DOCSLIB.ORG

Awakening the Feminine Force Shakti Tantra in Contemporary Amsterdam

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Awakening the Feminine Force Shakti Tantra in Contemporary Amsterdam Awakening the Feminine Force Shakti Tantra in Contemporary Amsterdam Student: Jessica de Fauwe; Student number: 10346295; Supervisor: Marco Pasi; Second reader: Manon Hedenborg White; Master’s thesis: Religious Studies; Track: Western Esotericism; Date: 13-08-2019 Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Aim and research question ................................................................................................................................. 4 Contribution of this study .................................................................................................................................... 5 Outline ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6 A note on spelling and definitions .................................................................................................................... 6 2. Theoretical background................................................................................................................................... 8 Feminism and the question of femininity ........................................................................................................ 8 The politics of spirit and sex ............................................................................................................................... 10 Erotic esotericism .................................................................................................................................................. 14 Sex magic and the revaluation of the female orgasm ............................................................................... 16 The feminist witch ................................................................................................................................................ 20 Shakti Woman: manifesting the divine feminine ......................................................................................... 22 3. Methodology .................................................................................................................................................... 28 Feminist approach to methods ........................................................................................................................ 30 Participant- and self-observation ..................................................................................................................... 31 Interviews................................................................................................................................................................ 32 4. Results ................................................................................................................................................................. 34 Marcia Sanders and the new paradigm ........................................................................................................ 34 Heal the woman and the Goddess will appear ........................................................................................... 36 The magic of surrendering ................................................................................................................................ 37 The power of boundaries .................................................................................................................................. 38 Becoming the channel: embodying Shakti ................................................................................................... 40 To serve in Her name as a Priestess ............................................................................................................... 43 Sisterhood .............................................................................................................................................................. 44 5. Analysis ............................................................................................................................................................... 47 6. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................... 52 Appendix: Interview question list ........................................................................................................................... 54 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................ 55 Interviews ................................................................................................................................................................ 55 Online sources ....................................................................................................................................................... 55 Literature ................................................................................................................................................................. 56 2 1. Introduction A new woman is emerging from the darkness – strong, determined, flowing with primordial power – fearlessly facing her demons, the sword of Kali ready. 1 Quotes like these are widely spread across the internet. One simply needs to type the words “feminine rising” into any online search engine to be covered in an endless array of “calls” for women to rise. The so-called “Feminine Awakening” is supposedly happening all over the world, in which women “unleash the wild woman”, “honor their intuition” and “reclaim their female wisdom”. On Social Media platforms such as Instagram similar messages are being spread by popular accounts such as “Rising Woman”, “the Pussy Witch” and Tantra teachers such as Sofia Sundari.2 A countless variety of retreats is offered which promise women to “reclaim the feminine”, “build a conscious relationship with your guiding Goddess” and “understand our inner landscapes so that as women, we collectively rise”.3 Popular spirituality books such as Rise Sister Rise, The New Divine Feminine and Womb Awakening offer practical tools for discovering the “magical powers” of the female body and “feminine energy”. 4 Tantra, Witchcraft, magic and countless other esoteric traditions are suggested to serve this purpose. There is a widespread appropriation of sacred 1 https://www.tarapreston.com/, accessed on June 12, 2019. 2 https://www.instagram.com/sofiasundari/?hl=nl, https://www.instagram.com/risingwoman/?hl=nl, https://www.instagram.com/pusssywitch/?hl=nl, accessed on June 2, 2019. 3 https://rewildingforwomen.com/, https://www.priestesstempleschool.com/welcome, https://www.wild-feminine.com/, accessed on June 12, 2019. 4 Rebecca Campbell, Rise Sister Rise: A Guide to Unleashing the Wise, Wild Woman Within, (Hayhouse UK Ltd, 2016.), Meghan Don, The New Divine Feminine: Spiritual Evolution for a Woman’s Soul, (Llewellyn Publications U.S., 2016), Azra Bertrand, Womb Awakening: Initiatory Wisdom from the Creatrix of All Life, (Inner Traditions Bear and Company, 2017.). In the last few years the genre of feminist spirituality has generated an enormous amount of books on Witchcraft, such as Lisa Lister, Witch: Unleashed. Untamed. Unapologetic., (Hayhouse UK Ltd, 2017), Tantra, such as Sally Kempton, Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of the Goddesses of Yoga, (Sounds True Inc, 2013.) and Women’s Religion such as Alexandra Pope, Wild Power: Discover the Magic of Your Menstrual Cycle and Awaken the Feminine Path to Power, (Hay House UK Ltd, 2017). 3 symbolism such as the downward-pointing triangle which symbolizes the vagina, the womb and feminine energy in both Witchcraft and Tantra5. The focus seems to be on power, specifically feminine power, which differs from regular power as it is based on “feminine qualities” such as intuition, vulnerability and emotions. The glorification of wildness and sexuality are central themes in the “call”, since supposedly female wildness and sexuality have been oppressed by patriarchy. The call is urgent, and politically charged. Patriarchy is perceived to be the cause for worldwide human suffering and ecological disasters. To restore the energetic balance, the feminine energy must rise. Some proclaim that this rise must happen in both men and women, while others focus solely on women and the female body. Thus the awakening is not only meant for personal development, but for a collective transformation on a socio-political level. This usage of esoteric traditions for female emancipation will be the subject of this study. Aim and research question The aim of this research is to get a deeper insight into how esoteric traditions have been used or transformed for the purpose of female emancipation and sexual liberation. The specific tradition that will be the subject of this study is Shakti Tantra in contemporary Amsterdam. Amongst other esoteric traditions, Shakti Tantra has been used for feminist purposes even though that was not the initial purpose. The main question of the research is as follows: “How has Shakti Tantra been used as a tool for female emancipation in contemporary Amsterdam?” To answer the question, this paper argues how the recognition and worship of a female deity results in the deification of the female body, which accordingly might be used as motivation for female emancipation.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Religion, Institutionalism, Legalism, and Same-Sex Marriage: Comparative Experiences of Non-Heterosexual Males in Northern Ireland and Tennessee
    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga UTC Scholar Student Research, Creative Works, and Honors Theses Publications 5-2019 Religion, institutionalism, legalism, and same-sex marriage: comparative experiences of non-heterosexual males in Northern Ireland and Tennessee Reaghan Gough University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.utc.edu/honors-theses Part of the Anthropology Commons Recommended Citation Gough, Reaghan, "Religion, institutionalism, legalism, and same-sex marriage: comparative experiences of non-heterosexual males in Northern Ireland and Tennessee" (2019). Honors Theses. This Theses is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Research, Creative Works, and Publications at UTC Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors Theses by an authorized administrator of UTC Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Religion, Institutionalism, Legalism, and Same-Sex Marriage: Comparative Experiences of Non-Heterosexual Males in Northern Ireland and Tennessee by Reaghan Gough Departmental Undergraduate Honors Thesis The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Social, Cultural, and Justice Studies (Anthropology) Examination Date: April 2, 2019 Dr. Zibin Guo Dr. Andrew Workinger Professor of Anthropology Professor of Anthropology Thesis Director Department Examiner Gough 1 Table of Contents I. Abstract ………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 II. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………. 3 III. Anthropological & Historical
    [Show full text]
  • Adyar Pamphlets Theories About Reincarnation and Spirits No. 144 Theories About Reincarnation and Spirits by H.P
    Adyar Pamphlets Theories About Reincarnation and Spirits No. 144 Theories About Reincarnation and Spirits by H.P. Blavatsky From The Path, November, 1886 Published in 1930 Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, Chennai [Madras] India The Theosophist Office, Adyar, Madras. India OVER and over again the abstruse and mooted question of Rebirth or Reincarnation has crept out during the first ten years of the Theosophical Society's existence. It has been alleged on prima facie evidence, that a notable discrepancy was found between statements made in Isis Unveiled, Volume I, pp. 351-2, and later teachings from the same pen and under the inspiration of the same Master.[ See charge and answer, in Theosophist. August 1882] In Isis it was held, reincarnation is denied. An occasional return, only of “depraved spirits" is allowed. ' Exclusive of that rare and doubtful possibility, Isis allows only three cases - abortion, very early death, and idiocy - in which reincarnation on this earth occurs." (“C. C. M." in Light, 1882.) The charge was answered then and there as every one who will turn to the Theosophist of August, 1882, can see for himself. Nevertheless, the answer either failed to satisfy some readers or passed unnoticed. Leaving aside the strangeness of the assertion that reincarnation - i.e., the serial and periodical rebirth of every individual monad from pralaya to pralaya - [The cycle of existence during the manvantara - period before and after the beginning and completion of which every such "Monad" is absorbed and reabsorbed in the ONE
    [Show full text]
  • Religion, Homosexuality, and Collisions of Liberty and Equality in American Public Law
    A Jurisprudence of "Coming Out": Religion, Homosexuality, and Collisions of Liberty and Equality in American Public Law William N. Eskridge, Jr.! Conflicts among religious and ethnic groups have scored American cultural and political history. Some of these conflicts have involved campaigns of suppression against deviant religious and minority ethnic groups by the mainstream. Although the law has most often been deployed as an instrument of suppression, there is now a public law consensus to preserve and protect the autonomy of religious and ethnic subcultures, as well as the ability of their members to self-identify without penalty. One thesis of this Essay is that this vaunted public law consensus should be extended to sexual orientation minorities as well. Like religion, sexual orientation marks both personal identity and social divisions.' In this century, in fact, sexual orientation has steadily been replacing religion as the identity characteristic that is both physically invisible and morally polarizing. In 1900, one's group identity was largely defined by one's ethnicity, social class, sex, and religion. The norm was Anglo-Saxon, middle-class, male, and Protestant. The Jew, Roman Catholic, or Jehovah's Witness was considered deviant and was subject to social, economic, and political discrimination. In 2000, one's group identity will be largely defined by one's race, income, sex, and sexual orientation. The norm will be white, middle-income, male, and heterosexual. The lesbian, gay man, or transgendered person will be considered deviant and will be subject to social, economic, and political discrimination. t Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center. An earlier draft of this Essay was presented at workshops held at the Georgetown University Law Center.
    [Show full text]
  • The Egalitarian Occultism of Dion Fortune
    1 Tea, Scones and Socially Responsible Sex Magic: The Egalitarian Occultism of Dion Fortune Georgia van Raalte Student number: 10864105 [email protected] Supervisor: Dr. Marco Pasi Second reader: Prof. Dr. Wouter J. Hanegraaff Submitted on 14th July 2015for: MA Religious Studies Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Universiteit van Amsterdam 2 Table of Contents 1. Preliminaries i. Introduction 3 ii. Academic Work on Fortune 7 iii. Fortune’s Biography 8 iv. The Occult Context 11 v. Fortune’s Published Work 14 2. Audience i. Egalitarian Initiation 21 ii. Esotericism for (Almost) All 23 3. Sexuality i. The Problem of Repression 27 ii. Spiritual Sexuality 30 iii. The Use of Sublimation 33 iv. The Doctrine of Polarity 35 4. Ritual i. Ritual and Ambiguity 40 ii. The Ritual Method 43 iii. Ritual as Outlet 47 3 5. Applied Sex Magic i. Sublime Sex Magic 48 ii. The Magical Relationship 51 iii. The Group Soul 55 6. Epilogue: Everyday Esotericism 56 Bibliography 59 Appendix 1 61 Appendix 2 64 Appendix 3 66 4 1. Preliminaries 1.i. Introduction: Sexual Magic and Social Responsibility Dion Fortune is a fascinating and neglected figure of 20th century occultism. In her lifetime, she published a prodigious number of books and articles on both occult and non-occult matters, and authored a number of novels. A full exploration of her work would take up many more pages that I have at my disposal, so I have limited myself to what I believe to be the most unique aspect of her work and the one which has the most significance for the modern study of Esotericism: her approach to sexual magic.
    [Show full text]
  • Sacred Union
    SACRED UNION Awakening to the Consciousness of Eden Also by Tanishka The Inner Goddess Makeover Sacred Union: Awakening to the Consciousness of Eden, Volume One: Creating Sacred Union Within Coming Soon Sacred Union: Awakening to the Consciousness of Eden, Volume Three: Creating Sacred Union in Community SACRED UNION Awakening to the Consciousness of Eden By TANISHKA Volume Two: Red Tantra Creating Sacred Union in Partnership Copyright © 2014 by Tanishka All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic or electronic process, or in the form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise copied for public or private use—other than 'fair use' as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews— without the prior written permission of the publisher. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to assist in personal growth and self-awareness. In the event you use any of the information contained within this book, as is your legal right, no responsibility will be assumed by the publisher for your actions. First Printing: 2014 ISBN: 978-0-9874263-3-8 Published by Star of Ishtar Publishing P.O. Box 101, Olinda VIC 3788 Australia www.starofishtar.com Dedication To those who are dedicated to restoring the sacred balance of opposites here on Earth. Acknowledgements I would like to thank the Christ, the Magdalene, Ishtar, Gaia, Luna and Sol for pouring their teachings through me as a channel, as well as their patience and faith in me to birth this book.
    [Show full text]
  • Syllabus Sexuality and Religion REL 3171 RVC 1181 GENERAL
    Syllabus Sexuality and Religion REL 3171 RVC 1181 GENERAL INFORMATION PROFESSOR INFORMATION Instructor: Stephanie Londono Phone: (305) 348-0000 Office: Office Office Hours: By Appointment E-mail: [email protected] COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine. 3 Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the young women love you! 4 Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers. Solomon’s songs of Songs (1:2-4) Sexuality and religion have always been intimately connected. Even in our secularized western societies, the dominant views about reproduction, gender, desire, love, power, purity, celibacy, and identity are directly informed by religion. To be sure, today’s most fervent political and cultural debates such as abortion, contraception, same-sex marriage, transgender rights, pedophilia, and, most recently, sexual victimization lie within the perimeters of perhaps the ultimate taboo: religion and sexuality. Interestingly, whether the sacredness of religion is appropriated to approach sexuality in a beneficial or detrimental way, these two topics will forever intersect –sometimes in palpable ways, but also in ambiguous and unexpected manners. The interest of this course is to provide a safe and broad platform to critically discuss the complex and fluid intersections between sexuality and religion. We will address urgent and perennial questions from different religious perspectives, such as what is the spiritual meaning of sexuality? Is sexuality an obstacle or a vehicle for spiritual fulfillment? Who are the voices of authority who set the sacred rules on sexuality and who gets to enforce them? In this ambitious and interdisciplinary overview, we will analyze the intricate ways in which religion and sexuality have influenced each other over the last half century; and the variety of challenges that contemporary sexual practice and research pose to traditional religions.
    [Show full text]
  • Redgrove Papers: Letters
    Redgrove Papers: letters Archive Date Sent To Sent By Item Description Ref. No. Noel Peter Answer to Kantaris' letter (page 365) offering back-up from scientific references for where his information came 1 . 01 27/07/1983 Kantaris Redgrove from - this letter is pasted into Notebook one, Ref No 1, on page 365. Peter Letter offering some book references in connection with dream, mesmerism, and the Unconscious - this letter is 1 . 01 07/09/1983 John Beer Redgrove pasted into Notebook one, Ref No 1, on page 380. Letter thanking him for a review in the Times (entitled 'Rhetoric, Vision, and Toes' - Nye reviews Robert Lowell's Robert Peter 'Life Studies', Peter Redgrove's 'The Man Named East', and Gavin Ewart's 'The Young Pobbles Guide To His Toes', 1 . 01 11/05/1985 Nye Redgrove Times, 25th April 1985, p. 11); discusses weather-sensitivity, and mentions John Layard. This letter is pasted into Notebook one, Ref No 1, on page 373. Extract of a letter to Latham, discussing background work on 'The Black Goddess', making reference to masers, John Peter 1 . 01 16/05/1985 pheromones, and field measurements in a disco - this letter is pasted into Notebook one, Ref No 1, on page 229 Latham Redgrove (see 73 . 01 record). John Peter Same as letter on page 229 but with six and a half extra lines showing - this letter is pasted into Notebook one, Ref 1 . 01 16/05/1985 Latham Redgrove No 1, on page 263 (this is actually the complete letter without Redgrove's signature - see 73 .
    [Show full text]
  • 0.GEMATRIA DATABASE.Pages
    GEMATRIA - DATABASE ! Bavarian Illuminati Est. May 1st, 1776} 5/01/1776 ! Scottish Rite Est. May 31, 1801 } 5/31/1801 Knights Templar ARRESTED on Oct. 13, 1307 } 10/12/1307 ! Knights Templar FOUNDED in Jerusalem, Israel: 1119 ! Skull & Bones 322 FOUNDED in 1832 at Yale University) (Russell Trust Association - Parent Organization) 322 references 322 BC ! Vatican City Est. February 11, 1929 (109 acres) ! One legend is that the numbers in the society's emblem ("322") represent "founded in '32, 2nd corps", referring to a first Corps in an unknown German university.[22][23] ! Convocation founded in 1539 (3rd Papal Bull) Jesuits founded in 1541 Copernicus of 1543 (Ball Earth) The Council of Trent founded in 1545 ! (Christopher Columbus) America discovered in 1492 (2 Papal Bulls) 1912 = Titanic sank 1913 = Federal Reserve Established 1914 = First World War 1917 = Bolshevik Communist Invasion ! Jewish Bolshevism, also known as Judeo-Bolshevism, is an antisemitic and anti-communist canard [citation needed] which alleges that the Jews were at the origin of the Russian Revolution and held the primary power among Bolsheviks. Similarly, the Jewish Communism theory implies that Jews have been dominating the Communist movements in the world. It is similar to the ZOG conspiracy theory, which asserts that Jews control world politics. The expressions have been used as a catchword for the assertion that Communism is a Jewish conspiracy. ! Hexagram = Star of David ! Pythagoras the Samian or Pythagoras of Samos (570-495 BC) was a mathematician, Ionian Greek
    [Show full text]
  • Influence of Tantra in the Rituals of Shree Jagannath
    Odisha Review ISSN 0970-8669 Influence of Tantra in the Rituals of Shree Jagannath Dr. Sarbeswar Sena hree Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe is Sworshipped in the form of Daru Devata (wooden-incarnation) in Shreemandir of Nilachal Dham (Puri). He is world famous as Daru Brahma. In the body of the deity the Brahma (the mystic syllable of Om) is placed; so He is Daru Brahma. But people address Him in thousand names. Similarly followers of different religions have tried their best to establish Jagannath as their tutelary deity but still He is mysterious. No one is able to guess His beginning or end. His supper human power is beyond any thought, belief and imagination. Yogis remaining So the learned have accepted Daru in meditation for years together are not able to Brahma as the puranapurusha (a progenitor, meet the almighty, Shree Jagannath. He is the God) and worship Him with deep devotion. paramount ruler and under His direction and will Shree Jagannath is a symbolic deity. the whole world is governed. He is the source of Hence He has become an easy accept for all all powers because Brahma is the only truth and religions. For Vedic Aryans He is Bhu, Bhurva, the world is meaningless.(Brahma Satyam, Swah, for Buddhist, Buddha, Dharmo, Sangho, Jaganmithya). Brahma is hand and legless but for Yogis, ida (an artery supposed to run on the inspires all to move, without eyes sees everything left side spinal cord), pingala (a particular tubular and being earless listens to the supplication of the vessel of the body), sushumna (the name of an devotees.
    [Show full text]
  • Teilhard De Chardin's Vision of Science, Religion and Planetary
    Teilhard de Chardin’s Vision of Science, Religion and Planetary Humanity: A Challenge to the Contemporary World Ursula King [email protected] Abstract Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) was a great thinker, scientist, and mystic – he was above all an extraordinary human being whose inspiring vision still remains far too little known. He visited South Africa twice, in 1951 and 1953, to undertake palaeontological research and collaborate with South African colleagues. Throughout his life, but especially towards its end, he was much interested in the future of planetary humanity and he always stressed the importance of seeing, of having a vision that pulls us forward and upward. For him, life is vision. I examine how this vision – embracing science, religion and the future of humankind – presents a challenge to the contemporary world and an inspiration to create a better future for all. I first look at our world in crisis, dominated by science, but politically fragmented, suffering from much injustice, poverty and violence. Where are we going? Teilhard’s evolutionary, convergent and universalist thinking can be a guiding light for the contemporary world to move forward. At the present state of crisis, planetary humanity is faced, more than ever before, with the responsibility for its further self-evolution. Has the human species the evolutionary capacity for developing its life to a higher stage, for truly transformative action to create greater collaboration and unification, more universal peace and justice? This is a decisively critical
    [Show full text]
  • The Shaman Method of Sex Magic
    The Shaman Method of Sex Magic Infuse Your Orgasm with Intention to Manifest Your Life’s Purpose from the Sacred Sexual Healing series by Baba Dez http://babadez.com/ and Kamala Devi http://kamaladevi.com/ Cover Art by Hamid R. Baghaie ([email protected]) at http://www.hrbwebdesign.com Copyright Notice Published by Zendow, Inc. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data: Nichols, Baba Dez & Devi, Kamala Sacred sexual healing / Baba Dez Nichols & Kamala Devi. Cover Art by Hamid R. Baghaie ([email protected]) at http://www.hrbwebdesign.com. ISBN: 978-1-879097-09-4 First Edition copyright © 2008, Baba Dez Nichols & Kamala Devi All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the authors. This book is available at special quantity discount for bulk purchases for sales premiums, fundraising, and educational needs. For details, inquire with the publisher. Your ethical economic support of the authors’ intellectual rights is appreciated. Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 Does It Really Work? ................................................................................................... 2 The First Ingredient is INTENTION ........................................................................... 3 The SHAMAN Method of Sex Magic ............................................................................ 5 S is for Sacred Ritual ...............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Keys to Soul Evolution Free
    FREE KEYS TO SOUL EVOLUTION PDF Jill Elizabeth Mara,Elizabeth Mara | 354 pages | 14 Sep 2009 | 7D Publishing | 9780982484616 | English | United States Soul Connection - The Key to Spiritual Evolution and Spiritual Enlightenment Pure light beings from the 7th dimension have an interest in current human development. Simion offers assistance to propel humankind forward to our next spiritual octave. They explain that the sentient Earth is making the transition to the next dimension, and we can join her by raising our vibration, thereby accelerating our soul evolution, individually and collectively. They educate us as to the inherent power of our collective intent to create a world of harmony and abundance. The light beings explain that our thoughts and emotions are energy forms that help create our universe, which is becoming increasingly super-conductive as we near a pivotal point when our solar system reaches the central plane of our galaxy around The level of energy available at this time will trigger a physical and spiritual shift that Keys to Soul Evolution transform our reality. Keys to Soul Evolution purpose for delivering this message is to assist humanity in its ascension. Keys to Soul Evolution is full of enlightening and practical advice that will enhance your spiritual growth and contribution to universal evolution. Lord Keys to Soul Evolution Jehovah, as channeled through Arthur Fanning, reveals the course humanity must take to lead itself out of its fascination with density and the material into an expanding awareness that each human is a god with unlimited power and potential. This book is an enlightening journey into higher consciousness.
    [Show full text]