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.
Spiritual Wanderer Course:
Being a lone wolf and a spiritual wanderer is a sacred calling in life – a unique and alchemical path of awakening. You don’t need to feel lost, alone, or stuck on your journey any more. It’s time to meet your soul’s deep needs for clarity, self-acceptance, and empowerment. Let us show you how …
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.
Shadow & Light Membership:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ "Straight from the very first weekly email, this has been mind-blowingly powerful, the synchronicity and the on-vibe contents resonate uncannily with my soul’s current challenges." – Marie
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?
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this article to you, so you can come back to it later!
Your information will never be shared.
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.
Illumination Books Bundle:
Discover the hidden dimensions of your soul with our Illumination e-book series – your complete companion for self-understanding and spiritual growth. Each book serves as a lantern in the darkness, guiding you toward clarity, purpose, and inner peace.
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!).
***
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!
Whenever you feel the call, there are 3 ways I can help you:
1. The Spiritual Wanderer Course: Need "big picture" direction, clarity, and focus? Our Spiritual Wanderer course is a crystallization of 10+ years of inner work, and it can help you find your deeper path and purpose in life as a spiritual wanderer. You get 3+ hours of audio-visual content, workbooks, meditations, a premium test, and more!.
2. Shadow & Light Membership: Want weekly intuitive guidance to support you on your awakening path? This affordable membership can help you to befriend your dark side, rediscover more self-love, and reclaim inner wholeness.
3. Spiritual Awakening Bundle: Looking for a collection of all our essential transformative resources? You get five enlightening ebooks, seven in-depth journals, plus two empowering bonuses to help you soul search, heal, and awaken.
The dominant energy has influenced A lot of my life an time…I’ve not understood it’s true essential power. Like a kid who won the lottery I’ve used it in frivolous ways ….I’ve spent its treasure so un mindful …. It’s only now after a chemical dependency almost brought me to death that I be surrendered to its vast healing and creative properties ….
Sex can build or destroy , can heal or it can harm…it creates and captivates and let’s me know I m alive ! Through breath work , focus and sheer will I be been using it to transform my life so thank u for acknowledging that it’s expression is purly personal but it’s effects universal
It’s my pleasure Shane, Thank you for sharing your experience and also have the strength to channel this primal yet supreme force.
Hola chicos y chicas!
I look at sex as the beautiful color of a flower or a tasty condiment in a great plate for dinner, (yet sex is not the flower and is not the main plate itself). And as the colors can vary in tones and brightness, a condiment can vary from spicy to sweet. :)
That’s a very delectable way of putting it :)
Thank you Sol!!! gracias amigo!! :)
I´ve been blessed (or cursed) with a strong libido and I used to be sexually very active. Currently I´m not, and I´m in a relationship. I learned from very early on that there is sex and then there is SEX. Bad sex, abusive/manipulative sex or addictive sex just drains you energetically, when abstinece might be a good idea to recharge and balance your chakras. When I was younger, I tried to have sex like many men do, keeping it in “just sex, no feelings” -level, but I found out very soon, that it is not good for me. I also found out that fantasizing during sex (to have orgasm more easily) alienates me from my partner and my own feelings. I also always notice, when men have watched too much pornography – they try to make the tougher and tougher fantasy world true in the real life with variable success. I hate it and usually the relationship with a guy like this is over very soon.
So, I learned that having sex with an open heart and focusing in the moment is actually very pleasurable and fullfilling for both partners AND it can actually trigger very interesting spiritual experiences. It all is probably very easy for newlovers, but you can do it more consciously as well. I´ve had an OBE, had past life memories, seen glasspainting-type of visions and experiences fusion of the bodies (of course it´s just a sensation, not a real thing) and just felt happy by doing this.
My ex-spouse was familiar with the tantric methods and he ejeculated only by his own decision which was not very often. He was able to have multiple little orgasms without the ejeculation and believed that ejeculation just makes him exhausted him while “dry orgasms” were energizing. Not very many men are ready to practice tantric methods but I´ve noticed that men who have focus in the inner world often find their ways to that direction.
Hola Lady,
Sex does have many different levels to it, they external expression of our bodies often reflects the internal feelings of our minds.
For females, sex with no feelings is much more complicated than for men because to do so is to ignore an essential ‘self-worth’ aspect that men don’t have. On the contrary, men gain a lot of superficial ‘self-worth’ (or ego worth) from the more women they sleep with while as females, due to the conditioning, can experience the same ‘just sex’ encounters as ‘self-destructive’ behavior (many think it’s because female’s are naturally oriented towards ‘protecting’ their limited ovary eggs while males have unlimited supplies they want to get rid of).
What you describe as present and focused sex is awfully similar to many advanced Tantric practices which are incredibly useful when trying to approach sex in a spiritual way. From Sex to Superconsciousness is quite possible for everyone to try; sex is the first glimpse we experience in our lives of a natural state of ‘union’, of self-transcendence from our individual sense of self to the moment of orgasm where we feel ‘one’ and at peace with everything for a few seconds.
Thank you for sharing your experience with sexual transformation, it’s great to see so many readers applying mindfulness to their sex lives.
As a gay man, I learned at a very early age to hide my sexual feelings due to the negative stigma from mainstream society about being “different”.
As a result, I allowed myself to fall into the trap of sexual addiction that many gay men fall into, with the ease of finding sex in bathhouses, parks, and now, internet chat rooms and cell phone sex sites such as Grindr, Scruff, etc.
Many gay men move past this addiction, but others, like me, struggle to break the addiction.
I’ve wasted so many hours and energy on a daily basis looking at pornography, and searching for sexual partners, that could have gone into several projects that would have benefitted myself and others in a more positive way.
I look at my life, and am unhappy with what I’ve achieved in my 50 years of existence, and blame much of it on my inability to channel my sexual energy into something amazing.
After reading your article on transforming sexual energy into spiritual energy, I felt hope for the first time in my life that it might not be too late for me to accomplish something great in my remaining years.
“Better late than never”, as they say.
Thank you so much for your inspiration.
Best regards,
Greg
Hola Greg,
What you’ve experienced as a gay man I think is what most of post-religious society are still coming to terms with.
Stigma’s surrounding sex have been ironically the main culprit for most of the sexual debauchery that has existed in history. We are naturally sexual beings first and foremost, it’s our underlying energy upon which our ‘higher selves’ is built upon. If you repress that energy, if you ignore it and label it as bad; wherever you direct your conscious attention toward will build itself in intensity.
The more we try to avoid sex, the more strength and importance it gains in our minds. We become obsessed with it. Whether we are obese and chasing food or we are on a diet and avoiding it out of fear of getting fat, food is our primary focus in life. The only way to liberate ourselves from this is by truly understanding how this works in our minds and freeing ourselves from it through awareness of it.
Only with this awareness can we enter into experimenting with transforming sexual energy. Otherwise, it just turns into another form of repression.
Thank you for sharing your experience and struggle with this; it’s an inspiration to see so many people regardless of their age or degree of hardship be open and willing to venture through this path of self-transformation.
Warmly,
Sol
There is a practise in Hinduism called bramcharya and to master it abstinence is a must… Easier said then done no doubt but to achieve something great one must give up something good. After all even animals engage in this act.
I noticed the power levels within me rise like mount everest, I could go up to anyone and speak with such confidence their argument would fall flat, it’s as if some mystical power has been unlocked.
All these people saying you need to have sex are talking rubbish, basically a cop out. The seed is vital to contain and if that cannot be than spiritual death is guaranteed as well as no progress in the material world.
Hola Mark,
You’ve tapped into this powerful force, an energy that makes many people afraid. Sex is almost like a drug, it has its place and purpose but when we treat it like a drug and over indulge in it we lose a vital power that can help in our personal liberation.
The question is; how honest are we in our desire for this liberation of our suffering to occur?
Thank you for sharing your experience with this energy transformation exercise, it’s wonderful to see how effective it is in those who truly desire to master it.
Hi guys..
don thanks for amazing article and mark you are right at point, i am in to spirituality for our ultimate liberation and reaching our ultimate human potential and doing yoga and meditation regularly..
I am not married or in a relationship and i can abstain from masturbation for longer periods, but what if i get married and have the obligation to satisfy my wife, what to do in such scenario? what do married guys on spiritual path do..
That’s a good question. The spiritual path is not limited to the approach of ‘abstinence’, the sexual orgasm is in fact our first taste of ‘nirvana’ or satori. We can learn to use that momentary bliss and prolong it into our daily lives.
I’ll write further about it in upcoming articles. Thank you for the suggestion Mahir.
My experience exactly. Brahmacharya is the biggest kept secret. The foundation of spiritual growth and power, one of the main pillars of Yoga, without which little progress is possible. Glad to see it discussed on this website.
I know a few people, who take medication. The medications of the people I know, have a side effect of reduced (or no) libido………So people I know, are looked at as WEIRD. (No boyfriend {for women}…..A guy, I know, is seen as strange that he isn’t seen with women……..Being a woman, men want nothing to do with me, UNLESS I “PUT OUT”! {I’m not on this medication, now.})…It’s like, unless you have a sex drive, you’ll be alone your entire life!
Hola Lynne,
We’ve previously written about a sexual orientation known as ‘asexuality’ which you can look up further. Our most primal energy centers are those of reproduction and in most relationships that is a key element of intimate connection with the other, many people finding it abnormal if we aren’t sexually active.
But there are also those, who naturally (or from a medication as you point out) lose or don’t have that libido. It’s difficult to create a harmonious relationship when one person experiences strong libido and the other none whatsoever (often even feeling repulsion for the very act). It’s best to find someone else who is on the same page we are when it comes to libido’s and relationships otherwise it can lead to a lot of problems.
Many asexual people find immense solace in finding other non libido driven individuals to establish relationships with. You might want to look into that further.
Warmly,
Sol
Excellent article, I feel completely related with what you explain. I’m in favor of the liberty that each person have in its use of sexuality, but it would be good to learn that is much more than a activity that delivers pleasure.
Hola Ramsey,
Due to many social and cultural conditions most people have been stunted in the age of taboo repressed of sex and now that it is more acceptance, they’ve reacted in pleasure indulgence of it which is also fine.
But in my understanding and experience many of the prophets and masters who’ve existed in the past which we have used as an excuse to repress sex did not speak ill of sex because it was bad in itself, but because if we aren’t aware and mindful enough it can become a big distraction in our pursuits of higher evolving of ourselves.
This article was amazing! Thank you
Thank you Joshua for reading it.
What would you recommend to porn/masturbation addicts who’re trying to “reboot” by abstaining for a period of 3 months?
Some people “flatline” or lose all libido in these periods, while most (as is my case) feel overwhelmed by their urges and repeatedly relapse. Only ten minutes ago I prevented myself from searching anything on the internet, and breathed deeply till it went away. I came across this site looking for ways to channel sexual energy.
Hola Mickey,
The first thing you’ve already learned is that initially it will be extremely hard to control your urges.
Slowly, as you experienced a glimpse of yourself by controlling your breath work, you’ll develop much more control over the urges. You will fail, no doubt, several times but little by little it will have less of a hold on you.
My suggestion is to try more intense forms of breath work exercises. Lookup Pranayama Breathwork Exercise videos and begin applying it whenever you feel the urges arise.
Let me know how you go with this :)
I am glad I stumbled upon this site tonight. I am often searching for the meaning in things and at times google is my spiritual and psychological search engine. I have been a strongly sexual person since I can remember and now that I am a matured woman at 25 I find that my sexual energy is as strong as ever. I do not want to abuse it in the way I have been because this has been exciting yet undoubtedly unfulfilling. I am a creative person and I dabble in art, music, and writing however I do not feel strongly drawn towards any one thing. I am also struggling with difficult family dynamics that make it hard for me to be alone and sex is a temporary fix for this alone feeling. I have been dedicating more time to drawing and playing my ukulele however the idea of sex itself still seems more exciting to me even though it feels like the wrong thing to do. Maybe that’s what makes it more exciting.
Hola Anjoli,
Sexuality is a natural evolution of our bodies energy and is necessary to attain a balanced sexual energy before we can go beyond it.
It is only when we allow this energy to become out of harmony with our bodies that it becomes problematic as you describe.
It’s wonderful that you don’t feel drawn to one sole field; in my experience specialization in anything is the death of creativity. It’s only when you know a little about a lot that you can bridge and join fields in ways to create new a beautiful hybrids that would be unthinkable to someone who only knows one thing.
Sex, when used as a temporary stimuli or psychological escape from loneliness; becomes psychologically reinforced in your brain. I’m sure you’re aware of unconscious conditioning and the effects in can have like the Skinner experiments on rats or Pavlov’s dogs. Us humans aren’t much more different when functioning from our lower selves, and when we think of something as taboo or ‘wrong’ it provides that extra psychological stimulation.
Transforming sexual energy from our lower selves into our higher selves is a matter of going beyond our bodies and minds. Right now sex sounds like it provides physical as well as mental pleasures which keeps your energy in these two lower worlds (the mind, although a useful tool, in mysticism is seen as a hindrance in reaching your higher self of awareness or mindfulness which provides endless creativity).
Stay tuned for my next article where I touch a bit on reaching a “Self-Mastery” state by applying Awareness into our life and that way directing all our Soulful Intensity, or energy, upwards.