Tantra for Beginners: Embarking on a Journey of Sensuality and Connection

Tantra is an often misunderstood tradition in the world of spirituality and intimacy. It's frequently associated with sensationalised ideas of sexual practices, but in reality, Tantra is a rich and profound philosophy that encompasses various aspects of life, including spirituality, sensuality, and personal growth. There are many different lineages of Tantra and to cover all of these here would be complex. So in this blog we will delve into the art and influence of what the west call ‘Neo Tantra’ and explore its fundamental principles for people that are new to this path.

Content Index

What is Tantra?
The colonisation of Tantra
Fundamental Principles of Tantra
Practical Tips for Beginners
Conclusion

What is Tantra?

Tantra is an ancient spiritual and philosophical tradition that originated in India thousands of years ago. The word "Tantra" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "tan," which means expansion, and "tra," which means liberation. Together, they imply a path to expanding consciousness and achieving liberation.

At its core, Tantra is about embracing all aspects of life, transcending limitations, and realising your highest potential. It's a holistic approach to spirituality that acknowledges the sacredness of every moment and every experience. While Tantra encompasses various practices, it is not solely focused on sexuality, as many believe. Instead, it teaches us to channel our energy and desires in a way that leads to self-realisation and connection with the divine.

The colonisation of Tantra

The colonisation of Tantra in the west is complex and raises a lot of questions. Tantra, as an ancient Indian spiritual tradition, began to gain attention in Western countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the Western understanding and interpretation of Tantra often diverged significantly from its traditional roots.

In the West, Tantra was initially viewed through a lens of exoticism and sensationalism, with an emphasis on its sexual aspects. This distorted perception led to the commodification and commercialisation of what we now call ‘Neo Tantra’, as it was often presented as a means of enhancing sexual pleasure. As a result, many traditional teachings and practices were simplified or misrepresented to cater to Western desires.

Despite these challenges, some individuals and groups in the West have embraced Tantra as a genuine path to spiritual growth, emphasising its holistic principles of mindfulness, unity, and personal transformation. Today, Tantra in the West continues to evolve, with a growing recognition of its profound spiritual depth beyond its sexual connotations.

For this reason I personally don’t usually use the word Tantra in my work, as I believe the tools I use to support people in embodiment and intimacy, come from this colonisation of tantra. I acknowledge the lineage and have gratitude for the influence it has had on the western world, and yet as white, English person who has never studied these traditional philosophies from the source of India, I don’t feel comfortable to call my personal practice Tantra.

Instead, I try to use language that feels more familiar to me. Erotic embodiment, embodied sex, slow sex, sacred sexuality, deepening intimacy, awareness, consciousness. Some of my peers and teachers have found more inclusive offerings of ‘tantra’ and have developed Queer Tantra and Urban Tantra (Barabara Carrellas). So if you walk on this path we me, you will not hear me talk so much about ‘Tanta’.

Fundamental Principles of Neo Tantra

1. Union of Opposites

One of the central principles of Tantra is the recognition of the unity of opposites. Tantra teaches us that opposites, such as masculine and feminine, light and dark, and pleasure and pain, are not separate but interconnected aspects of existence. By embracing these opposites and understanding their interplay, we can achieve balance and harmony in our lives.

In Tantra, the union of opposites is often symbolised by the divine couple, Shiva and Shakti. Shiva represents consciousness, while Shakti represents creative energy. Their union signifies the harmony between the transcendent and the immanent, the spiritual and the material.

In my work I focus very much on the inclusivity of gender diversity and queerness, so these very polarised teachings that come from ancient tantra do not translate into my community. So whilst I still bring in the principle of union of opposites, I let go of the connection to male & female form, or divine union of two humans, and focus more on what these energies represent in our bodies, whatever type of bodies we have.

2. Awareness and Presence

Tantra emphasises the importance of mindfulness and presence in every moment. By being fully aware of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations, you can connect more deeply with yourself and others. Tantra teaches that the present moment is where all transformation and growth occur, and it encourages us to embrace it fully.

Practising mindfulness through meditation, breathwork, and sensory awareness can help you become more present in your daily life. When you are fully present, you can experience a profound sense of connection and intimacy with the world around you.

In this day and age I think we can all deeply benefit from these practices.

3. Energy and Chakras

In Tantra, the human body is seen as a temple of divine energy. This energy, often referred to as Kundalini, resides at the base of the spine and can be awakened and channelled through the body's energy centres, known as chakras. There are seven major chakras, each associated with specific qualities and aspects of consciousness.

By working with the chakras and awakening Kundalini energy, Tantra practitioners aim to achieve higher states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. This process can involve various practices, including yoga, meditation, and mantra chanting, to balance and align the chakras.

Sometimes it is hard for my clients to relate to such spiritual concepts, so I often bring these types of energetic connections into the practice through more simplified body awareness, and finding connection to energy in whatever form that feels comfortable.

4. Rituals and Symbolism

Tantra often incorporates rituals, symbols, and sacred ceremonies to connect with the divine. These rituals can range from simple meditative practices to elaborate ceremonies with specific intentions. The use of symbols and rituals helps create a sacred space and serves as a way to focus energy and intention.

Yantras (geometric diagrams), mantras (sacred chants), and mudras (hand gestures) are commonly used in Tantric practices to access deeper states of consciousness and connect with the divine. These rituals are not just symbolic but are believed to have a real and transformative power when performed with sincerity and devotion.

I believe life can be ritualised in so many ways. A ritual is creating an experience that feels sacred and therefore different to everyday actions. If you don’t connect with mantras and mudras and yogic practice, you can find your own way to ritualise moments in your day.

5. Sacred Sexuality

While Tantra is not solely about sex, it does acknowledge the sacredness of sexuality and the potential for spiritual growth through intimate connection. In Tantra, sexual energy is considered a powerful force that can be harnessed to expand consciousness and strengthen the bond between partners.

Tantric sexual practices emphasise slow, mindful lovemaking, where both partners focus on the connection between their bodies, hearts, and souls. These practices can deepen intimacy, increase pleasure, and lead to spiritual awakening.

Practical Tips for Beginners

1. Start with Mindfulness

Begin your journey by practising mindfulness in your daily life. Take a few moments each day to sit quietly, focus on your breath, and become aware of your thoughts and sensations. This practice will help you cultivate presence, a fundamental aspect of Tantra.

2. Explore Your Energy

Learn about the chakras, and find a way to connect to energy in your body in a form that feels authentic to you. You can explore practices like yoga and meditation that can help you balance and align your energy centres. These practices can enhance your awareness and lead to a deeper connection with your inner self.

3. Embrace Sacred Moments

Recognise the sacredness of everyday experiences. Whether you're eating, walking in nature, or spending time with loved ones, approach each moment with reverence and appreciation.

4. Study Tantra

Take the time to study Tantra through books, workshops, or online courses. Learning from experienced teachers can provide valuable insights and guidance on your Tantra journey.

Give respect to the lineage by becoming informed of the roots of Tantra from India.

5. Connect Intimately

If you're interested in exploring Tantra's sexual aspects, start by prioritising open and honest communication with your partner. Explore sensual and slow-paced lovemaking, focusing on deep connection rather than achieving a goal. Look for spaces, retreats and practitioners like me who can support you!

Conclusion

Tantra is a profound and multifaceted spiritual tradition that offers a path to self-realisation, connection with the divine, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. While it encompasses various practices, it's important to remember that Tantra is not solely about sexuality; it's about embracing all aspects of life with mindfulness, presence, and reverence.

As a beginner, you can embark on your Tantra journey by starting with the fundamental principles mentioned in this blog. With dedication and an open heart, you can explore Tantra's wisdom and discover how it can enrich your life, relationships, and spiritual growth. Ultimately, Tantra invites us to see the sacred in all things and to awaken to the limitless potential within ourselves.

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Tantra for Beginners: A Journey of Sensuality and Connection