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| | From:  Twooaks1 (Original Message) | Sent: 8/23/2008 5:50 PM |
Greetings and blessing to the Elders here, I had constructed a sweatlodge two years ago from seven limbs off a grandfather pine growing in my yard (and yes I got permission from the old man). I was told that it needed to be exactly seven, but I was not told the height a sweatlodge should be. I stand at six feet tall and the dome is about five feet high. Does the height matter? Also, I am hesitant about the type of rock one should use in sweat. A friend told me of one rock scarring him when it exploded when water was poured. I have to tell you that I have not performed any sweats yet, mostly because I believe until I have been properly trained in all parts of the sweat, it would be disrespectful and dangerous, where the spirits are concerned, if not done according to protocol. Can you give me some insights on correct rock to use in sweats? Yakoke, May we all walk well. |
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I am going to add some of my information here for you plus to tell you to be sure you test rocks that may be ones that do explode. i ********************************************** All rocks are different! There is no fool proof temperature or procedure as rocks form with different minerals, flaws, cracks, moisture, etc. in them and all are different. Therefore, what might work for the majority, may not work for some. This is especially the case for petrified wood and some jaspers. Be careful as rocks can explode. The best ways to prevent/prepare for this are to make sure that they are thinned down first and dry (moist rocks will have a higher chance of breaking). Also, if you can, use a metal roaster with a lid. But explosions usually means that the rocks crack and pop and do not react explode into air totally. |
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Lodges range in size, from diameters of nearly six feet to well over eighteen or nineteen feet. They range from three to five feet in height, as the participants sit or lay down during the ceremony. The lodge is aligned with the four directions, and room for a doorway is provided. Hope this helps you... wado for asking. |
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siyo The best rocks are about cantalope size and I would use granite, make sure there are no big cracks in them so water doesnt seep in, what u want is a stone that will not allow water to soak in. U can use limestone but granite is the best for me. The height doesnt make a differents but I would keep it low so u dont have to use alot of heat and steam to make it work and besides the lodge is low to humble u before the creator. 7 stones are usally used and the door can face east or west. hope this helps greywolf |
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For the Elders, Thank you. I thought 4-1/2 to 5 feet would be good (about a 10 ft. diameter). And I was careful to remember the height of the doorway (I have it facing east) should be low enough to humble us before the Creator. And again, thank you for the help with the rock. It's a bit difficult where I live, to learn my traditional ways. My thinking is that the T'salagi and Choctaw may be closer in some traditions that I can build upon. Walk well |
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I am sorry, Naxiksewhiga, I had to remove your post. This board is for the Elder's, Annie and Greywolf to answer the questions, only. If you wish to post this on the main board or under sweat lodges on the sidebar, please do so. Linn |
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