Welcome to Shamanics in Portugal´s Journal. Our intention is to provide our readers, friends and connections with an overview of what is emerging in our much larger, ever evolving community as we bring balance between Father Sky and Mother Earth, and within ourselves.

Very early on the 28th the new moon rose and so the Chinese New Year of the Fire Rooster arrived. It also has Yin energy, so you will need to trust and follow your instincts and intuition. If something feels off, or feels as though it is not right, then this year you will be required to pay attention.

Yin energy is often associated with water and metal, though when put together with fire it has the potential to be extremely destructive, in all aspects of life. When this energy is used effectively, there is no problem that cannot be solved, no intuitive message that is too complex to understand and no dream too big to achieve.

The Journal is also available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SwL9xTAUQQ)so you can listen to it as well as view some of the scenery where our events are held. To further assist you to stay in the flow of what is evolving, we make almost daily posts on our Facebook page.

The rooster has a direct link to Portugal as the legend of the Rooster of Barcelos tells the story of a dead rooster's miraculous intervention in proving the innocence of a pilgrim who had been falsely accused of theft and sentenced to death. (More on this legend can be found on Wikipedia.org.)

The theme of the year of the Fire Rooster is for each of us to reclaim the individual sense of sovereignty that truly governs each and every one of us. Being our own leader, and we have an extra 28 days to live with the Rooster! Meaning this Chinese year comprises 13 lunar cycles rather than the usual 12.

On the same day as the new moon there was an energy boost as Mars moved into its home sign, Aries. This transit provides until 11th March the energy to address all that needs to be done! Its fire energy enabling us to move from the new beginnings you have been contemplating and putting the effort behind, to launch them into creation.

With Mars in Aries, you are going to be feeling inspired and passionate about a plan or project in your life.

It might be seeking a relationship; it could be finding a new job, starting a new business, or simply acknowledging your unique abilities, using them to make your life.

One Spirit Work

The first event planned for 2017 is on 18/19th February for another 'Discovering the Inner Realms...a Journey into Shamanism'. In addition to being introduced to the shamanic experience of ritual, creating sacred space, journeying, meeting your guides, power animals you will have the opportunity to connect to the energies of a medicine wheel, stone circle and a labyrinth. These as well as drumming, rattling and chanting are part of the event. After leaving us, third parties commented on the difference in the energy and expressions of the participants. You can of course spend a few more days at Quinta da Luz soaking up the energies and ambience where the event is held, enjoying the mountain views and gardens. Further details are on our web site: http://www.quintadaluz.org

Wondering where you are heading? A moment to Quest perhaps? The first Vision Quest of 2017 is planned for 23rd to 26th March around the equinox. There will be a half day Introduction to Shamanic Journeying on the morning of 23rd March followed in the afternoon by the Vision Quest.
A copy of our 'All About Fire' workbook will be provided to all who book. Discover more about up-coming events with Shamanics in Portugal,here: http://shamanicsinportugal.com/calendar-of-events-2017/

If you feel the need for deep intense one-on-one coaching, email us at shamanicsinportugal@gmail.com. Skype or similar is available.

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The full moon on 11th February will also be a lunar eclipse, followed on the 26th by a solar eclipse, the same day the new moon appears. Eclipses bring heightened levels of energy within us and in the world around us. In this double eclipse cycle, we are all being urged to allow a fuller expression of our true selves to be visible. More anon in our next edition.

Author's Bio: 

Besides creating and running http://creatingharmonyinyourlife.com/ Gregory Reece-Smith, the author of this article, is also the main guide with Shamanics in Portugal. You can visit the team's facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ShamanicsinPortugal, and their website at http://shamanicsinportugal.com/

Gregory is an experienced transformation facilitator, both within organisations and with individuals. As well as coaching, he conducts workshops at various locations around the world allowing participants to gain experience of how to effect a shift and bring greater clarity in their lives. Gregory´s first book 'The Seven Secrets to Living in Harmony – A Guide to Freeing YOU to Create YOUR Life', was published by Divine Time Books and is currently available via Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/b00reowcry