Gateway Lodge

Using the worldwide concept of the sweat lodge, which is, practiced the world over by many different cultures in North America, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Australia, and Iceland. I decided to make my own version not wanting to blaspheme tradition by doing it wrong. I decided not to make it a sweat, but to make it a quiet space somewhere I could go to get away from the hectic path of life, for some me time. Using the English tradition of fedging (live willow fencing) and historically in Neolithic times willows were used to make the walls of houses.
I have made my lodge by weaving live willows in a textile fashion and bringing them together at the top to create an enclosure making a doorway to the east.

Willows are cheap and easy to establish and maintain, needing no fertiliser or other input. They build fertility in poor and depleted soil and are great value to birds, insects and other wildlife. They provide a sustainable source of material for a wide variety of uses. Used as a diving rod for finding water, the bark, produces a component of the drug aspirin and has been used for its pain relieving qualities for at least 2000yrs. The bark can also be used for tanning animal hides as it contains tannin.

The willow is the tree of enchantment, sacred to the Moon and the Goddess in her aspect of death leading to spiritual rebirth. It has powerful feminine ‘yin’ energy and helps a person to get in touch with their subconscious feelings and desires.

It is believed that in the past every living person could connect with Spirit, the Creator, God, or whatever name you feel represents the Infinite Power.
Since this link was broken, Medicine people, healers and Shamans have kept the connection alive. The Sweat Lodge has been passed down through generations as a doorway to this ancient birthright and a way home to the heart of Spirit