What is Tantra?

Tantra, a form of sex magic, plays an crucial role in many magical societies. Long periods of training are a prerequisite of this highly specialized practice. Particular exercises lead to the control of a variety of autonomic functions like body temperature, pulse rate, and the reflexes that trigger ejaculation. Breathing exercises are also an significant part of the discipline.

The word Tantra is the name of the Hindu texts in which the system is expounded. According to Tantric philosophy, the universe is built up of two basic forces personified as male and female deities, the god Shiva and his consort Shakti. The female principle is the dominant one and the male is the subordinate. Women are treated on terms of complete equality with men and in many of the rites are assigned superior status, as living incarnations of the mother goddess. Many Wiccans find this philosophy and practice quite appealing.

Many Tantric rituals are comparable to the ceremonial magic ones, with candles, incense, wands, bells, magic circles, and words of power. Awakening the "sleeping serpent" known as the kundlini power is a key part of Tantric practice. Once open, the kundalini travels up through the chakras of the body. The ability to open the chakras in their proper order so that the kundalini can carry on its upward journey is vital to the working of Tantra. At the climax of the journey, Shakti and Shiva are united in an ecstasy that is known as "The Supreme Bliss." The Hindu texts contend that only by laying hold of the inherent power in the sex force is it possible to find the creative energy to ascend to spiritual release.

Benjamin Walker describes one Tantric rite, "known as chakra-puja or circle worship, where the participants sit in a circle, which implies complete mutual equality among those present. Male and female participants sit next to each other on the floor, and in the middle of the circle sit another couple who represent Shakti and Shiva. Sometimes a nude girl occupies the central place as Shakti....All the members partake of a ceremonial meal consisting of wine, flesh, fish, and bread, followed by a rite of sexual intercourse." In the Tantric circle worship, participants do not choose their partners; no personal preference is permitted. Various means are used to make certain that the partners pair by chance and not by choice, so a man might partner with his wife, with another man's wife, or with his sister, his daughter, or even his mother. One Tantric text says, "The man who knows the fierty form of Shiva procreates himself anew at every intercourse. His body glows, his mind is crystal clear, his spirit in harmony with heaven."

Bibliography
Garrison, Omar: Tantra: The Yoga of Sex. 1973.
Kraig, Donald Michael: Modern Sex Magick. 1998.
Mumford, Jonn: Sexual Occultism. 1975.
Walker, Benjamin: Man, Myth and Magic: Tantrism. 1970.