As I connect more deeply with the medicine of this indigenous practice of my ancestors, I've learned about two types of Temazcals: Guerrero (warrior) and Amoroso (loving).
Unknowingly, the first Temazcal I attended here, in my new city, was a Guerrero
one.
As I entered the familiar dome shape and sat on the ledge that lined the circumference, I felt comforted and grateful that I had found a Temazcal so close to me.
I knew this wasn't a coincidence and that Mother Mary had orchestrated it all.
As all the participants introduced themselves, several who had never attended a Temazcal before shared that they were nervous, but determined to get through it.
Conversely, I felt calm, because I'd attended several Temazcals in Mexico in my previous travels and had experienced a lot of healing.
The wise man leading the
ceremony closed the makeshift door, which was actually a heavy blanket that covered the little entrance.
It went pitch black.
I realized I hadn't been in a totally dark Temazcal before.
In my past experiences, there had always been one or two rays of light illuminating the space.
The
darkness felt crushing and, somehow, made the heat feel more intense.
Suddenly the space felt very small.
My chest tightened.
My breath got very shallow.
I started to feel
light-headed.
I realized I was going into a panic and I needed to get out.
