We are excited to welcome Hugo Pájaro, a humble warrior of the Red Road and dedicated Sun Dancer, to share his Mexica Native American traditions with us.
As the main singer for the Sun Dance and a leader of Lakota-style Sweat Lodges, Hugo brings powerful ancestral wisdom and a deep connection to ceremony.
Pájaro will guide us through a traditional Lakota-style Sweat Lodge and Singing Circles, where he’ll teach sacred songs from his tradition. This is a rare opportunity to experience authentic Native American spirituality.
Join us for this transformative weekend—spaces are limited!
The Lakota sweat lodge, or Inipi ceremony, is a powerful and ancient purification ritual deeply rooted in the traditions of the Lakota people. It is designed to bring participants closer to the Creator, purify the body and spirit, and foster a sense of spiritual renewal. The sweat lodge itself is a dome-shaped structure made of natural materials such as willow branches and covered with blankets or hides, symbolizing the womb of Mother Earth. Inside the lodge, participants gather in a sacred circle around a pit in which heated stones, known as "grandfathers," are placed. These stones are heated in an outdoor fire and brought into the lodge to generate steam when water is poured over them.
The ceremony is led by a spiritual leader, or roadman, who guides participants through prayers, songs, and teachings throughout the various rounds or "doors" of the lodge. Each round typically represents one of the Four Directions—north, south, east, and west—and carries a specific spiritual significance. As the lodge fills with steam, participants are encouraged to sweat out physical, mental, and emotional toxins, letting go of negativity and inviting healing energy. The intense heat and darkness are seen as tools for surrender and introspection, allowing participants to confront their inner selves and connect with the spirits of their ancestors.
Central to the Lakota tradition, the sweat lodge is more than just a physical cleansing; it is a sacred ceremony for spiritual growth, prayer, and connection to the natural world. The lodge embodies the values of humility, sacrifice, and the importance of community, as participants share the experience in unity. For the Lakota, the Inipi is a path to rebalance one’s relationship with the earth, the elements, and the Creator, offering profound healing and insight.