16 Day Embodying Devi Yoga and Dance of Tantric Goddesses Women's Retreat in Khajuraho, India

Yoga and dance are ancient spiritual paths to self-realization, to live in wholeness and access your innate wisdom and happiness. There is a natural synergy between the two disciplines. Throughout history, they have endlessly inspired and influenced the other, ultimately they are one. The practices and studies in this eleven-day immersion into Goddess are based on the teachings of non-dual Tantra of Shiva/Shakti and the Indian classical dance of the Bharata Natyam style of the Thanjavur lineage.

You will explore the different aspects of Devi Shakti (energy or power) through Goddesses: Kali, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati, exploring sculpture-like posture, fluid asana, and dance movement, pranayama, mudra, mantras, mythology, symbolism, signature qualities of each goddess, meditation, and yantra. Each day, you will explore a meditation, allowing you to relax into your inner world of self-discovery and the magic of time spent in India. You will learn within an actual temple goddess mythology and symbolism and the wisdom tools that she offers you and your life path.

You will do so in historic Dehli and at ancient goddess worship sites and temples throughout the region of the state of Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India. Visiting circular yogini and secret forest temples and ancient places of goddess practices at the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho, the legendary for Tantric worship. 'Woman is the basis of the world, the universe is her form' by Shaktisangama Tantra (II.52).

You will learn:

• What is Devi Shakti
• How Devi works in your lives and cosmos
• Five forms of Devi and their inner functions
• Introduction to the most important ancient texts on Shakti
• Visions of different yoga philosophies in relation to Shakti
• Mantras, mudras, yantra, and pranayama to align and invoke Shakti, as tools for healing and transformation
• Devotional dance and asanas to awaken and embody Devi which can release tension or trauma
• Meditations and contemplations that allow you to access, energize, and release your inner Shakti

These practices will reveal sacred powers within you to:

• Heal, transform, and activate your inner power
• Balance and awaken the different faces of Devi within and how to recognize Shakti's signature energies within yourself
• Shift the feeling of physical and mental exhaustion to the feeling of happiness, energy, and balance
• Incorporate ancient feminine wisdom into your daily life
• Develop self-confidence and empowerment in various areas of your life

For lunches, this is left open for everyone to sample what foods call to you and to have some food selection autonomy. The budget is about 5 to 10 USD a day. All drinking water costs about five cents a liter. All water must be treated.

Your two-hour Ayurveda treatment is personal royal care that all goddesses deserve: Abhyangam, Shirodhara, Potli massage, synchronize massage, steam bath, and shower with the herbal scrub.

• 15 nights accommodation
• Daily Devi yoga (goddess-based Hatha yoga)
• Daily meditation
• 8 days dance instruction (devotional Indian dance of five goddesses)
• National Museum visit (private lecture with preeminent Shakti scholar)
• 2 hours of Ayurveda treatment
• Shopping (Barter at Indian bazaars for colorful treasures)
• All transport (Airport pick-ups, tuk-tuks, taxis, and trains)
• Daily traditional Indian breakfast and dinner
• Mythology and symbolism
• Visit two yogini temples (practice in two yogini temples, connecting with your ancient yogini sisters and the power of these places)
• All entry fees into various sites that you will be visiting
• Professional dance show (Bharatanatyam performance by Ganga Devi)
• Closing ceremony at a special yogini temple location
• Visit the Taj Mahal
• Free Goddess Gift bag- full of surprise adornments
• Trip preparation information (once you are signed up, you will receive detailed information on how to prepare for this transformational journey)
• Loving guidance (with care and ongoing assistance, Ashram of Arts will help you along as you prepare to come to India including the flight recommendations and any help needed applying for your e-visa and throughout the pilgrimage)

• E-visa for India
• Details on how to do so will be sent out to each registrant
• Airfare to and from India (each person must arrange their own flights to and from India)
• Entry points and recommended departure airports will be recommended
• Lunches
• Bottle water
• Travel insurance
• Souvenirs (goodies for yourself, friends, and family)
• Any extra baggage fees

• A reservation requires a deposit of 18% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.