This past Sunday, I had the privilege of attending Stardust & Silk, a one-day women’s workshop steeped in the ancient wisdom of Tantra and Tandava. Words alone cannot do justice to the beauty and depth of this experience. It was a day that celebrated womanhood in its rawest, most divine form—a sacred dance of connection, vulnerability, and empowerment.
The workshop began with Alexandra leading us through a grounding breathwork session, a powerful initiation into presence and surrender. Breath by breath, we peeled away the layers of daily life, stepping into a space of openness and intention.
From there, we partnered with one another, creating intimate moments of connection as we shared confessions of the parts of ourselves we had judged or neglected. It was deeply moving to realise how much we, as women, have in common, despite the differences in our shapes, sizes, colours, and walks of life. In this sacred circle, I saw the reflection of myself in women from worlds apart, each of us mirroring the same fears, struggles, and desires to embrace.
Tandava, the cosmic dance of Shiva, was our next practice. Moving slowly and meditatively, we embodied the flow of the universe, our movements expressing the rhythm of creation and dissolution. It was an incredible experience to feel my body surrender to the cosmic energy within. Afterward, we meditated and danced freely, allowing our spirits to soar and intertwine with the collective energy of the group.
Lunch was a feast for the senses. The venue, Valley Shalla, was breathtaking—a lush green sanctuary surrounded by vibrant trees and flowers, complete with a horse stable and two playful dogs who brought joy to the day. The meal was nothing short of exquisite, a nourishing pause that allowed us to revel in the beauty of our surroundings.
The afternoon deepened our exploration. We continued Tandava, delving into our sensuality and honouring the sacred space we had created. At the centre of the room was an altar, adorned with our most sentimental belongings. We placed these items there with heartfelt intentions, allowing them to absorb the essence of Tantra.
One of the most profound moments came during a game called Who Am I / Who Are You?. This wasn’t just a game—it was an introspective and affirming exchange, where we bared our souls and truly witnessed one another. The simplicity of switching partners and sharing aspects of our joys, struggles, and resistances in life was relieving. Each woman became both a receiver and a giver, a listener and a sharer, creating an unspoken bond of trust and empathy.
As the day unfolded, we indulged in rich chocolate cake and tea, forming a circle to share laughter, stories, and even our star signs. This light-hearted connection paved the way for a deeper conversation around sensuality and sexuality. Partnering once more, we explored how these aspects influence our lives, sharing wisdom and uncovering gems of truth in each other’s words.
In one particularly tender practice, we held each other in a gesture of pure nurturing. The giver sat straight-backed against the wall while the receiver leaned into her chest, cradled in warmth and safety. After a few minutes, the giver gently pulled the receiver away, her hands supporting her back and listening to the quiet rhythm of her heart.
The culmination of the workshop was the Shiva and Shakti Hug, a sacred embrace symbolising the union of divine masculine and feminine energies. This posture, often called the cosmic orgasm, represents the birthing of the universe itself. As the giver and receiver held one another, it was as if the boundaries of individuality dissolved, and we became conduits for cosmic creation—a profound reminder of our power as women to birth not just life but infinite worlds of possibility.
Throughout the day, we gazed into one another’s eyes, the windows to the soul, and saw reflections of ourselves in each other. The space was warm, safe, and nurturing—a cocoon of femininity, beauty, and peace.
Stardust & Silk was more than just a workshop; it was a homecoming to the essence of who we are as women. In that sacred space, amidst laughter, tears, and gentle embraces, we discovered that beneath the layers of judgment, struggle, and societal expectations lies a shared divinity—a stardust that binds us all.
I left the day feeling soft yet strong, open yet grounded, and profoundly connected to the beauty of sisterhood. This experience will forever remain etched in my heart, a reminder of the magic that unfolds when women gather to celebrate their authentic selves.