Alternative Therapies – The Magic of the Island
Along with the Azorean culture, the Portuguese colonizers brought their myths and legends to the Island of Santa Catarina. Stories of witches and magic are common folklore to the people of Florianópolis. Some people here say that they have seen or had contact with one or more of the folkloric characters. It is also said that the Island is one of the 47 strong points of the ring of energy that circulates the earth. For this reason, many people come to Florianópolis in search of those who know how to harness the energies of this “Island of Magic”.
Others come in search of well-being generally through the participation in age-old oriental practices such as yoga and meditation. Santa Catarina Island boasts several good quality yoga, meditation and alternative therapy centers.
1. Temazcal
Temazcal, also called “Sweat logde” or “sweat hut”, is a ceremonial sauna used by Native American peoples. It has a deep spiritual meaning. There we have the presence of the four elements: earth that grounds us, fire heating the stones, water spread over them and steam that represents air. The ritual begins with a great fire where there are stones. One by one the heated stones are carried into the Native Tent. Inside that, people are involved in a profound love and sacred recognition of life and are chanting traditional songs and playing drums. The water steam mixed with medicine herbs perfume contribute to the body´s health in a natural way, opening the skin pores, dilating the blood vessels, giving a deep cleaning. One of the intentions of this exercise is to recognize the past, but live in the present and live in the now so that we can plan a good life for us and the next generations that follow.
Activity time: around 3 hours.
Period: at night
2. Chanupa The Holy Pipe Ceremony – Ancient Ritual
also called “Holy Pipe” or “Petyguá” (in the Guarani language) – an instrument that represents the center of the Red Path Tradition. It is believed that through it we have connection with the divine, with power to bring prayers, intentions and thanks to the “Great Spirit”. That’s why sharing it is a very honored and venerated moment.
At the lightening of the chanupa, even before speaking, we take blessings with the smoke, bringing it up to the head and down to the heart. The smoke is not inhaled because it must go up so pure that our prayer goes with a very clear meaning to the great spirit.
Activity time: around 2 hours.
Period: at afternoon or at night.
3. Visiting a Guarani Native Village (M’Biguaçú)
The M’Biguaçú is a Guarani Brazilian native village. The encounter will give you a closer contact with the Guarani culture, their traditions, handicrafts and their leaders : the chief (cacique) and the medicine man (Pajé). This is a chance to have direct contact with an ancient wisdom.
There will be a talking circle and experience exchanges with the village people and a possibility to take part in traditional healing rituals (Pajelança).
Activity duration: around 3 hours.
Period: afternoon.
4. Working with the Shamanic Drum
They are healing activities related with the connection between people and earth. Sacred rituals leading to a deeper contact with the spirituality and the inner being.
Placed into a “Opy” (pronounced as “opan”) that means Native Praying House, where by means of contact with the four elements, instruments and sacred rituals, and healing process is done.
Some rituals in the activity:
- Working with a drum – the healing animals, soul rescue and another subjects;
- Contact with the sacred;
- Creative visualization exercises.
Activity time: around 4 hours.
Period: in the afternoon or at night (optional)
