Wisdom in the Darkness: A Kālī Weekend Retreat

December 2 & 3, 2023, 10am – 5pm daily
Stowel Lake Farm, Salt Spring Island, BC

We are so grateful to once again gather at the stunning Stowel Lake Farm, on the traditional unceded territory of the Hul’q’umi’num’ and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples, to explore and discover ancient yogic practices from India to invoke Goddess Kālī’s blessings.

Join Satya (Vedic Priestess Temple) for two full days of yogic practice, contemplation, workshop, storytelling and ceremony. Sarah Jane Smith Lyons (The Nest Yoga) will support us with yoga asana and pranayama (breathwork).

We are entering the dark cycle when the nights are longer than the days. This a special time to call on the Dark Goddess Kālī, and turn inwards for reflection, transformation and empowerment. We’ve been taught to be afraid of the dark, but there is a potent, creative healing force there. Seeds take root in the darkness – and Kālī can help us find the fertile underground waiting to be activated.

Kālī is the Goddess of Time, Death, Rebirth and Primal Energy. She embodies raw, fierce feminine energy that slays and transforms fear and separation. Kālī is the wild power of the Sacred Divine Feminine inside us all. She helps dissolve what doesn’t serve us, and supports us to heal beliefs around unworthiness, while deepening into our authentic self.

Kālī is fiery, dark and powerful. But she is also a loving deity with a compassionate, mothering energy.

By working with Kālī, we start to get in touch with our wild side, that doesn’t need outside validation. She can help us with any fears we’re navigating – the fear of change, of moving out of our comfort zone, of not succeeding, of not having enough, or of following our dreams.

We will learn traditional practices and inquiry techniques that tune us into her gifts, and also help us to heal her shadow side in us, supporting us to confront our inner battles with fierce grace.

We will explore removing obstacles that prevent us from accessing our deepest power, and learn practices that encourage taking a stand in our sovereignty.

Kālī shows us that not all light is good and not all darkness is bad. One cannot exist without the other. They both have a place in the world, and their balance is vital.

Stowel Lake Farm is just five minutes from the Fulford Harbour ferry terminal on Salt Spring Island, BC. A delicious three-course traditional Indian lunch will be served daily by Omja Catering. All are welcome.

This is the sixth retreat in the Living Shakti Series: Bringing the Teachings of the Yogic Deities into Daily Life. L earn more about this series here.

*Please note that this is not a training for yoga teachers. Rather, it’s an offering for personal interest, growth, and practice. (E-mail Satya if you are interested in a Roots of Yoga Training for Teachers.)

Why Invoke Kālī? Learn more here.

YOUR RETREAT FACILITATOR

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 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.

Encouraged by her teachers, 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.

Learn more about Satya’s offerings at @vedic_priestess_temple (Instagram) + @vedicpriestesstemple108 (Facebook).

YOUR ASANA & PRANAYAMA TEACHER

Sarah Jane Smith Lyons (The Nest Yoga)

In 2009, Sarah Jane lived at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga where she studied the Classical Ashtanga teachings of Baba Hari Dass. Since then, she has completed over 1200 hours of training with Moksha/Modo, and is certified to teach Modo levels 1 & 2 plus Modo Flow. She has also studied Yin Yoga, Yoga Philosophy, Advanced Vinyasa, and Trauma-Informed Yoga. In addition, Sarah Jane has over 5000 hours of experience teaching asana, meditation and breathwork, in-person and online at studios, retreats and teacher trainings.

While Sarah Jane teaches different styles of yoga, the underlying traditional yogic themes of self-compassion and self-study are always present. Sarah Jane is honoured to be part of this Living Shakti Series Retreat devoted to Goddess Kālī. Expect a creative, intentional multi-level practice that inspires curiosity and compassion while exploring powerful postures.

Learn more about Sarah Jane’s offerings at www.thenestyogasaltspring.com.

YOUR CHEF

Naomi Singh (Omja Catering)

Prior to moving to Salt Spring Island in 2008 to begin the journey of motherhood, Naomi worked for global aviation leaders. Both in commercial and military sectors. After the birth of her second daughter Kilaya, she realized she was “not cut out for the stay at home mom thing”. She then entered her first Saturday market, where she sold raw baklava, raw cheese cake, and samosas. Since then Naomi has grown into a successful local caterer and private chef here on Salt Spring.

“The love of food is more than its smell, flavours and colour. It’s the nourishment our bodies get from a meal made with love that nurtures the soul.” – Naomi

ENERGY EXCHANGE:

$350 Early Bird Rate Before November 18

$400 Full Rate After November 18

Reserve Your Spot Now – Spaces Limited

*Rate includes two days of programming and a three-course traditional Indian lunch each day with chai and dessert.
Accommodation is not included and not available on site. Off-island participants, please make your rooming arrangements.
Click here for a list of Recommended Accommodation between $100 – $200/nt + ferry travel info.
*Two partial scholarships are available for BIPOC folks experiencing financial barriers. Please contact Satya to arrange.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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 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

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 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

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“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

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

13“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

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

15“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

16“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

17“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-coloniser 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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT KĀLĪ OR THE ROOTS OF YOGA. IS THIS GATHERING SUITABLE FOR ME?

Yes, this gathering is suitable for those new to Kālī and the roots of yoga, as you will learn a lot about both.
All are welcome, including yogis and yoginis, yoga teachers and healing practitioners, those new to yoga, lovers of Indian culture and tradition, 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?

Omja Catering will serve a delicious three-course Indian lunch with chai and dessert each day.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

Full refund minus a $35 admin fee until November 10.

50% refund, minus $35 admin fee November 11 – 17

Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds after November 18.

For questions please contact satya@vedicpriestesstemple.com