EQUINOX ASTROLOGY & YOGA RETREAT
ALENTEJO, PORTUGAL / 18-23 SEPTEMBER 2025
Are you ready to:
Deepen your understanding of self and gain clarity on your future path?
Take a proper time out for YOU and learn something new?
Track your moods, and emotions and be able to work with the moon cycles?
Whether you are an aspiring astrologer or a complete beginner, we would love to welcome you to this very special and one-of-a-kind retreat happening during the powerful portal of the Virgo Solar Eclipse and the Autumn Equinox in September 2025!
Hosted for the 3rd consecutive year by Katie Emma of Temple of Cosmic Astrology and Nicola Paxton of Akhila Yoga Retreats, this Equinox Astrology & Yoga Retreat has been curated as an intimate group container for 9 people who are curious to learn more about their own astrology chart from the perspective of self-development, growth, embodiment and evolution.
Imagine 6 days staying in a traditional Portuguese-style luxury villa in the hills of Alentejo, Portugal surrounded by orange groves and a cork forest on this stunning private property.
Each day, astrology workshops are seamlessly woven into a rhythm of peaceful, relaxed living, complemented by morning yoga and movement classes in our private villa. And of course, no retreat is complete without incredible food! Our in-house chef, Alberto, is low key famous now for his culinary creations, and we’re beyond lucky to have him! His nourishing meals are an integral part of your experience, making our little retreat bubble feel like a true sanctuary for these six days.
It's happening this September and we'd love to welcome you!
WHAT MAKES THIS RETREAT SPECIAL?
This is truly unique and in depth re-treat in the truest sense of the word.
We start each day in noble silence before gathering at 8am for our morning practice with Nicola. We will then enjoy a brunch feast with juices, coffee and tea before beginning your Astrology workshop with Katie.
After your workshop, there is free time to integrate our new-found astrology skills, enjoy lounging by the pool, schedule a relaxing massage with our on-site therapist or book a private astrology reading with Katie. Late afternoons around 5pm we gather for either activities like journalling, art-therapy, breathwork, meditation or talks on various wellness topics.
Every evening we will gather for an Alfresco group 3-course dinner during sunset followed by different evening activities such as yoga nidra, cacao sharing circle, silent night and an autumn equinox ceremony to honour the changing seasons.
THE ASTROLOGY PROGRAM
The astrology program has been curated by our host and teacher Katie Emma of Temple of Cosmic Astrology School, who has been a professional astrologer for 13 years. For the 2025 retreat, the workshops have been curated around some magnificent transits that will be taking place during our 6 days together.
During the retreat we will cover:
Venus, Vesta & Sacred Devotion
The Mars-Pluto Cycle
Transits: The Cosmic Dance
Eclipses: Turning Points in Time
The Nodes: A Date with Destiny
Autumn Equinox Journalling
Astrology-based Art Therapy
Ayurveda 101 with Nic
Meditation
Each guest will receive an “Astrology Basics” kit pre-retreat to help you feel resourced and to maximise your experience of the workshops on this retreat.
Both beginner and more advanced students are all welcome to join this retreat!
ASTROLOGY TRANSITS
During this retreat, there are some powerful astrological transits taking place, and we'll be sharing additional teachings and activities to celebrate these powerful collective alignments taking place during your 6 day with us.
Venus moves into Virgo - 19th September 2025
Venus moves into Virgo the first day of our retreat, and we’ll explore how her energy of refinement, discernment, and devotion will shape your personal Virgo house over the coming month, as well as discuss practical ways to harness Venus in Virgo for growth, balance, and meaningful connections in these areas. Venus will also square Vesta upon entering Virgo, which is what our astrology workshop on Venus, Vesta & Devotion has been based on.
Virgo Solar Eclipse - 21st September 2025
In honour of the Virgo Solar Eclipse, we will experience a “silent night” together as the eclipse is the ritual.
Autumn Equinox - 22nd September 2025
On the Equinox, we’ll be hosting a ceremony for you to prepare and work consciously with the seasonal shift from Summer to Autumn, and how we can can work with the energies of balance, release, and renewal that this transition brings.
Mars moves into Scorpio + Mars Square Pluto - 22nd September 2025
Mars also moves into Scorpio on the Autumn Equinox, and is in an applying square to Pluto in Aquarius which exacts on the 24th September. In the Mars/Pluto workshop we'll also explore the cycle of these two mighty planetary powers and when they meet in aspect.
Grand Air Trine (Sun/Uranus/Pluto) - 23-24th September 2025
An exciting transit to close our retreat that brings opportunity to build something lasting and with firm foundations. This transit will be in an applying aspect throughout our retreat days, so some of the astrology classes and self-exploration activities will be centred around exploring your Air houses and any natal Air placements. With Uranus in Gemini (Change and Awakening) the Sun in Libra (Identity) trine Pluto in Aquarius (Power and Transformation), all three energies are flowing in a harmonious air trine, creating an expansive and uplifting atmosphere that nurtures mental clarity, enhances communication, and sparks new ideas. It’s powerful Air Magic!
YOGA & WELLNESS PROGRAM
Akhila Yoga Founder Nicola will be guiding you through a different morning movement practice every day. The style and intention of the practice will be aligned with the astrology program and will cover practices such as Vinyasa Yoga, Yin/Restorative Yoga, Pranayama Breathwork, and guided meditations to help you settle your mind for the day ahead.
There is also the option to book a relaxing body treatment for anyone who would like a moment of self-care. Options include relaxation aromatherapy massage and ayurvedic massage.
“I signed up because I needed some time for deep introspection and was hoping to get some help figuring out in what direction I want to take my life, and I left with my heart feeling so full! I absolutely loved the morning yoga sessions with Nic - you can really tell how knowledgeable she is about her yoga practice, as she brings in beautiful aspects from her time in India and her other travels. As a complete newbie to astrology, I signed up hoping to learn a little bit more about myself, but Katie totally blew my mind. It’s incredible how much she was able to pack into just 5 days of astrology classes. Despite the ladies having very different levels of expertise in astrology she was able to make it engaging and interesting and educational for us all. Her approach is very conversational, individual and the classes just flew by. Her natal chart reading too was incredibly helpful to my journey and I walked out feeling very motivated. Apart from yoga and astrology, the girls had included numerous amazing activities to the retreat such as forest walks, meditative painting, sound healing, meditation, cacao ceremony and relaxing days at the pool. Also, the food was all vegetarian and absolutely delicious so my stomach was really grateful. Couldn’t recommend this retreat enough. It was the perfect mix of relaxation, learning and moving” - Daniela S (Portugal 2024)
“The Equinox Astrology retreat was truly amazing, and I feel so privileged to have experienced it with a wonderful group of likeminded women. We’ve stayed in touch and supported each other even after the retreat ended, which has been a bonus. Everyone got so much out of it, even though we were all at different levels with our astrology knowledge. Honestly, there was no need to be an astrology buff beforehand - Katie is an incredible teacher. She delivered the classes in a way that resonated with all of us, regardless of our background. Katie’s teachings, along with the personal reading, gave me a deeper understanding of why I feel and act the way I do, which brought me a lot of reassurance, especially after a tough year. She’s sparked a thirst for more knowledge in me, and I’ll continue my learning. I’ve definitely gone down the astrology rabbit hole in a big way and can’t wait to explore more of her other classes and tuition! it all made for a truly magical experience. I can’t recommend this retreat enough for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of astrology (and themselves!)” - Holly R (Portugal 2024)
ACCOMMODATION
In the arms of nature in a quiet, sunny location and with a magnificent panoramic view, lies this beautiful retreat center, Monte da Japonica - 'Shadows in the Grass.' This stunning house can accommodate 8-10 guests, with private queen rooms with en-suites, as well multiple budget private and shared options. There are additional bathrooms throughout the villa, large open-plan living, alfresco dining, a private yoga shala and an infinity pool to relax with stunning garden and countryside views.
8 SPOTS LEFT!
Our Room options for the main house and cottage are as follows:
Private Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom: €1,650 EB per person - SOLD
Private Deluxe Room with Ensuite: €1,600 EB per person
Private Double Room (Cottage) with Private Bathroom: €1,500EB per person
Private Budget Double Room with Shared Bathroom: €1,200 EB per person
Twin Share Room w/Ensuite Bathroom: €1,100 EB per person
Private Tower Room w/Outside Bathroom €1,100 EB per person
Budget Twin Shared Room (Cottage) with Shared Bathroom: €1,000 EB per person
Earlybird rates open until 1st June 2025. Prices are then an extra 150 euros per person.
All classes, workshops, meals and accommodation are included in the price. We can also help arrange transport from Lisbon Airport to our space for those who need this service.
“I attended the astrology retreat hosted by Katie and Nic this past September, and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I've made. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I saw an opportunity to connect with people who shared my interests, I just knew I had to go for it. Where I am in life right now, I was looking for a safe space to share more (which I struggle with a lot) and connect with others. After isolating myself for a couple of years, I knew it wasn’t healthy, so I figured it was time to let go and flow with whatever came my way. I walked through every door that opened, and I don’t regret a thing. From having an amazing roommate to making new friends and building sisterhood, to all the things I learned and let go of—it was truly transformational. If any of this resonates with you, I’d say, give yourself the chance. It’s a little scary at first, but once you're in it, it feels like magic. I’ll forever be grateful for those six days with an incredible group of people. Nic and Katie were so supportive the whole time. I learned more in those six days than I ever did from hours of diving into information online. I’m forever grateful!” - Vanessa K (Portugal 2024)
FOOD
With influences from around the world, our in-house chef Alberto offers a wide variety of tasty and healthy meals. Taking inspiration from different cuisines and with an emphasis on Ayurvedic seasonal produce, every meal will look and taste beautiful and nourishing.
We prepare our meals with mostly organic locally sourced and seasonal fruits and vegetables, and all meals are plant-based (vegetarian) and easily adaptable to diets such as vegan, and dairy-free.
As this is also your house for the week, we welcome you to help yourself to tea, fruits, and snacks throughout the day!
EXAMPLE MENU
Various cold pressed juices Fresh fruit salad
Banana bread
Homemade granola
Vegan Pancakes
Scrambled Tofu/Eggs
Grilled Veggie Bowl
Quinoa Salad
Fresh Soups
Bread and homemade dips
Bruschetta with sundried tomato, olive, and artichoke
Vegan wild mushroom risotto with fresh herbs and kombu seaweed
Gluten-free chocolate mousse with fresh berries
What's Included In This Package
Wifi connection
Daily yoga classes
Daily meditation classes
Daily pranayama classes
3 daily delicious and nutritious meals
Welcome drink
Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day
Specialized astrology workshops
Group excursions/activities
Nature hikes with a trusted guide
Professional event photos
Pre and post retreat support from our team
5 nights accommodation
Astrology Course Manual
Parking
Luggage storage
What's Not Included In This Package
Travel insurance
60 minute massage therapy - €60
45 minute astrology reading - €90
Flights costs
Visa fee
Airport transfer
To secure your place on our Equinox Astrology & Yoga Retreat, we kindly ask you to complete the booking form with Akhila Yoga Retreats and make a 25% deposit which is deducted from your total balance. Instructions to make this payment will be given once you have completed the booking request form. This initial investment ensures that you reserve the room of your choice.
The remainder of your balance can be settled in a way that best suits your personal circumstances - whether it be paying in full or opting for a convenient payment plan. Just indicate your preference on the form, and once your deposit has been received, our team will be glad to make the necessary arrangements for you.
Join us for this very special Astrology & Yoga Retreat experience in September 2025 to deepen your astrology knowledge and yoga practice in the peaceful Portuguese countryside. We can’t wait to meet you!
"I'm filled with gratitude for this exceptional retreat. It was a truly magical experience. Nic, Katie and the team guided us on a journey of self-discovery that provided nourishment on many levels. Nic's yoga sessions were impeccably led and infused with positive energy and her Ayurvedic massages were outstanding. Katie's astrology classes were a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom, presented in an engaging, accessible manner. Her evident passion for astrology was contagious and her ability to convey complex concepts remarkable. Katie's one on one astro reading was compassionate, kind and empowering, combining intuitive insights with practical advice. She valued each of us as individuals and as part of the group, which made for a very personalised and rewarding experience. Our lively dinner conversations, accompanied by the most delicious food, were equally enjoyable as the serene early morning moments of silence. The beautiful farmhouse and its tranquil surroundings, along with the friendly resident dogs, added to the retreat's charm. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a unique blend of yoga, astrology and genuine human connection." - Wiebke
“Outstanding experience! This retreat really stood out from the crowd, offering a unique yet perfectly complimentary combination of astrology and yoga. I could not have asked for a better group of facilitators, the knowledge was exemplary as was the care put into so many small but hugely impactful details. The food was a definite highlight! Which is saying something as there were so many wonderful things to look forward to. Huge thank you to the team for all the love you poured into this, it hasn't gone unnoticed.” - Brooke