Ancient Tantric legends say that it was the
lovemaking between Lord Shiva, as the embodiment of pure consciousness,
and the Goddess Shakti, the embodiment of pure energy, that
resulted in the creation of the earth, moon and stars, the animals,
plants, and humans. The joining of these sacred opposing forces
created the entire universe.
According to the teachings of Tantra, sexual energy has tremendous
healing and magical power that can transform the world, our
relationships, and ourselves.
Tantra
tells us that our sexuality is a sacred agent of transformation.
We know from our own life experience that sexual pleasure
takes us out of time, the chatter of our mind stops, and there
is only the exquisite now. Science tells us that during orgasmic
lovemaking between committed partners a wide range of biochemical
substances are released by the brain, including endorphins
and serotonin. These chemicals cause a natural high, enhance
feelings of relaxation, and create a profound sense of well
being. This is where true healing takes place. In this tension
free, deeply relaxed state, the boundaries between you and
your beloved dissolve.
Offering natural nourishment and support for the energy and
creativity of eroticism, herbal aphrodisiacs can help increase,
enhance, stimulate, and maintain existing physical desire,
and thus nourish sexuality. All cultures and peoples of the
world have used, and continue to use, aphrodisiacs.
Aphrodisiacs are defined here as plant substances that affect
the mind as well as the body. Their use is documented to at
least 60,000 years ago. Some aphrodisiacs gently nourish a
lagging libido; others kick it into high gear. Used ethically,
aphrodisiacs can be appreciated as a source of joy; plant
spirits that help us celebrate our love for life. They are
traditionally used in a variety of ways.
Some
aphrodisiacs are consumed as teas and infusions, decoctions,
syrups, tinctures, mead and other beverages. Others are eaten
as spices, food, pills, and capsules. Aphrodisiacs can be
burned as incense or smudge. Some are used as oils, salves,
and ointments for massage and external stimulation.
Herbs and other substances that are used to enhance and
nourish sexuality have been regarded as sacred throughout
millennia. Use them to nourish your love life in honor of
all who have used them before you! And remember that the true
source of your desire comes from your love and connectedness,
which provide the foundation of our sexual lives.
Proven aphrodisiacs include rose, honey, chocolate, cannabis,
angelica, ginseng, opium and many culinary spices. Essential
oils that stimulate sexuality include rose, sandalwood, ylang/ylang,
patchouli, cinnamon, and vanilla.
A study done by the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in
Chicago appears to verify what our grandmothers have been
telling us all along: that the way to a man’s heart
is through his stomach. According to its research, the two
most effective scents for stimulating eroticism in males are
pumpkin pie and cinnamon buns!
Life-style adjustments that will help improve your sexual
performance and enjoyment include getting rid of your cigarette
habit, limiting alcohol consumption, eating less meat and
more plant-based foods, such as grains, nuts, fruits, and
vegetables, exercising daily for at least half an hour, and
keeping your weight under control.
Excerpted from Traversing the Wild Terrain of
Menopause; Herbal Allies for Midlife Women and Men
by Gail Faith
Edwards. You can order this book at www.ashtreepublishing.com
MEET THE WISE WOMAN CENTER TEACHERS
shaUna Owlsong is presently attending Birthwise
Midwifery School in Maine, the beginning of her journey as
a homebirth midwife. She will soon be moving to Massachusetts
to apprentice with a homebirth midwife there. She apprenticed
and interned with Susun Weed for 13 months and has apprenticed
with herbalists Ellen Hopman and Pam Montgomery as well. She
lives in reverence of the sacredness of all beings and manifests
her connection with life in her dedication to sacred birth
experiences for women and families. shaUna leads ceremony
and offers herbal consultations and birth support. Email shaUna
Owlsong at summerayne@wildmail.com for permission to reprint
this article and for workshop and consultation information.
You can spend time with shaUna Owlsong during her workshops
this summer at the Wise
Woman Center, in Woodstock NY:
July 17, 2004: Her
Sacred Yoni
Build an alter to the beauty and power of your sacred yoni.
Invoke the mysteries, chant, dance, dream, create, experience.
We will learn about ancient yoni worship, herbs for our yoni's,
and more. Bring an item for the alter.
July 18, 2004: Wisdom
of the Fertility Goddess
Let's journey together and uncover ancient women's wisdom.
We will learn about charting our cycles, increasing fertility,
contraception, and methods of "bringing on the moon".
Wear something red.
Each day: $50-75 (includes lunch). $25 deposit.
To register for Wise Woman Center workshops,
send deposit (see specific workshop for deposit amount) and
indicate which workshop you want to attend and contact info:
Wise Woman Center PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax questions to: 1-845-246-8081
You may also choose to pay by credit card:
www.ashtreepublishing.com
Please send us email,
to confirm availability, before registering online.
