On a monthly basis, we offer inipi (sweat lodge) ceremonies at True Nature Healing Arts in Lenado, CO (35 minutes from Aspen and Basalt), in the lineage of Granpa Fool's Crow. The lodge was initiated by Jorge Arenivar, a long-time ceremonialist. Branden, who pours water for the lodges, has been walking the sacred red road with Jorge for many years and has Lakota family in Allen and Kyle, South Dakota, Pine Ridge Reservation.

Sweat Lodge (Inipi): True Nature Healing Arts, Lenado

These sweats of purification offer participants an opportunity to pray, sing and travel deeper into the medicine. With the support of the circle and our intention, we work with the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of being.

Everything we do in ceremony has meaning and power. It is very important that participants enter the lodge with integrity, mindfulness and focused intention. Considering why we are participating before entering the lodge. Watch those with experience and ask questions if unsure about the process.

The guidelines below help focus energy and provide a safe space for all to share, connect and deepen.

Car Pooling is great for the environment and creates less traffic on Woody Creek Road. Meet 2 hours before each lodge at the base of Woody Creek Road at the west edge of the Woody Creek Tavern parking lot. In the winter, we ask that only 4 wheel drive vehicles make the journey to Lenado. Also, please drive slowly through town. My neighbors have been kind enough to support our cermonies so please honor their request for less traffic and slow speeds.

Arrive at least one hour before entering the lodge. Make tobacco prayer ties and help place tarps on lodge. With a prayer, offer tobacco to the spirit of the fire. Following the lodge we conclude with a potluck feast. Please bring a natural and healthful food offering to share with others. Home prepared dishes are optimal.

Eat lite before lodge. Bring three towels, drinking water or juice and comfortable sweat attire (shorts and a t-shirt, cotton dress, bathing suit, sarong, yoga clothes). Flash lights for evening lodges are very helpful! We share water together in the lodge; try not to overdrink before entering. Place all jewelry on alter and remove shoes before entering lodge.

Help first timers. The stone energy line between the alter and fire should not be crossed while the fire is burning. When entering lodge say "all my relations," which recognizes our connection and offers gratitude to the circle of life. Be silent when around fire and while in lodge, this is sacred space and time to focus intention.

After lodge, help fold tarps and collect belongings. Let us all break bread together, at least for a few minutes before rushing down the road. The food and liquid allows the body and mind to ground, clarify and re-energize.

There is never a set fee for this ceremony though gifts from the heart are welcomed and help close the circle of giving and receiving. We also need help with stones and wood for the lodge, cleaning up the kitchen after meals, shoveling snow in the winter before lodges,....

Ceremony has the ability to create a powerful mirror reflecting the truth of what needs to be seen within one's self. If we are willing to see, feel and know the truth, magic will happen.

In Gratitude, Branden

Directions:

8901 Woody Creek Road, Lenado, Colorado To view a map, please click here
Phone: 970-618-0039

From Glenwood Springs: Take highway 82 east towards Aspen. Pass through the towns of Carbondale and Basalt. Continue on 82 until mile marker 31. Look for a green sign "To Woody Creek Canyon." (It takes about thirty-five to forty minutes on 82 to get this far). Make a left off 82 onto Gerbaz Way. Veer to the right on Upper River Rd. In 2 miles veer left on Woody Creek Rd., also known as CR Rd 18. Follow "Woody Creek" directions.

From Aspen: Take 82 west. 2.8 miles west of the Aspen airport light, turn right at sign marked - to Woody Creek Canyon on Smith Rd. Next turn left on Upper River Rd. Pass post office and Woody Creek Tavern. Take the first right turn passed the Tavern. You are now on Woody Creek Rd. Follow "Woody Creek" directions.

Woody Creek: Stay on Woody Creek Rd. for 8.7 miles, passing through the old mining town of Lenado. Cross the single track bridge and make your first possible left in 150 feet. Mapquest on the web will only direct you to the city of Woody Creek, not to Lenado.

Winter Parking: at 8.4 miles up Woody Creek Rd., begin looking for an airstream trailer on your left. In 100 feet you will see an arch made of saplings. Park on the north side (your left) and walk through the arch, down the path and over the bridge to the sweat lodge.