Tantra has a reputation of focusing on a sensual union between two partners. But the basis of tantra yoga falls well beyond the scope of sex. In fact, the goal of true tantric yoga is to find harmony within all aspects of yourself. Basic tantra yoga involves a variety of simple poses to help light your inner fires.
Considerations
The main aim of tantra yoga is "to harmonize the male and female aspects within an individual in order to achieve creative wisdom and, most importantly, spiritual regeneration," according to the ABC of Yoga. Although tantra yoga does not necessarily focus on the sexual connection between two partners, it can be an effective method for connecting with your partner on a deeper level. For this reason, a variety of tantra yoga poses involve two partners.
Pelvic Tilt
Before beginning the pelvic tilt, place one of your hands gently over your tailbone. On an inhale, lift your tailbone toward the ceiling and tuck your pelvis toward the ground. Hold the position briefly. On the exhale, tuck your tailbone toward the ground and lift your pelvis toward the ceiling. Again, hold briefly before repeating the sequence. Once you feel comfortable with the tilting motion, remove your hand from your tailbone. For a more active tantric yoga pose, add your chest and shoulders into the move. As you lift your tailbone on the inhale, open your chest to the ceiling and draw your shoulder blades together. As you tuck your tailbone on the exhale, tuck your chest and draw your shoulders together in front of your chest.
Yab-Yum
According to "Yoga Journal," the yab-yum yoga position helps align the chakras, or energies, of two partners. To begin the pose, the male partner sits cross-legged on a cushioned yoga mat. The female partner then sits on top of the man's upper thighs and locks her ankles behind his back. Take a few seconds to adjust into this position. Both partners use their core muscles to maintain a straight back and upright posture. Once you have achieved the proper position, bring your foreheads together and breathe in harmony. Open or close your eyes, depending on personal preference.
Downward Dog
To initiate the downward dog, position yourself on the ground with your hands slightly forward of your shoulders, and your knees directly beneath your hips. Spread your palms wide and turn your toes under. On an exhale, extend your legs and lift your tailbone to the ceiling. This inverted "V" position should feature strong extended arms, contracted abdominal muscles and strong extended legs. Once you are in position, have your partner move into the pose behind you, facing away from you. Rather than resting on the floor, his heels should rest on top of your heels. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds.
Hercules
Stand back to back with your partner, arms extended out to the side and holding hands. One partner's buttocks should fall just below the other person's buttocks. If necessary, bend the knees or stand on a yoga block. The partner whose buttocks are on top is considered the passive partner and the partner whose buttocks are on bottom is the active partner. Once in position, the active partner straightens his legs and bends forward to a 90-degree angle, pulling the passive partner into a backbend. Hold for several seconds before returning to the starting position.
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