Sexual transmutation
From the pollination of plants to the biological need to reproduce in animals and humans alike, almost everything has a sexual drive - and this drive is derived from our libido.
As the essence of all creation, sex is the center of all life; from the birth of a child to the ecstatic conception of a work of art, all creation is rooted in the libido.
If you have a hard-to-manage sex drive or just want to channel that energy creatively, read on. You may be surprised by the power of your libido!
WHAT IS SEXUAL TRANSMUTATION?
Sexual transmutation is the alchemical practice of channeling and directing your sexual energy to a "higher" purpose. As one of the most powerful energies in existence, our sexual energy can be directed towards achieving goals, manifesting dreams and experiencing deeper states of consciousness.
Famous examples of people practicing sexual transmutation (consciously or not) include :
- Nikola Tesla
- Jeanne d'Arc
- Gandhi
- Richard Wanger
- Maria de Naglowska
- Dante Alighieri
- Beethoven
- Mère Theresa
- Andy Warhol
- Henry Thoreau
- Leonardo Da Vinci
9 ADVANTAGES OF SEXUAL TRANSMUTATION
Anyone with a sexual drive (of any size) can practice sexual transmutation. This practice is also suitable for anyone of any spiritual or religious persuasion (as long as that religion considers sex a natural and healthy experience).
HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMONLY CITED BENEFITS:
✅More focus and mental clarity
✅Increased creativity
✅Increased motivation and drive
✅Boost in physical energy (good for those suffering from fatigue)
✅More assurance and confidence
✅Improved mood
✅A greater ability to manifest change
✅An increased sense of self
✅Intensified spiritual experiences
SEXUAL TRANSMUTATION THROUGHOUT HISTORY
Ancient cultures have, for thousands of years, recognized the power and strength of the libido. While some have condemned and feared it (as the powerful force that it is), others have celebrated and channeled it.
In addition to Tantric and Taoist sexual energy practices, there are countless other references to the hidden powers of sex. Kabbalah, for example, considers sexual desire to be the deepest spiritual expression one can have. According to Yoga philosophy, our pure sexual energy lies dormant until it is awakened in its highest form known as "Kundalini.
Many esoteric groups also practice what is called "Sex Magic", which is related to psychiatrist Carl Jung's notion of sexual alchemy (similar to Freud's sexual sublimation). In Sex Magic, it is taught that with enough willpower, we can transform the raw energy of our libido into a transcendent power of creativity.
SEXUAL ENERGY = INTENSE CREATIVITY
Frequent sex has often been seen in many religious traditions as a kind of distraction. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with regular sex, there is much more to libido than simply coming (orgasm).
Sex, besides being a source of pleasure, can also be channeled into any form of creation - from writing the book you've been meaning to write in pen to mastering the art of intuition. Since sexual energy is a creative energy, it makes sense to make the most of its innate advantages. Just look at people like Immanuel Kant, Lewis Carroll and even Emily Dickinson, all practitioners of sexual transmutation (in their own way)!
It's true that after sex we feel more relaxed - thanks to the fact that the body's energy and motivation have been temporarily depleted. But imagine what would happen if you used that burst and release of sexual energy to achieve a dream or goal. There are many ways to do this. Visualization is probably the most common method (we will explore other practices soon).
SEXUAL ENERGY = SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION
The path of sexual transmutation has two aspects: abstinence and sexual expression. The path you choose to follow depends on your libido, your character and your personal needs.
Whichever path you choose, your sexual energy can be channeled to bring you closer to the Divine and more in touch with your soul. Indeed, the moment of orgasm is a holy glimpse of the Divine - it is a moment of no-mind, a moment when you temporarily merge with Oneness and lose your limited ego.
You can also use your sexual energy to fuel your inner work and infuse your path with intensity (especially if you decide to remain celibate). Ancient Hindu philosophy calls this the path of Bhakti or devotional desire. We can see this almost erotic love affair with the Divine in figures like the Sufi poet Rumi, Christian saints like Therese of Avila, and Hindu mystics like Anandamayi Ma.
HOW TO PRACTICE SEXUAL TRANSMUTATION
When we are motivated by sexual desire, we develop a broader imagination, deeper courage, stronger will, more tenacious persistence and a flourishing creativity that we were not even aware of.
If sexual energy within humanity can become so strong that it causes us to harm others or risk imprisonment to satisfy it. Imagine what could happen if we harnessed that energy and directed it toward a greater purpose.
Before we get into the practice of sexual transmutation, I want to put a disclaimer here:
The path of sexual transmutation is not about quickly surrendering to sexual desire, denying it, running from it, or even overcoming it. It is about accepting your sexual desire as an innate part of your nature, as the basic notes of your higher symphony.
I have seen many who feel they must rise "above" the elements of their "lower nature" and so decide to run away from or ignore their sexual drive, considering it primitive and even "unspiritual." Do not make this mistake. Sexuality is beautiful. Orgasms are gateways to the Divine. Pleasure is your birthright. Let's not confine this part of ourselves to the shadow self (whether through overindulgence or denial).
Ultimately, sexual energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it can only be transformed.
I have experimented with most of the following techniques - suitable for both men and women. Feel free to try one practice a week and only try those you feel comfortable or safe with.
TRANSMUTATION TECHNIQUES OF SEXUAL ENERGY
1. 7-DAY EXPERIMENT
For one whole week, try to abstain from all sexual activity, either alone or with someone else. After the week, explore what you think and feel. While some people will benefit greatly from this practice (more energy, happier moods, greater creativity), others will have trouble dealing with the negative energy built up (anxiety, frustration, cranky moods). This experience will tell you whether the path of abstinence or sexual expression is more suitable for you - both are aspects of sexual transmutation.
2. OBSERVE WITHOUT JUDGMENT
If you choose to experiment with the path of sexual abstinence, practice allowing the feelings that arise within you to emerge. Try not to judge them, but rather to be a simple observer. See these feelings as they are, they are natural. Just observe what these desires and feelings tell you about yourself. Also, try not to label them as "sexual energy". Instead, treat them as a sensation, like when you feel something "hot" or "cold," and experience them without expecting to get rid of them. Some people, simply by observation, have bursts of orgasmic energy without any physical stimulation.
3. TANTRIC EDGING
Tantric edging is the practice of making love and coming to the edge of orgasm, without reaching the point of ejaculation/climax. It is an ancient Tantric practice that helps to increase your energy, focus and inspiration. This practice also helps to stimulate your creativity and is ideal for those suffering from chronic fatigue or depression. Tantric massage is also a practice that can help you experience this.
4. ORGASMIC VISUALIZATION
Visualization is a simple technique for sexual transmutation. The only thing this practice requires is to have a clear intention before having sex.
Get an idea of where you would like to direct your energy the most. Perhaps you would like to finish college, master a particular skill, achieve an important goal, or even have a profound spiritual experience of some kind. Whatever is important to you, take it with you into sex. (Remember, it must be a realistic goal).
When you have sex and climax, imagine yourself achieving that dream, goal or desire. The culmination of sexual energy directed toward the image you have created in your mind is powerful. In Tibetan mysticism, this is known as creating a thought form or tulpa.
Some people feel uncomfortable doing this practice without telling their partner (it can be seen as a way of "using" your partner to get something that benefits you). If you are concerned about this, have a fun conversation and let them know.
5. CREATE A SIGN
A sigil is a symbol imbued with meaning and intent. It is a practice commonly used in Sex Magic or among Western esoteric practitioners. After learning how to create a sigil, you can "activate" it (and thus activate your intention) during sex. At the moment of orgasm, focus on your sigil (which you have placed somewhere nearby) and relax. You have now planted a seed in your unconscious, fed by sexual energy.
6. BREATHING
Breathwork is the practice of consciously directing your breath. In sexual transmutation, breath work can be used to move your libidinal energy throughout your body. This is a particularly effective technique if you have an imbalance in the sacral chakra (the energy center of your sexuality).
To practice this technique, breathe in slowly, feeling your sexual energy build up within you, then breathe out slowly and feel your energy disperse throughout your body. This is a wonderful way to move your libidinal energy away from your genital area and balance it throughout your being.
You can also visualize your sexual energy moving up your spine (kundalini energy) and into the third eye chakra. This is a powerful technique, especially if you want to channel your sexual energy into spiritual growth (however, take it slow and be gentle with this practice, it can be powerful!)
