Awakening the Elements
An in-person Retreat in Austria from 14-19 May 2026
An experiential journey through Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether to help you understand yourself and bring clarity, balance and awareness into everyday life.
akasadvayuh | vayoragnih | agnerapah | adbhyah prthivi
From space emerged air. From air was born fire. From fire was created water. From water sprang up earth (Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1.1)
The Elements are the fundamental building blocks of existence, the patterns through which life expresses itself. Everything we see, feel, and experience arises from their interplay. To understand and work with them is to tune into the architecture of Life itself.
This is an in-person retreat to explore the Vedic framework of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether as a grounded, practical and insightful way to understand life. The retreat is intensive, with over 30 hours of sessions spread across 5 days. Modalities include yoga, pranayama, art, movement, group process, reflection and creative explorations. This retreat is open to anyone interested in inner growth and self-understanding. No background in Vedic studies is needed.
The retreat will be divided into two major parts – the first will be to understand and experience each Element, within and through us. In the second part, we will apply the understanding to different dimensions of our lives.
How will you benefit from this?
• You'll gain a clearer understanding of yourself and how each Element shapes your energy, emotions, and patterns.
• Learn a practical Vedic framework you can use in daily life to make steadier decisions.
• Find balance in key areas of life such as relationships, work, and home.
• Become more aware in your body and mind through movement, reflection, and silence.
• A sense of grounding and renewal that helps you return home with clarity and steadiness.
Practical Information
About the Retreat venue:
The retreat will be held 2-hour drive from Vienna (Austria) in Glögglhof. This is a 200-year-old castle at the foot of the Eisenerz Alps. It is surrounded by a historic 1-hectare park. More details are available here: https://www.gloegglhof.at/
Date and time:
The retreat will be held from 14–19 May 2026. We start at 4pm on 14th May, and end at 1pm on the 19th. Sessions will be held from 9am – 6pm with breaks for meals and rest. Spots are limited to 15 participants, so we can provide a quiet, personalised experience for each. Food will be simple and vegetarian, along with coffee and tea. Vegan option available.
Retreat fee per participant:
€500 before 25th January 2026, €650 thereafter
Accommodation fee per person:
€425 for twin sharing, €525 for single occupancy. This includes 3 meals with water/coffee/tea, parking and taxes.
Cancellation policy:
Fees are fully refundable up to 15th February 2026. After that, cancellations are not possible, but you may transfer your spot to another participant for the same retreat.
Who is this for
This retreat is for anyone who wants to slow down, reconnect, and understand themselves more clearly. No background in Vedic knowledge or Vedic Astrology is needed. It’s a good fit if:
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You feel the need for balance and space in your life.
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You’re curious about personal growth using the Vedic approach.
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You enjoy learning through experience rather than theory.
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You want a simple Vedic framework which you can apply to daily life.
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You appreciate small groups and quiet, supportive settings.
Yes! Count me in!
Please complete this form and we will contact you with the next steps.
Meet the Team
This retreat will be led by a small team of 2-3 facilitators who are experienced in holding space. We have each explored and have embodied experience in developing own own relationship with the Elements, We will be supporting you throughout this journey - before, during, and after the retreat.
“My biggest takeaway was gratitude in its concrete form. I learned why choosing myself first matters.” by Sonal
“I felt a deep calm and clarity by the end. Less overthinking, more flow.” by Sathvika
“Each activity opened layers I didn’t know were there. I came back lighter and more aware.” by Meera
Plan for each day
Each day focuses on one or two Elements, helping you sense how they live within you through movement, reflection, and guided experiences. By the end, you bring all five Elements together and learn to apply the learning.
Thursday, 14th May 2026
Check in after lunch, settle in, and meet the group. We open the retreat with a gentle grounding process and an introduction to the Elements. This half day is meant to help you slow down, arrive fully, and create a safe space for the days ahead.
Sunday 17th May 2026
We turn to Ether, the subtle Element that underlies and holds the other four. Ether relates to space, stillness, listening, intuition, and the inner field in which all experience arises. We explore how Ether can bring clarity and harmony to the other Elements within us.
Friday, 15th May 2026
We explore Water and Earth, working with emotion, flow, grounding, and stability. The day includes reflective practices, creative work, and body-based exercises that help us understand how these Elements support or challenge us in everyday life.
Monday 18th May 2026
We bring the learning together and apply it to relationships, work, home life, and personal direction. You will map your own elemental patterns and explore what needs to be strengthened, softened, or balanced. This is a practical day with many insights.
Saturday 16th May 2026
We move to Fire and Air as forces that shape our energy, motivation, expression, and thought patterns. Through movement, dialogue, and guided reflection, we sense how these Elements play out within us and where they may be out of balance.
Tuesday, 19th May 2026
We close the retreat with practices that weave all five Elements together. The morning is devoted to integration and sharing, followed by a simple closing ritual. Participants depart before lunch, with a clearer sense of balance and direction to take.
What are the Elements? In the Vedic world view, Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether are the basic forces that shape all of life. They influence our body, emotions, thoughts, energy, and the way we relate to the world.
What is the Vedic world view? The Vedas see life as interconnected and cyclical. It focuses on understanding patterns within nature and within ourselves, so we can live with more awareness, balance, and clarity.
Do I need prior knowledge of Vedic studies or astrology? No. This retreat is open to everyone. All concepts are introduced in a simple, experiential way and no background knowledge is required.
Is public transport to the venue available? Yes, you can get to the venue either by car or by public transport.
By Car: From central Vienna, Glögglhof is approximately 170 km away and can be reached comfortably in 2 hours by car, depending on traffic. On-site parking is available at the venue. Similar travel time if you drive from Vienna International Airport.
By Public Transport: Glögglhof is easily accessible by public transport from Vienna and other major Austrian cities. From Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof), take a train to Leoben Hauptbahnhof (Leoben Hbf). From Leoben Hbf, you have the following options:
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Bus 20 and Bus 820 stops within a 5-minute walk of the venue
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Taxi from Leoben Hbf (can be arranged on request)
Public transport connections are reliable and convenient, making the journey straightforward and relaxed even without a car.
Are children allowed to attend? This retreat is designed for adults. Children are not permitted to attend the sessions, sorry.
Can partners or family accompany me if they are not attending the retreat? The retreat space is reserved for participants only. If space is available, then partners or family members can stay at the venue even if they don't join any of the sessions. IN this case they will pay for the accommodation and food.
Will there be video or audio recordings of the sessions? No, sorry. This is a fully in-person, experiential retreat. To maintain presence, safety, and privacy, sessions are not recorded.
What happens if I fall sick during the retreat? Your wellbeing comes first. If you feel unwell, you are encouraged to rest and skip sessions as needed. The facilitators will support you in pacing yourself.
What if I cannot attend one full day or a session? While we recommend attending the full retreat, missing a session or a day is okay. You can rejoin when you’re able. Please note that the retreat fee remains the same.
Is there an option for one-on-one sessions or calls? Facilitators will be available for brief individual consultations if needed after the retreat.
FAQs
Fine Print - Terms and Conditions
Some things to know before you decide to participate.
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This is process-work. There will be enough time between activities to process and integrate what may come up. Try Avoid planning calls, meetings or anything heavy during the retreat and allow the elements to work through you. It's time to step away from our usual routine and create space for self.
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We will create space to allow processing and integration as per the need of the individual.
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The facilitators will be around if you wish to talk or ask for help as you process and integrate your experiences - before, during, or even after the retreat as often the process of integration continues even after the retreat.
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You’re responsible for your wellbeing - mentally, emotionally and physically. These retreats are not an alternative to therapy, but a space for honest experience in your journey of self exploration and self discovery.
1. General Scope
These Terms & Conditions apply to all registrations, participation, and payments for the retreat (“Event”) organized by the event organizer (“Organizer”). By registering, the participant (“You”) agrees to these terms.
2. Registration & Confirmation
Your registration will be reviewed after submission. Your spot is confirmed only after full payment is received, based on the order of payments received (first come, first served). We will send a payment link with bank transfer details after registration.
3. Fees, Transfers & Cancellation Policy
Fees are fully refundable up to 15th February 2026. After that, cancellations are not possible, but you may transfer your spot to another participant for the same retreat. This is because accommodation, venue, and logistics are pre-committed based on confirmed bookings. If you cannot attend, you may transfer your spot to another person for the same Event, at no extra charge. This transfer must be communicated to us before 15th April 2026. If the Retreat is postponed due to reasons beyond our control (e.g., venue restrictions, natural events, travel disruptions), the booking will be transferred to a future date of the same retreat, but will not be refunded.
4. Participant Responsibility
This Event is not a substitute for therapy, psychological treatment, or medical support. You are fully responsible for physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing during the Retreat. If you are currently receiving medical or psychological care, or have health concerns, please consult your doctor or therapist before attending.
If a participant behaves in a way that disrupts the group or violates retreat guidelines, we reserve the right to ask the participant to leave. In such cases, no refund will be issued.
5. Food & Allergies
All food will be vegetarian with possible vegan options. You must disclose any allergies or dietary requirements in due course. While efforts will be made to accommodate allergies, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free kitchen or environment. Participants with severe allergies attend at their own discretion.
6. Accommodation & Room Sharing
Accommodation type and availability will depend on your selection and availability at the venue. Room assignments (where applicable) are decided based on logistics and availability.
7. Travel & Logistics
Travel to and from the retreat location is not included in the fee. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel, and visas (if applicable), along with insurance and arrival plans. We are not responsible for travel delays, transportation issues, or missed arrival.
8. Liability
You participate voluntarily and at your own risk. The Organizer, facilitators, venue, and staff are not liable for: personal injury or health issues, loss or damage of personal property, force majeure events (e.g., illness, natural disaster, transportation disruption). You agree to adhere to safety instructions and retreat guidelines.
9. Use of Photos / Videos
Photos/video taken during the Retreat will be used publicly with your consent. You may be asked to sign a short consent form for media usage. Declining will not affect your participation.
10. Privacy & Data Protection (GDPR)
Your personal data will be used only for retreat administration (registration, communication, logistics). It will not be shared with third parties except where required for accommodation or safety. You may request deletion of your data anytime after the Retreat.
11. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by International law, without conflict of international regulations. In case of disputes, the place of jurisdiction will be Bangalore, India.
Agreement
By submitting the registration form, you confirm that you have read and understood the Fine Print, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and you participate voluntarily and at your own responsibility