Monthly Sweat Lodge

Lodge Leader: Dennis Ogle

Fire Keeper: Teresa McKee

Lodge Elder: 

A sweat lodge, or a stone people’s lodge, can be an intensely rewarding experience. By entering the mother’s womb (the lodge), we seek purification and a deeper spiritual awareness through prayer.

Generally speaking the experience is to deepen spiritual awareness. The steam, heat, and darkness help intensify and hold our prayers and add to our personal introspection.

The lodge leader (pourer), with help from the fire tender, hold an energetic space of safety and security while setting the intent of the lodge. The medicine of the lodge leader and of each participant helps to enrich the lessons of the lodge.

The fire is generally starts at 10:00 am.

It is suggested that you to arrive near this time so you can prayerfully prepare for the lodge.

Please dress modestly for this ceremony: women , long skirt/dress/cover shoulders.

The circle of the dress represents the divine energy power of a woman 

There will be a potluck luncheon after the lodge. Bring a side dish, a salad or a dessert to share.

Call Teresa 865-775-0778 for information on lodges.

If you have any questions, please ask the lodge leader and/or the fire tender.
Composting toilets are located in the meadow and near the Sound Peace Chamber.
You may change clothes in either the Sound Peace Chamber or the composting toilets.

Safety Guidelines - click here

Please dress modestly for this ceremony.
Two towels (one to bring in the lodge with you and one for after the lodge)
Change of clothes.
Food to share for the feast after the lodge. It is appropriate to bring tobacco, a small gift, or monetary donation for the fire-keeper and lodge master, both of whom offer their services to the people as a gift.

Leaving the driveway at the Center, turn right on Graves-Delozier Road. At the first right (a paved road), drive down the hill. Please park in the meadow. The sweat lodge is in the north end of the meadow.

The Center for Peace is a non-profit organization that is blessed to continue based on the donations of members and those who attend its functions. Donations are used to support the sweat lodge. A cord of wood, for example, costs more than $200. We use lots of wood for the fire as well as supplies like herbs (sage, tobacco, cornmeal, etc.), drinking water, sweetgrass, and more. Donations are always appreciated.

THERE IS NEVER A CHARGE FOR CEREMONY.  IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING ABUNDANT, PLEASE DON’T ALLOW THIS TO PREVENT YOU FROM COMING.  If you have no idea what would be appropriate, we would suggest $20 although less, more, an item, and/or a prayer would also be very much appreciated.