The GIRA RETREAT is a ceremonial way to receive the Axé energy of the forces of Nature called Orishas. Every gathering irradiates a specific energy of goodness that fills up our hearts.
It could be understood as any devotional practice where specific chants and elements bring a positive quality of the divine like: love, harmony, prosperity, etc. The energy arrives in a non-dogmatic-universal-archetypal way to allow the participant to vibrate those qualities according to their own connection with the Divine Source.
Everyone is welcome to receive those qualities through chants, drum beats, body expression, herbal blessings, and sacred instruments that anchors the Axé energy.
The only request is to follow our CODE OF CONDUCT.
Our Gira retreat is conducted through a fusion of ceremonial practices based in an eclectic spiritualistic approach of the Brazilian UMBANDA.
Those who choose to deepen their knowledge and receive a personal empathic orientation can choose to partake later in our MENTORSHIP.
WELCOME TO THE ORISHA GIRA RETREAT
3 LINES GIRA: WHITE, FOREST & LEFT LINE
We open our first Gira retreat in May with the Forest Line of OSHOSSI honoring mother Nature, the indigenous people, the shamanic knowlodge, and our main Spiritual Guide Caboclo Tupinambá.
We open the White Line of OSHALA to bring the sacredness of all Orishas and colors in harmony with the divine. The grounding and protection of the Left Line of ESHU comes, after the Sun comes down, to bless the beginning of our prayers.
BRING TO THE GIRA RETREAT
basil, flowers & sacred tobacco
The first day of our Water Line Gira retreat in July, with the watery drum beat Ijexá, we honor the unconditional love of the feminine forces of Mother Nature.
The Water Line holds the Axé energy of the queen of the sea YEMANJÁ, the fresh water of OSHUN, and the rainbow snake OSHUMARE.
On the second day, all participants receive a deep individual water blessing at a beautiful beach, the power place of Yemanjá. Also, everyone will connect with their inner child with a joyful prayer for the Eres Guides.
BRING TO THE GIRA RETREAT
flowers & toys
WATER LINE & WATER BLESSING
Our third Gira retreat in September is conduced by strong drum beats to bless us with the warm energy of the warriors. We will all be praying to open our paths and to remove all demanda (bad energy). The Warriors Line carries the Axé of OGUN, OYA & SHANGO.
On the second day, all participants will receive an individual ancestral healing Blessing from the Preto-Velho & Preta-Velha Guides.
The Healers Line brings the Axé of OBALUAE & NANAN.
Also, the Line works with the Almas (departed souls).
BRING TO THE GIRA RETREAT
herbs & sacred tobacco
WARRIOR LINE & HEALER LINE BLESSING
The oneness with the Orishas and Spiritual Light Guides, through the waves of the Axé energy, requires a pristine alignment with ones body and soul.
The preparation time comes with the 3 day routine of self-communion and discipline.
The self-communion is a set of healthy practices that guide you into a quiet state of mind with the purpose to listen to the instructions of the Spiritual Guides. It includes: herbal showers, energetic awareness, meditation, mild body practices, dance, breath exercises, silence, prayer with the altar, smudging, spending time in the woods, listen to the Gira songs, read Gira Songbook, read the ORISHAS & UMBANDA CONCEPTS and revisit the CODE OF CONDUCT.
The discipline is the sacred work of maintaining a distance from activities that could bring energetic susceptibility. It is fundamental to abstain from alcohol, abstain from sexual activities, abstain from the consumption of meat. You are welcome to add any other element to your discipline, for instance, abstain from internet use.
It is fundamental to take a Basil Axé Shower In the day of the Gira ceremonial retreat or the night before.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE GIRA
.. Wear all white clothes;
.. All Guia Necklaces (if you already received one);
.. Amaci head wrap (if you received one);
.. Personal objects to be charged on the Altar;
.. Flowers, herbs, fruits and offerings to the Altar according the Orisha's day;
ALSO:
> FIREWOOD: we appreciate if you can contribute to our sacred fire;
> YOUR LOVELY NEST: [2 feet wide because limited space] to feel comfortable and warm: blankets, pillows, things to sit on (like mattress pad or yoga met);
> EXTRA LAYERS OF WARM CLOTHES & BEDDING: night-time could be YES VERY COLD in the Forest! Please bring EXTRA comfortable layers of warm clothes, rain gear, and blankets;
> EXTRA CLOTHES: just in case you need it;
> BUCKET: very important [SMALLER than 5gal];
> LIGHTS: it is very important to bring headlamp or flashlight because we have limited light coverage.
> DRINKABLE WATER: we recommend to bring water. Our water is fine because it comes from a well, but sometimes we can experience algae in the water;
> FOOD: please bring food for the morning and, if it is possible, some extra for our potluck. Hopefully an angel brings soup!
> FOOD STORAGE: bring a cooler to store and protect your food from the animals. If you would prefer, you can bring ice because we don't have a fridge available;
> FOOD UTENSILS: bring your own utensils (bowl, silver, cup, plate, etc).
> GARBAGE: bring your own bag and pack out ALL your garbage. DON'T leave buckets or anything behind. You can dispose of food compost anywhere off trail in the woods.
GIRA RETREAT PREPARATION
