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Resources: Abstracts of American Studies Dissertations
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Hutchins, Loraine. "Rites: A Cultural Analysis of Contemporary U.S. Sacred Sexuality Trends and Traditions," Graduate School of the Union Institute, February 2001.
Progressive trends in the U.S. over the past fifty years-the development of a body of knowledge about sexuality, and increased interest in holistic healing modes, and the proliferation of sexual liberation movements and more sex-positive spiritual paths have all helped create welcoming public space for the emergence of contemporary groups devoted to erotic spiritualities. These groups, sometimes referred to as sex magic groups of tantric sex, are most commonly known as sacred sex groups. They teach a range of mediation and sensate touch exercises centering on erotic rituals that focus on seeing one’s partner(s) and oneself as embodiments of the divine. Women and sexual minorities, two social groups traditionally eroticized and sexually-objectified, are among the new sacred sex field’s most active participants, yet also some of its most under-recognized leaders and innovators. Since sacred sexuality practice traditionally visualizes the interplay of “feminine” and “masculine” sexual energies, there is often confusion about whether certain sex or gender combinations are required for its practice. They are not. It is the union of complementary aspects within each individual that is key. In fact, the focused polarity that sacred sex groups tend to foster can be problematic; reifying differences and re-enforcing inequalities rather than lessening them. This research explores the problem of how embodied spirituality practices can exacerbate divisions between those embodied. Using textual review of materials, participant observation, and interviews, it describes the sacred sex techniques and philosophies most supportive of flexibility in gender and relationship roles, and most friendly to feminist, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered practitioners. Implications of these beliefs and practices for the rest of the sacred sex field and the culture as a whole are discussed. The joint effort of feminist sex-workers and those in other helping professions to create the interdisciplinary role of sexual healer-sometimes called erotic priestess or Sacred Prostitute-is also critically examined. The research concludes with reflections on the long-term political and cultural impacts of eroticizing spirituality, particularly how such beliefs and practices promote and/or prevent erotic equality and social justice in the U.S.
today.
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