What would it feel like to move through life in the full wholeness of your being, where shadow and light dance in sacred union?
We are grateful to gather once again on 5.5 acres of tranquil farmland and forest on the unceded traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw and Stz’uminus peoples.
Join Satya of Vedic Priestess Temple for a weekend yoga retreat devoted to the yogic deity, Ardhanarishvara – the divine union of Shiva and Shakti, masculine and feminine, consciousness and creation. We will explore the sacred balance that sustains the cosmos and lives within us all – the living dance of Purusha and Prakriti – the still witness and the creative flow.
Through storytelling, movement, ceremony and self inquiry, we will contemplate the qualities, symbolism and shadow of Ardhanarishvara, including the tensions that arise when masculine and feminine energies are out of balance, when stillness meets restlessness, strength meets vulnerability, and creation meets dissolution.
We will also reflect on what it means to embody wholeness in a world that has long separated what was never meant to be divided.
Through yogic practices we will cultivate discernment and clarity in our lives – learning to act from alignment rather than reaction (fear), and navigate challenges with the awareness and grace of Ardhanarishvara.
This is an invitation to remember your original completeness – where Shiva’s stillness and Shakti’s movement meet in every breath, where shadow and light find their sacred unity.
This retreat takes place at Dharti Mata Centre, a beautiful earthen yoga studio built on traditional yogic principles. Located on the outskirts of rural South Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, BC, it is just 10-20 minutes from all three mainland ferry terminals. A delicious Indian lunch will be served each day.
This is the 11th retreat in the Living Shakti Series: Bringing the Teachings of the Yogic Deities into Everyday Life.
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OUR DAY RETREAT WILL INCLUDE:
--> Circles with the opportunity to share from the heart in a safe space
--> Roots of yoga, including traditional yogic practices
--> Ritual and ceremony
--> Storytelling and reflective writing
--> Discussion and group work
--> Nature and art-based practices
--> Bhakti (devotional) yoga, jnana yoga (self inquiry/yogic philosophy) and deity yoga
--> Authentic yoga rooted in ancestral teachings, practices and knowledge
--> All the usual yoga you find in a studio (asana, pranayama and meditation) – and well beyond
--> Delicious and nutritious traditional Indian lunch with chai and dessert each day
--> A stunning, sacred, earthen studio setting built according to yogic principles
--> Surrounded by 5.5 acres of beautiful forest and farmland
--> An opportunity for further study and practice post-retreat
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*This is a commuter retreat with a three-course traditional Indian lunch, including chai and dessert served each day.
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***Early Bird Ends November 3, 2025.
Reserve Your Spot Now – Spaces Limited
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MORE DETAILS + REGISTRATION:
https://vedicpriestesstemple.com/shiva-shakti-yoga-retreat-vancouver-island-bc/
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WHAT PAST LIVING SHAKTI RETREAT PARTICIPANTS SAY:
"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, Living Shakti Retreat Participant
"I loved the retreat. 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."
- KIM M, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant
"Thank you for the beautiful day. The heartfelt practices and ceremony that you shared continues to resonate with me. I appreciated the professionalism and organization of your offering. You 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, Living Shakti Retreat Participant
“What a blissful day! Thank you so much for making it happen, and everyone who attended.”
- JAVIERA L, 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/spiritual background. I appreciated the sense of sacred community/sharing, and the joining of voices in chanting - and the beautiful space, and our wonderful facilitators.
The food, tea and sweets were lovely - as well as the beauty of the altar!"
- SHAWNA K, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant
"Thank you for such a lovely day. It was rich, meaningful and textured in so many ways. I enjoyed the day immensely, and the introspection/reflection carried forward for the following days."
- TASHA H, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Nanaimo, Workshops in Nanaimo.
