The Priestess Academy
Explore sacred traditions, goddess studies, intuitive practices, and opportunities for personal and spiritual development.
Explore the AcademyMy journey
A Lifelong Path of Learning & Discovery
My journey to creating the Ancient Arts of the Priestess Academy has been a lifelong path of learning, exploration, and empowerment. My fascination with ancient history, particularly the stories of powerful women like the Oracle of Delphi, has always drawn me to the wisdom of the past.
These women, revered as keepers of divine knowledge and sacred practices, inspired me to seek, study, and share traditions that connect us with spiritual wisdom.
As a lifelong learner and educator, I have had the privilege of teaching at the college level, where my passion for sharing knowledge has continued to grow.
Sacred exploration
Connecting With Inner Wisdom
Through studies of spiritual practices, divination, and the sacred feminine, I have found purpose in encouraging women to connect with their own intuition and inner wisdom.
My journey has brought me through spiritualism, goddess studies, Reiki and energy practices, personal reflection, and continuing exploration of the sacred arts.
I believe that meaningful learning leaves room for questions, personal experience, and the freedom to discover which practices speak to you.
Intuition & DivinationReikiDivine FeminineMeditation
“The academy is a sanctuary for learning, healing, and empowerment — a place to rediscover the ancient wisdom that has always lived within us.”
Ways to explore
Learning, Reflection & Sacred Community
My work brings together teaching, spirituality, movement, and practical opportunities for personal growth. Whatever brings you here, I hope you find an invitation to explore with curiosity.
Inclusive Yoga & Meditation
Find approachable practices that make room for different bodies, abilities, experiences, and stages of life.
Explore Live ClassesSpiritual Classes & Resources
Learn at your own pace with classes, books, guides, journals, and other tools for reflection and study.
View Online ClassesExperience and education
More Than 30 Years of Teaching, Mentoring, and Learning
Before dedicating myself fully to spiritual education, I spent more than 30 years in higher education. I served as an Associate Professor and Senior Academic Advisor at Western Kentucky University, where I taught history, sociology, criminology, and related social sciences.
My work has also included academic advising, curriculum development, adult learning, online education, student mentoring, degree planning, career exploration, and supporting traditional and returning students through important educational and life transitions.
Those years continue to inform the way I teach today: with structure, compassion, accessibility, and respect for the different paths people take toward learning and personal transformation.
My Academic Degrees
- B.A. in Social Studies Education
- B.A. in Divinity
- M.Ed. in Social Studies
- M.A. in Sociology and Criminology
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
- Ph.D. in Parapsychology and Paranormal Sciences
How I Bring Education Into Spiritual Practice
I combine my teaching experience with spiritual coaching, Divine Feminine wisdom, intuitive development, Reiki and energy work, tarot and oracle reading, meditation, somatic awareness, and accessible yoga.
I especially enjoy working with women entering a new season of life, reconnecting with their intuition, exploring spiritual gifts, or finding practices that honor their bodies and everyday lives.
Rose Temple Yoga School
Why Inclusive Yoga Matters to Me
I began practicing yoga in my forties while navigating health concerns and living in a larger body. I was initially told yoga teacher training might not be right for me. I went on to complete training anyway—and created the kind of inclusive yoga school I once needed.
I'm the founder and lead trainer of Rose Temple Yoga School, where yoga is taught as an eight-limbed spiritual practice, not a performance or a pursuit of the perfect pose. I invite students to practice on a chair, in bed, on a mat, or wherever their bodies feel supported.
My Yoga and Meditation Education
- 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Thirumoolar’s Ashtanga Therapeutic Yoga tradition
- 300-hour Wellness Yoga and Yoga Therapy training
- 300 Hour Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training with Guru Singh
- Advanced Kundalini Yoga training with Guru Singh
- 100-hour Meditation Teacher Training
- Somatic Yoga certification through Brett Larkin
- Restorative, Yin, Aqua, Chair, Thai, Gentle, and accessible yoga training
- Yoga Nidra, breathwork, Ayurveda, and adaptive movement education
My Yoga Lineage
My foundational lineage is Thirumoolar’s Ashtanga Therapeutic Yoga within the Siddhar tradition, passed through Dr. Asana Andiappan and taught to me by Mary Irby of White Crow Yoga.
This therapeutic lineage values the whole person, the eight limbs of yoga, accessibility, spiritual development, breath, meditation, and adapting the practice to the individual.
Explore Yoga and Meditation Education →Reiki and energy work
Teaching Energy Work with Intuition and Care
I'm a Reiki Master Teacher in the Usui System of Natural Healing. I teach Reiki Levels 1, 2, and 3, including Advanced and Master Teacher training.
My energy-work experience also includes Angel Reiki, Animal Reiki, Fairy Reiki, chakra work, crystal grids, distant energy work, meditation, and intuitive spiritual practices. While Reiki is a familiar name to many, I teach that energy work can take many forms.
My approach to energy work and card reading is deeply intuitive. I teach foundational skills while helping students build their own relationship with energy, their soul, and their guides. A book can be an excellent tool, but I don't believe your personal spiritual wisdom has to depend on a guidebook or rigid rules.
Ancient Arts of the Priestess Academy
Priestess Work, Divine Feminine Wisdom, and Spiritual Choice
As a Rose and Water Priestess, I teach a Divine Feminine spiritual path rooted in intuition, embodiment, sacred reflection, energy awareness, ritual, and personal spiritual autonomy.
I founded the Ancient Arts of the Priestess Academy to create a space where students can explore goddess wisdom, tarot, oracle cards, tea leaf reading, spirit-guide communication, energy work, ritual, meditation, and intuitive development.
My role isn't to dictate what anyone must believe or make decisions for them. I listen, reflect, teach, ask meaningful questions, and encourage each person to recognize the wisdom already unfolding within them. Your spiritual path should help you hear yourself more clearly—not leave you feeling as if you've failed another set of rules.
Explore the Priestess Academy →Books and learning resources
Writing and Sharing Spiritual Education
I'm the author of more than 20 books. My published and educational works include Awakening Universal Energy: A Reiki 1, 2, and 3 Level Training Manual and Angelic Energy: Unlocking the Power of Reiki with Archangels.
My books, journals, training manuals, and other resources offer ways to continue learning and reflecting between classes and sessions.
Explore Books, Journals and Sacred Gifts →Where we can connect
In Nashville, Online, and at Your Own Pace
I offer spiritual coaching, readings, Reiki, yoga education, classes, workshops, and training programs in Nashville and online through Zoom.
Ways to Learn with Me
- In-person experiences in Nashville
- Live Zoom classes and gatherings
- Hybrid programs
- Self-paced online courses
- Private individual sessions
A kind word from a client
What Others Have Shared
“I recently had an online tea leaf reading with Bertena, and it was truly a magical experience. She shared the history and heartfelt meaning behind her work, which made the session feel even more special and personal.
She was able to intuitively read both her own leaves and mine with ease, and what she wove together from both cups was fascinating, insightful, and deeply meaningful.
I highly recommend Bertena! She is the real deal!”
— Kim
Contact Bertena
Phone: (859) 437-0082
Website: bertena.org
Please review the cancellation, payment, attendance, refund, and participation policies on each program or service page before registering. Spiritual coaching, Reiki, intuitive readings, meditation, and yoga education are complementary and educational offerings; they do not replace licensed medical, mental-health, legal, or financial care.
You're welcome here
Let's Continue the Journey Together
Whether you're beginning to explore intuition, returning to meditation, learning about priestess traditions, or simply looking for a welcoming place to grow, I'm glad you're here.