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 in general through the participation in age-old oriental practices such as Yoga and meditation. Santa Catarina Island boasts of several good quality yoga, meditation and alternative therapy centers.
Shamanic Week Program
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 ground 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 involved into a profound love and sacred recognition of life are chanting traditional songs and playing drums. The water steam mixed with medicine herbs perfume contribute to the body health in a natural way, opening the skin pores, dilating the blood vessels, giving a deep organism cleaning. One of the intentions is the past rescue and be here and now living so that we can plan a good life to us and for the next generations.
Activity time: around 3 hours.
Period: at night
2. Chanupa - The Holy Pipe Ceremony - Ancient Ritual
The Chanupa - 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 up to the head and down to the heart. The smoke is not inhaled because it must go up so pure that our prayer go 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 a closer contact with the Guarani culture, their traditions, handicrafts and their leaders : the chief (cacique) and the medicine man (Pajé). This is a real possibility to have a direct contact with an ancient wisdom.
There will be a talking circle and experience exchanges with the village people and a possibility to have 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 the contact with the four elements, instruments and sacred rituals, a healing process is done.
Some rituals into the activity:
- Working with drum - the healing animals, soul rescue and another subjects;
- Contact with the sacred;
- Creative visualization exercises.
Activity time: around 4 hours.
Period: at afternoon or at night (optional)