Experiential and Symbolic Aspects of the Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony

Abstract

The Native American sweat lodge ceremony is described based on the author’s personal participation in a solstice celebration held yearly since 1984. Construction of the lodge and the sweat lodge ceremony are described, as are the consequences experienced by the author resulting from participation in the ceremony. The sweat lodge ceremony has similarities to and significant differences from the author’s experience of a Christian worship service. Symbolic and thematic parallels are explored among the sweat lodge ceremony, alchemy, the Christian Eucharist, and evolution with their common themes of ordeal, sacrifice, and transformation.