Dreamtime Lodge
The Bunyarra community, in Crystal Creek Northern NSW, has a fundamental goal to create a pathway to express the unique spirituality of our land and all of its people, drawing on the wisdom and healing traditions of many cultures. The Dreamtime sweat lodge ceremony has been developed as part of the ongoing creation of a Dreamtime healing community at Bunyarra, distinctive to Australia. During this purification ceremony we will weave together sacred teachings, along with the elements and energies of this land and this time.
We have chosen to call our sweat lodge (Purification Ritual, Inipikaga, Tunkan Ti) the Dreamtime Lodge to honour the mystery and mythology of the land we are on. When we transition into sacred space, or ceremonial space, on this land, we step into the in-between, that magical place where healing and connection take place, creating oneness, where universal wisdom can be shared respectfully with all.
A sweat lodge is a sacred purification ceremony most often associated with Native American traditions. However, there are many such practices throughout the world. In all these cultures, the central action is the same: heated rocks are placed in an enclosed space and water is then poured on the rocks to produce waves of heat. Sometimes herbs are burned or crushed in the lodge, or added to the water, for ceremonial purposes. Most purification ceremonies include specific healing procedures, rituals and themes that align and support optimal health and wellness for all participants.
The lodge is usually built out of pliable saplings, which are bent into a dome-like shape. The frame is covered with skins, tarpaulins or blankets, and then sealed around the bottom, to retain the heat.
The Ceremony
The sweat lodge itself represents the womb within Mother Earth: dark and warm. We live again within her before our ceremonial rebirth. The lodge is circular, and in our lodge, participants sit around a central rock pit, where the hot rocks are placed. The circle is a powerful symbol, for in a circle everyone is equal. The doorway of the lodge faces the East, the origin of new beginnings, the place where the sun begins his journey at sunrise each day and where we welcome in Great Spirit. Uncovered, the Tezi (frame of the lodge) looks like a turtle, holding the energies of; patience, wisdom, healing and transformation, capable of living in two worlds – land and sea…
The sweat lodge encompasses both beginnings and endings. Each time we take part in a ceremony, we take a journey to the centre of our being, joined with others in the lodge and yet also alone. It is about birth, death and rebirth. We change as a result of participating whole heartedly, speaking our truth and being seen as our true selves, allowing ourselves to drop all masks so that we can connect and communicate authentically and with integrity.
We gather together as community with a knowing that our spiritual lineage is as much a part of our ancestory as our biological roots, and that our energies combined can create an effect greater than the sum of its parts. This is a beautiful ceremony, offered with deep respect to the land and all of the peoples who make up our Rainbow Warrior Tribe.
Health & Safety Considerations
The health and welfare of sweat lodge participants has always been the highest priority for us and as such, we will always adhere to the strictest levels of safety protocol for our Dreamtime Lodges. Any concerns or health risks should be discussed with the facilitator before participating in ceremony. All new participants must fill in and sign the sweat lodge waiver. The waiver is used to ensure the participant understands what is required of them and also to note any health risks the participant might have.
First time participants may choose to sit next to the facilitator, or other qualified members, in order for them to be monitored throughout the ceremony. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or questions you have with the facilitator before the ceremony.
NEVER feel pressure to stay in a sweat lodge any longer than you believe safe or if you feel your health or safety has been compromised. All participants in our ceremonies are actively encouraged to speak up if they are feeling uncomfortable and are able to leave at any time if they feel overwhelmed. However, for optimal alchemy within the lodge, we do encourage participants to only exit the lodge prematurely if it feels urgent, or an emergency. Always ensure you are adequately hydrated before partaking in a sweat lodge ceremony. We recommend drinking 2-3 litres of water on the day of the ceremony.
The sweat lodge is not advised for pregnant women, people taking sedatives or antipsychotic drugs, or people with any of the following conditions:
- cardiovascular problems
- respiratory infections (colds /flu or any COVID-19 related symptoms)
- kidney problems
- diabetes
- contagious skin disorders
- hepatitis
- claustrophobia
- alcohol or drug addiction
- exposure to an infectious disease or have been in a known region of an infectious outbreak
Please discuss any concerns you may have with the ceremony guide before you participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get a headache?
We always encourage participants to drink plenty of water leading up to ceremony (but don’t force it), as well as increasing water and electrolyte intake for the 24 to 48 hours following the ceremony. This minimises detoxification symptoms, like headaches. If you consume caffeine or alcohol regularly, or in large amounts, especially in the 24hrs leading up to the Dreamtime lodge ceremony, you may feel detox symptoms, like headaches. We support your sovereignty and self responsibility to do what is right for your body at all times.
How long are we in the sweat lodge for?
Usually you are in ceremony between 1-2hrs, 1.5hrs is the average. As we are sure you can appreciate, ceremonial space is a fluid space, and it is often quite timeless when we drop into the sacred realms. Logistically the sweat lodge ceremony is usually broken into 4 distinct rounds, allowing a cooling off period in-between. Your comfort and safety are our highest priority and we always encourage participants to bring their water bottles into the lodge with them.
Is it normal to feel nervous and a bit scared?
Yes! It is completely normal, especially if this is your first time as it a complete unknown for you, which is always a little bit scary. You are stepping into ceremony and quite often the alchemy is at work days before the event even occurs. I find the more nervous I am, the greater the potential for transformation! The more sweat lodges you participate in, the more you will familiarise yourself with this sacred space and feel more ease, enjoyment and excitement every single time.
I’m not sure I will want to drive home after the ceremony, can I stay at Bunyarra?
Maybe – lol! Please ask us, as we do have accommodation available after some of our events. Camping, a farm house room, or staying in our retreat centre (once it’s finished) are all options after the ceremony.
What kind of food should I bring to share?
Something nourishing and yummy! Salads (hot and cold), dips, roast chicken (or meat for the carnivores), healthy breads and quiches, are all great ideas. It doesn’t need to be much, as everyone bringing a plate to share can go a long way. Heating facilities are limited but available if required.
Testimonials
How was the experience for you?
It was amazing! I loved it so much. It was intense yet subtle. I know that sounds weird, but coping with the heat, was so hard, and it took all of my energy and focus to stay present. I made sure I focused on listening to your chants, prayers, songs, and the voices of the other women in the tent. Afterwards, I was exhausted, and kind of “numb’. It wasn’t till the following day, when I realised, I felt new, and fresh. Lighter. That next day, I realised that I left behind ‘things’ that didn’t serve me anymore, and my intention to put closure on a part of my life, had in fact actually happened. I felt lighter in my heart. For the first time in my life, I understood what a rite of passage felt like. I had been through some emotional and physical stress, and I was so over thinking about it, and dealing with it. The sweat lodge really did put closure on it for me and let me ‘sweat it out’.
If you were anxious or nervous leading up to ceremony, how did you feel during it and afterwards?
I actually wasn’t nervous about the heat, because I love the heat, (if it was an ice bath.. yep… I’d be stressing about that! Haha!). I also wasn’t nervous because I had met Shekinah before and felt safe with her. I was however nervous about meeting strangers and having to do something out of my comfort zone in front of them.
Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely I’d recommend to others and haven’t stopped talking about it! I recommend it more to the ones that I feel more ready to be open to a new cleansing process or open to self-reflection.
How would you describe it to them?
I have described it as a type of cleansing/closure experience on the physical and emotional realms. Like a hot detox sauna with a spiritual mystical influence.