Yes in my Cherokee  traditions the entrance to the sweat lodge faces to the East and the sacred fire pit. This has very significant spiritual value. Each new day for all begins in the East with the rising of Father Sun, the source of life and power, dawn of wisdom, while the fire heating the rocks is the undying light of the world, eternity, and it is a new spiritual beginning day that we seek in the sweat ceremony.

When loading and offering canunpa(pipe0 in prayer that all will know and speak...to grandfather, grandmother and spirits.

  Bringing in the heated stones...place in shallow pit...... 1st stone  west...2nd stone  north.... 3rd stone east...4th is south and so on, Center one is grandfather.Additional ones is placed to grandmother and the people.

Closes entrance. leader will sound the drum and call for spiritguides in prayer in four directions.   He then dips water and pours on stones ..one for each four directions....((((which makes steam)))  He then begins to sing and chant .

 One at a time the talking stick is passed so all get to speak and pray for guidance and forgiveness .

     There are many differnt ways, I am sure but this is what i was taught.

siyo

 

I have to agree with Annie on this one, was the way I was taught also

Wado Grey Wolf, then that's the way I'll do it. Eagle Heart.

Wado Annie, I will think of you every time I enter my sweat lodge. I plan on constructing it very soon.(before winter). This is exactly what I was looking for.

sage,sweetgrass, and many blessing, Eagle Heart.