Shakti Awakening: A Day of Sacred Feminine Liberation

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Tantra?

  Tantra is an ancient spiritual path that honors the body as sacred and life itself as a doorway to awakening. Rather than transcending our human experience, Tantra invites us to become more fully present within it—cultivating greater awareness, vitality, authenticity, and connection.

  While modern culture often reduces Tantra to sexuality, this retreat is rooted in a heart-centered, trauma-informed approach. Our practices emphasize embodiment, breath, meditation, energy cultivation, and conscious relationship with ourselves, one another, and the natural world.

• What is ecstatic dance?

  Ecstatic dance is a freeform, nonverbal movement journey. The invitation is to dance however your body wants to move. Please see the Sacred Agreements above for the essence of the practice.

• Do I need any prior experience with Tantra, dance, or nudity?

  Not at all. This retreat is about embodiment, sovereignty, authentic expression, and liberation. No prior experience is needed—just an open heart and willingness to honor the container.

• What kind of people attend?

  A diverse, inclusive community of conscious womxn from many backgrounds and life experiences gathers for this retreat. Whether you come on your own or with a friend or partner, you'll be welcomed into a supportive container rooted in embodiment, authentic connection, and sacred sisterhood.

• Can I come alone or with a partner?

  Come solo, with friends, or with a partner. This is a sovereign journey into your own body, held by the support of sisterhood.

• Is there an age restriction?

  Yes. Participants must be 21 or older. This ensures the maturity and self-awareness needed to move freely and respectfully within the container.

• What should I wear and bring?

  • Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.

  • Bring layers for changing weather and time outdoors.

  • Bring a journal and pen.

  • Bring a filled water bottle to stay hydrated.

  • Bring a blanket or yoga mat for practices and resting outdoors.

  • Natural sunscreen and insect repellent are welcome if desired.

  • Feel free to bring a meaningful object for our altar or a personal object that connects you to your intention for the day.

• How should I prepare?

  To support yourself and the shared sanctuary:

  • Arrive freshly bathed, in clean clothing, and scent-free (please avoid perfumes, colognes, essential oils, and other scented products).

  • Come lightly nourished, hydrated, and ready to fully participate in the day's journey.

  • Please avoid alcohol and recreational substances before the retreat so you can remain fully present with your experience.

  • Take a few quiet moments before arriving to reflect on your intention. What within you is ready to awaken, release, or reclaim?

  Your preparation is part of the retreat.

• Will there be sexuality or nudity?

  This retreat explores the sacred feminine through embodiment, life-force energy, sensuality, and authentic self-expression. Themes of sexuality and sexual energy may be explored through embodiment practices, ritual, and energetic work, but this is not a sexual event, and there is no partnered sexual activity.

  Nudity is an intentional part of the Naked Ecstatic Dance ritual. Participants are supported to be nude during this practice, with panties permitted for personal hygiene.

  This is a non-sexual, consent-based space held with reverence, presence, and respect. There is no pressure to engage in any practice beyond your personal boundaries, and all participants are expected to honor the boundaries, dignity, and autonomy of everyone in the container.

• Is it important to arrive on time?

  Yes! Doors open at 9:45am and our Opening Circle begins promptly at 10am. We encourage you to arrive early to enjoy a welcoming cup of tea, explore the gardens, and gently settle into the sanctuary. The retreat unfolds as one continuous, intentional journey, so we invite you to arrive on time and stay for the full experience

• Is alcohol or intoxicants allowed?

  No. This is a substance-free retreat. We ask that you refrain from alcohol and recreational substances before and during the retreat so you can remain fully present with your experience. Our invitation is to gather in clarity—fully attuned in body, heart, and mind.

• Will there be food and drinks at the retreat?

  Yes! Your retreat includes welcoming tea upon arrival, a nourishing plant-based lunch, and wholesome refreshments throughout the day, lovingly prepared by the Intuitive Green Chef Sarah Sunshine using organic, vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free ingredients. If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please let us know well in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

• Is parking available?

  There is unrestricted street parking throughout the neighborhood. Please be mindful not to block driveways. Rideshare, SEPTA, or bicycling are encouraged.

• Can I register at the door with cash?

  Advance registration is required. To help preserve the privacy of our sanctuary and prepare for each participant with care, the retreat location is shared upon registration. As space is limited and often fills in advance, we encourage registering early.

  All registrations must be completed online to ensure that our waiver, Sacred Agreements, and retreat guidelines are reviewed and acknowledged prior to arrival

• Why must registration be purchased online, even upon arrival?

  All registration must be completed online—including at the door—so each participant can review and acknowledge the event waiver and sacred agreements before entering the container.

  This process helps us uphold the integrity, safety, and shared understanding of the experience for everyone present. We’re also not equipped to process cash payments onsite, so if space is available upon arrival, registration can be completed easily from your mobile device.

• Why do you ask for my contact information?

  Your name, email, and mobile number help us send important retreat details and maintain a safe, intentional space. Incomplete or inaccurate registrations may be canceled.

• What is the refund policy?

  Registrations are non-refundable. Anyone asked to leave for violating Sacred Agreements will not receive a refund.

• What happens if it rains?

  In the case of light passing showers, we will remain outdoors whenever possible. In the event of severe weather, participants will be notified via SMS of the new date and location.

• What is the COVID protocol?

  Masks are optional. Please arrive in good health, wash your hands upon entry, and stay home if you’re unwell. Your care supports the well-being of all.