Byron Bay Sweatlodge holds traditional Sweat lodge ceremonies in Byron Bay. The Sweat lodge is a community event, facilitated by Lawrence Taylor Ellyard, a Senior Ceremonial Leader and former member of the Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society (SOTEMS). Lawrence has run sweat lodges since 1995 and has participated in over 500 sweat lodge ceremonies both in Australia, Hawaii and North America. The sweat lodge is a traditional ceremony of purification and healing. Although the sweat lodge is based on Native American Indian traditions, the ceremonial format is geared to an Australian symbolism. The Sweat lodge is not unlike a modern day sauna, however this is where the similarities end. Through a series of rounds, participants are guided by the facilitator with a number of chants that are designed to take the participants into a place of self enquiry and insight into their lives. In a dark and enclosed purpose-built dome-shaped tent, heated rocks are brought in and water poured to create steam. The sweat lodge affords all those who journey a genuine experience that is both challenging and rewarding. All ceremonies are $30 to participate. The numbers in a sweat lodge are limited, so bookings are essential prior to each event.
