"Tantra is not about becoming something else—it’s about becoming you. Fully, unapologetically, beautifully you."

Let’s face it—when most people hear the word **Tantra**, their minds go straight to candles, incense, and a circle of hippies. Or maybe they’re imagining a wild orgy with everyone blissfully chanting “Om” in unison. While that’s one tiny (and very exaggerated) part of the spectrum, Tantra is so much more.
So, buckle up, because we’re about to journey through the realms of classical Tantra, its evolution, and what it really means to live a Tantric life today. Spoiler: it’s way deeper (and way spicier) than you think.

Tantra: More Than You Think

When you hear the word Tantra, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s mysterious rituals, deep breathing, or something a little more… blush-worthy? Whatever your first thought, here’s the real deal: Tantra is not just one thing—it’s a way of living. A Tantric way of living.

In today’s world, Tantra has evolved into a colorful spectrum of modalities, each rooted in or inspired by ancient spiritual techonology. You’ll find Classical Tantra, which dives deep into spiritual practices and sacred texts; Neo-Tantra, which focuses on intimacy and relationships; Tantric Yoga, connecting movement and mindfulness; Tantric Massage, awakening the body’s energy; and practices like Tantric Breathwork, Tantric Ceremonies, and Rituals designed to bring deeper connection and awareness.

Each of these approaches offers a unique lens into what it means to live tantrically, blending ancient wisdom with modern needs. So, whether you’re looking to deepen your connection to yourself, your partner, or life itself, Tantra has something to offer. Ready to bust some myths and dive into the truth about Tantra? Let’s go!

Classical Tantra: A Path to Wholeness

Classical Tantra is a rich, ancient spiritual tradition rooted in India, dating back over 1,500 years.

The life view of so-called non-duality challenges the dualistic view that we are separate from the divine or that enlightenment requires rejecting worldly experiences. Instead, it celebrates life in all its forms—joy and sorrow, stillness and chaos—as part of the same divine play. Shiva, representing pure awareness, and Shakti, embodying dynamic energy, are not two separate entities but two aspects of the same reality. Their cosmic dance symbolizes the union of opposites, inviting us to find harmony within ourselves and the world.

Tantric practices are often associated with the worship (puja) of Shiva as the ultimate consciousness and the masculine energy, and the celebration of Shakti as the creative force of existence, or the feminine energy. Together, Shiva and Shakti represent the cosmic dance of opposites—masculine and feminine, stillness and motion, awareness and energy. Classical Tantra invites practitioners to see the divine in everything—the mundane and the mystical, the joy and the struggle. It’s not about rejecting the material world but embracing it fully as a gateway to spiritual enlightenment.

**Non-duality**

The eternal dance between Shiva and Shakti, the masculine and the feminine energies, that are inside of every one of us

At its core, Classical Tantra offers a system of tools to align body, mind, and spirit through sacred practices such as mantras (sacred chants), yantras (geometric diagrams), mudras (hand gestures), reflections, and meditation techniques.

These practices help quiet the mind, awaken energy centers, and cultivate a profound sense of presence. Unlike other ascetic traditions that might renounce the physical world, Tantra sees the body as a temple and life itself as a divine experience. It’s about learning to flow with life rather than fight against it, transforming every experience into an opportunity for growth and connection.

For those eager to explore Classical Tantra deeply, I recommend reading these transformative books:

"Tantra Illuminated" by Christopher D. Wallis: A comprehensive guide to the philosophy and practices of Classical Tantra, perfect for beginners and experienced seekers alike.
"The Radiance Sutras" by Lorin Roche: A poetic and accessible interpretation of an ancient Tantric text, offering meditative insights for everyday life.
"Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme" by Swami Lakshmanjoo: A profound exploration of the spiritual heart of Tantra, shedding light on its core principles.

Classical Tantra isn’t about:

shortcuts or surface-level practices;
fixing yourself;
getting power to control others.

Tantra is a deep dive into self-awareness and universal connection. It’s the foundation upon which all modern adaptations stand, reminding us to honor the roots of this powerful tradition.

And Then Came Neo-Tantra

While Classical Tantra focuses on the union of consciousness and energy, Neo-Tantra brings the ancient spirituality into a modern context, often emphasizing:

intimacy,
relationships, and
personal empowerment.

Emerging in the 20th century, Neo-Tantra blends elements of classical teachings with contemporary psychology, bodywork, and spirituality. It was popularized by teachers like Osho, who reimagined Tantra as a path to personal liberation, and Margot Anand, who introduced concepts like “The Art of Sexual Ecstasy” to Western audiences.

Unlike its ancient counterpart, Neo-Tantra focuses heavily on the experiential, using practices like breathwork, eye-gazing, and sensual touch to help individuals reconnect with themselves and their partners.

One of the defining features of Neo-Tantra is its emphasis on the 3 lower chakras—Root (safety and survival), Sacral (sexuality and creativity), and Solar Plexus (personal power and confidence).

These foundational energy centers are often blocked by societal taboos, unresolved trauma, and stress, leading to disconnection from our life force energy, or Eros.

Neo-Tantra seeks to unlock these centers through guided practices, helping individuals feel more grounded, vibrant, and alive. It introduces concepts like boundaries, consent, and sacred sexuality, which have become central to modern Tantra teachings, particularly in the West.

**Sacred Sexuality**

the practice of approaching intimacy as a spiritual experience, where connection, presence, and energy are honored as sacred expressions of the divine.

For those interested in exploring Neo-Tantra, there are some fantastic books to get started":

"The Heart of Tantric Sex" by Diana Richardson - a practical guide to integrating Tantric principles into your love life.
"Urban Tantra" by Barbara Carrellas offers a sex-positive, inclusive, and accessible approach to Neo-Tantra, tailored for modern lifestyles.

Here’s the kicker: Most of us spend years living in survival mode, disconnected from these foundational energies. Tantra invites us to reclaim our life force energy (Eros) and build a solid base before reaching for the stars (hello, Kundalini energy!).

Tantra and Mind-Body Coaching

Tantra and mind-body coaching are powerful practices that complement each other, offering a holistic approach to personal transformation and self-discovery. Tantra teaches us to embrace life fully, aligning our energy, emotions, and consciousness through breath, movement, sound, and mindfulness. Mind-body coaching, on the other hand, focuses on understanding the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, helping us release blocks and cultivate deeper awareness.

Together, these practices guide you to reconnect with your inner wisdom, balance feminine and masculine energies, and tap into your life force. Whether you're seeking to heal past wounds, build confidence, or deepen intimacy, Tantra and mind-body coaching create a safe and transformative space to explore, grow, and thrive. It's about living authentically, embracing your body, and stepping into your fullest potential.

If you want to explore how tantra can help you in designing the life full of authenticity, joy and aliveness, feel free to schedule a free call with me!

Let’s chat!