We built this lodge in April 2007. We called it the Sunmoon Lodge setting an intention of balancing the Masculin and Feminine within.

The SunMoon Lodge

All sense of race, color and religion disappears in the heat and darkness of the lodge. In the womb of Mother Earth we are all the same and have the ability to sit with the Great Spirit. It is a place to get answers and guidance by asking spiritual entities, totem helpers, the Great Spirit and Mother Earth. As the steam rises so do our senses and our prayers. The sweat lodge offers the possibility of spiritual rebirth and reconnection. We come closer to ourselves, closer to Great Spirit, and closer to understanding each other.

As we make the sacred fire, after gathering all the appropriate and needed materials, we are also preparing propitiations between mind, body, spirit and soul; a conciliatory reckoning to restore balance and harmony between these four elements. The purifying heat to come from the fire is also acknowledged and thanked for its help: heat, light and strength. The visible conclusion to our prayers is the gift of tobacco to Creator. The fire keeper places tobacco into the fire as he or she sets the wood in place.

The stones used in the sweat represent Earth as both Grandmother and Mother, an eternal matrilineal kinship. Stones are symbols of endurance in the same manner in which Earth endures. They are alive. Stone absorbs the power of fire. When water is splashed on them in the lodge, the steam or vapor produced is also considered powerful and holy, the visible symbol of Creator's Breath. Finns call this vapor "loyly," spirit of life.

Songs are shared in the lodge. Some passed to us from elders and teachers; most reflect the spiritual leanings of the participants. Most are songs of worship praising Creator. They often show appreciation for creation. Songs help clear away obstructions to clarity and growth. They lift our spirits and call upon helper beings, ancestors and Creator.

Words cannot describe all things that occur during a sweat Lodge. Each individual receives something different than other participants; yet all share in a general way, too. Participants may come and go. They may benefit for a while and then need to seek a different spiritual path. This is not the way for everyone and that is fine. All that is asked of the participant is respect, respect what we are doing and know that our intent is good.