The Vision
THE VISION “Aisling” of the Celtic School of Yoga is a calling back, a singing in, a homecoming, to our highest state of Being through the practices of breath, song, story, poetry, yoga, movement and stillness. This is all in kinship with soul friends and a deep rapport with the Rhythm of the natural world.
The purpose of all the practices, stories and ideas shared through the Celtic School of Yoga immersions and teacher training is to empower and encourage you in your personal yoga practice, to trust your inner wisdom, and to connect to the natural world and the Rhythms that run through everything.
All to awaken to, embody and engage with the wonder and Mystery of Life.
Photo credit : Jay Doherty Photography
The 200 hour Program
Immersions: The immersions are the first three modules for anyone wanting to deepen their yoga practice and their connection to life, land and story. It is not necessary to intend to become a yoga teacher to participate in the Immersions.
Teacher Trainings: The teacher trainings are three more modules for anyone who definitely wants to teach yoga, maybe wants to teach yoga, or someone who is already teaching yoga and would like to refine their teaching skills.
The teachings and practices offered in all the trainings are practical yoga skills to learn to navigate the vicissitudes of your own life, create balance and meaning within to live a life you love and share that through teaching yoga.
All 6 modules (immersions and teacher trainings) are required for a full 200 HR Registered Yoga Teacher Qualification.
Space is limited.
Curriculum Details Follow Below
The Process
We will explore yoga practices in the studio and the earth wisdom practices on the land. You'll experience how to reconnect with the land, build a nourishing connection to the stories, traditions and cycles that heal and nourish our ancestral lines.
Our intention is to inspire you to develop a yoga practice that sustains your capacity for skilful living, to find courage in the face of personal and collective challenge and to learn to extract blessings from all of life's experience.
In the teacher training section, you will learn the technical skills to take your personal experiential knowledge, and transform it into the art and service of teaching yoga.
The Celtic School of Yoga Teacher Training is taught as an intensive Two Section program. Each section, the Immersion and the Teacher Training, are six in-person modules for a total of twelve in-person* modules which follow the Celtic Seasonal Wheel of the Year.
The Immersion Modules are to immerse in learning and experiencing the celtic and yoga philosophies, yoga theory and alignment technology to deepen your yoga practices. There is no 'learning to teach' in the Immersions, just being the student, immersing in the experience of the yoga. This is for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of yoga or those who wish to become teachers.
The Teacher Training Modules are designed to learn the technical skills to transmit and teach what you have learned, experienced and embodied in the Immersions. You will learn to teach safe, inspiring, yoga classes! This is for those who have taken the immersions and wish to teach yoga classes. If you have already taken a 200 hr teacher training you are also welcome to join the teacher training to uplevel your teaching skills.
*There will be ONLINE components to both Immersions and Teacher Trainings that are required.
Curriculum Details Below
C A L E N D A R
Align to Nature and Magic Happens
D A T E S • 2 0 2 5
Immersion Modules • In Person
I G N I T E : Immersion 1 : Imbolc
- 1A - January 24 - 26
- 1B - February 7 - 9
R I S E : Immersion 2 : Spring Equinox
- 2A - February 21 - 23
- 2B - March 21 -23
F L O W E R : Immersion 3 : Bealtaine
- 3A - April 25 -27
- 3B - May 16 - 18
Teacher Training Modules
F R U I T : Teacher Training 1 : Summer Solstice
- TT1A - June 13 - 15
- TT1B - June 27 -29
A B U N D A N C E : Teacher Training 2 Lughnasadh
- 2A - July 18 - 20
- 2B - Sept 5- 7
S H A R I N G : Teacher Training 3 Autumn Equinox
- 3A Sept 26 - 28
- 3B Oct 17 - 18
T R A N S F O R M A T I O N : Samhain Graduation - To Be Determined.
Any 'missed' time in person must be made up online or in person, depending on the material missed. We will work with your timetable.
Live Online dates will be determined with access to recordings and presentations.
S C H E D U L E
Friday — Sunday*
13 hrs per Weekend
Friday 6 - 9:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 - 5:30 (1 hr lunch)
Sunday 10 - 1:30 (ish)
Sunday will end around 1:30 pm with short break for lunch.
*The schedule is subject to change depending on class, content, weather conditions, outings and will be unique for any field trips on the land. ("Expect the unexpected" and "Go with the flow" is where Magic awaits and will be the mantras!)
S T U D I O
L O C A T I O N
The Celtic School of Yoga sits under the limestone hills of the Burren on the penninsula of Aughinish, the Island of the Mare, and is surrounded on three sides by the Wild West Atlantic waters.
The studio is spacious and fully equipped* with Light, Love, Music, mats, bolsters, eye bags, blocks and straps.
*Bring your own mat and props if you have them.
Studio Address: Reflections, The Celtic School of Yoga, Cloosh, Kinvara, Ireland H91EC2Y
H91 EC2Y - Google Maps will bring you directly to the front door!
E D U C A T O R S
I realised that the world I was looking at was the song of the Goddess of Sovereignty who was the Earth herself... Jack Harrison, The Celtic School of Yoga
T E A C H E R S
Jack and Benita are both internationally recognised yoga educators, have a combined 60+ years experience practicing and teaching yoga events and teacher trainings, all over the world.
They have been teaching yoga retreats, workshops and immersion teacher trainings for over two decades, are both Senior Certified Anusara Teachers, advanced teacher trainers, subject matter specialist and share a similar Anusara™ yoga and Astanga background.
Their events are presented through the lens of the Aisling (Vision) of the Celtic School of Yoga infused with Anusara philosophical and bio-mechanical alignment practice.
For deeper insight, please see their individual bios below.
JACK HARRISON
Jack has worked as a folklorist, university professor, musician and yoga teacher for over 35 years and has integrated these paths together in the Celtic School of Yoga. He has taught yoga all over the world and is Ireland’s best known singer of yoga music, inspired by both Celtic and Indian traditions. He is a principal author of the seminal book on the parallels between yoga and the Celtic world, The Celtic School of Yoga, and he has recorded three acclaimed albums of yoga music.
His teachings and practice explore how it is to ally movement of the body with breath, focus, mythology, poetry, music and the natural world—and the astonishing fact of being alive.
BENITA WOLFE
Benita is an accomplished internationally renowned Anusara yoga E-CATT (experienced certified anusara teacher-trainer) who emphasises Joy, therapeutic alignment and balanced action in her classes.
She has been teaching yoga for over 25 years, personal training and fitness for 15 years previously, and has thousands of hours experience leading Anusara yoga teacher trainings and events globally. Benita has taught at both small and large acclaimed festivals, including Wanderlust, Enivisionfest and The Yoga Picnic, several universities, including Oxford, as a guest presenter, retreats, adventure pilgrimages and other yoga events globally.
Benita is considered to be a "teacher's teacher", has taught over 30 intensive 200 hr RYT teacher trainings, as well as advanced teacher training 500 hr modules. Some of her earliest teachers are now training yoga teachers and she has met several 'great grand' students! She mentors, guides and serves her students through the entire process of becoming a professional yoga teacher, as long as they need or wish.
Benita (aka BJ Galvan) is a co-founder of the Anusara™ School of Hatha Yoga, principle and lead Teacher Trainer in The Celtic School of Yoga®, founder of HandstandsAnonymous™ and Heart Core Yoga™. She will be leading the majority of the yoga trainings.
In addition to teaching yoga, Benita's devotion to the Divine Feminine has included leading women's wisdom circles, ritual, initiations and ceremony living attuned to the Wheel of Life for decades. Her transmission flows through guiding feminine cyclical studies, teaching the blood mysteries, (menarche, motherhood, menopause, elder) and performing life initiation ceremonies, (birth, marriage, divorce, death). She has been a Reiki Master since the '90's, was a certified Hypnobirthing™ natural childbirth educator and natural childbirth advocate, and she is an initiated high priestess of Avalonian Celtic earth wisdom.
She weaves her first nation indigenous and celtic ancestry as living teachings, yoga and life experience with her playful passion into joyful, transformational yoga inspiring a revelatory transformation attuned to the Rhythm of the Sky, Earth and Soul.
Benita loves growing food and flowers, painting, astrology, singing, dancing, living and walking the Beauty Way in the wild west of Ireland. She is the mother of three grown sons, three daughter in laws and five beautiful grandchildren.
“Benita sent us all home with a smile on our face. She reminded us that we are not a wave that has forgotten the ocean. We are all unique but inseparable from each other and the ocean. An inspiring and fun way to end this incredible celebration!!” L.H. Yoga Festival in the U.S.
Sisterhood is Powerhood. - Benita Wolfe
I M M E R S I O N S
IMMERSION 1, 2 & 3
(Modules 1a/b, 2a/b, 3a/b + Online = Total 100 Hours)
Immersions are for anyone who has some experience with yoga and would like to deepen into their yoga practice, learn the underlying philosophy of the practice, alignment technique of the postures and be in company of other curious like hearted yoga friends.
The philosophy in the Immersion modules encompasses exploring the intersection between non-dual philosophical mythology of the Celtic tradition, alongside the non-dual philosophy of Indian Tantra as practiced in Anusara yoga. Through socratic discussion we will examine the connections and counterpoints involved in both.
The underpinnings of the philosophy in Immersion modules will be woven with yoga practice, breath, meditation, earth wisdom, poetry, music, myth, visiting sacred sites and philosophy of the Celtic world.
IMMERSION CURRICULUM
100 HRS
You Will Receive and Learn:
- Inspiring Yoga Classes with Poetry, Music, Myth, Earth Wisdom
- Celtic and Indian Yoga Comparative Philosophy
- Essential Yoga teachings from the Patanjali Sutras, The Bhagavad Gita, Pratyabhijna Hrydayam
- Practice of Yoga using the Anusara yoga alignment principles in the poses
- Study of the biomechanics of the poses
- Pose syllabus - Basics, Dynamic, Playground Medicine™, Yoga of the Hazelwood Set Sequencing
- Creating a Home Practice
- Applied Earth Wisdom
- Breath - Pranayama
- Focus - Meditation
- Basic Anatomy throughout the Immersions and TT
- Musculostkeletal System: major bones, muscles and joints
- Applied Anatomy of Movement
- Subtle Body Yoga Anatomy : Chakras, Koshas, Doshas
- Sacred site Yoga of Wandering adventure - one per module
- Your Yoga Off the Mat and into the World
- Public live weekly classes with Benita
- Access to pre-recorded private YouTube classes to practice between modules
- Public Master Classes during the Immersion modules
- Homework during and in between the Immersion modules
- 78 Hours IN PERSON
- 22 Hours Online / Non-contact Component
Immersions are a deeper dive into your personal practice, yoga philosophy and poses, subtle body anatomy, breath, meditation, mantra, cyclical living, sacred sites, community and so much more.
T E A C H E R
T R A I N I N G
TEACHER TRAINING Modules
1, 2, 3
(TT1a/b, TT2a/b, TT3a/b + Online = Total 100 Hours)
The Celtic School of Yoga Teacher Training modules are fun and empowering. They are taught in sequential order from the very basics of how to set up a classroom to holding space and becoming the catalyst for someone else's transformation through skilful guidance of an uplifting, safe and knowledgeable yoga class. If you’ve never taught anyone anything, you will learn the skills to guide people into their hearts through hatha yoga in an inspiring, safe and skillful way.
The Teacher Training Modules are for those who have taken the immersions, or have taken previous CSY trainings, other 200hr RYTT or Anusara Immersions and would like to sharpen your teaching skills.
The Teacher Training is for anyone who wants to teach yoga, learn and experience the Celtic School of Yoga vision, develop the skills to teach with poetic precision to alignment, and to share the love of yoga from their own authentic voice and experience.
**For more information on Anusara teacher development credit hours and 300hr ATT please scroll towards the end of the post and contact us for exact information.
TEACHER TRAINING CURRICULUM
100 HRS
What you will learn in Teacher Training:
- The Art of Teaching Yoga
- Planning 60 - 90 minute classes from start to finish
- Class structure planning and set up the space
- The seat of the teacher and classroom management
- Creating inspiring, meaningful heart themes relative to the life and the modern world
- Using clear concise language
- One – on – One and group practice teaching
- A comprehensive portfolio of yoga poses, modifications for all levels
- Sanskrit / English poses and theory
- The art of skilful coherent sequencing of poses for all levels
- Observation skills to enhance and empower your students
- Basic yoga therapeutics through balanced action and good alignment
- Verbal Adjustments and Assists
- Basics of Yoga for Special Populations: Pregnancy, Seniors, Kids, Women, Health Concerns
- Basics of Yoga Props Use and Modifications
- Basics of Trauma Informed Yoga
- Basic Manual Assists
- How to do Yoga Demonstrations
- Pranayama (Breath)
- Meditation and Mindfulness
- Ethics for Yoga Teachers
- Public live weekly classes with Benita
- Access to Pre-recorded Private YouTube Classes to practice between modules
- Public Master Classes during the Immersion modules (if we do them)
- Homework during and in between the Immersion modules
- 78 Hours IN PERSON
- 22 Hours Online / Non-contact Component
- Continuing apprenticeship and mentorship after completion
Everything you learned and experienced in the immersions will be integrated and applied to learning to teach clearly in classes. You'll learn from start to finish, how to plan, what and how to teach real-world, inspiring, safe, authentic classes. You will leave being able to teach yoga. No one gets left behind.
D A I L Y
R H Y T H M
T H E D A Y S
In general, the days may begin with breath, focus, music and a yoga practice infused with alignment technique and love.
During immersions, we'll make time for the outings, either morning or afternoon, based on weather and adjust our rhythm and schedule to the Rhythm of the Land and Sky.
The lunches are fun and will be times of laughter, sharing, nature, rest, and nourishment in whatever way that you need.
Optional : There are swimming beaches and piers within 5 minute drive if you are a dipper and would like to dip at lunch!
The afternoons will generally start with a time of renewal, followed by theory and wisdom studies, the techniques that support a healthy balanced practice, a short yoga practice, music, breath and contemplation.
There may be short breaks in the morning and afternoons. We will meet the needs of the group.
And..... there will be some special surprise evening events!
The days will slip into a space where time disappears and the beauty of awakening, healing and transformation of consciousness unfolds.
O U T I N G S
D I S C O V E R Y
YOGA OF WANDERING
Depending on weather, during immersions*, we will visit sites of natural beauty, pilgrimage wells, neolithic dolmens, pre-historic forts and Celtic Church monastic ruins.
Walks will be easy to moderate on trails through pristine Nature in and around the Burren
*At least one trip per Immersion Module, A or B. The Teacher Trainings will not include trips. They will be dependant on curriculum coverage and weather.
Yoga from the Hazelwood
Check out Jack Teaching on Yoga from the Hazelwood, including poetry in the Burren and music! - The poetry starts at about 12:36, or watch the whole class.
During some Immersions, Jack will guide some yoga practice, breath, song, Celtic philosophy and outings.
L O G I S T I C S
P L A N N I N G
International* Friends: Shannon Airport is the closest, Dublin has the most flight options. You can also fly into Knock or Cork.
Car Rentals in Ireland.
Travel Insurance* is recommended.
Where is Kinvara? The picturesque town of Kinvara sits on the shores of Galway Bay, is guarded by the sentinel gateway Dunguaire Castle and surrounded by the flowing limestone hills of the Burren. Kinvara is one of the most beautiful villages on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Celtic School of Yoga is a short 6k away on the Aughinish Peninsula.
L O D G I N G
Book now, affordable rooms are available in Kinvara and local community. We can help and recommend.
There are a couple of hotels and private airbnbs you can book at Booking.com.
AirBnB * Enter 'Doorus, Kinvara, Ballyvaughan or Gort'
*Check with us first as we have friends who we work with.
P A C K I N G
Comfortable clothing for yoga and meditation.
Appropriate footwear for walking on trails.
Layering is key, expect the unexpected!
Day backpack for outings
Rain wear and outdoor layers
Personal toiletries
Personal mask and hand sanitizer*
An adequate supply of any prescription medications you are taking however there is a local pharmacy.
Sunscreen, the west of Ireland sun is deceptive.
Sunglasses, hat and scarf, gloves
Writing and/or sketching supplies, book, reading glasses, contact lenses
A journal, for the Burren muse will surely visit.
Personal yoga mat if you have one*
*We have mats, props, blocks, straps, blankets and bolsters at the yoga studio.
Shawl and slippers for the Yoga Studio. (Shoeless inside.)
Any batteries, plugs and things for your phone and other gadgets.
Glass or steel water bottle, skip the plastic, Kinvara is minimal plastic use village.
Swim Suit (It's an option and a possibility!)
Register Now! Jan 11 and May 31 - Early Bird deadlines for Immersions &/or Teacher Training
Reach out if you have any questions!
Is The Celtic School of Yoga Training for you?
You have benefited from yoga and have been thinking about going deeper into your yoga practice, but think you are not "flexible" or advanced or ready. (You are!)
You never want to teach yoga, but you do want to deepen your yoga practice.
You love yoga and want to learn more tools, practices and communication skills that can help you to live more joyfully in tune with your daily life.
You have been contemplating doing a yoga teacher training and are interested in the connection between yoga, Celtic philosophy, mythology and history.
You want to immerse in yoga to expand your own awareness and yoga practice through the immersions and are curious about teaching yoga.
You would like to add yoga as a tool to compliment another healing modality you offer.
You have taken the immersions and are sure you want to share the gifts of yoga by teaching it to others.
You are sure you want to teach yoga in ways that are safe, practical, inspirational, and accessible for everyone.
You have been thinking about yoga teacher training, have been looking at trainings and want supportive, highly experienced yoga teacher trainers dedicated to excellence and your success as a teacher.
Already a Yoga Teacher?
You have done the Celtic School of Yoga Teacher Training and want to gain hours towards your 500hr RYT.
You are already teaching another style of hatha yoga, you want to gain more tools and skills to refine and develop your teaching, including the Celtic School of Yoga perspective.
You have completed any 200 hr teacher training in any style of yoga and you desire to deepen and refine your teaching skills.
You have completed Anusara Immersions and want to do Anusara Teacher Training.
You are an Anusara** 200 hr Elements teacher, you may enroll for credits toward your 300 hr ATT, please contact us for exact details.
If you answered "YES" to any of the above, this is for you!
The Teacher Training is for anyone who wants to teach yoga, learn and experience the Celtic School of Yoga vision, develop the skills to teach with poetic precision to alignment, and to share the love of yoga from their own authentic voice and experience.
**For more information on Anusara teacher development credit hours and 300hr ATT please scroll towards the end of the post and contact us for exact information.
I N V E S T M E N T
T U I T I O N
Investment from €500* Per Module
50% deposit is required to reserve your space.***
€3,000 - Total 200 Hours • Pre-Paid Early Bird* by Jan 18, 2025
€1650 - Immersions • Pre-Paid Early Bird by Jan 18, 2025
€1650 -Teacher Trainings • Pre-Paid Early Bird by May 31, 2025
€600 - Individual Modules • Paid two weeks before first weekend of the module, bank transfer.
Full Payment by Early Bird dates is required to receive the discounted price, rolling applications included.
Please enquire if you need special payment plans and timings.
Training Tuition Investment includes:
- Live, in-person yoga training classes
- Online immersion and teacher training classes
- Celtic School of Yoga Manuals
- Public master classes during training
- Public weekly classes with Benita
- Fire celebrations at the CSY
- Music
- Walks
- Coffee, tea, and snacks at the Celtic School of Yoga during the trainings.
- Access to private YouTube channel classes for practice in between modules.
Not included in Training Tuition:
- Required Anusara Manual
- Other Recommended yoga manuals
- Transportation to, from and around Kinvara
- *Transportation to heritage sites
- Food, drinks
- Kinvara accommodations
- Any personal amenities.
- *Must have a vehicle or ride share with other students. If you don't have a vehicle, let us know and we can help with ride sharing.
***Please see the end of this post for Qualifications, Cancellation, and Refund Policies.
The best way to sharpen your intuition is with experience. Ultimately, it’s wisdom. - Dr. Heather Berlin, Neuroscientist
What Others are Saying.....
T E S T I M O N I A L S
“You are the best yoga teachers I've had. You've so much to offer and I'm soooo glad I didn't do my TT in India.” - S.K., Galway, Ireland
"My life will never be the same from here on in, my journey has been enhanced beyond my biggest imagination by the teaching and inspiration of you both. I hope your own journeys take you onward into new realms and new friendships, the world needs you now more than ever…." - J.D. - North of Ireland - 200 hr TT
"It was such a journey for me, I couldn't have chosen a better TT than The Celtic School of Yoga. You are two of the most amazing people l have ever met. Your knowledge, inspiration, and encouragement went way beyond the call of duty. I made some wonderful friends and l'm looking forward to what's to come. Thanks Benita and Jack, loved every minute of it. - xxxx" - D.O. Co. Cork, Ireland - 200 hr TT
“I highly recommend this fabulous training with the Celtic School of Yoga in the Burren! It was the best decision I made in 2019 and I'm still reaping the benefits! This was literally the best year of my yogic life!!!" L.C., E-RYT Belfast, Ireland
"Jack and Benita are open and sincere in how they teach and their love of music, poetry and yoga spills out from them in a gentle style”. - J.M., North of Ireland - 200 hr TT
"I learned confidence, finding my authentic voice, appreciating the beauty of life, and connecting with my mind, body and soul. So much love, laughter, spirit, authenticity, strength, and FUN on the playground. Jack and Benita took me on a journey of deep self-inquiry that opened me to many new sides of myself. They created a safe space where we were free to deconstruct our layers, be seen, be heard and encouraged to step into a new way of being, an awareness, to open to possibility, grace." T.R., Oregon, USA - 200 hr TT
"While teaching my own Teacher Training, you are in my energetic field all the time! Thank you! You taught me so much!" - D.M. Colombia, 500hr+ E-RYT Teacher Trainer
"I am happy to share with you that I have my 500hrs certification! You inspired me from the beginning and allowed me to see more deeply , rooted in the gift of my heart. Infinite thanks for everything you are!"- V.P. Ecuador, 500hr Teacher
"Thank you.....most of all thank you for empowering me so many years! I loved this path because of you, that’s the truth. I, we are lucky to be your students.” - H.M. Greece - 500hr E-RYT Teacher Trainer
"Thank you so much. I just wanna let you know how grateful I am for your presence in my life. I am so grateful for our years of knowing each other and you are a true blessing and someone who has helped me so much without realising it. I wouldn't be the person I am today without you." - G.C., Argentina 500hr+ E-RYT Teacher Trainer
Q U A L I F I C A T I O N
Students who attend all 200 Hours will receive a Certificate of Completion from The Celtic School of Yoga to qualify as an Anusara Elements™ Teacher and register for a Yoga Alliance 200hr RYT.
Students will receive a Certificate of Completion for the hours attended for continuing education credits.
Participants in either the 100 hrs of Immersions or Teacher Training will receive a certificate from CSY for that 100 hours of Yoga Training.
Hours are eligible for continuing education with The Celtic School of Yoga, Anusara School of Hatha Yoga and Yoga Alliance based on their current standards, minimums and maximums allowed.
Benita is an Anusara Experienced Certified Advanced Teacher Trainer and Jack is a Certified Subject Matter Specialist for Advanced Teacher Trainees
100 hrs of Teacher Training* are eligible for Anusara 300 ATT required advanced teacher training module hours
36 hrs of Immersion* are eligible for Anusara 300 ATT elective advanced teacher training module hours
Please see the end of this post for Cancellation Policies
“I went out to the Hazelwood, because a fire was in my head...” W.B Yeats
C O N T A C T
Social Media: The Celtic School of Yoga
Q U E S T I O N S ?
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C A N C E L L A T I O N
Policies
50% deposit is required to reserve your space. Full payment required to receive the discounted price.
If you cancel for any reason, a full reimbursement minus a 10% administration fee will be offered if cancellation is received at least 7 days prior to the beginning of the training.
If you cancel less than one week before the beginning of the training, or after it begins, you will receive full credit to attend another immersion, training or workshop with The Celtic School of Yoga at a later date.
If we cancel the training you will receive a full reimbursement of any money paid to The Celtic School of Yoga, less any time you have already attended the training.
The world needs you awake, alive and active now more than ever!
©2025 The Celtic School of Yoga. All rights reserved. No portion of this may be copied, reproduced, transmitted electronically without prior written permission from The Celtic School of Yoga.
Photo credits : Benita Wolfe, Jay Doherty and Unknown
Thank you to all of our teachers, past and present, our families, students, friends and all who have walked these paths with us and before us. May all we are and do, be in service to humanity, to leave a better Earth for our children's children's children, all the future generations and all beings who will come after us.
And so it is.
L O V E . I S . A L L . Y O U . N E E D.