Preparing TheSweat Lodge

[Ierrellus]

Among the Natives I.

At dusk the Native and I
Went into the woods to gather
Sticks for starting the fire
For baptizing the sacred stones.

One limb I found inhabited
With crawling insects.
The Native said, "Put that one back.
Somebody lives there."

I realized I was a guest
Of the Natives and the woods.

[Zoot Allures]

* imperious Indian chief nod and succession of mms and ahhs around a fire *

[Ierrellus]

* imperious Indian chief nod and succession of mms and ahhs around a fire *

Have you ever been in a sweat lodge?

[Ierrellus]

II
When the pyre on which the rocks were placed met the ground, the rocks had gone white. A Native told me that the rocks weighed less after bathing in fire. "They gave of themselves, " he said.

[Zoot Allures]

If you find yourself in a hundred degree room full of naked dudes with towels on, you never let em see you sweat, ierrellus. That's a general code of conduct.

[Ierrellus]

The natives warned me not to tell...So I would not dare describe the spirit quest here. I'll just stick to preparations for the lodge.
On the foot path to the lodge one tree had a ribbon tied around it. The ribbon meant--you are own sacred ground. Put out your cigarette.