I had the the pleasure of being interviewed by Jane from SLOW journal in issue 17, Howl.

Howl is about answering the call.

The deep, often unexplainable stirring within us to create, to grieve, to return, and to step into something bigger. It’s a celebration of the stories that shape us.

CLICK HERE to grab a print or digital copy of HOWL and enjoy essays and interviews that explore culture, creativity and connection and encourage readers to slow down, chase their dreams and cultivate a life well lived.

Under the gentle guidance of astrologer and founder Katie Emma, the Temple of Cosmic Astrology (TCA) is a sanctuary for soul seekers drawn to the language of the stars. Rooted in over a decade of devotion, TCA offers a deeply supportive space to study astrology as a path of self-discovery, empowerment, and evolution. Through online programs, mentorships, and immersive experiences like The Astrology of Slow Living Retreat in Ubud, Bali, Katie invites you to explore astrology not as theory, but as a living, breathing practice, connecting you back to nature, rhythm, and your own intuitive wisdom.

What dreams are you currently nurturing for Temple of Cosmic Astrology?
“A dream I’m currently nurturing for Temple of Cosmic Astrology is to write a book on Astrology and Slow Living. I’ve found the process of creating this slow living retreat and workbook so inspiring and nourishing, that it’s really motivating me to write on how seamlessly these two pathways can merge to support readers in personalising their intentions with a slow living, softer pace in more meaningful and heartfelt ways.”

How do you design retreats or immersive experiences so that participants feel transformed? “Transformative experiences for guests are at the forefront of my mind when I create my retreats. We live in an age of information overload and saturation, and sure, we can google and learn just about anything, but we don’t always know what to do with all this influx of information, it's so overwhelming. So my intention with my astrology retreats is to create a space where guests can experience astrology as an embodied practice, whether a beginner or a seasoned astrologer, and to learn this cosmic language through the power of shared stories and real life experiences of their fellow guests. We explore astrology through ritual, nature, movement, sound and spacious reflection. These retreats allow for deep integration, where you can embody what you're learning about yourself into your everyday life and routines, rather than just filling your mind with more words, strategies and busyness that defeats the intention of slow living.”

If you could guide people to take just one thing from your work, what would it be?
“To feel more at home within themselves. Our natal charts show a blueprint of who we are, and who we yearn to be by having the courage to follow our heart and dreams - even if that looks vastly different from what the world expects of us. I want my work to remind people that they’re allowed to honour their own timing, their sensitivity, their wildness, their truth - and that home is a feeling we create by returning to ourselves, and having faith in our own growth and evolution.”

How has your relationship with astrology changed over the years - both personally and spiritually?
“There is always more to learn with astrology, truly, it’s endless! So my relationship to it and with it is constantly evolving as I deepen my own practice and understanding of this sacred, cosmic language. It’s been my greatest teacher and inspiration! Astrology is also a tool, not a belief system - and it's important to wield that tool and knowledge wisely to provide support and care for clients and students, and not to create more harm through fear or dogma. Being an astrologer is about holding space for other people to have their own realisations. It's a practice of curiosity, compassion and consent. Over the years, I've become anchored in using astrology to affirm personal agency rather than fate, and to honour the soul's timing rather than trying to control outcomes. It's a devotional path for me, and a reminder that we are co-creators with the cosmos and our life, not just passive recipients of fate.”

Do you want to join this magical cosmic and cultural adventure on the Island of the Gods?
24-31 July, 2026
Earlybird rates for the next Bali Retreat are open and spots are filling fast!
Flexible payment plans are available.

JOIN THE NEXT BALI RETREAT

“This retreat was such an amazing and heartfelt experience for me, and I am taking so much positive energy out of the retreat. The group dynamic was incredibly warm and supportive, and I felt an immediate sense of belonging and ease, even as a complete beginner in astrology. Katie’s way of teaching is so inclusive, compassionate, and grounded - and her classes were full of ‘aha’ moments that really deepened my understanding. There was something truly magical about how everything unfolded, and I felt completely at ease throughout the entire experience. The spirit of Bali captured me, and I’m already dreaming about joining another retreat with Katie in the future!” - Jenny M (Bali 2025)

“The Bali retreat was 8 days of pure bliss spent with some wonderful humans from all over the globe. The astrology led by the amazing Katie with her unique intuitive way of teaching was food for the mind & soul. The body was well nourished too! A very special day was spent with a Balinese family in their home cooking up a banquet was a real highlight (one of many). Incorporating various healing modalities & day trips to sacred temples, secluded beaches & waterfalls the experience was truly transformative for me. I couldn’t recommend this retreat highly enough!” - Michelle C (Portugal 2024 & Bali 2025)

“I recently attended the 8-day Astrology Retreat in Bali, and it was truly a transformative and heart-opening experience. I am deeply grateful for the space that Katie created and the wisdom she shared. From the very beginning, Katie fostered a safe, welcoming, and deeply connected environment. The structure and flow of the retreat were thoughtful and beautifully balanced. Each activity felt purposeful, engaging, and meaningful - from the learning sessions to the experiential practices and excursions. The mix of education, embodiment, and community created a deeply nourishing experience. Our group developed a rare and genuine bond, and I believe that is a direct reflection of Katie’s leadership, kindness, and ability to hold space. This retreat exceeded my expectations in every way. I left feeling expanded, inspired, and more connected to myself and others. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone seeking personal growth, soulful community, and a deeper understanding of astrology” - Dina M (Bali 2025)

I've been hosting retreats for a few years now, and they have been such an incredible experience for me as an Astrologer and Teacher. I knew that when the concept of my Slow Living Retreat in Bali dropped into my consciousness last year, something deeply profound and special was being created - and this past week in Bali with nine amazing women from all over the world certainly did not disappoint! What transpired for us over these eight glorious days together is something I’ll keep held within my heart's temple forever.

It was a full circle moment for me in so many ways - from my time living in Bali nine years ago to returning now, nine years later, in a collective nine-year with nine students! The synchronicity is hard to miss! This retreat was another beautiful reminder that astrology can become so much more profound when it becomes a shared and embodied experience, rather than just a chart on a screen or on paper. Seeing my guests learning from each other through their life stories and lived experience of their placements - as well as deepening their understanding of themselves through the slow-living spaces of their chart - was such a gift to witness as their guide and teacher.

This retreat took over 12 months of meticulous planning, and I’m so glad I reached out to a wonderful retreat management team based in Bali as they did a phenomenal job in helping to bring my retreat vision to life. This was a big trust exercise for me in handing over my “baby” to a team with feet on the ground there, as I’m so used to wearing all the hats on a retreat aside from just being the host! But they truly did an amazing job (we love you Augie!), and I felt so supported and held. It also meant that on retreat I had time to socialise and share meals with my guests, which is super important to me. My Virgo South Node loves retreats as I get such satisfaction from diving into the spreadsheets, reviewing intake forms and working with the resort to curate the full menu for the week ahead - which then allows my Pisces North Node to do what it does best - dropping into the flow, and letting go + letting God/Spirit/The Universe lead the way 💖

One of my favourite details from this retreat was writing the Planetary Love Notes for each guest based on the planet room they had chosen. In these love notes I dive into that planet personally for them - both natally and by transit - to help them understand how that planetary archetype might support their slow-living experience as an ally in their chart.

We opened the retreat with a traditional Balinese Welcome Ceremony which was led by a beautiful Balinese priestess, Yuni (see photo above). She not only provided a sacred ceremonial experience for us, but also opened space for myself and the guests to ask questions, learn about Balinese customs and traditions, and to be welcomed with such love and grace into some of their spiritual practices and beliefs. It was such a special way to land into the flow of Bali, as I witnessed each of the women begin to soften into themselves and into the essence of slow living.

Over the following eight days we explored astrology through a slow-living lens, asking questions like: How can we tap into slowness in a fast-paced world? How can we connect to our own personal flow and pace using astrology? And how can we embrace slow living through archetypes like Saturn, Retrogrades, the 6th House and the path of Venus through slowness, sensuality, and embodiment? We sat in circle and studied together, shared laughter, tears, silence and sisterhood.

A key part of my vision for this retreat was to not just sit in our resort to study astrology - as beautiful as it is - but to also go out and experience the beauty of Bali. On day 2 we took part in a water healing ceremony led by our amazing guide, Dedi, who held each of us as we placed our heads under the sacred waterfall to cleanse and release all the burdens that we have been carrying. It was emotional and deeply aligned with the spirit of Bali’s ability to heal and transmute.

Midweek, the guests had a restful beach day in east Bali while I took myself off to the day spa for some solo relaxation and nourishment. But my absolute favourite day? The Balinese cooking class on day 3 for sure, which happened to land on one of our guest's birthdays! Instead of a standard resort-based kitchen class, we traveled almost an hour outside of Ubud to a local Balinese village, where we were warmly welcomed into the home of Putu and her lovely family. We learned how to cook traditional Balinese recipes mindfully, using local ingredients and techniques. It was a joyful, creative, sensorial experience - and so very Venusian for our “Venus day”. Putu’s young niece also performed a traditional Barong dance for us which was so, so lovely!

After sharing the incredible banquet we prepared together, we returned to the resort for our afternoon workshop on Venus and the Senses. It was super hot that day, almost unbearably so, and we spontaneously decided to get in the pool together for this workshop. So floating in the water, astrology charts in hand, we talked about Venus in each persons chart and its invitation for pleasure, connection and our personal values - and how these can all be guiding paths to integrate slow living in a more personal way. It was one of the most memorable moments of the whole retreat!

By the time we arrived at our closing ceremony, I could see and feel the transformation in these women as they softened… landed… opened. They had not only learned more about themselves through astrology, but also deepened their relationship with each other through lived experience and shared connection.

Retreats fill my heart in ways that are, in a way, hard to articulate, as some parts feel too sacred to share outside of the group. There are pieces of this experience that belong only to those who were there. But what I can say is that I’m thrilled have more retreats and pilgrimages coming for 2026: we’ll be returning to Bali, to Glastonbury, and there’s something new unfolding in Porto for those curious about a city-based retreat experience. And in 2027... India. Stay tuned.

If astrology and slow living are calling you, I would LOVE to welcome you to Bali in July 2026! Please do get in touch below 🙏

Do you want to join this magical cosmic and cultural adventure on the Island of the Gods?
Earlybird rates for July 2026 are now open and spots are filling fast!
Flexible payment plans are available.

JOIN THE NEXT BALI RETREAT

Astrologer Katie Emma on Slow Living, Astrology & Ritual

A Week of Slow Living and Astrology in Bali