This is one of those "WTF were they thinking" things:
http://weavingunity.com/Sweat_Lodge.html (http://weavingunity.com/Sweat_Lodge.html)
:o
She was discussed in this link: http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=3323.msg31271#msg31271
Ugh. Also, 3rd degree burns anyone? Yeesh.
Yikes! It's unbelievable when they don't even TRY to pull off a convincing facsimile!
This is exactly the kind of thing that happens when people copy the performance of something (pouring water on hot rocks in a round tent), but have zero depth of insight into the theology of the ceremony. Those willows aren't just replaceable tent poles; they bring an essential meaning and teaching. And since they bring a feminine medicine, it's ironic that this "earth mother goddess" group is totally oblivious to it.