SEPT. 19 – 21: Nine Faces of Durgā: Radiating the Goddess Through Ritual & Shakti

September 19 – 21, 2025
Salt Spring Centre of Yoga, Salt Spring Island
Begins Friday Afternoon, arrival 3-6pm, includes check in and optional practice
Ends Sunday @ 11:30am


Join Sarada Jagannath and Satya Jehman on the celestial convergence weekend of Navratri, New Moon, Autumn Equinox and a Solar Eclipse – as we enter a powerful threshold of release, balance and renewal.

This retreat is your invitation to meet the goddess not as archetypal symbol, but as a lived presence within you.

Through sacred rituals, embodied practice, and self inquiry – we will explore the Nine Faces of Goddess Durgā (Navdurgās)—each one a powerful reflection of our inner landscape. These divine aspects awaken fierce love, clarity, devotion, fearlessness, courage, and unwavering strength. Together, we will nurture Durgā’s Shakti and allow her to move through us, anchoring her energy in our bodies, hearts, and lives.

Aligned with this celestial time of harvest and shedding, we will ask:

What are we carrying forward with gratitude?

What is ready to be released to make space for new growth?

Through asana, pranayama, mantra chanting, storytelling, and shared rituals, participants will be supported to release fear and unhelpful patterns, and reconnect with their inner power.

You will also receive an Ayurvedic self-cleanse ritual kit and guidance for autumnal fasting and seasonal renewal, offering tangible ways to carry these teachings home.

This retreat is for those ready to honour the goddess within, deepen your connection to your sacred power, and carry this energy into your life.

Come. Root into your power. Let Durgā rise through you—fierce, wise, and unwavering.

This is the tenth retreat in the Living Shakti Series: Bringing the Teachings of the Yogic Deities into Everyday Life.


OUR WEEKEND RETREAT WILL INCLUDE:

– Sri Chakra Yantra Flower Ritual

– Goddess Golden Milk Ritual

– Shakti Self Cleansing Ritual (with take-home Ayurvedic kit)

– Durga Aarti Ritual

– Evening Sauna Ritual

– Daily Goddess-Inspired Asana & Pranayama Practice

– Storytelling, Mantra Chanting, and Self Inquiry

– A peaceful nature setting amid 69 acres of farmland, meadow and forest on stunning Salt Spring Island

– Five delicious and nutritious farm-fresh vegetarian meals

– Onsite accommodation

Please click here for detailed travel info on how to get to our venue.

YOUR FACILITATORS

Satya Amrita Kumari Jehman (Vedic Priestess Temple)

Born into the Vedic lineage, Satya has been living the traditional path of yoga all her life – with a concentrated sadhana over the past 23 years. Her maternal line has been devoted to Goddess Durgā since time immemorial, transmitting an unbroken thread of devotion, protection, and fierce love. This sacred inheritance infuses all she offers — from ceremony and ritual to the embodied wisdom of Shakti.

Satya carries the gift of Agni Hotra and Vedic ritual by the grace of her ancestors from North India. She completed a year-long Yoga Apprenticeship in 2015 (Vijnana Yoga RYT200), and undertook a deep study in jnana yoga (Vedic scripture and self-inquiry) with her teacher in her ancestral homeland amid a trio of winters from 2011–2013. In 2016, she was initiated into the Sidh Kunjika Stotram – the highest call to Maha Shakti (Divine Mother) – further awakening her devotion to the Goddess. She apprenticed in fire ceremony with two of her teachers in North India and has returned to India regularly for the past 16 years to deepen her study and practice.

Learn more about Satya’s offerings:

www.vedicpriestesstemple.com
@vedic_priestess_temple Instagram
@vedicpriestesstemple108 Facebook

Sarada Jagannath (MĀ Wellness & Yoga Co-Owner)

Sarada is a devoted practitioner and lifelong student of the ancient Yogic tradition, embracing both the physical and spiritual aspects of this practice. By profession she is a Counselling Psychologist, Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner, and co-owner of Mā Wellness and Yoga.

Raised in a joint family in South India, she was deeply influenced by the wisdom of her grandfather, a respected Ayurvedic doctor, who imparted a deep understanding of holistic health and wellness from an early age, shaping her lifelong commitment to balanced living.

Sarada has cultivated a profound connection to the spiritual and healing arts from stories and rituals shared by her grandmother and great-grandmother. From childhood, the annual celebration of Navratri was a time of deep reverence and joy. Sarada fondly recalls the vibrant community gatherings, prayers, rituals, celebrations, Prasadam (blessed food) that marked the festival, reinforcing her devotion to Goddess Durgā. This festival, steeped in the worship of divine energy and transformation, has been a cornerstone of her spiritual journey, fostering a lifelong devotion to the goddess and the yogic pat

Sharing this ancient wisdom, rituals and devotion with the community and to honour the teachings of her ancestors in a way that blends traditions with modern life without losing its essence, is her passion.

Learn more about Sarada’s offerings here:
www.mawellnessandyoga.ca
@eightfoldsarada (Instagram)
@mawellnessandyoga (Facebook)

ENERGY EXCHANGE:

Private Single Room (with ensuite) – $1250 Early Bird Rate, $1400 Regular Rate *SOLD OUT

Private Single Room (with shared bathroom) – $1100 Early Bird Rate, $1250 Regular Rate

Shared Room with 1 or 2 others (with shared bathroom) – $950 Early Bird Rate, $1100 Regular Rate

Commuter – $500 Early Bird Rate, $650 Regular Rate (includes meals: Friday dinner – Sunday breakfast + Saturday night sauna)


*EARLY BIRD ENDS JUNE 30, 2025

*REGISTRATION CLOSES AUGUST 31, 2025


*Retreat pricing includes all meals, onsite accommodation, shakti self-cleansing take-home ritual kit, Saturday evening sauna, and all rituals and programming with two skilled facilitators.


For questions please contact satya@vedicpriestesstemple.com

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER WITH MĀ YOGA

“Warmest congratulations on a wonderful retreat filled with rich teachings, beautiful yoga and delicious food. The day just could not have been better. I appreciated the depth of planning to deliver a powerful, meaningful and memorable retreat. Sharing your unique perspective on the teachings, their meanings, and how they relate to our daily challenges personally and globally was invaluable. You are wonderful teachers.” – Elaine H, Past Durgā Retreat Participant

“I appreciated everything from the variation of activities, to the lunch, to the sacred space that was created. I most appreciated it was culturally/spiritually authentic. Your knowledge, study and lineage was important to me, to attend.” – Leila R, Past Multiple Living Shakti Retreats Participant

“I LOVED the retreat. I so appreciate your retreats and each seems to come at the perfect time for me. I appreciate the richness of your ancestral tradition that you share with us. I love the ceremony, the learning about the deity, and the opportunity to reflect. And the venue and the lunch were perfect!” ~ Lesley G, Past Multiple Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“This retreat made me feel so welcomed, cherished, and invited to surrender to the energies of the Goddess and the practices to honour her, the land, the cosmos and the people around us. I am very grateful to you Satya, for sharing this wisdom. Thanks again for the beautiful day we shared. I will carry the teachings and energies of the retreat in my cells forever more. And I look forward to attending more retreats and events with you two, as you are amazing facilitators and guides.” – Rachel M, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“I appreciated that the retreat was held with devotion, and deep respect. The teachings were shared with beauty and integrity, and this really touched my heart. I appreciated the deepening of my relationship with this beautiful deity Ganesh, and also opening up dreamscape to more guidance. The mantras continue to be resounding and have become part of my morning practice.” ~ Elisha A, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“I very much appreciated the depth of learning and the connection of ritual and ceremony to learning about the Goddess, and then also practicing asana. I had some great ’a-ha’ moments. I was very moved by the inclusion of your own lineage in the ceremony, Satya. It’s an incredible gift. I’m very much looking forward to the next retreat!” – Christie R, Past Multiple Living Shakti Retreats Participant

“I loved the whole retreat! The highlight was the knowledge that you shared. I have never met anyone as well versed in Vedic history/culture/ceremony. So much fun to be a part of this.” ~ Heidi S, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“Thank you for sharing the wisdom/traditions of your lineage, Satya. I appreciated the chance to participate in a ritual that is outside my culture and spiritual background. I appreciated the sense of sacred community and sharing, the joining of voices in chanting – and the beautiful space, and our wonderful facilitators. The food, chai and sweets were lovely – as well as the beauty of the altar! – Shawna K, Past Durgā Retreat Participant

“I loved the retreat. You both did an excellent job. You both expressed your vast knowledge very clearly. Your love and effort put into the day was very obvious. I love having the handout to refer back to. It was really cool to be part of the fire ceremony. I was awestruck watching Satya chant. I loved sitting by the fire and offering. You both are amazing and please keep doing what you’re doing.” – Kim M, Past Durgā Retreat Participant

“Coming together in circle was one of the most impactful things about the retreat. The time to share considerations from the carefully crafted questions and be in ritual together. I really appreciated and felt Satya’s direct lineage to the teachings she shared. Hanna and Satya created a strong and at the same time gentle presence. The food was delicious!” – Tali H, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“I appreciated the skilled, confident and present guidance of Satya and Hanna, the beautiful space and setting of the farm, and the delicious food. There was a nice balance of inner exploration (pratyahara), both in the asana class and workshop, with group interaction. Overall this felt very balanced and nourishing.” – Agi M, Past Multiple Living Shakti Retreats Participant

“I appreciated the sacred manner and the reverence in which the retreat was held.” ~ Anne R, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“I appreciated so much about the experience but I think that the pure loving presence you bring is what shines brightest.” – Shawna K, Past Durgā Retreat Participant

“Thank you both for the beautiful day. The heartfelt practices and ceremony that you both shared continues to resonate with me. I appreciated the professionalism and organization of your offering. You both seemed well prepared, and had in-depth knowledge of the practices and ceremony you offered. You were both welcoming and I felt safe in your space. I loved how a place in the room was set up for each student. It felt like an invitation to be part of the community.” ~ Sandy D, Past Durgā Retreat Participant

“I appreciated the sincerity and authenticity of the day and it was definitely a spiritual experience that has stayed with me in really beautiful ways.” ~ Jillian R, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“Thank you so much for the incredible ceremony and space holding you offered us. I had a real feeling of coming home, and I’m so grateful for that. I cannot remember the last time I attended a puja – a *real* puja, not some white-colonizer thing calling itself a puja. It’s definitely been over 20 years. I am in awe that this space was queer, feminist, and still deeply rooted in the Vedanta traditions I know and love. The physical space was one of the most sacred and love filled spaces I have been in. And it was only an hour away from home.” ~ Mel C, Past Multiple Living Shakti Retreats Participant

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT GODDESS DURGA, RITUAL OR SHAKTI. IS THIS GATHERING SUITABLE FOR ME?Yes, this gathering is suitable for those new to Goddess Durgā, ritual and shakti, as you will learn a lot about all of this through many practices we will engage in.
All are welcome, including yogis and yoginis, yoga teachers and healing practitioners, those new to yoga, lovers of Indian culture and tradition, those interested in traditional yoga, etc.

I HAVEN’T DONE MUCH YOGA. IS THIS RETREAT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?Yes, the asanas (physical postures of Yoga) we will be doing are suitable for both beginners and experienced folks, and modifications will be included.

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN FOOD?Salt Spring Centre of Yoga will serve delicious meals (vegetarian) from Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast. If you wish to pack further snacks, you are welcome to.

HOW DO I GET TO THE VENUE?Please go to this page to learn about travel options including ferry and seaplane. Travel options to the Centre once you are on island, can also be found on this page.

ARE ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDED?If you have booked to stay onsite, accommodation is included in your rate.

CAN I ATTEND AS A COMMUTER?
Yes you may attend as a commuter, which includes all meals, Saturday evening sauna, and your take-home self cleansing ritual kit.

DO YOU HAVE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE OF THE WEEKEND?The schedule will include plenty of yogic practice, storytelling, workshop, contemplation, and lots of ritual – as well breaks to be in nature and integrate. We will have engaged discussions, chant mantra, and enjoy delicious farm-fresh meals.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
Full refund minus a $50 admin fee until July 31, 2025
50% refund, minus $50 admin fee August 1 – 18, 2025
​Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds after August 19, 2025.
Nor can tickets be transferred to another person after August 19, 2025.

For questions please contact satya@vedicpriestesstemple.com

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"I offer this space from my heart with utmost respect and reverence to my ancestors, to You, to the Divine, and to the Self (Pure Awareness). For the greater good of the Whole. ॐ"
~ Satya ~