Saturday, September 16, 10am – 2pm Dharti Mata Centre Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC
We will gather on the traditional unceded territory of the Stz’uminus and Snuneymuxw People, to explore and discover ancient yogic practices from India to invoke Ganesh’s blessings.
Join Satya (Vedic Priestess Temple) during New Moon and Ganesh Chaturthi (annual Ganesh festival to mark his birthday), for a half day of traditional yogic practice, workshop, storytelling and ceremony.
Ganesh is the remover of obstacles, clearer of the path – and he is invoked during new beginnings. He supports us to clear away old belief systems and patterns, and helps us to face our fears – bringing us back to connection, love, unity, and the bliss of our true nature.
Ganesh is also the power of wisdom, bestower of fulfillment, prosperity, inner peace, and protection against adversity.
We will learn traditional practices and inquiry techniques that tune us into his gifts, while supporting us to remove the obstacles that prevent us from deepening into our truest selves, and honouring our underlying union with each other.
Dharti Mata Centre is located on 5.5 acres in a natural forest and farmland setting on the outskirts of Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, BC. It is a beautiful, hand sculpted, sacred earthen centre based on yogic principles.
A delicious three-course Traditional Indian lunch will be served by Dharti Mata Centre. All are welcome.
*There will be an optional swim in the on-site pool afterwards (weather dependent). There are also walking trails and a river nearby.
This is the fifth offering in the Living Shakti Series: Bringing the Teachings of the Yogic Deities into Daily Life. Learn more about this series here.
**Note: This is not a training for yoga teachers. Rather, it’s an offering for personal interest, practice and growth. (E-mail Satya if you are interested in a Roots of Yoga Training for Teachers.)
Born into the Vedic lineage, Satya has been living the traditional path of yoga all her life – with a more concentrated practice over the last 21 years. Satya carries the gift of fire ceremony and ritual by the grace of her ancestors. She completed a year-long Yoga Apprenticeship in 2015 (Vijnana Yoga RYT200), and a deep dive study into jnana yoga (Vedic scripture study/self inquiry) with her teacher in her ancestral homeland of India amid a trio of winters from 2011-2013. While there in 2016, Satya was initiated into the Sidh Kunjika Stotram – the highest call to Maha Shakti (Divine Mother). She has been furthering her yogic studies in India with regular trips there for the past 14 years.
Satya is a facilitator of Retreats, Workshops, Ceremony, Ritual & One-on-One Guide on Salt Spring Island and surrounding communities, in India – as well as online. She offers from the deepest place in her with utmost respect and reverence to her ancestors, to You, to the Divine, and to the Self.
*Rate includes a three-course traditional Indian meal with chai and dessert. *Two 50% scholarship spots are available for BIPOC folks experiencing financial barriers. Please contact Satya to arrange.
THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULL E-MAIL SATYA TO ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITLIST
0“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
1“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
2“Warmest thanks for a truly transformative, inspirational, and motivational experience!”
– Lois H
3“I appreciated the depth of the teachings, the excellent facilitation and the interactive components of the day. Sharing in circle was wonderful, the food and chai was great, and I met some wonderful new friends. The fire ceremony was the highlight for me – having you lead us as a lineage holder felt so important. The fire ceremony and the chanting felt deeply ancestral and like “home” to me. I appreciated the way that everyone had the chance to provide offerings. I also really loved the storytime component! It was so nice to deeply rest after eating. It was all really well paced and planned. Deep gratitude for a wonderful and special day!!!”
~ Emmy C
4“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
5“I appreciated so much about the experience but I think that the pure loving presence you bring is what shines brightest.”
– Shawna K
6“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
7“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
8“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
9“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
10“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
11“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
12“I appreciated the sacred manner and the reverence in which the retreat was held.”
~ Anne R
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT GANESH OR THE ROOTS OF YOGA. IS THIS GATHERING SUITABLE FOR ME?
Yes, this gathering is suitable to those new to Ganesh and the roots of yoga. All are welcome, including yogis and yoginis, yoga teachers and healing practitioners, those new to yoga, lovers of Indian culture and tradition, etc.
DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN FOOD?
Dharti Mata Centre will serve a delicious three-course traditional Indian lunch complete with chai and dessert. You may want to bring snacks for the breaks.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
Full refund minus a $35 admin fee until August 26.
50 % refund, minus $35 admin fee August 27 – August 31.
Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds after September 1.
"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 ~
