Sexuality is a force of immense power, one that transcends the physical and reaches into the spiritual realms of connection, energy, and self-realization. While many modern perspectives view sex primarily as a physical or emotional act, tantra offers a profound and transformative approach, seeing sexuality not only as an expression of love but as a sacred and spiritual practice. By integrating body, mind, and spirit, tantra invites us to explore the depths of our own sexual energy, transforming it into a powerful tool for spiritual growth, personal healing, and deep connection with others.
The beauty and wisdom of Tantra is that it enhances sexuality as a doorway to the "ecstatic mind of great bliss".
Truly, at the peak of orgasm, we pierce through the illusion of fragmentation and separation, and glimpse the unity and interconnectedness of all beings.
And through the other - our partner - we fall in love with life.
- Margot Anand
The Tantric Philosophy of Sexuality
In the tradition of tantra, sexuality is seen as a fundamental life force, a powerful energy that is both creative and transformative. Tantric teachings suggest that sexual energy, when harnessed and revered, has the potential to awaken profound states of awareness, connecting us to our higher selves and the universe at large. This approach is rooted in the belief that the body is sacred, and through conscious engagement with the body’s energy, we can experience a state of unity. Unity where the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being come together.
At the core of tantra is the principle of Shiva and Shakti, the cosmic union of the divine masculine and feminine energies. These energies are not just seen as concepts but as living forces that permeate all aspects of existence, including our sexuality. In tantra, sexuality is not merely an act of physical pleasure, but a gateway to experiencing the divine within. By engaging in sexual practices with awareness and intention, practitioners seek to awaken the dormant energies within themselves, leading to greater spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
In tantra, sexual energy is regarded as one of the most potent forces in the body. Rather than being suppressed or repressed, it is embraced and celebrated as a natural and sacred part of being human. However, tantric practices do not encourage mindless or casual expression of this energy. Instead, they emphasize the importance of intention, mindfulness, and presence in every sexual encounter. When practiced consciously, sex becomes a form of puja, or a sacred offering to the divine, where both partners are invited to enter a space of deep reverence and mutual respect.
The goal is not just physical pleasure, but the cultivation of energy that can be used to elevate the spirit. In tantric sexuality, there is an understanding that the energy generated during intimate moments can be expanded and redirected, circulating throughout the body to promote healing, vitality, and enlightenment. By consciously channeling this energy, tantric practitioners can experience heightened states of awareness and connection; both within themselves and with their partner.
One of the most important principles in tantric sexuality is presence. In a world where distractions and hurried routines often take precedence, tantra teaches the value of slowing down, being fully present, and engaging in intimate acts with complete awareness. Every touch, every kiss, every breath is an opportunity to connect more deeply with the self and the partner. This practice of deep presence fosters intimacy, trust, and an authentic exchange of energy, which can be both profoundly healing and transformative.
By cultivating presence in sexual practices, tantra allows individuals to move beyond the distractions of the mind, reaching a state of deep relaxation and heightened sensitivity. This, in turn, allows both partners to experience the full spectrum of sensations, from the physical to the energetic, that emerge in moments of intimate connection. When sex is approached in this way, it becomes less about achieving an end goal, such as orgasm, and more about the experience of union and flow between two people.
In this state of awareness, there is an opportunity for mutual exploration, a dance of energies between the divine masculine and feminine. This sacred union is not about dominance or submission, but about balance and equality. In tantra, both partners are seen as divine beings, each contributing their own unique energy to the union. When this energy is shared and honored in a mindful way, it creates a deep sense of unity and connection that transcends the physical realm.
Tantric Practices for Cultivating Sexual Energy
While tantric sexuality is deeply spiritual, it is also practical. There are many tools and practices that can help individuals and couples cultivate and harness sexual energy in a conscious and intentional way. Some of the most common tantric practices include:
Breathing Techniques: One of the most fundamental practices in tantra is conscious breathing. Breathing deeply and slowly helps to bring awareness to the body and to the energy circulating within it. In tantric sex, breathing is synchronized between partners, which helps to deepen the connection and harmonize the flow of energy.
Slow, Intentional Touch: In tantra, touch is not merely about physical sensation; it is an act of reverence and connection. Practitioners are encouraged to touch slowly and deliberately, allowing the energy between partners to build and flow. This approach shifts the focus away from performance and toward an experience of shared energy.
Eye Gazing: Eye contact is a powerful practice in tantra, as it allows individuals to connect on a soul level. By gazing into your partner’s eyes, you open up the possibility of seeing them as more than just a physical being, but as a reflection of the divine. This practice deepens the intimacy and emotional bond between partners, allowing for a more profound and holistic connection.
Sacred Space: Creating a sacred environment is another important aspect of tantric practice. A calm, clean, and welcoming space helps to set the intention for the practice. This can include lighting candles, burning incense, and using soft music to create a peaceful, meditative atmosphere.
Energy Circulation: In tantric connection, sexual energy is not merely released, but it is circulated through the body, allowing it to flow freely and be used for spiritual awakening. This can be done through techniques like Mulabandha (the root lock) and Uddiyana Bandha (the abdominal lock), which help to move energy upward through the body’s chakras.
One of the most significant benefits of tantric sexuality is its potential to heal shame and guilt around sex. In many cultures, sex has been heavily stigmatized and repressed, creating negative associations with our bodies and sexual desires. Tantra seeks to dismantle these cultural taboos by viewing sexuality as sacred, beautiful, and transformative.
By reclaiming the sacredness of sexuality, tantra encourages us to embrace our desires without judgment, guilt, or shame. It invites us to explore the depth of our sexual energy, not as a means to fulfill selfish desires, but as a path to spiritual growth, healing, and liberation. This shift in perspective allows individuals to approach intimacy with openness, vulnerability, and a deep sense of reverence for themselves and their partners.
Tantra’s approach to sexuality as a spiritual practice offers a profound path of transformation. By engaging in sexual practices with mindfulness, presence, and intention, individuals can tap into the powerful energies that reside within them, using these energies not only to enhance their physical experiences but to connect more deeply with themselves, their partners, and the divine. In this sacred practice, sexuality becomes much more than an act of physical pleasure; it becomes a doorway to higher consciousness, a tool for healing, and a way to experience unity with the universe itself. Through tantra, we are reminded that our bodies are sacred, our sexual energy is divine, and our connection to one another is a reflection of the greater cosmic dance of life.
Ivy’s July Schedule
Stamford, CT
Wednesday, July 9th
Tuesday, July 29th
Columbus, OH | Dublin
Sunday, July 13th | 6pm-8pm
Monday, July 14th | 10am-8pm
Tuesday, July 15th | 10am-8pm
Wednesday, July 16th | 10am-8pm
Thursday, July 17th | 10am-2pm
Outside of these dates I am available in NYC. In-calls available in Union Square & the East Village, with limited availability in Astoria. Out-calls available to high end hotels.
Peace & Love,
Ivy Rosalia