and to re-enter later if that is
how Spirit guides you.
9. I encourage a potluck or social time following the lodge for the healing of
companionship, friendship and good humor. If you have special dietary
needs, you will need to provide for them.
10. Please know that the lodge leader is praying for you and is there
to protect you, guide you and assist in your healing. Traditionally,
participants in a lodge offer thanks to the Ceremony Leader with a gift
of tobacco and/or something from the heart or hand. No money will ever
be accepted by the Ceremony Leader from lodge participants, however, if
you wish to contribute to the ongoing work of Grace Dance Lodge, please
give donations to Ken or Danine Casper, the land owners at Grace Dance.
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Understanding the Sweat Lodge Ceremony
These sacred ceremonies are regularly held outdoors year round. This intensive prayer ceremony is done to ask our Creator to intercede in our lives and help with the needs of others and ourselves. This is a guided ceremony done in the traditional ways by trained and approved Spiritual Leaders. It is a physically demanding ceremony that is open to all who come in a good and respectful way with an open heart and an open mind. Young people may come as well, with their parent’s permission.
The lodge area is located on a rustic ceremonial grounds in Menomonee Falls, WI. This ceremony lasts for approximately 2-4 hours, at the discretion of the leader. The lodge ceremony is co-ed, so wear clothing that is comfortable and in accord with the weather. Cotton dresses or shorts and t-shirts are acceptable for inside the lodge. You may change clothes in a private room in the house on the grounds both before and after lodge if you wish.
The ceremony is a community effort which allows everyone’s life force and energy to contribute to the ceremony’s healing affect. Attending sweat lodge on a regular basis is a great compliment to inner work and self analysis, a chance to build community relationships, as well as an opportunity to rid the physical body of built up toxins and release emotional suffering.
In this ceremony, there are 4 rounds of prayer and each participant will be given opportunity in these rounds to share prayers or whatever is on their heart. Silent prayer is acceptable for those who do not wish to speak aloud. The sacred pipe will be smoked following the third round of prayers and participants may either smoke the tobacco or pray silently and pass the pipe on. With each round heated stones are brought into the lodge and water is poured over them and medicines (herbs) are shared with them to release steam and facilitate healing and cleansing. As more stones are brought in, heat often intensifies. In the Cherokee tradition, participants will be given a longer break between rounds 3 and 4 to prepare for the final round as the pipe is smoked. It is never to be seen as a test of endurance, but rather a time of intense prayer and release.
It is traditional to bring a package of tobacco for the ceremony leader (organic tobacco preferably) and one for the Fire-keeper for use in ongoing ceremonies, and also offer a gift of some sort to the ceremony leader in whatever way that your heart speaks to you. In addition, bring a small amount of your own tobacco to add to the collective bowl that will be used in the ceremony you are attending. Finally, following the ceremony, a feast is held and all participants are encouraged to bring something nutritious, some sort of food or drink to share with the group.
People who are not sure if this ceremony is right for them, or those who are first time attenders who wish only to observe are welcome to come and sit outside of the lodge and participate in that way. Either way, all participants must email or call the lodge leader and receive approval to attend and participate in any scheduled lodge. Directions will be given to you at the time you are approved to attend.
Grace Dance Lodge
Here at Grace Dance Lodge the Sweat Lodge is provided for those who have done deep work on themselves already, for those who have “sweated” before, and for those who don't know why but have been touched or pulled by a sense of its potential. In other words, for everyone who is ready. What does that mean? What is the Sweat Lodge? What can one get from it, learn from it…?
The Sweat Lodge is an ancient purification ceremony used by most Aboriginal tribes of Turtle Island (North America). There are as many reasons for participating as there are people who walk the earth. Elders and Medicine people who conduct these ceremonies each have their own unique approach, teachings and style. In the years I have been operating as a Sweat Lodge Leader, many teachings have come to me. Those who participate have learned so much about ourselves and our relationship to the land, our Creator, our guests, and the community in general.
One of the things we all have learned is that this ceremony cannot be taken lightly or casually. This is a tremendously powerful and profound process. It needs to be approached with respect, not just for the form, but also for the power and energy that is summoned by the intention alone. In another time, these ceremonies were likely only undertaken in communities, or with people who were in kinship spiritually or actually. As with many of the old teachings this one had to be adapted to modern times.
Taking strangers into the lodge without knowing what they are bringing inside of them the conductor and all those who share the “womb of Mother Earth” may put themselves at risk. The Conductor of the Sweat Lodge is required to “hold space” for the rest of the participants, to be strong and open and ready to deal with whatever arises. Inside the lodge, everything is intensified; every emotion, feeling and thought, which is why we try to clarify and clear as much as possible prior to entering. This invites a more rewarding, gratifying, and meaningful experience.
The Sweat Lodge Ceremony can be transformational. At Grace Dance Lodge you have the opportunity to express gratitude for all you have been given, to offer up whatever you don't need, whatever stands in the way of experiencing your life directly, fully and joyously, and to ask for what you truly need. Many of us in our very busy lives think we understand all of this, but rarely have or take the time and space to drop out of our heads into a direct experience of ourselves, and into our heart. This is what happens in lodge to clear the way to approach your Creator cleanly, openly. We have seen what could be considered miracles take place so many times the possibility of considering them coincidences has evaporated. But there is no quick fix. It takes willingness. It takes courage. It takes an open mind, and a little humility mixed in.
We also have fun! There is much laughter and lightness in our ceremonies and yet we are always respectful. The intention is clear. The facilitators and helpers are constantly working on themselves, clearing, going deeper, and making space in themselves which clears the path for our guests to walk. The facilitators and helpers are there for you and for your protection. Their prayers are for your support and protection in whatever process you are undertaking. It is a truly awesome experience.
Why sweat?
There are many different types of sweat lodges and many different reasons to sweat. Cleansing the body is the primary reason for a sweat lodge. Then there are the spiritual and mental aspects. The combination of these elements that occurs in a sweat lodge is random and depends upon the events of the day and each individual and how open they are to healing or receiving.
I am often asked what is the difference between a sweat lodge and a sauna. While both saunas and sweat lodges contain the elements of fire and water, a sweat lodge also requires endurance. In general, this endurance symbolizes the sweat participant’s willingness and ability to remain steadfast in prayer despite some discomfort. The sweat lodge is a sacred space in which the sweat participant gives a gift to Spirit that shows the depth of desire in their prayers. The sweat participant establishes intentions regarding the important, personal reasons why the sweat participant is willing to pray in this way. Ultimately, each participant brings their own meaning to the sweat.
The oldest known medical document, the Ayurveda, appeared in Sanskrit in 568 BC. It’s authors considered sweating extremely important for good health. The Ayurveda prescribed the sweat bath and thirteen other methods of inducing sweat. Throughout history, physicians have extolled the medicinal value of the sweat bath in its various forms such as the Finnish sauna, Russian banai, Islamic hammam, or the American Indian sweat lodge. Today, enthusiasts claim that beyond being relaxing the sauna gives relief from the common cold, arthritis, headaches, depression, fatigue and "just about anything that ails you." Even if these claims are somewhat exaggerated, medical evidence shows that bathing in steam has a profoundly beneficial effect on a healthy body. Sweating is as essential to our health as eating and breathing. It accomplishes three important things:
1. Rids the body of wastes and toxins, thus purifying it,
2. Stabilizes the body’s critical temperature at 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit)
3. Helps keep the skin clean and pliant, and
4. Shows us that our body’s giving up can “free us” on many levels.
5. American Indian lodges in particular are focused on spiritual healing and prayer, drawing the participants ever closer to Source of Life.
For public groups I offer an introductory Cherokee cleansing sweat lodge. It’s a time to cleanse the body and spirit in a safe environment with like-minded people. Every sweat lodge ceremony involves prayer and the invocation of the Great Spirit and our helpers.
I work with private groups to custom tailor the sweat lodge to meet their needs. Each sweat lodge is unique and a ritual in itself. The rituals can reflect and bring healing to any challenges or issues that the group is working with. We honor all traditions and paths to Great Spirit.
Cleansing, Healing from Illness, Wedding preparations, Anniversaries, Team Building, Family Unification, Rites of Passage, Initiation Rites, Celebrations, and Adult Group Activities are all opportunities for incorporating a sweat. If a group has something else in mind, it can contact me. I will work with clients to create a singular, unique and memorable sweat lodge experience.
I encourage groups to bring something nutritional to share, as it is important and appropriate to celebrate this time of cleansing by providing a social time and nourishment for all who are involved. It is a good time, a time to get acquainted, and a time to relax with people who have shared the day’s activities, and possibly extraordinary experiences. The combination of the sweat lodge and the social time can become a gift. The participants may perceive the essence of another person, bringing home the appreciative memory of, or compassionate bonding to, that energy which was shared. It can result in greater understanding, increased cooperation, and a host of other possible positive outcomes.
How to prepare for the sweat:
In ancient times fasting was part of preparing for the sweat lodge. However in our modern times we are not used to fasting and therefore we recommend that you eat a light meal that morning especially if this is your first lodge. If you are fasting for 24-48 hours prior to a sweat, please be sure to drink water to hydrate yourself.
Preparing yourself spiritually will also help. The lodge cleanses the body and it will also cleanse the spirit. Use the method that works best for you, meditation, journeying, etc, to prepare yourself spiritually for anything that you might want to let go of during the lodge. All lodges are confidential, what is shared within lodge, stays with Creator.
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Grace Dance Sweat Lodge Waiver
*Please bring this with you to your first Sweat Lodge Ceremony
Circle any of these if you have experienced or are currently experiencing any of the following:
~ Asthma
~ Kidney problems
~ Heart conditions
~ Respiratory difficulties
~ Fear of darkness
~ Mental illness
~ Fear of enclosed spaces
~ Emotional difficulties
~ Blood pressure difficulties
~ Are you under the influence of alcohol
~ Could you be pregnant?
or other recreational drugs?
Do you have any other pre-existing medical conditions? YES / NO
Are you on any medications? YES / NO (List by name & purpose)______________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
If you do intend to participate in the Sweat Lodge:
1. Do not take recreational drugs or stimulants, including tea and coffee one day before or after the
ceremony. It is best to taper off of caffeine in the days preceding the sweat lodge ceremony to
assist your central nervous system in adapting to the demands of the lodge.
2. Do not have a heavy meal beforehand, and fast or have a light meal 6 hours before (salad, soup,
or a sandwich). Do not each 6 hours preceding ceremony.
3. Drink 2-3 litres of water over the 6 hours preceding the ceremony, but stop drinking an hour
before the ceremony.
4. Do not wear contact lenses in the lodge.
5. Do not wear any metal jewelry (such as rings, earrings, bracelets, hair clips, etc.)
6. After the sweat you should rest for a few hours and replenish your fluids. We recommend you
bring drinks, fruit, or a light nutritious snack to share after the ceremony. Don’t organize or plan
any major activities for immediately after the ceremony.
7. Drinks lots of fluid the 6 hours after the ceremony, sometimes up to 2-3 litres is suggested.
(Isotonic drinks such as Gatorade, Powerade help to replenish electrolytes in the body).\
8. After the sweat you may not feel hungry, however you should have a nutritious meal to replenish
your body and nourish it after you sweat.
9. If there are any unusual symptoms, please contact the ceremony Leader or your family doctor.
10. BRING YOUR OWN BLANKET TO SIT ON IN LODGE.
I, (print name)___________________________________________________ confirm that:
~ I have read and understand the above information.
~ I have disclosed all material information, as asked, in this form to the Ceremony Leader.
~ All information I have provided is true and correct.
~ All reasonable methods have been used to inform me of the nature of all the procedures
and the personal risks involved in the Sweat Lodge ceremony, and …
~ Having understood and appreciated the personal risks involved and complied with the
physical preparations, I have decided to participate in the said ceremony accepting
full responsibility for the this decision and for the consequences arising from it.
Signed _________________________________________ Date__________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________________
Phone number ___________________________
Email (for mailings) ________________________________
