I have been making pottery for over 10 years now.  I find pottery a very relaxing art. It tends to draw in the mind and your troubles are left behind.  When in the studio, nothing else exists, you can become one with the art.  As strange as this sounds I have learned that if I truly immerse myself in the creation of an object in becomes a sort of prayer and meditation.  Perhaps the circular nature of the art helps develop a harmonious frequency with the natural worlds around me.  I am shaping bits of earth into pleasing unique objects and finding the bounderes of gravity and the forces of the air and water surounding the piece.  Great things are accomplished when focusing on the journey and letting go of the end product.

I started brewing beer around 5 years ago and have slowly perfected my skill.  I also consider this an ancient art and feel a close connection with the earth through refining the process and, of course, drinking the beer.  This is another task that requires careful attention and care.  The grains and hops release a smell and remind me of the essence of life: earth, fire, air, and water.  All of these forces take part in the creation guided with the love of the artisan.

I have been considering building a sweat lodge for some time now.  I haven't had one for over 5 years and miss the experience.  My first experience with the sweat lodge was on the Western Shoshone reservation.  It was in a small lodge with barely enough room for around 8 people.  I had no idea what to expect.  Having a slight phobia of closed spaces I was almost reluctant to enter, but did anyway.  The lodge ceremony consisted of 4 rounds or sessions representing the 4 phases of the year and life.  I sat down in the lodge and hot rocks were brought in
and placed in the center of the dirt floor.  The lodge door was closed and we were plunged into complete darkness.  At this point I had to fight an overwhelming urge to flee the lodge.  I soon gained control over myself as I listened to the soft, noble and wise words offered by the leader of the lodge.  Water was poured on the hot rocks as we sang traditional Shoshone songs.  The heat in the lodge was very intense and again I had to fight the urge to leave.  After some spiritual talk and song the lodge was opened and more rocks were brought in.  This continued for 4 sessions and the heat intensified.  I soon began a journey inside the reaches of my mind and learned to focus my spiritual energy in harmony with others in the lodge.  A brotherhood existed and formed in the lodge as we shared words and song.  I emerged from the lodge with a new strength having gone through a transformation and rebirth.  I participated in several more sweats throughout my experience with the Western Shoshone and each time felt a deep cleansing and stabilizing of my spiritual nature.
Years later I built a lodge in my backyard and conducted several ceremonies with friends and neighbors.  Everyone involved was deeply effected by the experience.

There are many types of sweat lodges.  Old Celtic lodges were build with stone and peat.  Native Americans used willow branches and clay or buffalo skin coverings.  Modern lodges are made from any material available but commonly tarps and blankets are used.





For more info visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweat_lodge 

This will serve as a space for postings about observations and feelings in the realm of spirituality and the sacred earth path.  Please feel free to walk with me and find enlightenment.