A sweat lodge ceremony is a ritual used by some Native American cultures. The sweat lodges vary in size and shape. The stones are usually heated in a fire outside the lodge and brought in to a central pit..
Traditional ceremonies often include prayers, drumming, and offerings to the spirits. The construction and orientation of the lodge can play a symbolic role in the ritual. Where the building is placed and how it is arranged inside are thought to affect the contact with the spirit world.
A sweat lodge organized by New Age leader James Arthur Ray was the site of at least three deaths. The ceremony, held in October 2009 was attended by more than 60 people near Sedona, Arizona. Ray is being investigated in a homicide investigation regarding this incident.
AP | Sheriff Continues Sweat Lodge Homicide Investigation
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Fast Facts
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Fact:
Wearing metal jewelry can be dangerous as they can become hot enough to burn the wearer
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Contact lenses and synthetic clothing should not be worn as they can melt
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Cotton clothing is recommended
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Key to proper etiquette is to follow the customs of the lodge leader
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Some are conducted in silence while others involve singing, dancing, and drumming.
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Some traditions accept nudity, while others forbid it
