What is a Temazcal Ceremony?
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“What's that," my friend Mary asked when I shared my excitement about participating in a Temazcal Ceremony this weekend. "Do you have to sit on hot rocks?" Well, not exactly, but it can feel that way. 😊 A temazcal is a sweat lodge or a dome with a circle dug in the middle to hold red hot rocks. Water is poured over the hot stones to create intense steam, and then you sweat ass off while doing a guided non-denominal spiritual ceremony.
Usually, sweat lodges or temazcal domes are built deep into nature; however, I have done a few in the suburbs of Oxnard, California. It was a little strange to see the neighbors TV through the window while sitting around the fireplace, but the ceremony worked it's magic none the less.
The ceremony is lead by a spirit guide or shaman. Most times, it's a man, sometimes a woman, and other times a couple. It usually begins with the spirit guide explaining the history of the "fireplace" with their culture and customs. Then they tell you what you can expect throughout the ceremony, and they love to share their personal stories. From my personal experiences, sweats that are lead by women are much harder. The energy is intense!
Necessary elements for a temazcal ceremony
Dome- Each tribe or native peoples build their domes slightly differently based on local materials like adobe, stone, and even concrete. Or with willow trees tied together and covered with tarps, blankets, and animal skins. The main idea is to block airflow and light when the door is closed. Most have dirt floors, and I prefer it that way; it feels primal, more natural.
Altar- is designed based on the 4 directions: North, South, East, West. A different color, animal, and relative represent each of the cardinal points. Altars are decorated beautifully with feathers, flowers, candles, food, seeds, beads, crystals, incense, instruments, animal bones, and sacred ceremonial pieces passed down from previous generations. The altar holds your prayers and waits for the appropriate spirits to hear them. I always bring something personal and small to recharge on the altar during the ceremony.
Fire and Earth- The fire is known as el Abuelo or the grandfather. The stones that hold the heat are known as las Abuelas or the grandmothers. The firekeeper starts the fire early in the day. He builds a wood frame around the stones and keeps them in the fire all day until we need them for the ceremony. That grandfather is an almighty force, and without the grandmothers, there would not be a ceremony. Gracias Abuelos 😍😍
Water- is known as the medicine. Local herbs like eucalyptus and rosemary are wrapped in huge bunches and soaked in water tubs many hours before the ceremony. Sometimes before you enter the dome, the helpers will brush your body with the herb bunches and water. I love that part.
Ceremony- In the sweats that I've done with native Americans, the women have to wear sleeves and long dresses. In Mexico, it's been clothing-optional for everyone. I've done both, and it doesn't feel any different to me. When the door is closed, you can't see your hand in front of your face.
First, the helpers cleanse your energy with the smoke of ancient plants like copal and sage. Then everyone crawls into the dome to the left and sits in a circle around the firepit. I have been in some ceremonies with 50 people and others with very few; it's way more comfortable with fewer people, but then you lose some of the combined energy.
Once everyone is inside Planet Earth's womb, the firekeeper will bring in 8 scorching hot rocks. Then he will close the door for round one. The first 3 minutes is the most challenging part for me. First, you lose your sense of sight entirely, and then the spirit guide pours herb-infused water onto the fiery rocks. It would smell lovely if only you could breathe! The initial shock to your body is like, whoa, what the hell are you doing, lady? Your body has to relax and take in the medicine, the heat, and the vapor. Finally, the guide will start singing and playing an instrument like a drum or maracas, and creating a momentary distraction from the intense physical situation.
Like with the altar, the ceremony is conducted using the 4 directions. There are 4 rounds or 4 doors. Each door lasts from 10-30 minutes. In between each round, the firekeeper opens the door for fresh air and brings in 8 more sparkling red rocks. That's ironic! Then the door is closed for the next round of singing, praying, crying, hysterically laughing, releasing, and letting go of everything that doesn't serve you. No one can see you acting like a complete fool, not even yourself- it's a liberating experience. Repeat that 4 times and then you've experienced a Temazcal ceremony. Your sweat is the sacrifice that you are offering to reach a meditative state.
The best thing about the Temazcal ceremony is that it is compatible with all religions, beliefs, and spiritual practices. And, If you are considering a medicinal ceremony such as Ayahuasca or Bufo alvarius "the toad," I highly recommend you do a temazcal ceremony first to help you prepare. The mind-altering ceremonies are a whole other kind of spiritual experience that you should definitely try, but take your time and understand what you are seeking first.
If you are interested in learning more about non-denominal ceremonies, you should book our next Reconnect Temazcal Ceremony. Sign up here.
🙏 Many Blessings, Sara Renshaw @ The Green Maya Project
P.S. Nature heals mentally, and physically. Get some today.
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