Category: Masculinity

Religiously Erotic

25 April 2025
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This blog is about: 

  • Erotic drive & sexual energy 
  • Religious practices 
  • Erotic art and temples 
  • Virtues 
  • Hinduism
  • Tantric lovemaking 
  • The Yoni & the Lingam 
  • Pleasure 
  • Spiritual path 
  • Union with the Divine 

Religiously Erotic: Exploring the Sacred Union of Eros and Spirituality

I was born and raised Jerusalem, a city rich with religious history and culture and I have been a Tantric Yoga practitioner since 2001, I have come to deeply appreciate the complex interplay between spirituality and eroticism—two forces often seen as conflicting, but in reality, deeply intertwined. In this article I wish to explore the idea of being “religiously erotic” and how the erotic drive and the religious impulse can not only coexist but also elevate, support and potentiate one another.  

Growing Up Among Religions  

Jerusalem is a hub of religious movements. Growing up there, you are constantly surrounded by reminders of faith: the sound of the muezzin calling to prayer, the bells of churches, the sights of synagogues, mosques, and holy places. Though my parents were agnostics, I was born into Judaism and studied the Bible in school. Later in life, I studied other faiths—Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism – delving into their spiritual teachings.  

What I noticed across these traditions, especially in the Judeo-Christian-Islamic context, was a shared antagonism toward eroticism. The concept of “original sin” is often rooted in the notion that desire is inherently corrupting. This perspective created a tension that never quite sat right with me, we can notice this repression with relation to the feminine and how often instead of being exalted the feminine is repressed.   

A Eureka Moment: Tantra

When I encountered Tantric teachings, it was a revelation. I realized that the erotic and the religious were not at odds but were perfectly complementary. The longing for union with the absolute, a central aspect of mysticism, mirrors the deep yearning for union between lovers, my longing to deeply unite with a woman. The heart’s desire to reconnect with the Creator can be fully expressed in the act of sacred, erotic union. In the highest forms of Tantric practice, eroticism is a pathway to God.  

This realization became profoundly clear to me during a visit to the Khajuraho temples in India in 2010. These temples, covered in intricate erotic sculptures, represent a powerful fusion of spiritual and sensual art. The erotic art on the temple walls did not diminish the spiritual atmosphere; rather, it amplified it. The erotic statues, crafted with the utmost care and reverence, were not mere representations of human desire but expressions of divine union. The artisans who created these statues did so with deep reverence, using beauty and eroticism to exalt the spirit to bring the devotee to deify the being. As I approached these temples, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe and love, as if the beauty of the exterior of the temple was preparing me for the sacredness within the temple. Experiencing the delight of the erotic statues, my soul felt cleansed to fuse with the transcendental reality  

Eros as a Reflection of Divine Light 

In many religious traditions, particularly in dogmatic or exoteric practices, there is a tendency to suppress erotic energy, to refuse it or consider it dirty or unclean. While this might be somewhat true regarding gross desires, the erotic aspiration is radically different. The erotic sense is inseparable from the religious practice. We can take this analogy of a prism refracting light (just imagine the album cover of Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’). The supreme light is pure, white light, which passes through a prism and emerges as the many colours of the rainbow – each colour representing a different Godly Attribute, a characteristic of consciousness. If we wish to recreate the bright white light with another prism, if one of those colours is removed, the light is incomplete. Similarly, when erotic energy is removed from the expression of the creator within creation, the full expression of the spirit within creation is diminished and incomplete.   

There is a fear, especially in religious dogma, of the feminine, of sensuality, and of the intense energy that Eros can generate. This fear leads to a suppression of erotic potential, hindering many on the spiritual path. However, as seen above, by embracing erotic energy, we can experience a fuller manifestation of God’s light.  

The Fear of Eros and the Feminine

Why have so many religious traditions feared eroticism? I believe it stems from a deeper fear of the feminine and the sensual, energies that are powerful and transformative.  Desire stirs something primal within us, something that can be either ecstatic or agitating and unsettling. In the face of this energy, many religious traditions have sought to restrain from it completely, fearing that it could lead to chaos or distraction from the spiritual path, not realizing that the core of this desire is the deep longing for union.    

This fear has limited the full potential of spiritual life. Many devout people struggle to integrate their erotic energy with their religious aspirations, and as a result, their spiritual progress is hindered. Instead of suppressing eroticism, we need to understand its role in our spiritual journey. Erotic energy, when aligned with love and reverence, can be a powerful force for spiritual awakening.   

The Fall from Eden: A Metaphor for Separation  

The Bible offers a symbolic story of this suppression in the tale of Adam and Eve’s fall from Eden. After eating the forbidden fruit, they become aware of their nakedness and feel shame. This shame represents a separation not only from each other but also from the divine.   

In the original language of the Bible, Hebrew, as they fell from Eden it is said that they wore leathers (Orot in Hebrew) the fascinating part is that ‘Orot’ in Hebrew sounds the same as the Hebrew word for Light, ‘OR’. We can then say that from a more esoteric perspective, the fall from Eden is symbolised by covering their light, being ashamed of their nudity and eroticism.  

The erotic, when stripped of shame and seen as a pathway to union, can lead us back to the metaphorical Garden of Eden. As Jesus said, the “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you,” the  erotic energy can be a way to rediscover this inner Paradise, a return to Eden.  

Sin as Absence of Virtue 

When we talk about “original sin,” we are really discussing the absence of virtue, much like darkness is simply the absence of light. In this context, the original sin – the disordered desire – represents an inferior form of desire, one that dominates and blinds us rather than uplifts and enlighten us. It is not the desire itself that is sinful, but its misalignment with higher virtues like love, beauty, and sacredness. To shun erotic energy entirely is to reject a vital force that, when aligned with love, can elevate us toward the deification.  

Tantric Lovemaking: A Sacred Practice  

In Tantric practice, lovemaking is not just a biological act; it is a spiritual discipline. Tantric lovemaking is a method for reconnecting with the divine through the play of Godly Attributes like love, beauty, sacredness and elevated pleasure. These attributes do not merge into a single, indistinct energy but remain distinct and complementary, creating a symphony of divine expression and inviting us to experience the vivid reality of the creator within creation. In this sacred space, eroticism is not merely about pleasure or physical connection; it is a pathway to spiritual union, a religious act in its purest form.  

Tantric lovemaking invites us to see the erotic union between man and woman as a sacred act, an expression of the deepest prayers of one’s heart. The lingam (the male organ) becomes an expression of the man’s heart, and the yoni (the female organ) becomes a place of worship, a sacred space where the prayers of the heart rise to the heavens. This union is not only a union between man and woman but a union with the divine, a state of yoga, or spiritual merging. 

Not by chance throughout history, we see that many deities and spiritually enlightened beings were also depicted as having rich erotic lives. In Greek mythology, Zeus’s many lovers symbolize his divine power. In Hinduism, Krishna had 1,000 Gopis, and Shiva made love to Parvati for 1,000 godly years. Even in Jewish tradition, the “Song of Songs” is an erotic love poem often interpreted as an allegory for divine love. These examples show that the enlightened beings or Gods were often erotically active.

Some brief practices and advice on how to be Religiously Erotic

To be “religiously erotic” is to live in harmony with both the erotic and spiritual aspects of our nature. Here are five practices that can help us cultivate this union:  

  1. Distinguishing Between Sex and Eros: Sex, in its biological form, often separates us from our higher nature. Eros, however, is an upward, inward force that connects us to the divine. Understanding the difference between these two energies is the foundation of the religiously erotic path.  
  1. Contemplating Erotic Art: By contemplating erotic art, we can connect to the beauty and spiritual power that eros represents. This practice helps elevate erotic energy to a higher, more refined state.  
  1. Infusing lovemaking with Consciousness: During lovemaking, take moments to pause, reflect, and realign your intentions with love. This sanctifies the act and connects it to the divine.  
  1. Removing Shame: Shame blocks the natural expression of our erotic energy. By removing shame, we can freely express our desires and align them with the highest virtues.  
  2. Avoiding Objectification: Objectifying others or nature creates a barrier to true connection. By seeing our partner not as an object but as a divine being, we open the door to deeper communion and spiritual union.   

Conclusion: An Invitation to Fuse Eros and Spirit 

In conclusion, being religiously erotic is about realizing that eroticism and spirituality are not in opposition but are potent allies on the path to the divine. When these two forces are integrated, they create a powerful synergy that can elevate us to the highest forms of spiritual realization. The erotic, when practiced with love and consciousness, becomes a sacred bridge to the heart of the Creator.  

This is an invitation to explore the depths of eros as a spiritual path, to embrace the fullness of both our erotic and religious nature, and to rediscover the divine in the union of the two lovers.  

The Wisdom of Emotions

11 March 2025
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This blog is about: 

  • Emotional Intelligence 
  • Survival mechanism – fight or flight mode 
  • Unconcious patterns 
  • Conscious control 
  • Blending psychology and spirituality  
  • Neither suppression or indulgence 
  • Meditation, therapy and embodied awareness 
  • Deeper understanding 
  • Acceptance and transformation

Emotions are at the very core of human existence. They inform our decisions, shape our relationships, and profoundly influence how we navigate the world. Yet, despite their central role, emotions often remain misunderstood—a chaotic blend of unconscious reactions that can lead to unnecessary suffering. For decades, I have worked as a yoga teacher and psychologist, blending spiritual insights with psychological understanding to uncover the transformative potential hidden within emotions. This article explores what emotions are, how they work, and how we can master them to cultivate deeper awareness, intimacy, and freedom. 

What Are Emotions? 

At their essence, emotions are mechanisms designed to help us adapt to life’s challenges. The Zurich University department of Psychology, one of whose specialties is the study of emotions, defines them as “preparations for action.” Emotions prepare our minds and bodies to respond to various situations. For example, fear alerts us to potential dangers, triggering the fight-or-flight response to keep us safe. Anger motivates us to confront injustices and assert boundaries, while sadness reflects our capacity to love and connect deeply. 

Interestingly, emotions do not always arise from objective reality; rather, they often stem from our perceptions of situations. Imagine a hunter-gatherer sleeping alone in a forest, their anxiety keeping them vigilant against predators. This response was essential for survival. Yet, in today’s world, that same instinct may manifest as sleeplessness over trivial worries, such as meeting deadlines and what people think about us. This mismatch between ancient emotional responses and modern triggers can cause unnecessary stress and suffering. 

The Problem of Unconscious Emotional Responses 

For most people, emotional responses are automatic, unconscious, and often maladaptive. Take anger, for example. While it might arise naturally in a crisis, societal norms frequently discourage its open expression. As a result, many suppress their anger, which does not simply vanish but instead festers, manifesting as physical tension, frustration, or even illness. 

Similarly, anxiety once served as a survival mechanism, heightening alertness in genuinely dangerous situations. However, in the modern world, this same response often activates inappropriately, leading us to waste precious time and energy worrying about non-life-threatening concerns, even in environments where we are completely safe.  

Unconscious handling of emotions—whether through suppression or indulgence—keeps us trapped in patterns of suffering. The key to breaking free lies in reclaiming conscious control over our emotions. 

Reclaiming Emotional Control 

The first step to reclaiming control is awareness. Becoming conscious of our emotions as they arise allows us to engage with them instead of being overrun. For example, when anxiety surfaces, it’s crucial to dive into it, to feel its physical presence and understand its roots. This might involve realizing, “I’m anxious because I feel socially isolated,” or, “I’m worried about financial challenges.” Once we name and embrace these feelings, they often lose their overwhelming power. 

This process is not about suppressing emotions or indulging them. Both suppression and indulgence are unhelpful extremes. Suppression denies the emotion’s existence, while indulgence allows it to control us. Instead, we can consciously observe and dissect emotions. 

For instance, sadness can be broken into components. If it stems from longing, that longing can be embraced as a deep, authentic desire. On the other hand, sadness mixed with hopelessness needs discernment; we should not feed the hopelessness. By embracing the positive core and discarding the unhelpful parts, we allow emotions to fulfil their adaptive purposes. 

Embracing the Positive Core of Emotions 

In Tantra, the approach to emotions is transformative. Tantra teaches us to extract the essence of every experience and let go of its unnecessary aspects. Emotions, when observed and broken down into their components, reveal a positive core. Fear arises to protect what is valuable. Anger emerges to correct injustices. Sadness can highlight what we truly cherish. 

Through meditation and awareness, we can hold emotions consciously, allowing their wisdom to surface. Instead of fighting the negative elements, we gently set them aside and give life to the positive components. This process, central to emotional healing, creates a harmonious integration of these energies. 

The Origins of Emotional Patterns 

Many emotional patterns are rooted in both innate tendencies and learned behaviours. As children, we unconsciously absorb emotional responses from our surroundings—parents, peers, and cultural norms. For instance, I noticed that my own anger mirrored my father’s: quiet, suppressed, and avoiding confrontation. Over time, these inherited patterns become ingrained, shaping how we respond to life’s challenges. 

These learned behaviours form what we can name the “pseudo-self.” This layer of reactive habits often obscures our authentic essence. Emotional wisdom involves peeling back these layers to reconnect with our true self—the soul or “healthy self”—that generates emotions authentically and in alignment with our deeper values. 

Connecting Emotions to the Body 

The journey to emotional healing starts in the body. Every emotion manifests physically before it becomes a mental concept. For instance, sadness often feels like a weight in the chest or a lump in the throat. Anger may create tension in the jaw or stomach, while fear might resonate in the belly or pelvic area. These bodily sensations are the raw reality of emotions, free from the intellectual filters and narratives we later attach to them. 

When we label emotions with words like “sadness” or “anger,” we risk losing touch with their raw essence. Words are approximations, but the true experience lies in the body’s sensations. By shifting focus from abstract labels to the body’s felt experience, we engage more directly with emotions. This practice—rooted in embodied awareness—helps us transform emotions at their source rather than merely analysing them from a distance. 

Blending Psychology and Spirituality 

For over two decades, I have explored both psychology and spirituality, integrating these disciplines in my teaching and therapeutic work. Silent retreats, where I spent weeks confronting emotions without distractions, have been especially transformative. During these periods of deep introspection, I confronted emotions in their rawest form, learning to navigate them with clarity and compassion. 

People often come to me overwhelmed by emotions they’ve ignored for years. For example, someone struggling with anxiety might describe it as a vague unease. By guiding them to locate the sensation in their body, they connect directly with the emotion. This simple shift often brings profound relief, revealing the “factory” behind their emotions rather than merely addressing the “products” of anxiety, anger, or sadness. 

My Personal Journey 

I’d like to share two personal experiences that highlight my own emotional alchemy: 

Healing Guilt 

For much of my life, guilt was a constant companion. I often felt I wasn’t doing enough or wasn’t good enough. During a winter retreat years ago, I was doing a meditation to heal guilt, over the course of 21 days. One day, after oversleeping and missing part of my practice, I felt a familiar wave of self-recrimination. But as I walked through the snow that evening, I had a realization that came to me in a flash: guilt was my way of motivating self-improvement. However, I didn’t need to punish myself to grow. 

This insight reduced my guilt significantly. While it still appears occasionally in other areas, the clarity of that moment transformed my relationship with it. I learned to embrace the constructive aspect of guilt while discarding its punitive elements. 

Confronting Anger 

Anger was another emotion I struggled with for years. Suppressed anger manifested physically as ulcers and emotionally as frustration. Through therapy and self-reflection, I learned to recognize and express my anger healthily. 

I discovered that much of my anger stemmed from self-importance—the belief that my goals were more significant than others’. By addressing this underlying egoism, I gradually released my anger. Over time, the ulcers healed, and my relationships improved. The process took years and remains ongoing, but it has profoundly shifted my inner landscape. 

Masculine and Feminine Dynamics in Emotional Wisdom 

Emotions often play out differently in men and women due to biological and cultural influences. Men, conditioned to suppress emotions, may struggle to connect with their emotional depth. While suppression can be helpful in crises, it becomes harmful when it blocks intimacy and self-awareness. 

Women, on the other hand, often experience emotions more intensely. This heightened sensitivity is a gift but can lead to overwhelm or manipulation if not balanced with responsibility. 

In relationships, these dynamics can complement each other. Men can offer detachment and clarity, while women can teach sensitivity and depth. Recognizing these differences fosters mutual growth and understanding. 

The Transformative Power of Suffering 

Suffering, when approached with awareness, holds immense transformative power. Emotional pain is not something to avoid or suppress—it is a gateway to growth. By sitting with our suffering without judgment, we allow it to unfold and reveal its wisdom. 

For example, many spiritual practitioners embrace intense practices, such as meditating in extreme conditions, to transform their relationship with discomfort. While most of us do not need such extremes, the principle remains the same: embracing pain fosters resilience and inner strength. 

Conclusion 

Becoming emotionally wiser is a journey of awareness, acceptance, and transformation. By embracing the positive core of emotions and releasing their destructive elements, we align with our authentic selves. This journey, while challenging, opens the door to deeper intimacy, freedom, and joy. 

Through practices such as meditation, therapy, and embodied awareness, we can transform our emotional lives, unlocking the wisdom within. In doing so, emotions become our allies—guiding us toward growth, healing, and a fuller experience of life. 

Keys to Tantric Couple Relationship

06 February 2025
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This podcast is about:

  • Transpersonal Love 
  • Tantric system 
  • Harnessing erotic energy 
  • What do men want?  
  • What do women want? 
  • Jealousy & attachments 
  • Platform for individual growth 
  • Difference between sex & eros

Most of us learn how to relate in a trial-and-error fashion but as the years and the relationships go by, we may get a little weary and even lose hope. The Tantric path teaches that the couple relationship can be integral to our personal development as we learn to build relationships full of intense pleasure, powerful attraction and deep love. Sounds good? Discover more on this one-day workshop with Tantra teachers Bogdan Radasanu and Alina Halauca. For a sneak preview listen to Bogdan in this podcast interview where he describes the first heartfelt steps to relationship heaven.

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If you’re interested to dive deeper into topics like this, you are invited to join our courses, or check out our upcoming events to explore more!

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A Men’s Guide to Ecstatic Lovemaking & Life

30 April 2024

This podcast is about:

  • Sex, instincts and taboos 
  • Fulfilment 
  • Inhibitions 
  • Semen retention 
  • Orgasm without ejaculation 

Men, do you want to become better lovers? How can you be more romantic, loving, confident and passionate with your beloved? Is masculinity still a bit of a conundrum for you?

Tantra teacher Foca Yariv explains the Tantric practice and concept of erotic amorous continence, as well as Tantric perspectives on masculinity, which can help all men along their journey of awakening as men. Hear also about his personal journey into these topics.

To find out more about other Tantric principles and practices, join our ongoing Tantra course!

Find out more about the Tantra course

A taste of Polarity Retreat 2024

12 April 2024

Polarity, and the intensity of the game between the feminine and the masculine, is the source of power in our evolution and Spiritual awakening. When the game of polarity is alive and the process of inner alchemy is intense, ecstasy arises within, and with it comes existential joy and lasting happiness.

See what we experienced during our 2024 Polarity Retreat, “The Alchemy of Ecstasy”!

Live discussion – Love, Orgasms & Relationships

01 April 2024

Bridging Biology & Tantra with Dr Liat Yakir

Discover the nature of love, orgasms, and relationships in a lively discussion with author Dr Liat Yakir, a highly respected keynote speaker on topics of the biology of human emotions, and experienced Tantra teachers Maria Porsfelt and Foca Yariv.

Dr Yakir has just published her book, A Brief History of Love, well received in her native Israel. Maria Porsfelt has been teaching Esoteric Tantra Yoga for over 15 years and practising since 2001. She has been guiding men and women in workshops on eroticism, orgasms and relationships. Foca Yariv has been practising Yoga & Tantra since a young age, and has also been teaching for over 15 years. He has been guiding men on the spiritual path, supporting them in the practice of amorous erotic continence and tantric lovemaking.

Embark on a journey of understanding love from the perspective of the chemistry of the brain and how this relates to spirit, how orgasms are a necessity for both the body and soul, and how relationships are a celebration of the game between the complementary nature of the masculine and the feminine.

Discover the hormones that drive us and how by understanding our biology we can wisely navigate life and go beyond this drive, know ourselves better and achieve an elevation of the consciousness.

This discussion was hosted by journalist Vivienne Rush.

Polarity: The Play of Life

21 February 2024
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This podcast is about:

  • Universal Masculine & Universal Feminine 
  • Shiva & Shakti 
  • Tantric path – the path of energies 
  • Embracing life 
  • Key to Happiness 
  • Power 
  • Awareness 
  • Valuing both Yin & Yang 
  • Self-knowledge  

Polarity exists on many levels of our being and on many levels of planetary life. As we study the concept of polarity, we can begin to observe it playing under the surface of everything. The two polar elements, plus and minus, masculine and feminine, are in a constant dance, back and forth, striving for balance.

As teachers Maria Porsfelt and Morgan Arundel tell student Vivienne Rush, with perseverant and focused practice we can join that dance, and by polarising and harnessing energies we can feel surges of happiness and willpower strengthening at our core.

Listen on Spotify

Listen on YouTube

To find out more about other Tantric principles and practices, join our ongoing Tantra course!

Find out more about the Tantra course

Tantric Massage Explained

17 January 2023

To many, the word massage summons up experiences of being pummelled or kneaded like dough. Immediately banish this image from your mind! Tantric Massage is completely different. It is a path to self knowledge. It is an unimaginably sublime experience in which we travel through layers of our being to reach the hidden treasures of one’s own self and that of the other. Here teacher Ben Carver describes to student Vivienne Rush the myriad delights of Tantric Massage.

Find out more about our course

The Universal Principle of Polarity

31 August 2022

“The Principle of Polarity states that all manifested things have ‘two sides’; ‘two aspects’; ‘two poles; and, ‘everything has its opposite’ with manifold degrees between the two extremes.” – The Kybalion, a text of hermetic wisdom

The study of alchemy and the seven Hermetic Principles of the Universe demonstrates the importance of understanding the Principle of Polarity and how it reflects in the Greater Whole. Polarity is a principle that governs everything in creation, and is  expressed in many other philosophies and traditions, as well as in science.

Polarity is an expression of universal duality. To better understand polarity, it is necessary to begin from the perspective of the universe as a unit that perpetually generates two poles that mutually co-exist. The idea or plan of the universe unfolding in creation is made possible by the constant, dynamic generation of the pairs of opposites. 

In ancient Chinese wisdom the symbol of Yin and Yang, Taijitu, is expressed by a circle divided equally into black and white halves. Each half of the circle contains a spot of the opposite colour. The Yin, the black half, and the Yang, the white half, each represent different qualities.

This symbol shows how opposites are connected and cannot exist without each other. They exist as part of the same whole, and the two opposite characteristics can exist in harmony and complement each other. This last aspect is represented by the soft ‘S’ shape that divides the two halves, rather than a sharp line. The small circles within each half show that nothing is absolute. In all yin, some yang inevitably exists, and vice versa. The outer circle of this symbol represents the entirety of the Universe.

In Hindu mythology, Brahma emerged from the Cosmic Golden Egg and created everything ‘good’ and ‘evil’, and ‘light’ and ‘dark’. In Christian tradition, God also created everything in creation from his single being, and all opposites, good and bad, life and death, flesh and spirit. These pairs are often seen as being separate, but they are actually interwoven as part of a greater whole.

The Tantric Perspective on Polarity

In Tantra it is said that,

“All that exists is a creation of the two complementary principles: masculine and feminine. In Creation, the Supreme becomes Shiva and Shakti, the static and the dynamic aspects of the transcendental Consciousness.”

It is said that the whole universe is sustained by the cosmic lovemaking between Shiva, consciousness or the masculine principle, and Shakti, the energy or feminine principle.

Shiva and Shakti, the cosmic couple, represent archetypal polar opposites: masculine and feminine; yang and yin. Shiva is symbolised by the erect lingam,  or phallus, and Shakti by the all-embracing yoni, or vulva. The lingam and yoni are polar opposites, but at the same time they perfectly complement each other, easily uniting in amorous ecstasy.

In the ancient times, Hermes Trismegistus said:

“The Sun is its father, the moon its mother”

Here he refers to the game of polarity played in nature – a duality that is born from non-duality. The complex game of polarity is an expression of the universal duality. The universe is a unit that constantly generates two poles, and gives birth to all pairs of opposites.

Nature reflects this cosmic perspective; the game between the masculine and feminine is constantly played out in all fauna and flora on this planet, including humans, since time immemorial. At the time of the Kama Sutra the natural game between the masculine and feminine was a vivid part of life. Men and women had distinct and complementary roles, which when united, created a magic both between them and individually.

The Scientific Perspective

According to science, polarity is

“a state or a condition of an atom or a molecule inherent in a body that exhibits opposite properties or powers in opposite parts or directions.”

It is discussed in connection with bonds formed between molecules and atoms because of different electronegativities. In chemistry and physics, a negative pole has the most electrons, while the positive polarity has fewer electrons. Polarity can be easily observed in magnetism and electricity, and can be understood by observing the simple attraction and repulsion between magnets. The plus and minus poles of two magnets attract each other, while the same poles, minus-minus, plus-plus, repel each other.

The Perspective of Alchemy

Within every phenomena or system there are three forces, generally referred to as ‘plus’, ‘minus‘ and ‘neutral’. The first two forces represent opposite poles of any phenomena – positive/negative, light/dark etc. These two poles make up the entire range of possible phenomena. The ‘0’ or neutral or ‘0’ aspect exists at a higher level, and is difficult to perceive as it is beyond the physical and that which can be seen. This neutral (0) aspect exists because of the unity of the two polar aspects i.e., when plus and minus unite, they are perfectly balanced. This neutral (0) aspect unites the polar elements and is considered to be the essential nature of spirit.

Although the creation seems to be very diverse, by understanding the principle of polarity and other principles, we see that this complexity comes from a core of laws that are essentially simple, and which then unfold through different resonance processes.

It can thus be said that from any state of unity, the state of duality and polarity comes. And since nothing in the universe is completely static, the two polarities develop a dynamic character, which manifests as endless variations in creation, such as plus / minus, male / female, hot / cold.

Alongside the alchemists,  science has confirmed, that these polarities are found everywhere, in all levels of creation, from small particles to cosmic bodies, and these are all harmoniously and profoundly connected. They are also inside us. Our body is made of structures of polar alternations vibrating continuously. 

By becoming more conscious, we can begin to recognise the importance of knowing how to harmonise these rhythms or we lose our inner equilibrium, which will also show on the outside in the actions we do.  Thus, we understand, sooner or later, that our personal rhythm is in an intimate natural connection to the Universal rhythms which we come from in fact, and the only way for us to find inner fulfilment is to profoundly tune ourselves in to these Universal Rhythms. But first we need to understand these rhythms which are based on the polar alternations.

When the alchemist understands the principle of polarity, they can understand all their inner processes and will become able to raise or lower their vibrational frequency and tune in, at will, to what is beneficial. By consciously applying the principle of polarity, the alchemist canperform physical, mental, and spiritual alchemy both within his own being, and in the outer environment.

How does the understanding of polarity fit in today’s society?

Men and woman are the clearest examples both of polarity, and the importance of understanding this principle in life. 

Most people in society today can be considered to be out of balance. There is a huge predominance of what can be defined as yin energies in society – creating inertia, lethargy, over sensitivity, greater susceptibility to disease, poor digestion and a lack of motivation. As the embodiment of masculinity, yang-ness, solarity, men should be more yang, and less yin, but men are also prone to excessive yin-ness. This imbalance is due to many factors such as poor diet – the overuse of refined sugar, processed food, preservatives and chemicals in food, and environmental determinants, such as electromagnetic fields, plastic and other pollution, hybrid crops and ignoring the natural circadian rhythm. Excessive yin-ness can be counterbalanced by amplifying its opposite – solarity and yang-ness. This will bring more centredness, dynamism, verticality, and much more emotional balance, as well as greater physical and mental health overall.

It is also necessary for women to amplify their yang-ness, despite their being the embodiment of yin, to balance the prevailing amount of yin energy within their inner universe. If excessive yin is not polarised by yang, it can lead to the issues described above, including emotional rollercoasters and a lack of direction and harmony.

The game of polarity is a secret key to happiness in a couple relationship, keeping attraction and passion alive.

When yin and yang are completely balanced in either a man or woman, a very special state of consciousness known as the glorious androgynal state awakens, that is connected to the zero point, or neutral state, the plus and minus uniting in perfect balance. The androgynal state very much enlivens and awakens the spiritual power of the being.

The game of polarity is also a secret key to happiness in a couple relationship, keeping attraction and passion alive. As weak magnets will have a weak attraction to each other, strong magnets can attract each other even from a distance, and unite with a much greater force. The attraction in a couple is also due to the strength of the opposite polarity between them. The stronger the masculine and feminine energies in the couple, the stronger the attraction between them. When strong masculine meets strong feminine, sparks fly.Human beings are very complex however. Each of us have a little part of the opposite pole within, just as in the yin-yang symbol there is a small circle of the opposite in each side. Thus, when a woman truly relaxes in her femininity and a man feels at ease in his masculinity, it is much easier to find fulfilment in the relationship. 

Ways in which individual polarity can be balanced

  • The practice of Yoga – Hatha Yoga means the ‘union of sun and moon’, the sun being the masculine, yang, emissive aspect, and moon the feminine, yin, receptive aspect. The union of these two poles reflects the middle way. Many Yoga postures as they are practised in this school work on directly balancing both the Yin and Yang aspects  of the different levels of the practitioner.
  • Vira and Shakti groups – At Tara Yoga Centre, we run groups especially for women, called Shakti groups, and for men,  called Vira groups, where spiritual notions and practices that are directly related to the feminine and masculine are explored, for the purposes of personal growth and transformation.
  • Rest well – Sleeping sufficiently and early increases yang energies.
  • Exercise – Exercising causes deeper breathing, making the body more yang.
  • The practice of erotic amorous continence – Practising erotic amorous continence with love and transfiguration, and separating orgasm from ejaculation amplifies yang energies.
  • Reduced exposure to Electromagnetic fields – Electromagnetic fields amplify yin.
  • Reduced Stress – Stress has a very yin effect on the body, depleting us of vital nutrients and damaging the system, leading to degeneration.

Final Thoughts

The Principle of Polarity is an essential principle to understand and apply in order to support our spiritual growth. By observing this principle in all aspects of our life we can reach a state of balance and harmony that is essential for true spiritual awakening, empowerment and the revelation of our Godly Nature.

The value of soul Archetypes

09 June 2022

In this interview, our 4th-year Tantra student Vivienne interviews Tantra teacher Morgan Arundel about the Archetypes of the Soul, and how knowledge of the archetypes can be used to aid spiritual transformation.

While some people may have heard about the masculine and feminine archetypes – Warrior/Heroine, King/Mother, Lover/Fascinating woman, Magician/Initiator – perhaps not so many consciously use understandings of these archetypes to affect their evolution.

Here Vivienne discusses with Morgan why we should consider learning about these archetypes and how by understanding each one, we come to know ourselves more deeply. And if you want to go even deeper, we periodically run an entire weekend workshop dedicated to this topic. Keep an eye on our events listing, and sign up to our newsletter to be notified when it is running again!

Archetypes of the soul workshop
Vivienne and Morgan discussing archetypes

“Archetypes of the soul implies that there would be some fundamental patterns that exist at this level, at this soul level of the human being. These patterns end up expressing themselves into our personality. And when we look at those patterns, they help us understand our personality to a much greater extent.”

Morgan Arundel, Yoga and Tantra Teacher