Sacred Fire
As every year, we will light the ceremonial fire, which will burn for 5 days. Sacred fires help preserve the power and purity of an event or ceremony, help protect those present, and keep things sacred in the spirit of love. Such fires are also called the Creator’s Fire, as connecting through this ancient element is one of the most powerful ways to connect with Father Tengri (the Creator), Father Sun, and the Sacred Fire of Mother Earth’s Womb. Fire is their gift, the manifestation of Spirit, the embodiment of the Eternal Fire burning at the center of the Universe.
The Sacred Fire and its surroundings are
a place of prayer, silence, spiritual
contemplation, respect and gratitude. We ask you to
keep this in mind when you step before the Fire.
Please do not put anything into the Sacred Fire, except for the sacred plants kept by the Helpers in the sacred space.
Speak to Father Fire from your heart and watch what happens… In order to travel home safely after the event and return smoothly to your everyday life, do not forget to go to the Sacred Fire before leaving the gathering. Offer a little tobacco to Father Fire and ask for his support in grounding, his help in returning to your center, and in standing firmly back in the present moment.
Sundeer Sweat Lodge
The Sundeer is a rich event that invites communal prayer and experience sharing through learning deeply rooted traditions, in an atmosphere of contemplation and respect.
As part of our ceremony, we also work with the medicine of the sweat lodge (izzasztó kunyhó, temazcal, inipi).
What is a Sweat Lodge (Izzasztó kunyhó, Temazcal, Inipi)?
An ancient ceremony practiced by most indigenous peoples of Central and North America (and also used in other parts of the world) to this day. The sweat lodge is a ceremony of gratitude, a celebration of life, purification and rebirth. Participants have the opportunity to return to Mother Earth’s womb through song and prayer, to heal their wounds and illnesses, to lay down the heavy burdens of the past, and to share their joys.
During the five days of the Sundeer, we hold sweat lodge ceremonies after every sunrise and sunset, a total of 10 sessions, at a designated sacred site symbolizing Mother Earth’s womb. These ceremonies will be led by various elders who support the Sundeer with their prayers.
An ancient ceremony practiced by most indigenous peoples of Central and North America (and also used in other parts of the world) to this day. The sweat lodge is a ceremony of gratitude, a celebration of life, purification and rebirth. Participants have the opportunity to return to Mother Earth’s womb through song and prayer, to heal their wounds and illnesses, to lay down the heavy burdens of the past, and to share their joys.
During the five days of the Sundeer, we hold sweat lodge ceremonies after every sunrise and sunset, a total of 10 sessions, at a designated sacred site symbolizing Mother Earth’s womb. These ceremonies will be led by various elders who support the Sundeer with their prayers.
Dress Code
Requirements
We ask everyone to wear appropriate clothing as a sign of respect for the sacredness of the ceremony, both during the preparations for the sweat lodge and during participation.
Women: a dress or skirt below the knee and a top, shoulders covered – bare shoulders may distract participants from the process of the ceremony.
Men: shorts or long trousers.
Please observe the above requirements and refrain from any judgment or prejudice during the ceremony.
Public nudity or excessively revealing clothing is not permitted in the ceremonial space (around the Sacred Fire, during the ceremony and when leaving the sweat lodge).
The consumption of drugs, alcohol or other mind-altering substances before and during the ceremony (throughout the entire duration of the Sundeer) is strictly prohibited!
Eating before the ceremony is not recommended. For evening sweat lodge ceremonies, a light meal during the day is acceptable. You can and should drink as much water as you like before the ceremony.
If you are taking MEDICATION, please note the following: Heat can intensify the effects of certain medications, which can be dangerous! – For the safety of those taking medication, it is strongly recommended to consult your doctor whether it is safe to use a sauna while taking a particular medication. If the side effects of the medication cannot be known with certainty, it is advisable to skip participating in the sweat lodge ceremony. Prevention is better than treatment!
The sweat lodge ceremony is not recommended in the following cases: heart disease or other serious circulatory problems, serious respiratory problems, serious neurological/psychological/psychiatric problems, during menstruation (moon time).
If, having considered the above information, you decide to participate in the sweat lodge ceremony, you can secure your place by filling out the registration form (in person). The registration form is available at the Information Desk (at the main entrance).
Blessed ceremony, purification and healing!
What to bring to the sweat lodge ceremony
- pipe tobacco for the healer leading the ceremony (recommended but not mandatory)
- 2 towels to cleanse yourself during and after the ceremony
- drum or rattle (optional)
- flip-flops or shoes from your tent to the sweat lodge, if needed
- a good intention to pray for during the ceremony
Community Fire
The Sundeer Community Fire is located in the Sound Valley.
This fire is connected to the Sacred Fire and the Sweat Lodge Fire and is characterized by its great diversity, regulated by the alternation of day and night. During the day, it serves various activities such as ceremonies, presentations, dances and concerts.
The evening rhythm is dedicated to singing, prayers, silence, teachings, storytelling, contemplation, and we greet the dawn with prayer.
Here are some tips on how to work together as a community to keep this space in balance.
- Please do not throw anything into the Sacred Fire, except for sacred plants.
- Please respect the elders and teachers who appear there. If you need any help, ask the fire keepers or the helpers responsible for the area for advice.
- Try not to walk between the fire and the people sitting and standing around it.
- Listen to what others say and speak with respectful love.
- Avoid inappropriate topics.
- If a song is playing, do not interrupt it with loud conversation.
- When the talking stick is passed around, pay attention to the person holding the stick.
- Smoking is allowed at night.
- Only those who show respect to the ancestors and those present should remain in the sacred circle.
Why do we have rules?
The purpose of our rules is to preserve peaceful relations among participants, striving to ensure that everyone feels protected, safe and accepted. The entire Sundeer grounds are a ceremonial space, meaning we strengthen the sacred atmosphere of care and well-being within a communal framework, facilitating the healing process of body, heart and soul. This requires heightened attention and mutual respect. By following the rules of coexistence, we can unite and channel the energies of participants in one direction. In doing so, we also express our appreciation for the knowledge and wisdom derived from ancient traditions passed down by our elders.
Sundeer Code of Conduct
- The use of alcohol, drugs and other mind-altering substances is STRICTLY PROHIBITED during the five days of the Sundeer. Possession of any of the above will result in expulsion from the event venue.
- Smoking (cigarettes or rolled tobacco) is prohibited in the ceremonial areas.
- The tobacco used in pipe ceremonies/tobacco ceremonies has a sacred character; we regard it as a tool for connecting with the spirit world.
- Do not leave children unattended (childcare is available)!
- Do not litter, do not throw cigarette butts on the ground or into the fire!
- Keep the environment clean!
- Do not light fires!
- Firearms, weapons, knives, swords, fireworks and other explosives are strictly prohibited.
- Only sell your products in designated areas.
- Holding ceremonies or parallel activities outside the Sundeer program is not permitted!
- Refrain from disrupting events and ceremonies!
- Observe the rules related to the Sacred Fire and the Sweat Lodge!
- Pets and small animals are not permitted, not even in carrier bags. We love animals, but since they may disrupt ceremonies, we ask that you leave your pets at home for this time, helping to maintain order and focus in the ceremonial spaces.
- Guide dogs are permitted to enter.
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