RAKTA AMRIT-YOGINIS JOURNEY 2028
TANTRIC TEACHINGS OF THE WILD FEMININE
Yogini Sadhana & Initiation Pilgrimage
Bhedaghat-Kashi-Kamakhya-Kathmandu
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.
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 next travel to Assam, to initiate ourselves in the bedrock of the Shakta Tantra tradition, at the MA KAMAKHYA Devi temple of Guwahati, 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. To receive the darshan of this site is a once in a lifetime blessing, and venture into the vibrant workship of MA that thrives in this sacred temple.
KATHMANDU/NEPAL:
We will seal the gates of our pilgrimage in Nepal, experiencing the vast intricacy of the Newari culture in Kathmandu, and studying the intersections of Tantric Hinduism, and Buddhism. Here the Goddess is worshipped in her wildest forms; Chinnamasta, Dakshinakali, Chamunda, and others; the Matrikas of Kathmandu stand raw in their fierce compassion. We will explore the wisdoms of these Goddesses, and the stories of the female mystics that once walked these sacred pathways, affirming our connection to the lineage of the Sacred Feminine.
Yogini Sadhana & Initiation Pilgrimage
Bhedaghat-Kashi-Kamakhya-Kathmandu
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.
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 next travel to Assam, to initiate ourselves in the bedrock of the Shakta Tantra tradition, at the MA KAMAKHYA Devi temple of Guwahati, 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. To receive the darshan of this site is a once in a lifetime blessing, and venture into the vibrant workship of MA that thrives in this sacred temple.
KATHMANDU/NEPAL:
We will seal the gates of our pilgrimage in Nepal, experiencing the vast intricacy of the Newari culture in Kathmandu, and studying the intersections of Tantric Hinduism, and Buddhism. Here the Goddess is worshipped in her wildest forms; Chinnamasta, Dakshinakali, Chamunda, and others; the Matrikas of Kathmandu stand raw in their fierce compassion. We will explore the wisdoms of these Goddesses, and the stories of the female mystics that once walked these sacred pathways, affirming our connection to the lineage of the Sacred Feminine.
Uschi, Jaina, and Justyn will be holding space throughout the The Yoginis Journey. Practices we will share include Yoga Asana, Shakti Flow, Yogini Movement, Mantra, Meditation, Dance, 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.
This will be our 4th Yoginis Journey, and we look forward to sharing this intimate pilgrimage with a devoted group of 13 female seekers. Partial BIPOC scholarships are available, please reach out to us to find out more.
This will be our 4th Yoginis Journey, and we look forward to sharing this intimate pilgrimage with a devoted group of 13 female seekers. Partial BIPOC scholarships are available, please reach out to us to find out more.
Who are the hosts of The Yoginis Journey?
Uschi Gibson is the creator and India hostess of The Yoginis Journey. Growing up in the spiritual arms of Ojai, California, Uschi was initiated into the path of Goddess worship in her childhood. Following a career in the high fashion world, Uschi deepened her yoga studies, completing her first YTT in 2002, which led her to India in 2007, where she has been based ever since. As a scholar-practitioner of the Shakta Tantra and Shaiva traditions, Uschi has been exploring the mystical temples of India, studying sacred texts and ancient art, to inform her teaching, personal practice, and hosting of spiritual pilgrimages. As a lover of all things mystical, she has been curating yogic journeys in India and Egypt for an international community since 2010.
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.
Jaina Two Rivers 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.
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.
Jaina Two Rivers 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.
Words from Past Yoginis Journey Participants:
"I absolutely loved my experience of the Yoginis Journey in India. This was my first time in India and initially I was nervous, but as soon as we started to receive communication from the facilitators - Uschi, Justyn, and Jaina - I could tell I was going to be in GREAT hands. The container was held with such reverence which allowed me to feel safe to share any emotions I had while on the trip. This was a pilgrimage after all ;-) I also felt physically safe with the group and every detail was so well taken care of that I could fully immerse myself in the experience and just be present. I'm so glad I answered the call in my heart to travel to India and meet such a wonderful group of women. My intention was to connect deeper to my Shakti power and it was mirrored to me in the daily conversations I had with others on the trip, visiting various temples, and feeling the blessed energy of MA encoded in the land. "
"A beautiful, meticulously crafted blend of spiritual and cultural experiences that feel entirely unique and special. This isn't a generic tour of places you check off a tourist list. It is an immersive opportunity that you simply couldn't get from being with tour company or if you just wanted to travel on your own. Yet, you still get to benefit from having lodging and flights and food and experiences planned and organized, amazing people to guide and educate you along the way, and lovely people to connect with. And it's small and curated enough to feel personalized and deep. I was planning my next trip before I even left this one. One-of-a-kind experience. Highly recommend! "
"A beautiful, meticulously crafted blend of spiritual and cultural experiences that feel entirely unique and special. This isn't a generic tour of places you check off a tourist list. It is an immersive opportunity that you simply couldn't get from being with tour company or if you just wanted to travel on your own. Yet, you still get to benefit from having lodging and flights and food and experiences planned and organized, amazing people to guide and educate you along the way, and lovely people to connect with. And it's small and curated enough to feel personalized and deep. I was planning my next trip before I even left this one. One-of-a-kind experience. Highly recommend! "
