A Sacred Intimate is a professional who offers spiritual guidance and support through intimate, sacred practices such as rituals, ceremonies, and healing touch.
This profession has its roots in ancient cultures where sacred prostitution was practiced in temple settings.
The Origins
- Mesopotamia, Sumer, and Babylon
Temple priestesses, known as sacred prostitutes or “sacred harlots,” were revered because they were believed to communicate directly with the goddess of love and fertility. Their role was to mediate the divine through sexual rituals, bringing fertility and well-being to the community.
- Ancient Greece
The temple of Aphrodite in Corinth was famous for its sacred prostitutes, who were considered embodiments of the goddess of love and beauty. They offered themselves as consorts to men seeking blessings and guidance.
- India
The tradition of sacred prostitution traces back to the tantric practices of the Devadasis, temple dancers dedicated to the goddess Yellamma. They were seen as embodiments of the goddess, believed to possess the power to heal and bring blessings to the community.
The modern profession of Sacred Intimate, while similar in some ways to ancient sacred prostitution, focuses on spiritual and emotional well-being rather than solely on sexual pleasure or fertility. A Sacred Intimate may offer guidance and support through various practices such as meditation, rituals, and healing touch, working with individuals or couples.
Rituals and Practices
It’s important to note that the specifics of these rituals and practices can vary widely between cultures and may not always align with Western values and beliefs. Many indigenous cultures still practice sacred sexual rituals today, often deeply intertwined with their spiritual beliefs and practices, serving as a way to connect with the divine and bring blessings to the community.
- Indigenous cultures in Africa and South America
In some cultures, rituals involving sexual union are performed as part of initiation ceremonies for young people transitioning into adulthood, believed to bring blessings and good fortune to the individual and their community.
- Native American cultures
Sacred sexual practices are performed as part of healing ceremonies, with the sexual act seen as a way to connect with the spiritual realm and bring healing.
- Modern Tantra
Some forms of modern Tantra involve sacred sexual practices as a means of spiritual development and self-discovery.
In conclusion, the profession of Sacred Intimate has its roots in ancient cultures where sacred prostitution was practiced in temples. While similar in some ways to ancient practices, the modern profession focuses on spiritual and emotional well-being. Sacred sexual practices remain an important part of many indigenous cultures today, deeply intertwined with their spiritual beliefs and practices.
Why Have Sexual Rituals Been Banned from Monotheistic Religions?
Sexual rituals have been banned from monotheistic religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam for several reasons:
Sexuality Reserved for Marriage
These religions view sexuality as something that should be reserved for marriage, with any sexual activity outside of marriage considered sinful. This view is rooted in the belief that sex should be used for procreation and kept separate from spiritual or religious practices.
Control of Bodily Desires
Monotheistic religions tend to view the human body and its desires as something that needs to be controlled and suppressed to achieve spiritual purity. This perspective is based on the belief that the physical world is inferior to the spiritual world and that the ultimate goal is to transcend the physical and achieve union with the divine.
Privacy of Sexuality
These religions see sexuality as private and personal, not to be displayed publicly or used as a means of public worship or religious expression.
Difference Between Polytheism and Monotheism
Many ancient cultures that practiced sexual rituals were polytheistic, with different gods and goddesses associated with sex and fertility. In contrast, monotheistic religions view God as a singular entity, eliminating the need for rituals specifically dedicated to sexual matters.
In conclusion, sexual rituals have been banned from monotheistic religions for various reasons, including views on sexuality, the control of bodily desires, and the private nature of sexuality. These religions tend to reserve sexuality for the confines of marriage and separate sexual practices from spiritual and religious practices.
