A yoga retreat is not just for long term yoga practitioners or those looking to deepen their practice. A retreat is the ideal way to take some time out to explore new ideas, to connect to your inner voice of truth and to make solid plans to follow the path that is calling you.

Here are six reasons to attend a yoga retreat at Byron Yoga Centre. You will reap the benefits for a long time to come:

1. Spend time with yourself

Yoga retreats provide a beautiful opportunity to reflect on where you are right now and where you want to focus your energy in the future. The combination of yoga and meditation practices with deep relaxation and time spent on your own leads you to connect to your heart, to the true you. When you step away from your usual daily hustle and bustle you are giving space to move into a place where you are more open hearted, more connected to your intuition and more genuinely mindful. Mindfulness is simply being in the present moment without judgement. After a stay at Byron Yoga Centre you are likely to start to see the world around you with a new set of eyes, without negative judgements or other people’s influences clouding your perceptions. In choosing to join a yoga retreat you are embarking on a wonderful journey of transformation.

2. Disconnect from the outside world

For most of us, our day revolves around time screen-time: answering emails, reading news, phone calls, scrolling through social media…the list goes on. Then during Covid our attachments to screens grew as we added Zoom meetings, Facetime conversations and House Party get togethers to our routines. Screens are hard habits to break, but at Byron Yoga Centre we gently encourage guests to embark on a digital detox to be more present with the nature around on this stretch of beautiful northern NSW coastline and to the truth inside their heart. This allows retreat guests to connect to their intuition and to find that new direction or path they are seeking.

3. Detox your body & mind

Detoxing comes in many forms. From allowing yourself to step out of your busy environment and leaving your phone at home, to cleansing your body with nourishing food or letting go of negative thoughts through meditation. Joining a retreat at Byron Yoga Centre will give you the opportunity to gently and naturally detox your body and mind. Much of the produce for the amazing vegetarian meals are grown onsite in the abundant organic gardens. The menu is based on the principals of SLOW Food: Seasonal; Local; Organic and Without processed foods of any kind.

Through practising meditation, we’ll become more grounded and aware. As our lead meditation teacher Swami Pujabi said: “Life happens now. Life doesn’t happen in the future or the past. Whatever we want in life can only happen if we are present. Because when we want to be happy, it can only happen in the present.”

4. Connect with your tribe

It’s well known that if you are surrounded by like-minded individuals, you blossom like a flower! You become more creative, more open to your feelings, braver and genuinely happier. Being surrounded by people you can trust, grow and thrive alongside is an experience that leads to life-long friendships.

5. Deepen your yoga practice

Attending a yoga retreat is a beautiful way to develop your practice and learn more about the yogic lifestyle. Even yoga newbies are welcome as each session is customised to suit the group with options given for different levels of experience. You will be taught and supported by experienced teachers who have been living and breathing yoga for many years.

6. Take home new healthy habits

Joining a yoga retreat is a chance to learn new ways to nourish yourself and instill healthy habits. Byron Yoga Centre offers 8, 5 and 3 day programs with a flexible schedule to maximise your experience of wellness and yoga. You will benefit from workshops on nutritional and cooking, philosophy and meditation, plus enjoy a relaxing massage, riding a bike to the beach or exploring this special corner of NSW while meeting people and learning to nurture yourself.

A yoga retreat is not just a holiday, it is a very unique experience that may even change your life for good. Does this sound good? Find out more about our yoga retreat options in beautiful Byron Bay here. 

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For those looking for an all-inclusive Health Retreat in NSW our 3, 5 or 7 day options are the perfect solution. With your accommodation, meals, all sessions and even personal treatments included in the price, all you need to do is simply arrive and everything is taken care of for you by our wonderful team. Various accommodation options are available which allows us to cater to all budgets and preferences. 

Everything on the schedule is entirely optional, allowing you the freedom to focus on your personal goals and interests. You may be looking to relax, rejuvenate and take some much-needed time out from daily life. Or you might be seeking a more active escape that involves participating in all of the sessions plus some of the optional extras and perhaps taking time to explore the local area and sites of interest. Either way, your Health Retreat in NSW will fill up your cup and allow you to step back into your daily life feeling balanced, focused, inspired and enlivened. 

As one of the longest running yoga schools and retreat centres in Australia, you can rest assured your health and wellbeing are in the best of hands. Our experienced and passionate yoga teachers are passionate about guiding you through your retreat journey. Our classes cater to all levels of yoga practitioners, whether you are new to yoga or a more advanced and seasoned yogi. The yoga classes offered in the Health Retreat program include meditation, yoga asana, breathing exercises and philosophy to allow you to dive into a more fully-rounded experience of yoga and gain tools to carry back home with you. 

A Health Retreat at Byron Yoga Retreat Centre has a great array of benefits. On a physical level, the fresh ocean air, delicious vegetarian meals, daily yoga classes and tranquil environment goes a long way in restoring your energy levels and gently detoxifying your system. Mentally and emotionally, the combination of meditation and breathing exercises, deep restful sleep and a nurturing space to unwind goes a long way in helping to ease anxiety and stress, boost your mood and leaves you feeling empowered and clear. 

Few Health Retreats in NSW include so much in their standard packages, we provide your comfortable accommodation, three homemade healthy meals each day, up to three yoga classes each day, massage/treatments (number depends on the duration of the retreat your book), access to our beautiful grounds including mineral salt water pool and gardens, meditation and pranayama sessions, workshops on wellness, health and nutrition, cooking demonstration and tour of the organic garden plus evening events such as yogic philosophy and guided meditation.

Byron Bay is the ideal place in NSW for a Health Retreat. Just a short walk away from town and the beach, Byron Yoga Retreat Centre offers the best of both worlds, a quiet sanctuary to escape to and only moments from everything that this special area has to offer. For those seeking to unwind and heal, or simply enjoy a fun and inspiring break, our Health Retreats in NSW are the ideal getaway to focus on your wellbeing. 

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Jetting off to a remote tropical island resort, managed by expatriates, that flies in most of it’s food (and all it’s bottled water!) to stay in air-conditioned accommodation furnished with imported luxuries and state-of-the-art electronics –  might not be the soft carbon footprint of a true yogi!

So when you come to book a retreat it’s admirable to consider the environmental impact and the sustainability of the retreat centre as well as the accommodation, food and program (we know these are important too!).

If yoga retreats in northern NSW are your nearest options, choosing Byron Bay over Bali, Goa or Sri Lanka would significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your trip. To calculate the exact amount of carbon dioxide emissions and the offset amount go to this calculator.

Byron Yoga Retreat Centre is not a luxury resort but it is comfortable and restful with a focus on sustainable features and policies. We have rainwater tanks, compost toilets, most of our hot water comes from a solar heating system and the mineral salt swimming pool is also heated by a solar system.

Much of the produce for the menu comes from our organic onsite garden. We follow the principal of SLOW food ‘ Seasonal, Local, Organic and Without processed food. So we work with local suppliers to ensure our food is fresh, locally produced and organic where possible.

When you come to Byron Yoga Retreat Centre for a retreat or teacher training we will give you a short tour of the site and explain our eco principles including the compost toilets and recycling programs. If you have booked into an 8-day retreat program you will enjoy a garden tour and a cooking demonstration using some ingredients you have picked yourself!

With it’s unique Byron Bay location, close enough so guests can cycle to the beautiful beach and iconic town (bikes provided) and its natural beauty and tranquility, Byron Yoga Retreat Centre is the first choice for affordable and sustainable yoga retreats in NSW.

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Here at Byron Yoga Centre the staff have come up with a few essential hacks to help you keep your poise this holiday season:

Take extra care of yourself

Spend part of each day off the grid, preferably in nature. Even if it’s just of 10 minutes, turn off your phone, step away from your computer/family/colleagues and revitalise your energy. Being in nature is a wonderful way to recharge your vitality.

“I wash off the work day with a surf or a walk on the beach,” said Lucas our graphic designer. “When I lived in London for a year this wasn’t possible, a teacher suggested I befriend a tree! So every day I’d visit the same tree in a local park and just check in with it. I love being back in Byron Bay, but I still kind of miss my tree!”

Other ways to practice yogi self care are to up your meditation; balance your diet for your dosha (but leave some room for mood boosting treats such as dark chocolate and comfort drinks like almond milk chai); swap vinyasa for restorative asana; and download some yoga nidra or melodic mantra for a pre-bedtime ritual.

Change Your Attitude

As yogis we know that while you can’t change people and situations – you can change your attitude. Being grateful has been shown to lower cortisol levels, so re-commit to that Gratitude List (we know that most yogis have started one at some point!).

“When I find myself focusing on the negative, I like to play a game called ’It Could Be Worse’, contributed Becky. “For example, if I’m snowed under at work I tell myself the To Do List could also include some particular hideous task. This might sound pessimistic but it works for me and it usually makes me laugh!”

Nourishing your sense of humour is a sure fire way to reduce stress and increase the endorphins that fuel our wellbeing. Hang out with friends who make you laugh, pick up a book that will make you smile or check out the stand up comedy on Netflix or the cat videos on YouTube!

Lower Your Expectations!

We often expect so much from others and from ourselves that we are set up for anxiety and disappointment. Society and social media create unrealistic standards that are hard to meet and impossible to maintain. Instead of comparing yourself to Influencers, celebrities or media icons – start to set realistic goals and give yourself credit for what you achieve.

“I had a Star Chart on my fridge to reward my daughters for positive behaviour,” commented Joni. “Then I decided to add my name to the Chart. When I get five stars in a week I reward myself with an extra chunk of chocolate or glass of red wine!”

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Guests on our popular Women’s Retreats often tell us that the altar space set up for them by the retreat leader Tabata Ogilvie creates a beautiful focus and leaves a lasting impression.

Crafting a bespoke sacred space just for you, with elements that you connect with, is a wonderful way to deepen your personal practice of yoga or meditation, cultivate qualities you aspire to and invite more peace and gratitude into your life.

We asked Tabata to put together a few guidelines on how you can create your own personal altar:

1. Choose the location

Select a space in your home that feels energetically ‘right’. Perhaps you already have a place where you practice yoga or choose an area away from the main thoroughfares that feels private and tranquil.

2. Create your base

Choose a suitable surface such a chest of drawers, a shelf, or a side table. The size of your base is up to you. You may like to create a specific altar by positioning a small table, or placing a beautiful piece of material on the floor space of your location.

3. Select sacred items

Choose items you feel connected to that create positive feelings or have good memories attached to them. Be discerning so that when you look at the altar you feel uplifted and inspired.

Some suggestions form Tabata include:

• Fresh flowers or a small plant
• Crystals, stones, feathers or any natural objects
• Incense, dried sage or palo santo (use to cleanse the space)
• Candles, oil burners or tea-lights
• Photographs, post cards or inspirational quotes
• Oracle card decks such as Angel or Animal cards
• Statues of deities, Hindus choose deities that represent the qualities they wish to cultivate eg Saraswati for wisdom, Lakshmi for ambundance, Ganesh to remove obstacles or you could select Isis or Mary Magdalene
• Sentimental items such as a jewellery, objects you have been given or collected on holiday
• Meaningful books or your journal
• Mala beads for Japa meditation practice
• Pictures of your loved ones, teachers or people who inspire you
• Your own personal written affirmations or vision board

4. Using your altar

Think of your altar as your sacred space and a place to connect with what is important to you. It’s all yours and it’s there for you whenever you need to re-connect, re-charge and just be.

Once you have your space set up and arranged it can be really nice to light a candle or a stick of incense each day on your altar and sit next to it when meditating, visioning, pulling cards, journaling or practising yoga.

Be sure to keep the space clean and re-arrange or change out items as and when it feels right to you so that it continues to be a space of inspiration and nourishment for you.

For information on the next Women’s Retreat, 9-11 November see here

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While 2018 was ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, growth and spiritual and intellectual development, 2019 is the year of Mars, The God of War, ruler of Aries and Scorpio. Mars is the planet of power, strength, energy and courage. 2019 is asking you to recognise and overcome fears and desires, and Tabata expresses this as ‘the time of our Inner Warrior.’

Tabata explains: ‘2018 was the year of dropping masks; now in 2019 we have the opportunity to see ourselves and each other as the true self. By connecting with your Inner Warrior you will be shown the challenges and given the strength to overcome these obstacles to be the change you always wanted. This is a time for positive battles – but watch out for fiery decisions and impulsivity!

The major planetary movements in 2019 that will affect all of us include:

• Saturn sextile Neptune: your spiritual pursuits may bring material gain. You will have a deeper understanding of your spiritual goals and how they contribute in the big picture. It is a great time for a retreat, a time to develop and go deeper into your yoga as a spiritual and holistic practice.
• Jupiter square Neptune: this will test your faith when disappointments are presented. Or maybe your trust in someone will prove to be over idealized, in which case the important thing is to cut from the roots, to disengage and have a fresh start. Also, take care with your resources.
• Jupiter trine Uranus in December 2019: if your life has felt stagnant – this is the time to open up and try something new and different.
• There will be a shift on the Node that passed in 2018 in Leo and its complementary opposite Aquarius where we had several eclipses. Eclipses are a time for changes and in 2019 the eclipses will be happening in Cancer and the opposite complementary sign of Capricorn. These signal changes and new directions in the family, personal life and in dedication to work. There is an exception of the January eclipse which is in Leo.
• 2019 asks for maturity, responsibility, work, taking care of your health and family and it recommends we find some time for balance… haven’t we all asked for this at some point in our life? It is the moment to understand the right time for each aspect of our life.

I see 2019 to be a turning point, as time for action! We have the opportunity to build a new reality despite all the obstacles that will be presented to us. We will be stronger after the lessons we will learn this year.

Wishing you a magnificent Inner Warrior 2019!

ARIES:

You need to find a rhythm that is compatible with both you internal and external worlds. It is important that you find your tribe, that you surround yourself with people with whom you have a strong affinity. Traveling and studying are highlighted for you this year. You are likely to make an important and meaningful journey. Courses and learning are also on the cards for you. Your intuition is strong, so listen to it! Love and friendship tend to walk side by side for you in 2019. There is potential for you to build your future in a consistent, organized and dedicated way that establishes a strong foundation for daily life. It’s important that you take care of your health, that you make this a priority every day. Pay special attention to any existing issues and seek remedies, exploring natural treatments and ensuring your diet is full of fresh good organic foods. A key element to guarantee wellbeing this year is to choose a slower pace, a calm lifestyle with quality over quantity.

TAURUS:

You may feel like you are in a hurry this year. Your challenge is to keep grounded within a situation that demands energy and effort. It’s a good time to start new projects, to plan for the future and to engage with the most important elements in your life. It could be beneficial to join forces with others. But to be successful you need to let go of your tendency for stubbornness and listen to others. The stars are predicting big changes in the next few years! In relationships, it is important to be more pragmatic in dealing with future partners, plan the future of the relationship with each other. Once the structure is secure, you will become more sensual and relationships are set to be more intense. You are also likely to be very focused on work and career this year. Taking a course connected to your work can improve your resume and advance your career. Be careful to choose wisely, look for recognized and properly certified courses. 2019 is offering you the opportunity to take the initiative and use your creativity more. It will be a busy year so try to find moments to relax, perhaps take a retreat! Practicing yoga, a sport or hobby is essential to maintain your vitality. Take care to avoid or manage any stress and anxiety, which can generate not only physical but emotional imbalances. The practice of yoga and meditation will help.

GEMINI:

This promises to be a busy year, just the way you like it Geminis! There are so many new opportunities. You can structure and consolidate what you have already been doing while also growing further. Your intuition is amplified and with so much inspiration, you will generate even more incredible ideas. The planets promise an increase in focus and concentration and this will enable you to connect to everything in greater depth, a guarantee of joy and good results. Also you have the ingredients to be lucky in love! The only problem is finding the time to dedicate yourself to another person, as you already have so much to do! It’s worthwhile to include love on your agenda, to cultivate more visibility and more success. You will be more inspired and can take your ideas even further into fruition Your intellectual activities are predicted to grow. A course or trip can stimulate your mind and bring even more opportunities. Beware of impulse spending! Control yourself! Yoga will help take care not only of the body, but also of the mind, and this will improve your overall performance and energy levels. It will be a busy year so try to find moments to rest and be with your family or close friends to create some space and balance.

CANCER:

You will be very attuned to details in 2019. Watch and be acutely aware of everything that happens! A busy year is predicted, full of travel, learning and remarkable encounters! This is an important time to be among friends and to assert yourself more, speaking out for what you want will also motivate others. A journey with a spiritual purpose or a connection to self-knowledge can be an important milestone in your life. Spiritualize yourself! Love needs to be taken care of every day. There will be periods of expansion and great opportunities in your professional life. Do not be afraid to be the leader of your team. It’s time to take on great responsibilities. Your health is likely to improve significantly as your day to day routine flows and the details of your life are in good working order. But stay vigilant! Excesses and amplifications are your greatest risk. Keeping a healthy routine is a good way to take care of yourself.

LEO:

Your year may be more difficult if you try to rush things too much. Try to take one step at a time and lead life at a steady pace. Be careful not to overload your schedule. Enjoy every moment, every encounter and every little happiness that you experience. It’s also time to work on your self esteem and value yourself more! Try to be more open and flexible. It could be a year of discovering your talents and gifts. You may experience an intense passion. When you fall in love, you tend to give yourself willingly and wildly with your full heart! This year offers a phase of passionate affection and sexual intensity, with important discoveries. Live these new sensations. You have the opportunity to take on more responsibility and so your work routine may increase. It is important to move forward despite obstacles, try to conduct situations in a way that the outcome is favorable to you. It is worth investing in work relationships; in partnerships, investing time and energy in making contacts and increasing communication with your customers or colleagues. The financial area of your life calls for caution and increased organization. Your health may feel the challenges from the overload of a routine full of responsibilities, things to do, and many stressful activities. Move the body, yoga is excellent for you at this time. It is essential to balance the moments of obligation with time for leisure and happiness. Cherish every moment you have for yourself, these will give you strength and energy to get through the year successfully.

VIRGO:

Make time to take care of you. Take the time to look at your needs and to take care of yourself to the best of your abilities. It is essential to care for your body and also to look at what you need in life, what you want in life! Your routine flows better in 2019. You dream more and you can accomplish what you want by following the signs and being connected to your emotions. It is important to be more open and flexible about life and also to pay attention to details. Love and romance is in the air; you will experience a period of deeper connection with the person/people you love. You’re less shy, more outgoing, more open. This will translate into a being who is full of love to give! Do not be afraid to express yourself and to talk about your ideas! Try to be more creative on a day to day basis and make your work routine as enjoyable as possible. Try not to hold on to negative experiences and emotions, these can be stored in your body and cause disharmony. So move your body, get in touch with nature, do things you like and make plenty of room for pleasure in your every day routine.

LIBRA:

It’s a such a busy year for you and full of things happening at the same time! You may experience unusual situations and there is a risk of anxiety and some stress. Overall this promises to be a great year, with good feelings and enjoyable experiences. Try to conduct your routines more lightly and do not lose faith! Having a spiritual practice in your day to day life will be essential in order to maintain your wellbeing. Be passionate about every experience that crosses your path without fear of the outcome. This will lead to a more fun life, full of emotion and excitement. If you are in a relationship, look for things you can do together to connect even more, sharing each other’s needs and dreams. Travel will be very beneficial to the relationship. Use more of your creativity and connect to the inspiration that is so potent right now. You can rescue an old dream, an old project, something you have not had the opportunity to complete in the past. Just be careful not to create too many high expectations and do not trust the wrong people – your intuition can help with that! Be careful not to spend too much money as this can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Think about the future in relation to finances. 2019 is predicting you will be in good health, but you may suffer from distraction and therefore be more susceptible to minor accidents and injuries. Be careful not to take on energies from the environment and other people, which may lower your vitality.

SCORPIO:

It’s a year to talk less and act more! Plan every detail and just do what it takes. Choose wisely who you want to have on your side. You may be inspired to do a cleansing in your friendships and relationships, letting go of those who you no longer resonate with, and this will only be positive. Family matters gain special strength and it is a good time to build closer relationships to your relatives. Staying at home will be beneficial. Cultivate love and attention to your home. You are more romantic and more focused on bonding and are likely to get more involved with the people you love. Try to have lots of fun in the company of others, and do not fear showing the love that you feel. Take the initiative, make a commitment, declare yourself. You can not control love. Beware to recognise jealousy, which can generate fights and arguments. Just trust in love! Work tends to flow smoothly without major changes. Recognise what is working, then slowly and steadily create any changes you want. Partnerships are beneficial and generate positive results. If you can, work from home more. The house and the family are your refuge in 2019. You are predicted have good health and wellbeing most of the year but you may suffer from small worries. Life demands lightness, take pleasure in day to day activities and include more interaction with those you love. Playing a musical instrument or dancing can offer you a good escape. Make time for any activities that help take care of you and your health.

SAGITTARIUS:

It is a highly advantageous time! Jupiter, your ruling planet, is in your sign and during the year will pass by your Sun. This promises growth, luck, expansion, good news and general happiness. This will be a relief after a few challenging years. Now it’s time to reap the rewards and have conviction and confidence back in your life. Be your natural cheerful and upbeat self. Enjoy the predicted fun and travel this year. You will experience wonderful intimate moments of deeper exchange and love. A good year for beginnings. Start new projects, take on new challenges and responsibilities. Not everything will be simple, and the year calls for a significant investment of time and energy if you want successful results. Reviewing your values ​​will be good for all outcomes. With lots of projects on the horizon, you may become more anxious. Practicing yoga or a sport, investing time in your spiritual practices and maintaining strong communication with your family are all essential in maintaining your wellbeing this year. Outdoor activities and being in nature are also good methods for self care.

CAPRICORN:

With Saturn and Pluto in your sign and moving closer together, 2019 is a fantastic year for you! It may be difficult, full of challenges and responsibility but the year has the potential to assemble many important things in your life. Try to connect with your highest and most significant projects, and put in more energy to drive them forward. It is a good year for travel and experiences that open and relax your mind. Show more love and affection into your relationships. Try to demonstrate what you feel in a clear and tender way, put your heart into every dialogue. Try to show with expressive actions that you value the relationship. 2019 is a year to calm the heart. Try to be more inspired and creative. Talking about ideas with friends or work colleagues will help you successfully establish each project. Courses are good investments, including those that have nothing to do with your work but which expand your creativity. You need to remember to take care of the body, which tends to get stiffer when overloaded. Physical activities like yoga are the most beneficial. Spend energy wisely and with care to avoid chronic or past injuries coming back.

AQUARIUS:

2019 looks set to be a happy year for you and full of opportunities. You may experience an increase in worry and you need to be careful not to carry emotional weight for no reason. If you have accumulated doubts, this is the year to let them go and clear your emotional path. Your circle of friends is likely to grow and if you want to move, this is also a great year for that. If you focus and put in the work you can make your biggest dreams come true. Take care of those you love! Find a balance between the time you are together and the space for your own self care. The more you value yourself, the more love you will have in your life. With planning and diligence, you can grow and be happier in your profession. And there is potential that you can achieve a professional dream this year. It is important to have a good structure to balance family and time together. Your health looks good this year, but nurture it to ensure it is maintained. The best method for wellbeing is to take pleasure in your daily life and do things you love to do. Try to blend moments of enjoyment into every day and take special care of your mind, your heart and your energy. A good year to do self work or therapy, and to cleanse those denser emotions that we tend to accumulate throughout our lives. Your body will feel peace as a reflection.

PISCES:

2019 is a year to chase after your dreams and accomplish some of them. It’s time to actively pursue what you want, take the initiative and you will succeed! A great year to revisit the projects dearest to your heart or to go back to doing something you loved to do in the past and that you may have let go of when life got busy. It is important to keep an open mind for new opportunities. A good year to make a stronger commitment and dedicate yourself wholly to the one/s who you love. Try to revive your naturally romantic way of being, it is time to demonstrate with actions and words what you feel. Taking care of each detail in your regular routine is fundamental for love to flourish. Take care of yourself too, and your partner will also value you even more. A year of growth and great opportunities, you may be offered a valuable promotion or a fantastic opportunity. If you are not totally happy with what you are doing then follow your dreams, do what you love, dare to take a risk and you will find happiness. Caring for your health is essential to create the energy you need to accomplish everything this year offers you. Take time to practice yoga or a sport, eat well and enjoy your passions. Contact with art and music will be beneficial, so dance, sing, paint or create. Travelling can offer valuable space to re-energize your body and your spirit. Being alone, meditating and resting is also good for your health. Take care of yourself to better enjoy your year!

By Tabata Ogilvie, inspired by astrologers Vanessa Tuleski, Titi Vidal, Isabel Muller and Claudia Lisboa

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What’s in store for you?

The Equinox and the New Astrological Year by Tabata Ogilvie

The Equinox and the New Astrological Year on 21 March brings new hope and beginnings. As I mentioned in the previous newsletter – this is the year of expansion. Jupiter, the planet ruling this year, is in the deep waters of Scorpio and it represents our hopes, our values and our beliefs in the search for a deeper meaning of what is important in your life. It is the time to re-access or create the deep meanings that express your purpose in this life.

The start of the Astrological New Year, will trigger profound reflection as Jupiter, planet of values, beliefs, luck and expansion is retrograde until 10 July 10 in the sign of Scorpio. This is a time to consider deeply your values and to search for true answers about what is truly most important to you and your life. This time is asking you to take a deep dive within. To review your essence, your priorities, your beliefs, your values and your focus. By doing this you will allow yourself to review and reassess without fear – so the year of expansion can be fully embraced.

Find out more details for the year ahead and check your own sign: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

Also, Mercury is retrograding a few days after the Astrological New Year begins. When the planet of communications, technologies, and contracts will be in retrograde – so back up your computer and files before 23 March and until 16 April it’s best not to sign contracts or make big decisions. Unless you have Mercury in retrograde in your birth chart, then this will be a great time for you to express yourself.

When Mercury is in retrograde this is the best time to retreat, re-think, re-evaluate, re-view and reflect. This year Mercury will retrograde in the fire star signs: Aries (March-April), Leo (July-August) and Sagittarius (November-December). So choose these times to retreat with us, to go deep within yourself and heal your soul.

Check the area that you have Capricorn in your astrological birth chart as it is with Pluto (the planet of metamorphosis, transformation, birth and death) and Saturn (the planet of maturity, responsibility, structure, stability) and consider how these two extreme energies relate to your life during this year.

Another important movement is the entrance of Uranus (advanced ideas, uniqueness ideas, no pattern) entering the earth star sign of Taurus and staying for seven years. This will make us think of new ways to deal with money and our values.

This all offers a good start to the Astrological New Year – as long as you know how to make the best use of your energy. You can be sure that your last seven years of hard work and being true to your values with yourself and others will pay off.

There is also an emphasis on the female power and energy reshaping the global community. The importance of this balance between female and male is in every way reflected in our bigger community/society. The women’s movement has been taken into the mainstream, for equal rights, equal salaries, marching, organizing and building power. Events such as the Women’s March, the survivors and their stories of sexual harassment and assault in the #METOO movement, the speech of Oprah Winfrey at the 2018 Golden Globe and the pregnancy of the New Zealand prime minister – these events are calling attention to reeducate man about how our collective socialization has resulted in a culture that devalues woman allowing many forms of violence and discrimination that harms us all.

In saying that I would to emphasize the importance of harmony between the female and masculine energies in each one of us during the equinox period as this vibration of opposite and complementary energies are on the surface, just like the day and night are the same in the equinox date.

I have prepared the interpretation of the 12 Star Signs for this astrological year. Enjoy the reading!

• Aries: 2018 will be a year of transformation, challenges and possible delays. Your mantra for this year is: patience is a virtue. Saturn crosses the professional sector to bring definitions in your life, Saturn will reward, or not, depending on everything that you have done in professional terms over the last seven years. 2018 will demand an unexpected maturity, which can be felt as excessive. Pluto will pressure you and bring obstacles. When this happens, make sure you make the necessary adjustments to accept your current reality. Go with the flow. Don’t rush. Time is your best friend. Meditation is a great tool for this year and for your life. From November 2018 life expansion and new opportunities will come your way.

• Taurus: You will have an enlightening and sentimental period. Jupiter is in the field of relationships and some will be married in 2018! This is a good time in your life to plan and carry out projects. Pluto brings rebirth, progress and growth. Uranus enters your star sign in May brining a greater need for change and freedom, taking you to new territories. You should take care to understand your limitations; your resistance to change and I encourage you to be pro-active in letting go of past situations and limitations so you reach authenticity and self-expression.

• Gemini:  Your professional life will be in a stage of expansion and renewal until October. A time of great intuition. Neptune will bring tiredness and perhaps a distortion of reality. You may need to change careers. By May you can take advantage of the positive winds of change brought by Uranus’ charitable appearance. Your ruling planet Mercury will be retrograde in the fire signs this year; this is a great moment to ignite all forms of relationships. In November there will be relief of difficulties and improvement and opportunities with the focus of attention on relationships.

• Cancer: This is an intense year! Do not miss opportunities to expand your creative potential. Jupiter is giving you extra confidence and potential for rewarding experiences. The solar eclipse on 13 July helps you to pioneer new projects. From May Uranus could promote a breakthrough in life. Motherhood can be a key issue and there could be some fragile times due to the tension of Pluto promoting family changes. This is a great year for creativity and sensitivity due to the positivity of Neptune. Commitment is essential in everything you put your heart into. Love and pleasure are vitally important to you this year.

• Leo: You should be wise this year in making your moves! Since the total lunar eclipse in Leo on 31 January, the Bluemoon, Supermoon and Redmoon bought you in touch with your creative instincts, preparing you to start new projects and innovations. Uranus may cause you to commit in excesses, which is a natural tendency. Jupiter in the family home favors the real estate sector. Saturn in the house of work demands order and excellence. Go with the flow and do not resist change. Mercury retrogrades from 26 July to 19 August so take some time for reflection during this period. The solar eclipse in Leo on 11 August is a good time for a new way forward. It is a year of expansion in life, creations and innovation.

• Virgo: Several planets are positively converging with Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus all in favor. Until October Jupiter works to expand life and increase your popularity. Make the most of the opportunities ahead when things will flow with the winds of freedom and progress of Uranus. This is a very important year to ground your feet and build strong foundations for your next 10 years. It is the time to be the best version of yourself and to project your good reputation. This approach will fortify you for the challenges of the next 5 years. Pay special attention and have caution from November with potential family intensity.

• Libra: You will begin the year dealing with your Karma. This year will test your resilience with yourself and others. You will know when it is time to move on from situations or relationships that have reached their expiry date. Someone may even help you to turn the page. From 23 March to 14 April the planet Mercury will retrograde and it is a good time to review your current position. You may have changes in work and family life and perhaps tension due to sudden changes. Your financial sector is illuminated and some obstacles and tensions may occur. Structuring family life is a part of 2018. In November, there will be relief from difficulties with improvement and opportunities.

• Scorpio: A very blessed sign in 2018! Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto all blowing in favor of the mysterious Scorpio. You are entering a new cycle of 12 years. You can count on Saturn’s help to structure your life. Jupiter will be in this constellation until November, which will expand your life without exception bringing good fortune and health. You will experience optimism, confidence and pleasure throughout the year. Just be careful with extravagance. Venus retrograde from 5 to 31 October and will help you to put the brakes on and review what is important to you. New adventures will broaden your mind to new perspectives, maybe a new course, something new that will give you so much pleasure. This is the year to stretch yourself to pursue your true purpose.

• Sagittarius: You can take a deep breath at the beginning of the year because the planet Saturn has gone out of your zone! Liberation is what you will feel! If you take risks in the first half of the year, you will be able to live more authentically. Until May you can take advantage of the blessings Uranus brings – opportunities and advancement of life. From the 26 of June to 26 of August Mars is in retrograde and you will find your pace slowing down, your brain will be full of ideas, but it will be difficult to implement them during this period, after 26 August you will feel free again. You must be careful with the tension of Neptune, don’t fall in your illusions. From 17 November until 1 December Mercury will retrograde, brining delays and re-scheduling could occur. From November on, the sun will shine for you because of the entrance of your ruler Jupiter in your sign until December 2019!

• Capricorn: You will be put to the test during 2018. Your ruling planet Saturn will bring you the seeds you have you sown. You will feel the weight of the responsibilities. This year could be very rewarding as you enjoy the fruits of your labour. You will learn valuable lessons. After May you will have relief due to the winds of Uranus bringing new chances of change. Jupiter, the great beneficent lies in your career, to bring about improvement, but avoid starting anything new until August. You are under the strong winds of Pluto bringing the transformation of life.

• Aquarius: This is a year to go with the flow. Accepting the tensions, obstacles, adversities, and sudden and unforeseen circumstances. Knowing this you can be prepared and deal with these adversities smoothly. Saturn occupies the sector of the 12th house of reflection, spiritual deepening and opportunities for growth and self-expression. The solar eclipse on 16 February was perfect for initiating new projects and partnerships. Jupiter is in tension with the Sun, the tendency will be to commit in excesses, so respect your limits. There will be tension around the total lunar eclipse in Aquarius on 28 July, please focus inwards. In November, there will be life improvement, and opportunities.

• Pisces: You will receive blessings from the planets, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus and be encouraged to make good connections, brining expansion and luck. You will have no complaints in 2018. You could easily get lost in the pleasure of life but be careful to not be lazy. Uranus will bring sudden opportunities. You will benefit from the good winds of Jupiter until October. Creativity will be heightened; unexpected situations will bring the advancement of life. Ensure you spend as much time nurturing yourself and re-energizing your own batteries as you do others. Try to root yourself in reality so 2018 becomes an inspirational year.

Tabata Ogilvie leads the Women’s Heath and Yoga Retreats: Our Women’s Health and Yoga Retreats are taught by women, for women. To learn more, click here.

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From this place of leaving the past behind us we move into 2018 – the year of expansion. 2018 will be ruled by the biggest planet in our solar system: Jupiter. This period tends to be filled with changes and achievements.

Jupiter is in Scorpio for the first time in 12 years and remains until November 2018. 2018 also brings two other important astrological movements: Saturn will be in Capricorn for the first time in 29 years starting in December 2017, and Uranus will move into Taurus in May 2018 for the first time in 84 years. We can expect modifications in the economic scenario, new ways to deal with work, money and changes in what we value.

With Saturn (conservatism) entering Capricorn (ideals) for the next two and half years, and Uranus (advanced ideas) in transit through Taurus (earth sign, representing our material world) for the next eight years, it will be during this time that people will realise that the universe and world environment we live with, has and will always be ruled by variables. Open your mind and heart to the new year ahead.

Jupiter, the largest of the planets in the solar system, is related to wealth, business growth, studies, sports, law and religion. This is a great time for intellectual education, to go beyond borders, to learn a new language, do business or have experiences in foreign countries, travel to that place you always wanted, do the course you always dreamed of! It is necessary to have focus for your goals to be achieved and then 2018 will be a year of great success and abundance.

Jupiter expands our limits, and so it is wise to be attentive to possible over indulgences, overworking and increased stress. Ensure you do everything necessary to keep your health in good condition, both mental and physical. Stay connected and take care not to do what you might later regret.

In 2018 relationships are only likely to go forward if there is reciprocity. If someone in the couple is in the romance just for convenience or has doubts, the relationship will probably come to an end. Remember: our happiness must always be a priority and it comes from within.

It’s up to you to make your year incredible and unforgettable. Focus and go after what do you really want and follow your life purpose.

Another golden edict for 2018 would be: walk the line! That’s right, do not even think about trying to bend the rules. Jupiter represents justice, so if you try to circumvent the law, you will have problems.

And remember that Saturn will continue to govern the larger cycle for 36 years, then, along with Jupiter’s expanding and growing movement, we must always exercise caution, responsibility, practical sense, and the notion of saturnine boundaries.

I am writing more predictions for each of our special Women’s Retreats. Come and enjoy and dive in the abundance within yourself in 2018.

Tabata leads the Women’s Health and Yoga Retreats:

3 Day:

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March 14 - 16, 2025	Register Now
June 13 - 15, 2025	Register Now

5 Day:

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Our Women’s Health and Yoga Retreats are taught by women, for women. Learn more here.

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Traditionally, Yoga was a male orientated practice, with teachings being passed on from male master to male students. Nowadays, up to 85% of yoga students are women, compared to 15% male, in Australia. Nearly every lineage of yoga has come from male teachers or masters, so it could be argued that traditional yoga was not designed for a woman’s body. Women should certainly consider the stage in their monthly cycle and / or their life when practising yoga. This is important, not just for all women to know, but also yoga teachers, as certain postures are beneficial for women at different stages of the cycle and of life.

Generally, hip openers, grounding postures, twists and inversions are good for women’s health. Hip openers such as Baddha Konasana and Eka Pada Rajakapotasana help to increase blood flow and circulation into the pelvis and womb space which is good for reproductive health. Standing postures such as Vrksasana and Virabhadrasana help to strengthen the legs and provide a sense of grounding. Twists such as Ardha Matsyendrasana help to massage and bring fresh blood and oxygen into the reproductive organs, and inversions such as Salamba Sarvangasana and Viparita Karani help to balance hormones, regulate metabolism and rejuvenate the adrenals.

Menstruation

During menstruation, you should avoid doing strenuous yoga. It is best to avoid inversions to help facilitate apana vayu (downward movement), and you should also avoid postures on your stomach, strong backbends or twists and standing asanas.

Pelvic opening poses such as Baddha Konasana help to increase circulation in the pelvic region, forward folds such as Balasana, Paschimottanasana and Janu Sirasana can help massage the reproductive organs, increase blood flow, release tension from the lower back; and gentle twists such as Ardha Matsyendrasana 3 (open twist variation) can help to stimulate blood flow and remove obstructions. Focus on restorative yoga, seated asanas, soft pranayama, and use lots of props!

Pregnancy

It can be hard work growing a little human, so try not to practice too strenuously when you are pregnant. The relaxin hormone relaxes ligaments and the pelvis preparing it for childbirth, so be careful not to overstretch during your pregnancy. You should avoid prone postures, or compression of your stomach, avoid lying flat on your back (prop yourself up with a block and bolster during Savasana) and always roll over to the left side to avoid compression of the Vena Cava nerve. You want to focus on opening the pelvic area with hip opening postures such as Baddha Konasana; strengthen the legs and shoulders with standing postures such as Virabhadrasana 1 and 2; and focus on pranayama breathing exercises which will help you stay calm during your birth. Opt for a more restorative practice and enjoy the rest before your little bundle arrives!

Menopause

During menopause, your hormones and emotions can be a roller-coaster! Your body is changing, you may begin to lose muscle mass and bone density. You should focus on strengthening postures such as Virabhadrasana 1 and 2, Vrksasana to help keep you balanced and supported inversions like Salamba Sarvangasana to help regulate your hormones. Cooling and calming forward folds such as Uttanasana or Prasarita Padottanasana can help with the hot flushes!

Women’s Health and Yoga Retreats

Dates	Register
March 14 - 16, 2025	Register Now
June 13 - 15, 2025	Register Now

Our Women’s Health and Yoga Retreats are taught by women, for women. Learn more here. Or click here for general information on our yoga retreats.

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Byron Yoga Centre offers yoga health and wellness retreats year round, making winter a great time for a rejuvenating getaway. There is also lots going on around Byron Shire and surrounds, so it’s worth while planning your retreat with a few days either side to explore and soak up some of the goodness on offer around the area.

Mild days are perfect for Cape Byron walking tracks, food festivals and market perusing and crispy nights for wooly jumpers, long restaurant jaunts and bonfire gazing. As Byron Bay is mainland Australia’s most easterly point, it’s prime whale watching territory. A highlight for this time of year are the Humpback whales migrating north. From May to November, whales can be spotted from the Cape Byron Headland or Lighthouse.

The regional food and wine festivals, such as the Ballina Fine Wine and Food Festival, showcases local restaurants, producers, wineries and breweries. Here you can taste fabulous food by talented chefs, sample local produce, taste local wines, and join in the activities and see cooking demonstrations. Bangalow’s Sample Food Festival is held in September and attracts over 15,000 visitors annually.

The annual Byron Bay Writers Festival runs over 3 days in August brings together writers and booklovers in one of Australia’s largest regional literary events, with a strong focus on Australian writing and writers. The festival program is both relaxed and rigorous, with over 100 Australian writers in attendance each year.

A trip to Byron Bay wouldn’t be complete without experiencing some music. Venues and markets all over town showcase local, national and international acts regularly. Winter in The Bay is always made super special by the iconic Splendour in the Grass Festival in July. With music acts and performances from artists far and wide, this cutting edge festival set the rolling tree scape of Billinudgel on metaphorical fire back in July.

Weather it’s a yoga class and matcha latte, or a wander around the beautiful boutiques, be it nature, nourish or nurture, Byron has something to offer anyone looking for a winter getaway with a difference.

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