What is Terra Mirim?
A movement born from a great inspiration whispered by Grandfather Air in the ears of XamAM, the Priestess and Psychologist Alba Maria when she was sitting at the temple of Mother Earth raising her prayers of love and devotion to the Goddess.
​
If for some reason you were to be driving up the BA 093 in Bahia, Brazil, between Simões Filho and Camaçari and you weren’t looking for Terra Mirim you could well miss the fact that you were driving past what is, for 100’s of people from all over the world, the heart of their spiritual tribe. Its entrance is discreet, tucked away from the roadside, yet once you enter through these gates you are really stepping through a portal. Terra Mirim is so much more than just a spiritual community steeped in Shamanic roots. Inside these gates is a world of profound nature, of community living, of healing, of refuge, of education, of outreach, of ritual and so much more.
Background
Terra Mirim was established in the early 1990s by Brazilian Shaman and Psychologist Alba Maria or, as she is more recently called by her devoted tribe and community, “XamAM”, and a handful of her followers. Many of her followers are still there, now the elders of the tribe, affectionately and respectfully known as the lemongrass generation (based on how much lemongrass was growing in those first years). The 2.5 hectare (6 acre) plot of land that was originally an old waterlogged farm soon began to transform into the magical and powerful place it is today.
Nestled on the edge of the Atlantic Forest with its incredible biodiversity and ecological importance, it has developed into a source of both connection with nature and spiritual guidance. Residing within an area of big industry and just 10 minutes from one of the most violent and poor cities in Brazil, its location gives rise to an abundance of challenges and opportunities.
Mother Goddess
As a foundation Terra Mirim has, for years, held outreach projects working with the marginalised local communities, politicians and even the police, providing support and education. As a healing centre, its doors are always open to anyone from anywhere in the world who seeks to deepen their connection with life, nature and themselves through the ever-loving and firm guidance of XamAM. Working within the lineage of the Mother Goddess and with nature, the shamanic tools and medicines and the growing tribe of healers and Shamans within, guests are given everything they need to support their next steps in life. Providing delicious vegetarian food, accommodation, support and guidance, its doors are always open.
Residents
For the majority of the 30 + people that are permanent residents here, theirs is a life of service. Many came for their own healing through their own struggles and never left. Together they are constantly strengthening the web of connection and the sense of tribe and community that underpins the very essence of Terra Mirim. The togetherness, strength and love of this tribe can be really seen during the two months, ‘Shaman School’ training that XamAM holds during November and December of every year. Here for two months, Terra Mirim hosts 40 students, trainee healers and Shamans from across the globe. They come together under the guidance of XamAM and her team of apprentices for an incredibly intensive and deep shamanic healing journey.
Centre of Light
The entrance sign at Terra Mirim says ‘A Centre of Light’. This is exactly what Terra Mirim offers. Many of the students of XamAM are now holding their own healing works, sharing and spreading this light to the thousands of people all over the world. Year by year the tribe is growing and strengthening, sharing love, raising consciousness, educating about the importance of changing our relationship with the earth, of healing ourselves and each other.
Terra Mirim is a movement and the movement needs your support!
Time to ritualise daily life, praying, meditating and understanding that this experience is a continuity of the experience of living on this planet
Alba Maria