A Temezcal the Yucatan

This year, as in previous years, we experienced a Mayan sweat lodge or Temezcal during our Goddess week in the Yucatan.  Temezcal is an ancient ceremony of cleansing and rebirth that is practiced in many cultures.  

Six of us traveled to a beautiful Temezcal north of Puerto Morelos.  A Temezcal is a domed structure with a dirt floor which symbolizes the “womb.” It is circular - with a fire pit in the center.  Outside a large fire is heating the rocks that will be taken into the Temezcal at four intervals called “doors,” each "door" is symbolic of one of the four directions.

The Temezcal is led by a Shaman or holy person who guides the ceremony.  Dressed in bathing suits, we gathered around the fire as the Shaman explains the ceremony and symbolism.  As the Temezcal begins, the Shaman describes the many faces we wear in our lives (parent , child, partner, professional).  Next  a bowl of mud is passed around the circle and we were invited to put some on our face to symbolize the many faces we wear.  We then went to a nearby waterfall and washed off the mud and returned prepared to enter the ceremony stripped of all our masks and pretenses - as our true and authentic selves.  Next we were cleansed with frankincense and entered the Temezcal through a low door on our hands and knees to sit in a circle around the fire pit. 

The Shaman continued to lead the ceremony and introduced the first round of rocks.  The door to the Temezcal was closed leaving us in total darkness and silence… thus creating the “womb.”  As we were led in prayers, songs and sharing, water was poured over the hot rocks increasing the heat and steam.  

At the end of each section the door of the Temezcal is opened and more hot rocks are brought in to further increase the heat.  Note:  Participants are  free to leave at each “door” (if one chooses to leave, they cannot return).

The ceremony concluded when we left the Temezcal on our hands and knees symbolizing rebirth,   and returned to the waterfall to wash off and dress for the trip back to Puerto Morelos.  An offering of refreshing native fruits and juices were provided to aid in our rehydration.  

Temezcal is an amazing experience - humbling, cleansing, spiritual, inspirational and transformational - different for each person and different each time one enters a Temezcal -it filled me with a deep, humble respect and love for all those with whom I shared this unique spiritual exercise.  I look forward to returning to the Temezcal on our March 9-10, 2012 Goddess trip with another group of incredible women travelers.

Posted by:  Connie Delgado, Goddess Travel Planner and Guide