Tantric Sex (aka: She's Magik, Sex Magik)
In this episode, Ams and Kat explore Tantric Sex. Tantra is a complex and multifaceted spiritual and philosophical tradition that originated in ancient India. Tantric sex is the practice of using Tantric principles, such as mindfulness, breathwork and energy connection, to sexual experiences. But first, if you are looking for a little buzz without the drawbacks of alcohol, why don’t try this Canna-cocktail, the Hot Buttered Cider. Mix one up while listening to this episode’s hot tale: Ams, Mr. Ams and their friends have a grown-up sleepover, complete with Seven Minutes in Heaven: mini-threesomes while one person watches and keeps time. Next, Ams and Kat explore Tantric principles and past experiences with mindful sex. To learn more about Tantric Sex, the Wives interview author and educator Barbara Carrellas. Finally, the Wives set themselves sexy homework, including solo tantra work, breath and energy orgasms and all-day sex sessions. MORE ABOUT TANTRA The original practice of Tantra encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and rituals, and its principles can vary among different schools and traditions. However, some core principles are commonly associated with Tantra: Unity of the Divine: Tantra often emphasizes the oneness or unity of the ultimate reality, which may be referred to as Brahman, Shiva, Shakti, or other names depending on the specific tradition. The idea is that everything in the universe is an expression of this ultimate reality. Energy and Consciousness (Shiva and Shakti): Tantra often conceptualizes the divine as a dynamic interplay between masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energies. These energies represent the dual aspects of the supreme consciousness, and the practice of Tantra often involves awakening and harmonizing these energies. Sacred Sexuality: Some Tantric traditions incorporate rituals and practices that involve sacred sexuality. The goal is not mere physical pleasure but rather the spiritual union of Shiva and Shakti energies within the practitioners, aiming for heightened awareness and divine connection. Ritual and Symbolism: Tantra frequently employs rituals, symbols, and ceremonies to connect with the divine. These can include mantra chanting, yantra (geometric diagrams), mudras (hand gestures), and various ceremonies designed to invoke spiritual energies. Embracing the Mundane: Unlike some ascetic traditions, Tantra embraces the material world and the experiences of daily life. It encourages practitioners to see the divine in everything, including ordinary activities, and to use the challenges of the material world as opportunities for spiritual growth. Teacher-Student Relationship: Traditional Tantric practices often involve a guru-disciple relationship. The guru is seen as a guide and spiritual mentor who leads the disciple on the path toward self-realization. Non-Dualism (Advaita): Many Tantric traditions advocate a non-dualistic perspective, emphasizing that the ultimate reality is beyond distinctions such as good or bad, pure or impure. Practitioners seek to overcome dualities and realize the underlying unity of all things. Many Westerners have been applying Tantric principals to sex for over 100 years. Some of these principals include adding ritual and mindfulness to sexual experiences, focusing on breath and energy, fostering a deep connection between partners and focusing on pleasure and ecstacy as opposed to orgasm. ABOUT BARBARA Barbara Carrellas is an author, artist, innovator, instigator and thought leader in the fields of sex, gender and spirit. She is also a sex/life coach, sex educator, workshop facilitator, university lecturer, motivational speaker and theater artist. She is the author of Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century, Ecstasy is Necessary: A Practical Guide to Sex, Relationships and Oh So Much More, and Luxurious Loving: Tantric Inspirations for Passion and Pleasure.