Sex. It’s the driving force of nature, the energetic core of life.
From the pollination of plants to the biological urge to reproduce in animals and humans alike, nearly everything has a sex drive – and that sex drive arises 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 piece of art, all creation is rooted in the libido.
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If you have an unwieldy sex drive or are simply interested in channeling this energy in a creative way, keep reading. You might be amazed by what the power of your libido can do!
Table of contents
What is Sexual Transmutation?
Sexual transmutation is the alchemical practice of channeling and directing your sexual energy into 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 who practice sexual transmutation (either knowingly or unknowingly) include:
- Nikola Tesla
- Joan of Arc
- Gandhi
- Richard Wanger
- Maria de Naglowska
- Dante Alighieri
- Beethoven
- Mother Teresa
- Andy Warhol
- Henry Thoreau
- Leonardo Da Vinci
9 Benefits of Sexual Transmutation
Anyone with a sex drive (no matter how big or small) can practice sexual transmutation. This is also a practice that suits anyone of any spiritual or religious persuasion (as long as that religion embraces sex as a natural and healthy experience).
Some of the most commonly noted benefits include:
- More focus and mental clarity
- Increased creativity
- Enhanced motivation and drive
- Boost of physical energy (good for those who suffer from fatigue)
- More assertiveness and confidence
- Improved mood
- Greater ability to manifest change
- Heightened self-awareness
- Intensified spiritual experiences
If you think that I’ve missed out any key benefits, let me know below in the comments!
Sexual Transmutation Throughout History
Ancient cultures have, for thousands of years, recognized the power and force of the libido. While some have condemned and feared it (as the mighty force it is), others have celebrated and channeled it.
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Apart from the Tantric and Taoist sexual energy practices, there are countless other references to the hidden powers within sex. Kabbalah, for instance, sees sexual desire as the deepest spiritual expression one can have. And in Yogic philosophy, our pure sexual energy is dormant until awakened in its highest form known as “Kundalini.”
Many esoteric groups also practice something called “Sex Magick,” which is connected to psychiatrist Carl Jung’s notion of sexual alchemy (similar to Freud’s sexual sublimation). In Sex Magick, it is taught that with enough will, we can transform the raw energy of our libidos into the transcendent power of creativity.
Sexual Energy = Intense Creativity
Frequent sex has often been perceived, in many religious traditions, to be a kind of distraction. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying regular sex, there’s so much more to the libido then just getting off (orgasming).
Sex, other than being a source of pleasure, can also be channeled into any form of creation – from writing that book you’ve been meaning to pen to mastering the art of intuition. As sexual energy is creative energy, it makes sense to make the most of its innate benefits. Just look at the likes of Immanuel Kant, Lewis Carroll, and even Emily Dickinson – all practitioners of sexual transmutation (in their own way)!
It’s true that after having sex, we feel more relaxed – and this is because 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 toward fulfilling a dream or goal. There are many ways to do this. Visualization is probably the most common method (we’ll explore more practices soon).
Sexual Energy = Spiritual Transformation
There are two sides to the path of sexual transmutation: sexual abstinence and sexual expression, both can create powerful spiritual transformations. What path you decide to walk depends on your libido, character, and personal needs.
Regardless of what path you choose, your sexual energy can be channeled toward feeling closer to the Divine and more in touch with your Soul. Indeed, the moment of orgasm is a holy glimpse into 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 longing. We can see this almost erotic love affair with the Divine within figures such as Sufi poet Rumi, Christian saints such as Teresa of Avila, and Hindu mystics such as Anandamayi Ma.
How to Practice Sexual Transmutation
When motivated by sexual desire, we develop a vaster imagination, deeper courage, firmer willpower, more tenacious persistence, and flourishing creativity that we weren’t even aware of.
If the sexual energy within humanity can become so strong that it moves us to hurt others or risk imprisonment to satiate it, imagine what could happen if we harnessed this energy and directed it toward a greater purpose?
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Before I delve into how to practice sexual transmutation, I want to put a disclaimer here:
The path of sexual transmutation isn’t about rapidly indulging, denying, running away from, or even overcoming the desire for sex. It’s about accepting your sexual drive as an innate part of your nature; as the base notes to your higher symphony.
I have seen many who feel as though they should rise “above” their “lower nature” elements, and thus decide to flee from or ignore their sex drive, considering it primitive and even “unspiritual.” Please don’t make this mistake. Sexuality is beautiful. Orgasms are doorways into the Divine. Pleasure is your birthright. Let’s not confine this part of ourselves to the shadow self (either through excessive indulgence or denial).
Ultimately, sexual energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transformed.
Most of the following techniques I have experimented with – and they suit both men and women. Feel free to try one practice per week and only try those you feel comfortable or safe doing.
Sexual energy transmutation techniques:
1. 7 Day Experiment
For a whole week try abstaining from any sexual activity – either alone or with someone else. After the week, explore what you think and how you feel. While some people will benefit immensely from this practice (more energy, happier mood, greater creativity), others will struggle with built-up negative energy (anxiety, frustration, grumpy mood). This experiment will tell you whether the path of sexual abstinence or sexual expression suits you more – both are two sides of sexual transmutation.
2. Observe Non-judgmentally
If you choose to experiment with the path of sexual abstinence, practice allowing any feelings that arise within you emerge. Try not to judge them, instead, just be an observer. See these feelings as they are, they are natural. Simply observe what these desires and feelings are telling you about yourself. Also, try refraining from labeling them as “sexual energy.” Rather, treat them as a sensation, like when you experience something “hot” or “cold,” and experience them without any expectations of getting rid of them. Some people by simply observing have orgasmic rushes of energy without any physical stimulation.
3. Tantric Edging
Tantric edging is the practice of having sex and coming to the very edge of an orgasm, without reaching the point of ejaculation/climax. This is an ancient Tantric practice that helps to increase your energy, focus, and inspiration. Tantric edging also helps to boost your creativity and is great for those who suffer from chronic fatigue or depression.
4. Orgasmic Visualization
Visualizing is a simple sexual transmutation technique. The only thing that this practice requires is having a clear intention before engaging in sex.
Think about what you would like to direct your energy toward the most. Perhaps you want to finish that college degree, master a skill you’ve been itching to learn, achieve an important goal, or even have a profound spiritual experience of some kind. Whatever is important to you, carry it with you into sex. (Remember, this must be a realistic goal.)
As you engage in sex and reach the point of orgasm, visualize yourself achieving that dream, goal, or desire. The climax of sexual energy directed toward the image you’ve 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 perceived as ‘using’ your partner to achieve something that benefits you). So if that is a concern of yours, have a playful conversation and let them know.
5. Create a Sigil
A sigil is a symbol that is infused with meaning and intention. This is a practice that is commonly used in Sex Magick or amongst practitioners of Western esotericism. Learn more about sigil magic to create a sigil.
After you learn how to create a sigil, you can then ‘activate’ it (and thereby activate your intention) during sex. At the point of orgasm, focus on your sigil (which you have put nearby somewhere) and then relax. You have now planted a seed within your unconscious mind, fuelled by sexual energy.
(Bonus) 6. Breathwork
Breathwork is the practice of consciously directing your breath. When it comes to sexual transmutation, breathwork can be used to move your libidinal energy throughout your body. This is a particularly effective technique if you suffer from a sacral chakra imbalance (the energetic center of your sexuality).
To practice this technique, breathe in slowly, feeling your sexual energy accumulate within you, then breathe out slowly and feel it dispersing throughout your body. This is a wonderful way of moving your libidinal energy away from your genital area and balancing it throughout your being.
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You can also visualize your sexual energy moving up through your spine (the energy of kundalini) and moving to your third eye chakra. This is a powerful technique, particularly if you want to channel your sexual energy toward spiritual growth (however, go slowly and be gentle with this practice, it can be powerful!).
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By embracing the spiritual power of our sexual energy (and not rejecting it), we can experience greater health, prosperity, growth, creativity, joy, and transformation.
If you are interested in delving more into this topic, you can read my follow-up article on Spiritual Sex .
Have you ever practiced sexual transmutation? If so, what benefits did you experience? Let me know below!
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Contrary to my usual experience with lonerwolf, I am disappointed by this article; especially the amount of over-generalizations:
“As the essence of all creation, sex is the center of all life,” – most living beings have no concept of sexuality at all. Plants, bacteria, and actually many animals which procreate asexually vastly outnumber those who procreate sexually.
Assigning sexuality and specific practices to real humans who could have been asexual or for some reason unable to experience libido at all seems rather insulting to them and readers who could be in this situation, closing the minds of their potential allies even further [overtones of ableism and aphobia].
I know sexuality is a very heated topic, but generalizing one kind of worldview to all is… unpalatable.
And calling this “creation” is also concerning especially to people mentioned above and e.g. young children who have no concept of sexuality, and frankly, shouldn’t, and are more than capable of creation.
I see that you were trying to be helpful and open to a more unconventional spiritual practice, but the wording is suggestive of rash black/white thinking, and does not accomplish the task in the way I believe you intended.
At the very least, it was somewhat of a teaching experience, because now it is evident to me that discernment is necessary everywhere, especially when you least expect it.
I am a bit in a struggle right now.
First a bit of background:
For most of my teenage and adult life, I felt quite disconnected from myself and my body and my sexuality. (This having many reasons. Mainly a big collection of various small and big(er) traumas and belief systems that have been engrained into me)
I was late with my sexual development, and as a teen I had no sexual feelings at all. They were that repressed and hard to reach.
Still, I struggle a lot with fully embracing my sexual desire in a whole way.
Last year, I connected with a person whom I believe to * possibly * be my twin flame. (Sometimes I still wonder if I am delusional and not just clinging on to much)
For reasons I cannot explain, I had immense sexual synnergy with this person. With them I had the best sex I ever had in my life. I explored kinks I was ashamed of almost effortlessly, and every time we had sex it was a weirdly insanely good, almost transcendental experience.
Besides the physical pleasure aspect, I clearly felt a deeper energy surge through us both. A kind of connection that goes beyond anything.
Since then I have also kind of lost interest in pursuing random sexual contacts, as they lack this element, and also with them I don’t feel as free.
Now the difficult thing is, we are currently in the “separation” phase. I don’t know if it will ever resolve, and if the solution is to let go of the desire for that resolution or try to push for it. I fear, if I let go, it will disappear.
But every day, in an increasing intensity, I keep longing for them, for the kind of sexual connection I had with them.
I cannot explain why with this person, something that is so hard for me flowed effortlessly. With them I felt absolute freedom, whereas normally I mainly feel fear and shame.
I am grateful for having experienced this, but I don’t know how to feel this in my life separate from them, and thus, I don’t know how to stop desperately longing for them in a time where this is fruitless and only makes me ego clench and constrict.
I feel like abstinence is not my path, because exactly the shame and repression and fear within me are the demons I need to face. If I choose to abstain, it must be from free choice and not from inability and fear. And I don’t think I can heal that fear by abstaining from the thing that is giving me fear. I feel like I first need to dive deep into the sea of sexuality, take some deep gulps, and then find my way back to balance.
But I don’t know how. I don’t know if I can ever enjoy sex with another person as much as I did with them again.
Nice and educative article. Kudos! On the Orgasmic Visualization of sex transmutation technique, can one apply this technique while masturbating?
I become grumpy and nervous if I don’t have sex for a week or so. Can you please explain the sexual expression in more detail? That’s why I came across your post. I feel happy if i have regular sex and grumpy and angry if I don’t. Having regular sex requires a partner with the same need which is a challenge for me. Please help me.
perhaps focus on something other than the absense of sex? When you feel the need, find an alternate activity. Also the expectation of going long periods without an orgasm right away may not be healthy. You can try abstain a few more days each time. With all things, it seems meditation helps quite a bit. To be able to go inside your mind and listen to your own thoughts and sort through them. I was addicted to porn for nearly two decades, I’ve abstained for nearly two months once. Otherwise it may be a few weeks at a time or a few days at a time. Regardless, the less the better. Don’t value your self worth on this. Accept yourself perfect as you are just see this as a challenge of bettering yourself. You will feel more and more powerful the longer you abstain, focus on this. Give yourself realistic goals. You got this
Very cool
Thanks so much, would like have more articles on this.