Tantra, a form of sex magic, plays an essential role in a number of magical societies. Long periods of training are a prerequisite of this highly specialized practice. Certain exercises lead to the control of various autonomic functions, such as body temperature, pulse rate, and the reflexes that trigger ejaculation. Breathing exercises are also an important part of the discipline.
The word Tantra is the name of the Hindu texts in which the system is expounded. According to Tantric philosophy, the universe is built up of two basic forces personified as male and female deities, the god Shiva and his consort Shakti. The female principle is the dominant one and the male the subordinate. Women are treated on terms of complete equality with men and in many of the rites are assigned superior status, as living embodiments of the mother goddess. This makes the philosophy and practice appealing to many Wiccans.
Many Tantric rituals are similar to ceremonial magic ones, with candles, incense, wands, bells, magic circles, and words of power. Awakening the "sleeping serpent" known as the kundalini power is a major part of Tantric practice. Once aroused, the kundalini travels up through the chakras of the body. The ability to open the chakras in their correct order so that the kundalini can continue its upward journey is essential to the working of Tantra. At the climax of the journey, Shakti and Shiva are united in an ecstasy that is known as "The Supreme Bliss." The Hindu texts contend that only by laying hold of the power inherent in the sex force is it possible to find the creative energy to ascend to spiritual liberation.
Benjamin Walker describes one Tantric rite, "known as chakra-puja or circle worship, where the participants sit in a circle, which implies complete mutual equality among those present. Male and female participants sit next to each other on the floor, and in the middle of the circle sit another couple who represent Shakti and Shiva. Sometimes a nude girl occupies the central place as Shakti. . . . All the members partake of a ceremonial meal consisting of wine, flesh, fish, and bread, followed by a rite of sexual intercourse." In the Tantric circle worship, participants do not choose their partners; no personal preference is allowed. Various means are used to ensure that the partners pair by chance and not by choice, so a man may partner with his wife, with another man's wife, or with his sister, his daughter, or even his mother. One Tantric text says, "The man who knows the fiery form of Shiva procreates himself anew at every intercourse. His body glows, his mind is crystal clear, his spirit in harmony with heaven."