The Temazcal ceremonies are an important part of our tours to the shamans of Mexico.
What is a Temazcal?
Temazcal is a traditional indigenous sweat lodge and a vital part of the culture of the Native American peoples. It is one of the ancient shamanic rituals that has been used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico for thousands of years. In the ancient Nahuatl language, Temazcal translates to «House of Steam.»
Since ancient times, the peoples of Mexico who practice shamanism have used the Temazcal for cleansing the body and spirit, healing, and even for childbirth. To this day, Temazcal practices are still widely used in different parts of Mexico.
Outwardly, a Temazcal is a clay or stone structure in a round shape with a single low entrance.
Inside, it’s impossible to stand upright. During the ceremony, participants sit (or sometimes lie down) in a circle, leaving the center of the space free. The heat is generated by volcanic stones heated in a fire, which are placed in the center. The shaman leading the Temazcal ceremony pours water over the hot stones, often mixed with various local medicinal herbs that give the steam a distinctive aroma.
The volcanic stones are typically brought in four times, dividing the ritual into four parts corresponding to the four cardinal directions. Sometimes, two additional directions are added: sky and earth. These directions are closely linked to the cosmology of the Nahuatl people. Each direction is associated with specific aspects of life, and each shaman – a master of the Temazcal – describes them in their own way, based on their vision of the world and understanding of its laws.
Currently, there are many tourist programs that include visiting a sweat lodge as part of exploring indigenous culture. However, Temazcal ceremonies with authentic Mexican shamans are vastly different from their tourist counterparts. Temazcal is not just a steam bath; the ceremony carries much deeper meaning.
For indigenous people, the Temazcal symbolizes the womb of the Earth, a place of purification and rebirth, a return to one’s true self. The ceremony is divided into four stages, each connected to one of the four cardinal directions:
- South;
- West;
- North;
- East;
Additionally, the ritual of lighting and maintaining the fire before the Temazcal begins is a significant ceremony conducted by the shaman, with other participants also involved. The volcanic stones must be arranged among the wood in such a way that the stones absorb as much heat from the fire as possible.
The unique atmosphere of darkness and heat, the air filled with the scents of herbs, the shaman’s songs, and their intention – all of this allows you to enter an altered state of consciousness through relaxation and contemplation. You dive into memories from early childhood and may even relive the moment of your birth. You recall your ancestors, including those long gone, and feel a connection to them, giving you a special sense of strength and wholeness. You emerge from the experience peaceful and filled with quiet joy.
During our tours in Mexico, we dedicate one or two days between peyote ceremonies to the Temazcal. The combination of ancient shamanic practices yields particularly powerful results.
However, it’s important to note that these are always separate ceremonies. Many inauthentic practitioners mix different shamanic traditions into one ritual, combining peyote, Temazcal, Ayahuasca, mushrooms, etc. This is incorrect and can have an adverse effect on the participant.
