In our culture we generally think of the sweat lodge as being Native American. However, it apparently belongs to many cultures and traditions, some that may predate Native American ceremonies. Tribal people in Siberia use it even today and brought it with them to North America. High in the mountains of Afghanistan the tribal people practiced this kind of ceremony before the Taliban and the post 9-11 bombing. It is not known if they continue.
In the Earthtribe we have created our own process over a twenty-five year period. We have various Native American tribes represented in our midst; however, we have not limited ourselves to any one tradition. As with all of our processes we integrate the insights of modern psychology with a number of great spiritual traditions. If you are searching for a very traditional Native American sweat lodge, then the Earthtribe sweats will probably not meet your needs. If you want an integration of a variety of traditions, then that is what we are about.
In this crucial time we propose that any ceremony that is approached with respect can be integrated to facilitate us on the journey. The key word is respect. Central to respect is ongoing practice. We are glad to share our process with other traditions and are willing to train those who want to take it to their traditions with respectful practice. In our experience trying to hold onto a process or to possess it or to control it moves against the larger spiritual endeavor.