Temazcal (Sweat Lodge)
What is a Temazcal?​
A Temazcal is a dome-shaped sweat lodge heated with lava rocks and used for purification, enlightenment, and spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. The temescal was a regular life practice in ancient Mesoamerica in order to keep a healthy body, still mind, and strong spirit. It was referred to as a “hospital“, and the "Womb of Mother Earth".
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The Temazcal ceremony is held in four rounds (called “doors“) and led by Ha Yuama who is practiced in the tradition of the ancient Mayan culture. We are so fortunate to have her come to offer this knowledge of the Mayan tradition.
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How it works​
Once participants are inside the “Womb of Mother Earth“, the firekeeper will bring in the first round of hot lava rocks. Then the door is closed for round one, called “Door One”. There are 4 Doors throughout the ceremony. Each Door lasts from 10 to 30 minutes, and in between each Door, the firekeeper opens the blanketed door for fresh air and brings in more heated rocks. When we enter the Temazcal we let go of what we don’t need for our daily life, let go of our fear, anger, depression, and everything that doesn’t belong to us. Once we exit we are reborn.
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In ancient Mesoamerica, it was used as part of a curative ceremony to purify the body. It was also used for healing the sick, improving health, and for women to give birth. As such, the Temazcal is a "Hospital" for us to heal. But we are healing more than just ourselves at this time. When we heal as individuals, we create an energetic wave that does much more than we all realize. We are healing humanity to heal the Earth!
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About the Facilitator
Raquel Berdejo has walked with Elders and supported Indigenous Communities from all over the world. In 2012 she began her journey of healing and self-discovery and learned how to access her inner vision and create change through shamanic journeying. HaYuama went on to travel and work mainly with Mexican, North American, Peruvian and Colombian Shamans and is now able to weave together traditional knowledge with modern approaches to personal growth. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge of healing and expansion with others through different practices, mainly the Temazcal Ceremonies.
