Masturbation is a topic that has been historically surrounded by taboo and stigma. Different cultures and religions have varying views towards this act, and opinions can range from acceptance to condemnation. However, to claim that masturbation is a form of witchcraft is an extreme and unfounded statement. Witchcraft, traditionally associated with supernatural powers and rituals, involves invoking spirits, casting spells, and carrying out magical practices. It has deep roots in various pagan beliefs and traditions. On the other hand, masturbation is a natural and physiological act that most humans engage in at some point in their lives.
First, says Clay, decide exactly what your intention or desire is before you begin, taking care to be as specific as possible. If it’s money you’re after, visualize a precise dollar amount. If it’s love, visualize the exact human and relationship. “Focus in on what you really want, and stay connected to that desire,” she says. “Really try to feel as though you already have it.”
In fact, study participants who simply visualized doing exercise gained muscle strength at about half the rate as people who put in time pumping iron did. Using your sexual energy will bring you the things you want more quickly because it helps to condition the brain to believe that you are worthy of the things you want, says Clay.
On the other hand, masturbation is a natural and physiological act that most humans engage in at some point in their lives. Masturbation is the act of pleasuring oneself sexually and is often done to achieve sexual gratification or release sexual tension. It does not involve any supernatural forces or the involvement of external entities.
How to Master Mindful Masturbation
Isabelle Kohn is a Los Angeles-based sex and relationships journalist, editor, and columnist who has been writing about sexuality for over a decade. She is also a Certified Sex Educator, providing sex-positive education and consulting for brands and businesses.
Updated on December 23, 2018 @ 09:00AM Photo: Getty ImagesWe all have things we want more of in life — a better job, a more adventurous partner, a really sexy jet ski we can ride into the sunset. Dogged hard work is one way to go about attaining these goals, but did you know it’s also possible to manifest the things you want through masturbation?
At least according to the principles of an ancient practice known today as “sex magick,” which claims that harnessing the energy of sexual pleasure can turn your dreams into realities. While the word “magick” tends to conjure up images of spells, potions, and that one Nicole Kidman movie where she’s a witch, there’s really nothing all that woo-woo about it. As clinical sexologist and sex magick expert Eva Clay explains, manifestation through masturbation is about setting and visualizing positive intentions that gain power through the creative energy of pleasure. Or, in other words: It’s the attitude shift you need to get shit done, or to become more open to the good things heading your way.
“Using your sexual energy will bring you the things you want more quickly because it helps to condition the brain to believe that you are worthy of the things you want,” says Clay. “It turns your ‘I can’t’ into ‘I can.’”
You can manifest just about anything you want with masturbation, says Clay, but the most successful manifestations tend to be the ones that help people grow and expand in positive ways — new partners, better jobs, deep-pocketed buyers for homes, or relief from stage fright. Best-selling author and Slutist editor Kristin Kourvette even credits sex magick with landing her the book deal that launched her career.
This is something people have been doing for thousands of years, with the earliest and best-known example of people using sexual energy to create things other than toddlers coming from everyone’s favorite beach read: the roughly 2,000-year-old Kama Sutra. However, while conjuring-through-coming is nothing new, the practice has seen a modern resurgence and been embraced by many a millennial interested in using self-pleasure as a form of personal growth. Not everyone’s doing it so mystically, through — for those more interested in moaning than manifesting, sex magick also has a witchy-lite cousin called Mindful Masturbation that’s nearing peak trend.
“Mindful masturbation is a wonderful practice to bring attention, and therefore sensation, to the body,” explains Clay. “It confronts shame and enhances the mind-body connection — plus it feels wonderful and will improve your sex life.” Mindful masturbation is less witchcraft, more meditation — a practice that can increase pleasure through greater self-awareness, but won’t necessarily materialize a boyfriend who shares your singular passion for disc golf in the way sex magick promises to.
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The recent popularity of sex magick has everything to do with mainstream media’s love affair with all things witchy and wellness. With celebrities like Katy Perry, Adele, and Lena Dunham getting hooked on the healing powers of crystals, and Gwyneth Paltrow acquainting jade with every part of her body, it’s no surprise that sex magick’s offer of empowerment and control resonates against a cultural backdrop that feels increasingly unsteady. Sex magick’s second wave may be a way to translate that goal of empowerment — as well as science’s insistence that sex, masturbation, and pleasure are healthy — into a sensual realm where the potent energies of pleasure and orgasm can intensify its effects.
Clay says it also has to do with changing cultural attitudes toward sex. “Our cultural taboos are shifting,” Clay explains. “In the U.S., we are challenging long-held views of sex as being shameful. More and more, the cultural conversation is seeing sexuality as a natural element of human vitality and wellness, and so ancient practices such as Tantra and Taoism that see sex as a tool for vitality are making a comeback.
At the same time, research using brain imaging technology and other advanced metrics tells that a healthy sexual life (alone or with a partner) contributes to longevity, increased immunity to disease and illness, improved mood, and overall mental and physical wellness. The science is undeniable — the more we experience pleasure, orgasm, and physical intimacy, the healthier and happier we are.”
Because of these shifts, says Clay, people are beginning to understand sex more similarly to how ancient cultures did — as a wellness practice similar to yoga or meditation. You don’t have to be an astral-traveling, third-eye-wielding yogic master to do it, though — anyone can pull off mindful masturbation.
It is a personal and private activity that individuals engage in for pleasure or self-exploration. While some religions may discourage or condemn masturbation based on their beliefs and teachings, labeling it as witchcraft is a misinterpretation and a distortion of the term. Witchcraft encompasses a wide range of practices and beliefs that are rooted in different historical and cultural contexts. It is important to approach the topic of masturbation with an open and understanding mindset. It is a perfectly normal and healthy aspect of human sexuality. Many medical professionals and experts agree that masturbation can provide various physical and psychological benefits, such as stress relief, improved sleep, enhanced body awareness, and even improved sexual function. It is essential to have open conversations and discussions around topics related to sexuality and personal choices. Attaching false and stigmatizing labels to personal sexual practices can lead to shame and guilt, which are not conducive to healthy attitudes towards sexuality. In conclusion, masturbation is a personal sexual act that does not involve any form of witchcraft. It is important to separate myths and misconceptions from factual information and approach the topic with knowledge and understanding. Every individual has the right to explore their own sexuality within the boundaries of consent and personal values, without judgment or unfounded claims..
Reviews for "Reclaiming Our Sensuality: Masturbation as a Tool of Witchcraft"
1. John - 1 star
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the title of this book. I decided to give it a chance anyway, hoping to have an open mind. However, I was sorely disappointed. The author tries to convince readers that masturbation is a form of witchcraft, which is not only absurd but also highly offensive. The book lacks any scientific evidence or logical reasoning to support this claim. I found it to be filled with baseless arguments and personal opinions presented as facts. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking rational and fact-based information on the subject.
2. Emily - 2 stars
"Masturbation is a form of witchcraft" is a deeply misguided and poorly researched book. The author attempts to connect personal sexual practices with supernatural beliefs, which is both misleading and disrespectful. There is a complete lack of evidence and coherent arguments throughout the book. I was hoping to find a thoughtful exploration of the topic, but instead, I found myself reading a collection of religiously biased ideas and unfounded claims. I would advise readers to approach this book with caution and look for more reliable sources of information on sexuality and spirituality.
3. Sarah - 1 star
I regret wasting my time reading this book. The title alone should have been a warning sign, but I decided to give it a chance. Unfortunately, it turned out to be nothing more than an author's attempt to impose their personal religious beliefs on others. The book is filled with baseless accusations and unsupported claims. It completely disregards the importance of consent, sexual autonomy, and personal choice. I found it offensive and ignorant. If you're looking for a serious exploration of sexuality, look elsewhere. This book does not offer any valuable insights or meaningful discussions.
4. David - 2 stars
As open-minded as I try to be, I couldn't help but feel frustrated while reading "Masturbation is a form of witchcraft." The author presents a combination of religious beliefs and pseudo-scientific claims without any proper evidence or logical reasoning. It felt like a biased attempt to shame individuals for their natural sexual behaviors. I was expecting a more nuanced and objective discussion, but instead, the book was filled with personal opinions presented as absolute truth. This is not a book I would recommend to anyone looking for accurate information or a balanced perspective on the subject.