I will come to you if you wish to experience this transformational ritual and if there are between 15 and 40 participants.
Indian Sauna
Stone People Ceremony
Stone People Ceremony. A Cosmogonic Ritual.
A path of prayer and the discovery of the heart's truth.
The Path of Beauty.
Healing of relationships and sacred honoring of Grandmother Earth and her treasures.
A tradition rooted in the teachings passed down to John Hawken by his teachers — particularly from Star Water, founder of the organization and school The Path of Transformation, and from the shamanic lodge known as The Morning Star Dream Weavers Lodge.
This lineage carries the teachings of the Medicine Wheels, preserved by the Twisted Hair Society. In more recent times, these teachings were brought forward by Arwyn Dreamwalker.
Arwyn — a so-called Métis ("the colored one"), half Native American — was one of John Hawken's teachers and a student of Don Juan, the famed teacher featured in the books of Carlos Castaneda.
Today, these ancient teachings are passed on through the annual shamanic training The Medicine Path, led by Jitka Wakanu Mandalam, who also created a documentary film titled The Medicine Path.
The tradition of the Stone People Ceremony is carried forward with respect and dedication by Wakanu Guardian – Jitka Mandalam, through direct transmission from John Hawken.
The Stone People Ceremony is a sacred ritual through which Indigenous peoples honor not only the Earth, but also the life-giving Sun.
It is a ceremony that brings healing to all relationships.
The sweat lodge is like the womb of Mother Earth.
In her embrace, one can regenerate and draw in new strength,
release the old and open to new visions — new stories for the journey of life.
It is a celebration of bringing light into the darkness.
The heat of the sun, carried through glowing stones, brings illumination
not only into the dark of the lodge, but also into the depths of our consciousness.
It is the penetration of Grandfather Sun's rays into the dark womb of Grandmother Earth.
It is a celebration of the sacred union of the masculine and feminine principles —
a Hieros Gamos, a divine marriage from which Beauty is born.
The cosmogony — a return to the beginnings of the world — brings us into a time
when divine forces were present and we become co-creators in that sacred process.
We are given the opportunity to release the past and step into a new reality.
It is a homecoming to the Self — into creativity, presence, and the full potential of awakened consciousness.
The Traditional Native American Sweat Lodge is a purification ritual guided by the Four Directions and the Four Elements.
Originally held in caves, the lodge is now constructed from branches and animal hides — or, today, from blankets and tarps — to substitute for the natural cave where such a space is not available.
It represents the womb of Grandmother Earth and, as such, is placed in the West.
The fire, placed in the East, symbolizes the Father principle.
Earth and Fire are connected by an umbilical cord made of clay.
Participants enter the lodge naked or nearly naked, and on all fours — symbolizing the return to the womb, to die and be reborn.
With the words "For all my relations", the ceremony is offered for the healing of all beings on Earth.
The alchemy of purification arises as the element of Earth — in the form of stones — is heated in Fire.
Fire, the element of transformation and purification, infuses the stones with its power.
These glowing Grandfathers are then carried into the lodge and placed in the pit at the center or in the healing direction of the Northeast.
The radiant stones are welcomed with reverence: "Welcome, brother."
This is why another name for the ceremony is The Ceremony of the Stone People.
Water, the element that gives, is then poured onto the stones, releasing the power of fire in the form of steam.
The steam mixes with air — and it is through the breath that we receive this cleansing power, while toxins are released from our bodies through sweat.
During the four rounds of the ceremony, prayers are spoken:
– In the North, we ask for healing of others.
– In the West, we pray for the healing of our bodies.
– In the South, we call on purification of our emotions and inner child.
– In the East, we await the vision of our spirit and our soul path.
Between each round, the door is opened to let in fresh air and let the spirit of the ceremony breathe.
At the end, participants crawl out on all fours — reborn, purified, and healed.
Then, lying belly-down on the cool Earth, we offer any remaining unwanted energies to Grandmother Earth through our lower chakras.
(John Hawken)
The entire ceremony follows the Beauty Way —
a path of gentleness, grace, and kindness that welcomes all who come with open hearts.
More About the Ceremony
This is a full-day event.
We will build the lodge together in the morning, we will heat the stones together throughout the day, and — if the spirits allow — we will enter the sacred "prayer" in the evening.
Sweat lodge ceremonies can be profoundly powerful.
Their strength comes not only from the heat, but also from the intention we hold — and from the way we prepare.
By gathering from morning to evening, by co-creating the space as a community, and by being witnessed and heard by others, our prayers gain clarity and direction.
The presence of the elements — Earth, Fire, Water, and Air — activates a sacred energy that can support deep transformation and offer us the strength and vision we need for our next steps.
Jitka Mandalam
Wheel of Functions – The Alchemy of the Four Elements and the Four Directions
Fire – it determines, defines, inspires.
Earth – holds, preserves, remembers.
Water – gives, releases, transfers.
Air – receives, absorbs, breathes in.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can women participate during menstruation?
Yes, women who are menstruating are welcome. The lodge symbolizes the womb of Mother Earth. Menstrual bleeding and the absorption of blood into the earth is a symbolic expression of connection to feminine energy and a sign of respect and gratitude.
What should I wear inside the lodge?
You enter the lodge as you were born — naked. However, this Ceremony is guided by the Path of Beauty. If you feel uncomfortable with nudity, you may wear a light scarf or cloth to cover yourself.
What do we sit on inside the lodge?
We sit directly on the earth. The intention is to feel the ground and connect with the energy of Mother Earth. If someone has health issues, they may sit on a towel or a small mat. Sitting on your heels is also possible.
Can I eat before entering the lodge? Should I follow a special diet?
Yes, you may eat before the lodge ceremony. It is recommended not to overeat — a small meal like soup is best. It's not advisable to enter the lodge on an empty stomach unless you're accustomed to it. Since this is a cleansing ritual, it is supportive to avoid unhealthy foods for several days or weeks before the ceremony.
How long does the entire ceremony last?
The ceremony itself lasts about 1.5 hours.
Can I leave the lodge if I feel too hot?
Yes, you may step outside and cool down anytime. The only exception is when hot stones are being carried on sharp forks into the lodge. During the ceremony, there are four breaks when you can leave if you wish.
What is the Path of Beauty?
It is a conscious practice of respecting your personal boundaries — not running away prematurely from discomfort — and, at the same time, kindly taking care of yourself if something exceeds your healthy limits.