Welcome to Shamanics in Portugal´s Journal. Our intention is to remind you our readers, friends and connections we are all part of a much larger, ever evolving community bringing balance between Father Sky and Mother Earth, and within ourselves. Pleased 2016 is almost over? Have you created your vision for 2017 and on?

The Journal is also available on YouTube (http://shamanicsinportugal.com/esj-youtube) 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.

For many November and the first part of December seemed tranquil, though it moved up a notch the re-structuring which is underway. Further challenges being made to the established order, even if many did not like the manner employed and the implication of the changes. These last few weeks and throughout most of 2017 this process is going to accelerate rather than be completed.

Communicating who you are

This current moon is the third and last supermoon, It has a focus on communication so you may be guided to take a long and hard look at how you communicate and the power of your words.

Do you do as you say, or are you all talk and no action?  Do your words to others reflect your TRUE feelings or do you use words that are pleasing to others and not really represent your beliefs/desires/inner-most feelings? Remember to also take a long and deep look inward to your self-talk... are your thoughts nourishing and nurturing to self, or are they hurtful, harmful, angry or downright mean-spirited?

Or perhaps, your thoughts/mental chatter are out of control… yet so vivid it is sometimes difficult to discern what are your thoughts or the thoughts/energy of others?
So it is no surprise a few days after the full moon on the 14th we experience what is known as a Galactic Alignment of the Earth, Sun and centre of our Galaxy in the sign of Sagittarius.

The alignment this year takes place on 18th December. It is supporting us, both individually and collectively to step into our full evolutionary purpose; the grandest version of the greatest vision we have ever held for ourselves.

Creating your future

Then on the 21st there is the solstice. In the Northern hemisphere this is a moment to move into our hearts and connect with the Light within each of us. So providing us with the inner nurturing and regeneration to prepare for our emergence as the days gradually become longer. In the Southern hemisphere it is a moment of joy, celebration, and dance with life.

2016 is one of those rare calendar years when Mercury retrogrades four times, not the usual three. The last retrograde begins on the 19th with a vibration of magical alchemy and uplifting others through joy. It emphasises reflecting on how to bring more fulfilment into your vocation. In particular gaining a great perspective on the last three months and enter this coming period with renewed focus. The retrograde starts in Earth and completes on 8th January 2017 in Fire.

On the 24th Saturn meets the breakthrough planet Uranus. The harmony generated quietens nerves so you can calmly master every opportunity for change, persevere through big and small shifts and feel more in control of every situation that arises. It will help you feel confident in tackling all the demands and changes of life as 2016 and this nine year cycle draws to its close.

The final new moon of 2016 occurs on the 29th, opening the 11 portal into double new beginnings. What you experience now, especially regarding what brings you most fulfilment in your vocation, brings vital insights as to how to take up the reins of your life in 2017!

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One Spirit Work

The first event planned for 2017 is on 18th and 19th February for another 'Discovering the Inner Realms... a Journey into Shamanism': (http://shamanicsinportugal.com/product/a-journey-into-shamanism-discover...). 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 now 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 look on our web site http://www.quintadaluz.org

A copy of our 'All About Air workbook' will be provided free of charge to all who book.

Wondering how to step onto your path? 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.
(More information: http://shamanicsinportugal.com/product/your-vision-quest-in-portugal/ )

A copy of our 'All About Fire workbook' will be provided free of charge to all who book.

Should this date not be convenient and you feel the call to Quest during this first part of 2017, email us at support@shamanicsinportugal.com to indicate dates most convenient for you to Quest. Just include your name, email address and dates. We will then assess numbers for a particular weekend and if convenient, email to confirm the date and to request a booking.

The full list of events is available by visiting this link: Forthcoming Events. For details of further events view our Facebook page.

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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Thought and Contemplation for December -- Lessons

Have you learned lessons only
of those who admired you,
and were tender with you.
and stood aside for you?

Have you not learned great lessons
from those who braced themselves against you,
and disputed the passage with you?

Walt Whitman -- "In Leaves of Grass" 

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Thought for the Coming Year

“It doesn´t take large numbers to change human relationships in any country, even today.
It takes dedication, determination, and a certain amount of faith in the goodness hidden in our hearts.
It takes you.”

Eknath Easwaran -- In Your Life is Your Message

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Portuguese power animal for December
Seagull -- Healing

Seagulls are spiritual messengers that demonstrate a higher communication with guides is taking place. They show how to see above situations with a higher clarity and teach there are many different perspectives to consider... (this item in full is featured in the Earth Spirit Journal which can be obtained at no cost here: http://shamanicsinportugal.com/newsletter/ )

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Pushing beyond your comfort zone

December in 2016 is a 12/3 Universal month. December’s 12:12 code initiates both learning and joy. 12 reduces to the number 3 - self expression and creativity. Coupled with the number 9 for 2016, this unlocks your creative nature and sets the stage for social connections and sharing of feelings – all in a spirit of happiness.

We enter 2017 with the intention to dissolve the cords of past limiting beliefs and open ourselves to a bigger, more powerful future! In 2017 we will harvest what we are planting right now. It will also form the basis for the remaining eight years of the new cycle.

Through 2017 Sagittarius is asking each of us how and where will you expand and grow beyond your limiting beliefs? Beyond that smaller version of you? This period also has a sense of maturing about it as there is an emphasis on finding your ground; standing your ground; committing to your ground/doing so in practical, material, it-actually-impacts-human-life (starting with your) ways.

Finding (or becoming) a teacher weaves in here, as does how does the community function? This will favour the personal/spiritual/purposeful field of growth. Until October 2017 Jupiter is favouring partnerships to achieve this.

December 2016 is a quiescent month with an emphasis on socialising and happiness, enjoying your personal life. However, do not allow yourself to be fooled into ignoring the shifts which are underway. They are not going away, there are going to be few dull moments in 2017!

Over the 31st December and 1st January Fire merges with Spirituality. Your inner soul fire will feel a great urge to merge with everything and everyone. You may feel spiritually stimulated and have a passionate perspective on how your sensual and spiritual nature work hand in hand to birth miracles. This message for 2017 means you are about to birth a new cosmic creation.

Author's Bio: 

Besides creating and running http://creatingharmonyinyourlife.com/ Gregory Reece-Smith, the author of this article, is also one of the three main guides with Shamanics in Portugal alongside Steve and Suze Plenty-Light Elliott. 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