Temazcal (Sweat Lodge)
What is a Temazcal?​
A Temazcal is a dome-shaped sweat lodge heated with lava rocks used for purification, enlightenment, and spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. In ancient Mesoamerica, the temazcal was a regular practice to maintain a healthy body, still mind, and strong spirit. It was referred to as a “hospital“and the "Womb of Mother Earth.”
​
The Temazcal ceremony is held in four rounds (called “doors“) and led by Raquel, who practices in the tradition of ancient Mayan culture. We are so fortunate to have her come to offer this knowledge of the Mayan tradition.
​
How it works​
Once participants enter 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 lives and let go of our fear, anger, depression, and everything that doesn’t belong to us. Once we exit, we are reborn.
​
In ancient Mesoamerica, it was used as a curative ceremony to purify the body. It was also used for healing the sick, improving health, and for women to give birth. The Temazcal is a "Hospital" where we can 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!
​
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. Raquel went on to travel and work mainly with Mexican, North American, Peruvian, and Colombian Shamans and can now 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.
