Traditional Tantric Yoga Teacher Trainings
Embodied Śakti
300-hour
Next cohort begins March 2026
Exact dates will be announced by the start of the new year.
Immerse yourself in the world of Traditional Tantric Yoga and follow the path of the Masters of the Himalayan Tradition.
Set out on a journey which will eventually yield life's greatest rewards ~ freedom, fulfillment, and remembrance of who you truly are.
INTENTION
The intention for this training is to share the philosophies and practices of the Himalayan Tradition of Tantric Yoga in a way which touches your heart, transforms your life, and empowers you to effectively carry the light of a living Tradition.
Tantra, Yoga, and Sankhya philosophy are the sources of wisdom and techniques at the heart of Embodied Śakti . These ancient spiritual systems are as practical as they are profound. Their collective purpose is to guide you, grant you access to the inherent sacredness of life, and elevate your relationship to your Self and reality. The combined wisdom of Tantra, Yoga, and Sankhya sheds light on everything from the most practical and worldly, to the most subtle and sublime. In order to fully understand and experience the scope and ultimate promise of Yoga, we draw from the wisdom of Sankhya and the beauty of Tantra, one the most life affirming and all inclusive spiritual systems ever developed, and the light of a living Tradition.
Embodied Śakti (300-hour) is an advanced course of study for experienced teachers and practitioners of the Tantric Tradition. The training will build on your foundational understanding of Yoga and Tantra by further developing the subtly profound nuances accessible in both individual paths, and the magic that emerges as the two are woven together with finessed expertise. Embodied Śakti is best suited for teachers with at least a foundational understanding and experience of Tantric Yoga, and ideally a few years experience of teaching. This training will be heavily oriented toward practice and self-reflection, improving the likelihood of genuine embodiment of the Tradition through direct experience, and increasing your capacity for transmission in your teaching.
*If you are an experienced Yoga Teacher, but new to Tantra, yet have a strong desire to study and incorporate the wisdom of this Tradition, Embodied Śakti may still be the appropriate training for you. I will be offering bridging courses prior to the start of the training, which will provide the foundational understanding necessary. If accepted into Embodied Śakti, the cost of these bridging courses will be subsumed into the tuition for the complete training.
WHAT MAKES this training UNIQUE?
Rooted in the Tradition passed down by the Himalayan Masters, Embodied Śakti draws from ancient wisdom to create a holistic approach to modern practice and life. It is designed to both develop your personal practice and prepare you to embrace your role as an ethical, empowered, impactful teacher fully capable of carrying and passing on the light of a living Tradition.
Embodied Śakti deepens your understanding of Tantra and Yoga, and how to share them in a way which blends traditional methodology with embodied intuition. The structure of the training provides the opportunity to empower and engage with your practice to develop an authentic voice in your teaching that is uniquely your own - yet still authentically represents the Tradition. This can only be done by embodying the teachings through dedicated direct experience guided and supported by an embodied teacher.
Every module in the training is mindfully crafted for an immersive experience combined with practical, effective teaching methodology. The modules are woven together in a wise progression to deliver knowledge, appreciation, and direct experience of the teachings and techniques of the Tradition.
Contents of Embodied Śakti
Module One : The Devimahatmyam ~ facing Our Demons
The Devimahatmyam, a spiritual classic, addresses the perennial questions of the nature of the universe, humankind, and divinity. How are they related? How do we live in a world torn between good and evil? How do we find lasting fulfillment and ultimate freedom? The Devimahatmyam speaks to us across the ages of the experiences and beliefs of our ancient ancestors. We sense their enchantment at nature's bounty and their terror before its destructive fury, their recognition of the good and evil in the human heart, and their understanding that everything in our experience is the expression of a greater reality, personified as the Divine Mother. In this module we will study this ancient text as a map of the inner workings of our own mind and heart. What can we discover about both our darkness and our light and the vital role each play in the external world and in our inner life?
Module Two : Wise Progression in Practice & in Life
How can we maximize the various components of a complete Tantric Yoga practice (postures, breath, relaxation, meditation and more) for the most impactful practice? In this module we will learn more about each of these various components and discover wise ways to select and sequence them in order to create a truly transformative experience for our students and ourselves.
Module Three: Abhyasa & Vairagya ~ The Balance Of Self Effort & Surrender
The path of Yoga is two-fold. It is both a 'moving toward' that which resonates more purely with our true essence, often through practice or what we actually 'do', as well as a 'moving away from' that which is keeping us bound to false beliefs and misperceptions regarding our Self and the nature of reality. The 'moving toward' part of the path is known as Abhyasa. The 'moving away' is Vairagya. In this module we will explore the necessary role of, and balance between, them both.
Module Four : Moon, Sun & Fire ~ Tantric Methodology
Building upon our foundational understanding of Tantra as both a worldview and a methodology, in this module we will explore how to further incorporate the beauty of Tantra into our experience of both practice and life. We will also concentrate our efforts on refining our utilization of the system of Moon, Sun & Fire.
Module Five : Develop Vinyasa Krama ~ Further Focus On Sequencing
Wise Sequencing of an individual practice, a workshop, a training, or a retreat is the differentiating factor between a yoga teacher capable of guiding impactful experiences which bring the practitioner through a process of alchemy which serves to further free and fulfill, and a yoga teacher capable of simply helping the practitioner 'feel' good. In this module we will hone our skills in sequencing through a balance of systematic methodology and intuition.
Module Six : Develop Pranayama ~ Dissolving The Veil
Pranayama is the most effective tool at our disposal for attenuating the veil of ignorance which keeps us trapped in our seemingly endless cycle of confusion, delusion, and suffering. In this module we will learn a tried and- rue series of pranayama techniques developed to liberate us from our ignorance and reunite us with our innate intelligence.
Module Seven : Citta Prasādanam ~ Purify The Mind
Sutra 1:33 offers profound wisdom regarding the process of purifying our mind. This sutra introduces us to the four most potent contaminants that poison the human mind : animosity, cruelty, jealousy, and self righteousness. It explains the impact these contaminants have on our lives and spiritual pursuits. And, most importantly, it defines quite clearly how to liberate ourselves from them by giving one antidote for each contaminant. As yoga teachers it is vital that we are continuously purifying our minds in order to become and remain a pure vessel for these teachings.
Module Eight : Subtle Embodiment ~ Explore The Koshas, Cakras & Vayus
Take a deeper and more nuanced dive into the subtle body through practices which give you direct experience of your sacred essence. Utilizing our intellectual understanding of the koshas, cakras, and vayus, we will discover how best to work with these understandings to facilitate meaningful experiences for our students and ourselves.
Module Nine : Discipline To Devotion ~ Awakening To Kundalini
At some point on the path of Yoga our pursuits, which may have initiated as physically, mentally, or philosophically motivated, will inevitably become spiritual in nature. This 'spiritualization' of life through Yoga is one way of experiencing an awakening to Kundalini Śakti, our latent spiritual potential. In this module we will source ancient texts for a keener understanding of Kundalini and chart a course for our own awakening to Her beauty and potency.
Module Ten : Vishoka ~ Joy Beyond The Reach Of Suffering
Sutra 1:36 is a treasure trove of esoteric wisdom summarized in a statement which translates, roughly, as 'by resting awareness on the experience of joy beyond all suffering, and your own innate inner luminosity, the mind will sustain a peaceful state of inwardly flowing awareness.' This sutra is at the heart of the Sri Vidya tradition of Tantric Yoga. It holds the key for our ultimate freedom and lasting fulfillment. In this module we will adventure through the philosophical terrain of this sutra as well as engage with the practices developed to help us reach that terrain and remain established in it.
Module Eleven : Mantra & The Sacred Fire
Mantra and sacred ritual are key portals to divine union by way of the Tantric path. In this module we will examine some of the more mystical elements of this Tradition and entertain how you may wish to incorporate them in your own practice and teaching.
Module Twelve : Dharma ~ Heed Your Unique Calling
Live in Person in Tuscany
We are all unique expressions of divine reality, called to walk a path that is uniquely ours and express our individuality. Similarly, we have all been called to teach Yoga for different reasons, and the world needs us all to use our unique voice and heed our individual calling in order to play a vital role in universal healing. In this module we will immerse ourselves in self inquiry to uncover what truly makes us tick. What lights you up? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What were you born into this life to do? Who were you born to be? What is the impact you, uniquely, are meant to have in this world? Upon answering some of these paradigm shifting questions, we will explore how you can heed your calling within the context of teaching Yoga.
Module Thirteen : Embodied Teaching ~ The Right Practice At The Right Time
Now that we've developed a nuanced understanding of many philosophies, practices, techniques, and methodologies, let's discuss how we can assess the unique needs of our students and deliver the most effective practice or series of practices to meet them where they are and deliver to them a direct experience of freedom and fulfillment. This is when your teaching can become prescriptive and play a more refined role in another's empowerment and healing.
The Commitment
embodied Śakti meets live one weekend each month, not including the integration months, for 16 months. In addition to the live gatherings you will have access to pre-recorded lecture content and self-guided assignments you can navigate at your own pace between our formal gatherings. We will also practice together once a week as a complete community, and every student will be invited to have a one-on-one mentorship session with Natalie every month of the training.
Here you will find a general schedule for the training. Exact dates will be announced prior to the start of the new year.
We gather Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Times are also listed below.
Embodied Śakti
2026 - 2027 SCHEDULE
March : The Devi Mahatmyam - Facing Our Demons
April : Wise Progression in Practice & in Life
May : Abhyasa & Vairagya - the Balance of Self Effort & Surrender
June : Moon, Sun & Fire - Tantric Methodology
July : Integration - No Weekend Gathering
August : Develop Vinyasa Krama - Further Focus on Sequencing
September : Develop Pranayama - Dissolving the Veil
October : Citta Prasādanam - Purify the Mind
November : Subtle Embodiment - Koshas, Cakras & Vayus
December : Integration - No Weekend Gathering
January : Discipline to Devotion - Awakening to Kundalini
February : Vishoka - Joy Beyond the Reach of Suffering
March : Mantra & the Sacred Fire
April : Integration - No Weekend Gathering
May : Dharma - Heed Your Calling ~ In person, in Tuscany
June : Embodied Teaching ~ the Right Practice at the Right Time
Gathering Times
Fridays
8am-12pm Pacific / 11am-3pm Eastern / 4-8pm UK / 5-9pm Europe
Saturdays & Sundays
5am-12pm Pacific / 8am-3pm Eastern /1pm-8pm in the UK / 2pm-9pm in Europe
Community Practice Every Sunday
6-7:30am Pacific / 9-10:30am Eastern / 2-3:30pm UK / 3-4:30pm Western Europe
In-Person Portion in Tuscany
May 2027 at Ebbio in Monteriggioni, Tuscany
In the province of Siena lies a 13th century farmhouse, surrounded by seventeen acres of countryside, which has been transformed into a yoga retreat center known as Ebbio. Nestled inside an evergreen forest, Ebbio sits on an extinct volcano that was sacred to the ancient Etruscans, just steps from the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni.
We will gather as a blended community - Śakti Sādhanā and Embodied Śakti - to enjoy our in-person retreat at Ebbio. Embraced by the nourishing nature and culture of Tuscany, immersed in the Himalayan Tradition’s sacred practices and philosophies, this week will provide a fulfilling completion to our time together in the container of the trainings and establish a foundation for the development of our ongoing relationships.
Learn More about Ebbio Tuscany
Your Guides
Natalie Backman
lead teacher for both trainings
Stefanie Seher & Pamela Solanki
assistants for Embodied Śakti
Tantric Yoga has given me an entirely new lease on life. I was once anxiety-riddled, validation-seeking, victim-identifying and doubtful of my worth. After more than a decade of highly dedicated practice and study I now experience life as beautiful and meaningful, and myself as joyful peaceful, steady (most of the time), and grateful to be alive.
My relationship with Yoga and Tantra spans over twenty years and I've been devoted to sharing the teachings of this Tradition for the last ten. In that time, my experience of Yoga has evolved from physical exercise to a holistic reintegration with my soul. The teaching of Tantric Yoga is integral to my life's purpose and has become my personal spiritual path.
A 500-hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, I remain a lifelong student of the Himalayan Tradition, profoundly grateful to receive the ongoing guidance of Pandit Rajmani Tigunait and the support of the unbroken lineage of the Himalayan Masters.
I share a modern approach to Traditional Tantric Yoga interweaving asana, pranayama, yoga nidra, mantra, meditation, and more. Also certified in yoga nidra and Vishoka Meditation®, I endeavor to provide a means for true and thorough transformation. I teach only what I have embodied through direct experience, and guide with the intention to facilitate the sacred remembrance of your true Self.
All I do is an offering to the Divine Mother.
It would be an honor to guide you through this journey of healing and help you lay claim to yoga's promises: ultimate freedom and lasting fulfillment.
Jai Maa.
Apply
If you are interested in joining this intimate teacher training, please complete the application at your earliest convenience. If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to reach out directly via NatalieBackmanYoga@gmail.com.
Ie look forward to learning about you and supporting you on your path. Once I have received and reviewed your application, I will be in touch to schedule your interview.
Tuition
Embodied Śakti 300-hour Training 5,000 euro
Includes in-person portion in Tuscany
Payment Plans & Scholarships available based on need and available funds.
Payment can be made in full or in monthly installments.
For monthly installments, an initial deposit of 500 euro is required to reserve your space in the training. Another 1000 euro is due one month prior to the start of the training (for a total of 1,500 euro). The balance can be paid in monthly installments of 250 euro until it is paid in full.
Reimbursements and Cancellations
Deposits are non-refundable, but are transferrable to another training within two years. Additional payments made can be reimbursed up to the beginning of the training. Once the training has commenced, I ask that all payment plans continue to be honored, and no reimbursements will be made if - for any reason - you are unable to complete the training. Payment can be transferred to a future training, with a transfer fee of 10% of the cost of the training.
Questions?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with Natalie to explore if this training is right for you.