Shamanic Journey Circle

January Shamanic Journeying Circle: Abundance, Protection and connecting with Ancestors (Chinese New Year)

Many Celebrations happen during this time of year amongst many cultures. It is the Chinese New Year also known as the "Lunar New year" or "Spring Festival". January 25th in the Year of the Rat.

Imbolc also known as "Brigids day" (Celtic Goddess) is celebrated on February 1st in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man is  also a related festival marking the beginning of spring.

The month of February is also the time when the Mongolian culture celebrates its New Year.

This Friday we will be focusing on the Chinese Celebration of the Lunar New Year.

We will all make and receive an hongbao: (a traditional Chinese gift of money presented in a red envelop)

As red is the color of luck, energy, and brightness in Chinese tradition, and it is also believed to protect against evil. By giving the money to children, elders are hoping to pass on a year of good fortune and blessings. Another version is given by the younger generation to their elders as a blessing of longevity and a show of gratitude. The lucky money tradition began in the Han dynasty. Rather than real money, they were small collectibles in the form of coins to ward off evil spirits. Auspicious phrases and symbols were engraved onto the surface. “Worldwide peace” (天下太平—tiān xià tài píng), “Longevity and fortune” (千秋万岁—qiān qiū wàn suì), dragons and phoenixes were common.

Many Rituals take place during the celebration of the Spring Festival in China. We will discuss these powerful traditions as well as going into Chinese Shamanism. A Chinese Shaman is known as a "WU".

Going on Two Journeys: The first being the intention of abundance or world wide peace and how we can bring that into our lives and others. The second will be to connect with ancestors to protect and guide you warding off any evil.

Shamanic Facilitator: Ashley Elizabeth Willis What to bring: Blanket, something to Journal with, Pillow Cost: $20 (Pre-requisite is that you have journeyed with Ashley Before and have retrieved your power animal, if not message Spirit of Ash and can work around if need be)