RAKTA AMRIT-YOGINIS JOURNEY 2028
TANTRIC TEACHINGS OF THE WILD FEMININE
Yogini Sadhana & Initiation Pilgrimage
Bhedaghat-Khajuraho-Kashi-Kamakhya
Drinking the nectar of Devi at the source
and sacred rivers of devotion
-Narmada, Ganga, Brahmaputra-
BHEDAGHAT, MP:
Our journey will begin with a self initiation ritual in the circle of the 64 Yoginis, at their temple at Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh. Constructed during the 5th-7th centuries when Yogini worship prospered among the common people, as well as Royal Dynasties, Bhedaghat affords us the opportunity to be witnessed by the Yoginis beyond the construct of lineages that limited and appropriated the power of The Feminine. Located on the sacred banks of the Narmada River, we will experience movement, mantras, and ritual to unfurl our essence for the journey ahead.
KHAJURAHO, MP:
Steeped in mystery and the essence of the Chandela dynasty that founded this centre of Tantric Worship, Khajuraho welcomes us with its beauty, and sweetly preserved soul. While exploring magnificent temples, learning about sub goddesses and local tribal traditions, we will experience the welcome of local people, receive beautiful Ayurvedic treatments, practice adorning ourselves according to the principles of Shrinagara, and practicing yoga, dance, and meditation in safe and welcoming space at our lovely hotel.
KASHI/VARANASI, UP:
Often referred to as ‘The oldest living city in the world’, Varanasi holds the legacies of both Shaivism and Shaktism. Here on the banks of the holy river Ganga, we know that ‘Without Shakti, Shiva is Shava (a corpse)’, unable to perform any of his duties as the Lord of Transformation. The more subtle history of Kashi includes thousands of shrines and temples to the Goddess. With this undercurrent, we will explore the most exquisite temples to the Dasa Mahavidyas, Navadurgas, and many more. Culminating with a special Havan, sacred fire ritual for our group at an ancient temple, Kashi will support you in transforming your prayers into reality.
KAMAKHYA/GUWAHATI, ASSAM:
We will seal the gate of our sacred journey at the greatest of all Shakti Peeths, the Ma Kamakhya temple of Assam. Kamakhya is the most vibrant of all Devi temples in India, where devotees throng to worship the goddess in her womb cave, making offerings to the Yoni of the great goddess.
Yogini Sadhana & Initiation Pilgrimage
Bhedaghat-Khajuraho-Kashi-Kamakhya
Drinking the nectar of Devi at the source
and sacred rivers of devotion
-Narmada, Ganga, Brahmaputra-
BHEDAGHAT, MP:
Our journey will begin with a self initiation ritual in the circle of the 64 Yoginis, at their temple at Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh. Constructed during the 5th-7th centuries when Yogini worship prospered among the common people, as well as Royal Dynasties, Bhedaghat affords us the opportunity to be witnessed by the Yoginis beyond the construct of lineages that limited and appropriated the power of The Feminine. Located on the sacred banks of the Narmada River, we will experience movement, mantras, and ritual to unfurl our essence for the journey ahead.
KHAJURAHO, MP:
Steeped in mystery and the essence of the Chandela dynasty that founded this centre of Tantric Worship, Khajuraho welcomes us with its beauty, and sweetly preserved soul. While exploring magnificent temples, learning about sub goddesses and local tribal traditions, we will experience the welcome of local people, receive beautiful Ayurvedic treatments, practice adorning ourselves according to the principles of Shrinagara, and practicing yoga, dance, and meditation in safe and welcoming space at our lovely hotel.
KASHI/VARANASI, UP:
Often referred to as ‘The oldest living city in the world’, Varanasi holds the legacies of both Shaivism and Shaktism. Here on the banks of the holy river Ganga, we know that ‘Without Shakti, Shiva is Shava (a corpse)’, unable to perform any of his duties as the Lord of Transformation. The more subtle history of Kashi includes thousands of shrines and temples to the Goddess. With this undercurrent, we will explore the most exquisite temples to the Dasa Mahavidyas, Navadurgas, and many more. Culminating with a special Havan, sacred fire ritual for our group at an ancient temple, Kashi will support you in transforming your prayers into reality.
KAMAKHYA/GUWAHATI, ASSAM:
We will seal the gate of our sacred journey at the greatest of all Shakti Peeths, the Ma Kamakhya temple of Assam. Kamakhya is the most vibrant of all Devi temples in India, where devotees throng to worship the goddess in her womb cave, making offerings to the Yoni of the great goddess.
Who are the hosts of The Yoginis Journey?
Uschi, Jaina, and Justyn will be holding space throughout the The Yoginis Journey. Practices we will share include; Yoga Asana, Yogini Movement, Mantra, Meditation, Council, and Ritual. We are honored to gather a diverse group of women from all over the world to practice, witness each other, and support this transformational journey.
Uschi Gibson is the creator and India hostess of The Yoginis Journey. As a lifelong student of spirituality and movement, Uschi took a deep dive into South Asian yogic traditions when she moved to Varanasi, India 17 years ago. Learning the language and customs of one of the holiest cities on the planet, Uschi's tender approach allowed her to connect into this ancient culture at heart level. Uschi hosts international yoga retreats, and teaches Yogini Movement classes and workshops online. Uschi is based in Varanasi, where she leads a women’s project, as well as volunteering in local development for women and children.
Instagram: @luckyuschi Website: www.luckylalita.com
Justyn O'Neill is the owner and creator of The Seeker Yoga School. She has been teaching since 2010. Her mission as a teacher is to create a pathway for students to broaden their perspective, to see their own worth, remember the truth of who they are, and love themselves in a bigger way. Her intention as a teacher is to offer the teachings of yoga in a sacred way, upholding the reverence to the roots of the tradition. Traveling to India has been an integral part of upholding this intention for her. Immersion in the magic of the culture, the connection to the source of this ancient wisdom and providing sincere seekers an opportunity to awaken a deeper connection to The Divine within themselves.
Instagram @theseekeryogaschool Website www.theseekeryogaschool.com
Jaina Portwood is the owner and creator of Beloved Retreats. She has been practicing yoga since 1998 and teaching since 2002. Above all else she holds an intention for spiritual, and physical expansion. Yoga is union. To be united to the Self, through the Self, into the Self…the heart….unconditional love. This is achieved through pranayama, asana, nutrition, intuition, and insight to take you beyond the seen world and into cosmic consciousness. Jaina believes a journey to the sacred land of India is a privilege and an honor. She helps to facilitate a group space of gratitude, growth, beauty, and selfless service/offering on this heart-expanding pilgrimage.
Instagram @BelovedRetreats Website www.belovedretreats.com
Uschi Gibson is the creator and India hostess of The Yoginis Journey. As a lifelong student of spirituality and movement, Uschi took a deep dive into South Asian yogic traditions when she moved to Varanasi, India 17 years ago. Learning the language and customs of one of the holiest cities on the planet, Uschi's tender approach allowed her to connect into this ancient culture at heart level. Uschi hosts international yoga retreats, and teaches Yogini Movement classes and workshops online. Uschi is based in Varanasi, where she leads a women’s project, as well as volunteering in local development for women and children.
Instagram: @luckyuschi Website: www.luckylalita.com
Justyn O'Neill is the owner and creator of The Seeker Yoga School. She has been teaching since 2010. Her mission as a teacher is to create a pathway for students to broaden their perspective, to see their own worth, remember the truth of who they are, and love themselves in a bigger way. Her intention as a teacher is to offer the teachings of yoga in a sacred way, upholding the reverence to the roots of the tradition. Traveling to India has been an integral part of upholding this intention for her. Immersion in the magic of the culture, the connection to the source of this ancient wisdom and providing sincere seekers an opportunity to awaken a deeper connection to The Divine within themselves.
Instagram @theseekeryogaschool Website www.theseekeryogaschool.com
Jaina Portwood is the owner and creator of Beloved Retreats. She has been practicing yoga since 1998 and teaching since 2002. Above all else she holds an intention for spiritual, and physical expansion. Yoga is union. To be united to the Self, through the Self, into the Self…the heart….unconditional love. This is achieved through pranayama, asana, nutrition, intuition, and insight to take you beyond the seen world and into cosmic consciousness. Jaina believes a journey to the sacred land of India is a privilege and an honor. She helps to facilitate a group space of gratitude, growth, beauty, and selfless service/offering on this heart-expanding pilgrimage.
Instagram @BelovedRetreats Website www.belovedretreats.com
This will be our 4th Yoginis Journey, and we look forward to sharing this intimate pilgrimage with a devoted group of 13 female seekers.
