TEMAZCAL, rebirth in the womb of Mother Earth
WHY TEMAZCAL
Coming from a culture where sauna is an integral part of keeping both our spirit and body healthy, I consider Temazcal one of the most beautiful Mesoamerican traditions.
Bringing the whole community together regularly to go through the ritual process of purification, healing and renewal, while showing gratitude to all the elements is truly a meaningful, yet still challenging experience.
PREPARATION
A ritual on its own, almost a full day procedure starts with collecting fresh bamboo wood, with the agreement of spirits of the forrest. We build the base framework, representing the cosmology of different layers, the material world, the existential world, spiritual world and astral space. The geometry forms the shape of a star at the top which represents the crown of the universe, the link to the Great Spirit.
Inside, the crown is made of eucalyptus, pines and other fragrant leaves that enhances both the breathing and the connection to Mother Nature.
The entrance is oriented to the West. We dig the whole in the middle of the structure, where the stone people will be placed later emanating substantial heat. The earth taken out is used for building the altar outside, shaped as a turtle and decorated with flowers.
Before covering the structure of bamboo with breathable blankets and fabrics to ensure complete darkness on the inside, we start making the fire. A fire big enough to host all the sacred stones from the Irazu volcano to enhance the masculine energy. A clear intention is put in by individual participants to each of the stones placed on the wooden planks. Then we light the fire.
THE EXPERIENCE
Four long rounds of this wonderful sweat lodge ahead of us. The number four is sacred to many Native American tribes as it represents the four seasons, the four human needs – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, the four kingdoms – animal, mineral, plant, and human; the four sacred medicines — sweetgrass, tobacco, cedar, and sage.
First round, the South, home of the Serpent
Upon the first stone person entering, medicine of copal together with first intention of the Shaman is being administered to the stone, and holy fragrant water sprayed over to start the heating.
When it is my turn I asked the Serpent to help me shed my past, just like he sheds his skin, to help me accept the decisions I made so I can be fully present here and now, appreciating the beauty of the world as he does. We chant along with the Shaman and I can feel the heat getting on to me, and with every drop of sweat I feel a bit lighter, imagining emerging anew from the old skin. Everything starts to seem clearer, louder, hotter, more present.
Second round, the West, home of the Jaguar
This usually is the most difficult round for me, because it represents facing your fears. As the heat builds up, the atmosphere becomes heavier, and heavier with every person adding in their fears. It constitutes a gate, as Jaguar also stands for transformation, changing the course of life with a swift and resolute action. I am facing myself, overcoming the fear of leaving the path that others expect me to continue on, or rather the one I espoused to feel appreciated by others. The heat is becoming unbearable, and I am desperately bending to the still cooling soil which we sit on. Feeling into the Jaguar, walking confidently without any doubts through the jungle, not having any enemies, I feel empowered, grounded and encouraged. I sit back up and we chant some more, giving each other support. Feeling exhausted, it is finally over and the door opens.
Third round, the North, home of the Colibri
Colibri is where the heart sings. Sort of a reward after the Jaguar round. He inspires us to only take the best in life, just like the nectar he enjoys, as well as being determined in following our dreams and what our heart desires, taking a long and demanding journey every year during his migration. For me, this means opening my heart to embrace fully what brings me joy in life. Creating beautiful things that move people. And dedicate more time to support of men. As we chant into the joyful rhythm of maracas, we are invited to feel the lightness with which this bird is moving around gracefully.
Fourth round, the West, home of the Eagle
Or Condor, if you like, represents our higher self as well as the Spirit. This is the time to fly into the places we could not see before, to ask for a vision we couldn’t even think possible. But before that we are taught to raise above the daily stress, the meaningless conflicts and observe it from the place of peace above. Realising we do not have to fight with every obstacle is liberating.
RITUALS WITH MEANING
This was one of the many hints for me to start FewGoodMen. To take rituals men enjoy doing together, just like sauna in Europe, and add a level of meaningfulness to elevate the whole experience. Feeling somewhat exhausted but also healed, rejuvenated and more connected to each other through our shared experiences.
