Your sense of inner clarity, truth and power does not emerge from becoming stronger than someone else, proving your worth, or finally feeling „good enough.“ It is not born from the endless chase to perfect yourself, nor from learning how to appear confident or empowered.
The luminous inner authority that Durga Ma mirrors to us, lives beneath the layers of conditioning, of fighting; beneath the the exhausting effort of adapting ourselves in order to live up to the expectations of others.
She teaches us that to embody our truth is to stand in intimate relationship with what we know in the depths of our being, allowing our lives, our choices, and our voice to become expressions of that deeper knowing. This is the authority of love, to be lived by what is most true to our hearts.
Durga is the great Warrior Mother Goddess, embodying the fierce compassion that protects life, truth, and love. In the Hindu tradition, the demons she encounters are not simply external enemies but the inner forces that obscure our true nature: fear, grasping, greed, and the habits that generate separation and suffering. The gods and goddesses embody the awakened qualities already alive within us: clarity, discernment, courage, compassion, and the creative intelligence of consciousness.
Beneath the battles of the myth lies a profound invitation: to recognize the union from which both light and shadow arise.
The myth of Durga is a map of practice that guides us through the landscape of consciousness. Hidden within the story are many Shakti keys that wake us up and open us to unfathomable creative powers. The practice of Embodied Mythology is not just a discussion of the maps; here we are invited into a direct experience, and into spiritual practice where we find ourselves immersed in the wild landscape of the living, breathing spirit expressing itself uniquely through each one of us.
If you long to…
…stand in your truth with greater clarity and courage
…trust the wisdom that already lives within you
…loosen the grip of old conditioning and unconscious patterns
…embody strength that is rooted in love rather than force
…live from a place that feels deeply aligned with your soul
…awaken a more intimate relationship with the Divine Feminine
…transform inner conflict into presence and discernment
…practice in a circle of sisters on the path who are devoted to truth and awakening
Come, take your seat.
Is This Right for Me?
Although it is not mandatory, it is best if you have some experience of feminine/embodied spiritual practice. (You can do a self-study course here.)
This is not a theoretical seminar; the Goddess path is a spiritual path that includes the body, emotions, sounds, and movement. Many of the practices are interactive.
When consciousness awakens through the body, you open for more shakti, life force energy, to flow through you. You will at all times be supported by the group leader and staff, but since this is a group, not a one-on-one process, all participants must be able to take responsibility for themselves.
We offer a space for spiritual practice, not psychotherapy. If you are feeling unstable psychologically or are going through a severe crisis that needs individual support, this event will not be beneficial for you.
One of our core practices involves Temple Touch. Your boundaries will of course always be respected, but if you feel a strong resistance to touch, this is probably not for you. We practice respectful touch a lot in our circle to bring presence into our bodies and cultivate the capacity to allow more life energy to flow through us.
Welcome, Sister,
we’ve prepared a seat for you.
Questions? Eamil us at Yoginiteam@awakeningwomen.com
Practical Information
This retreat is held in English.
Dates/Times:
We begin in the morning Friday, January 29 and end in the afternoon on Sunday, January 31.
Schedule:
Friday – 9:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday – 9:30am – 6:00pm
Sunday – 9:30am – 4:00pm
Venue:
Volkshaus Zurich
Address
8001 Zurich
Program price:
Full price ~ €490
Early bird ~ €440 (full payment by Desember 1, 2026)
Program price does not include travel cost, meals and accommodation.
Cancellation Policy:
In case of cancellation (for any reason) through December 1, 2026 we will refund the retreat tuition minus a €100 administrative fee.
Between December 2 and December 31, 2026, we will refund 50% of the tuition fee.
There will be no refunds after December 31, 2026.
«My journey with Chameli in the retreat was profoundly transformative. Her presence, wisdom, and compassion touched my soul in a way I will never forget. I returned home a different woman—grateful, open, and deeply moved.
This retreat was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. Her grace, humor, and depth created a truly transformative space. I am deeply grateful for the healing and awakening that took place.»
Mina Devi Kumari
«This retreat was a turning point in my life. Chameli holds a field of compassion and clarity that invites you to drop your defenses and meet yourself with honesty and love. The weekend was filled with powerful practices, heartfelt connection, and moments of pure grace. I left the retreat feeling lighter, more grounded, and more aligned with my true self. I cannot recommend this experience enough.»
Sophia Jensen
«I came with no expectations, only a quiet knowing that I needed to be there. What unfolded was beyond anything I could have imagined. The retreat held a perfect balance of gentleness and depth, allowing me to open in ways I’ve longed for. The sisterhood that formed, the safety of the space, and the transformative practices created a shift I will carry with me forever. I left feeling more alive, more connected, and more myself.»
Danielle King
Your Guide
Chameli Gad
Founder Awakening Women
Chameli (pronounced sha-meh-lee) is a Norwegian mystic and Goddess Wisdom Keeper. Her love of ancient wisdom teachings, and her own practice in yogini circles all over the world, has crystallized maps of spiritual awakening and leadership that are accessible, practical and honoring of women today. Rooted in earth honoring, devotional women’s spirituality and goddess-centered tantric yoga, she is especially appreciated for her love of mythology and storytelling as a key to spiritual awakening and embodiment.
Welcome, Sister,
we’ve prepared a seat for you.
Questions? Eamil us at Yoginiteam@awakeningwomen.com
«This retreat is deep, empowering, and so supportive. Chameli and her amazing team seem to attend, at all times, to every stage of the process with the right words, with supportive presence, embodied practices, practical tools, rest and feminine wisdom. Chameli’s teaching nourishes the intimate relationships I have with my Dharma and empowers me to guard this unique thread that we all have.»
Fanny Vandewiele
«During these days I felt touched in my entire being, I was held safely in the circle and felt carefully guided through the retreat. Chameli’s introductions led me to new recognition and remembrance of my being. You will delve deeply into your life, your purpose and be encouraged to align yourself accoing. When practicing with sisters, this went into deep layers. It moves me… I am so grateful for this immersion.»
Sybille Berchtold
«How deeply nourishing, truthful and healing on so many levels it is to meet in circle. It feels like coming home to myself and into my essence. Becoming still, speaking my truth, dancing, being touched by connecting with the other women. This holy and held space helps me to dive deep, let loose, but also to learn more and hold space for others. The joy, energy and power of the circle is afterwards carried on into each woman’s daily life, creating more circles. I love, love, love it! ❤️»