The Sacred Fire: The Power of the Sweat Lodge

Our sweat lodge at The Thyme is often an integral part of the experiences that take place here. This sacred purification ceremony was practiced by many Native American nations, including the Mohican people who inhabited the lands of the Berkshires, as a way to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. The lodge itself symbolizes Mother Earth’s womb, where participants undergo a process of rebirth through heat, steam, and prayer. The glowing stones—often called "the Grandfathers"—carry ancient wisdom, and when water is poured over them, the rising steam is believed to carry prayers to the Creator. This ritual represents a return to balance, a space where the seen and unseen worlds connect, guided by song, intention, and tradition.

The Lodge: Sacred Design & Construction

The sweat lodge is traditionally circular, constructed from wooden saplings bent into a dome and covered with blankets or animal hides to create total darkness. The doorway always faces the east, welcoming the light of the new day. Every detail of the structure is intentional—the lodge is a microcosm of the universe, a space where time dissolves, and participants reconnect with ancestral teachings and the wisdom of nature.

The Ceremony: Fire, Stones & Rounds of Purification

Lighting of the sacred stones used to heat the lodge

The ceremony begins with the lighting of the sacred fire, where stones are heated for hours under the flames. Firekeepers tend to this element, honoring its transformative power. When the rocks glow red-hot, they are placed inside the lodge’s central pit. Participants enter the dark, enclosed space in silence, seated in a circle around the stones. The ceremony unfolds in four rounds, each guided by prayers, songs, and the pouring of water onto the stones, creating intense waves of cleansing steam. Each round represents a deeper journey inward—shedding burdens, seeking clarity, and strengthening spirit.

Walking Away: Renewal & Rebirth

Emerging from the lodge, participants often describe feeling lighter, deeply connected, and renewed. The sweat carries away physical and emotional burdens, leaving a sense of clarity, peace, and gratitude. This ceremony reminds us that in surrendering to the elements, we return home to ourselves, purified and whole.