James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Tragedy
Ray's New Age Lodge Vs. Traditional Native American Lodges
Oct 26, 2009
Sweat lodge ceremonies were in the news in the fall of 2009. Three people died and eighteen were taken to the hospital after participating in a sweat lodge conducted by New Age self-help author and speaker James Arthur Ray on October 9, 2009. This sweat lodge was part of a six-day New Age “Spiritual Warrior” program held at the Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, Arizona.
This tragic incident has many wondering about the nature of traditional Native American sweat lodge practices and how the sweat lodge event conducted by James Arthur Ray differed from traditional lodges.
What is a Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony?
Sweat lodge ceremonies have been performed in American Indian cultures for many generations. Sweat lodges are an important part of many Native American cultures today. Native American sweat lodge ceremonies are sacred. The ceremonies are rituals intended to cleanse, purify, and heal the body and spirit. Indians continue to use them for various occasions today, including for healing of ill people and for religious reasons.
Sweat lodge participants are expected to come to the sweat lodge with an open mind and heart and from a place of integrity. An attitude of respect, reverence, and gratitude is of utmost importance. Some traditions require participants to fast before a ceremony to release toxins from their body. Many traditions ask that participants speak their intentions for the lodge before the start of the ritual.
Typically, approximately 10 to 15 people participate in a Native American sweat lodge ceremony. Some traditions hold separate ceremonies for men and women, while others conduct co-ed ceremonies. Some customs do not allow women to take part if they are experiencing their "moontime" (menstruation). Participants usually wear loose-fitting clothing or even a swimsuit.
An individual, known as a lodge leader or medicine person, leads the ritual, while another person, known as a fire tender or fire leader, serves as protector of the ceremony and bearer of the hot stones used inside the lodge. Prior to entering the sweat lodge, the lodge leader often ceremonially purifies participants one at a time by fanning smoke from sage, sweet grass, or cedar around their bodies with an eagle feather.
The intent of sweat lodge ceremonies vary. For instance, some rituals focus on participants’ connection to "the Great Spirit," while other ceremonies center around participants’ connection to their family and ancestors. Rituals often include prayers, songs, chants, and drumming offered by the lodge leader and participants. The lodge leader usually makes various offerings of medicines, herbs, and plants to the fire during the ceremony.
Sweat lodge ceremonies normally consist of four 30- to 45-minute sessions, which increase in intensity. Between sessions, the lodge leader opens the door to let in fresh air and allow participants to take a break from the heat and humidity. In some traditions, it is forbidden to leave the circle of the sweat lodge after one has committed to participating. It's believed that leaving will break the energy and intention of the group and the results of the lodge will be compromised.
Native American sweat lodge ceremonies are not used for financial gain. Participants are not charged, but may offer a donation or help pay for the lodge leader’s expenses.
Differences Between James Arthur Ray's Sweat Lodge and Native American Lodges
James Arthur Ray’s sweat lodge ceremony ended in three deaths of serious medical complications for more than a dozen others. Ray's ceremony was markedly different from the traditional Native American sweat lodge ceremony. The cause of the deaths has not yet been determined, but time will tell if the complications were a result of deviation from standard sweat lodge practices.
It's been reported that between 55 and 65 people participated in Ray’s sweat lodge ceremony. Normally, approximately 12 people participate in Native American sweat lodges.
The lodge in which James Arthur Ray held his ceremony was made of different materials than traditional Native American lodges. The lodge Ray used was made from plastic, a nonporous material, and blankets, while Native American lodges are made from porous materials, such as animal skins or other natural materials. It's believed that the non-porous materials resulted in a lack of airflow in Ray's lodge.
In addition to the differences between the lodge in which James Arthur Ray held his sweat lodge ceremony and traditional Native American sweat lodges, the intention with which Ray’s lodge was conducted differed drastically from the spirit in which Native American lodges are held. James Arthur Ray conducted his sweat lodge ceremony for financial gain, whereas Native American lodges are not held to make money. Participants in Ray’s program paid nearly $10,000 for the “Spiritual Warrior” program, which included the sweat lodge experience. Native American sweat lodge ceremonies are typically held on a donation basis.
Readers may also enjoy learning about the Basics of Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremonies or about Native American Sweat Lodge Practices.
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