Bellydance - postponed

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Bellydance workshop has been postponed to Saturday 5th April.

Tantric Wisdom - We hold on

We hold on to what we know,
because our souls know that once we start to explore there is no turning back!

The ego likes control,
and the soul grows by pushing our boundaries.

Christa

Tantric Wisdom - Life without passion

Life without passion is unforgiveable!
Young

Tantric Wisdom - From our vulnerability

From our vulnerability our greatest power is born,
and how we deal with others when they show us their vulnerability
is the ultimate test of soul

Bellydance - Tribal Fusion & Gothic

We are finally launching our bellydance workshops at Shaktigardens - I recently had a meeting with Alison, a Bellydance teacher who specialises in Tribal Fusion and Gothic bellydance.

We want to invite you to experience Tribal Fusion and Gothic Belly Dance. This is a wonderful blend of various styles, from Egyptian to Gypsy to Indian Belly Dance. The outfits even differ from what you are used to seeing in various restaurants and other venues in and around Johannesburg, out are the glitzy shiny materials that have made belly dance just another form of entertainment. In Tribal Fusion and Gothic you wear more earthy colours, the clothing is more creative and it becomes an expression of yourself. Also, the dance differs slightly, it is more open to interpretation, and there is more freedom of movement and expression. With "traditional" belly dance it is mainly the hips, thighs and belly - in Tribal Fusion and Gothic you learn to utilise the entire body. The arms play a big part in this. The upper body becomes more snake-like!

At Shaktigardens you will have the opportunity to experience the sensual aspects of bellydance - deeply rooted in the feminine divine, assisting you to get in touch with your hidden inner sensuality.

If you look at a Chakra chart, you will notice that the base Chakra is in the hips, and this reaches down the legs and into the feet, grounding the individual. By swivelling the hips you awaken dormant energies in this Chakra, this in turn begins to move upward and through the body entering the next Chakra, the Sacral, which resides in the belly. This is where you store your sensuality and sexuality. Soon this is awakened as the belly is used and excercised along with the hips. You will begin to feel energised as the base Chakra flows up through the Sacral and then upward through the body, activating the Chakra system.

What a wonderful combination, awakening the survival instinct, the sensual and then the loving!

No wonder women feel more feminine and sensual when doing belly dance, as these Chakras are re-energised, flow and connect.

It is planned that classes will be hosted on Saturdays - beginning in March!

You can call Alison for more details:
083 450 8508

or myself - Don:
082 961 5454

Yoga Classes and Art Workshops

Just a reminder that we have Yoga Classes on Tuesday evenings as well as Saturday mornings
Contact
Manique - 083 258 7489
Don - 082 961 5454

Life Study Art Workshops on Wednesday evenings
Contact
Alec - 072 630 1105
Don - 082 961 5454

Tantric Wisdom - The way you make love

The way you make love, is the way GOD will be with you! - Rumi

Blessings to Christa once again

Don

Tantric Wisdom - Secret Intent

Isn't it the secret intent of this earth, when it forces lovers together, that inside their boundless emotion all things may shudder with joy! - Rilke

Thank you once again to Christa for these wonderful words of wisdom

Don

Tantra Talk - Parktown

A Tantra talk will be hosted by the Advait Tantra School (friends of Shaktigardens)
Sunday 2nd March 2008

Bring your questions and your open mind...

We'll start at 6.30pm and will end around 9.30.

and, sure, there'll be Chai.

Cost R120.00

Venue: Parktown

To book, and for directions, contact Wendy 0823695437


Please support the Advait Tantra School, these talks are fun and informative

Be Blessed
Don

The Tantra Lounge

Another new project to be launched soon at Shaktigardens is the Tantra Lounge

Here, you will encounter guest speakers, healers and teachers covering many aspects of Tantra. We want this to be a sanctuary for those who are seeking, and also a place where teachers and healers can gather to talk and share experiences.

Practical workshops will be run as 3 modules and will include:
Understanding the Principles and Ethics of Tantra
Energy, Breath, Meditations and Visualization
Touch Sensitivity and Bodywork

We have a large room, private and cozy, ideal for talks and workshops. Here you will be able to delve into Tantric Teachings, experience a shift in attitude and learn to run with joy as you uncover new ideas and philosophies, and learn to shed restrictive inhibitions. You will be allowed to play and experiment as we delve into the physical realm of Tantric Teachings.

We want you to experience sexual wellness, and to go forawrd with new found confidence!

Be Blessed
Don

Tantric Wisdom - The Pupil

When the pupil is ready - the teacher shall appear!

Tantric Wisdom

Should there be a wise saying, or something that just inspires you, please share it with us, let the whole world experience your blessing.

Any words of wisdom, just forward them to:
info@shaktigardens.com

or SMS:
082 961 5454

be blessed
Don

Yoni Massage

Yoni Massage can be included in most healing therapies and workshops offered at Shaktigardens. For some, just receiving Sensual Healing Massage is all that they need, but for others, they have reached a conclusion that receiving Yoni Massage completes the healing process for them.

The technique used is very gentle and caring, it honours the Yoni and the receiver, it is done in a manner that respects her as a Goddess, and she eventually receives the ultimate release setting her free of the constraints that society has placed upon us. It allows her to submerge into pleasures that possess her physical being. She then enters a deep meditative bliss, submerged in ecstacy, her breathing then changes and her aura becomes energised as the new found sensual healing energies envelope her body mind and soul. The receiver then surrenders herself deep into her own pleasure zone.

She then arises from this healing, energised, confident and in charge of her own new-found sexuality. It is enlightening to experience this deep healing process, realising we have no restraints to hold us back, except ourselves. We need not hold onto past hurts, negative teachings, but to reach out and embrace what is yours to experience.

I have seen some wonderful women arise as if out of the ashes after receiving this gentle healing. Some saying that they feel complete as a woman once more, some even claim they feel like a worshipped Goddess!

The Art of Orgasm

For many, achieving orgasm is as easy as breathing. Some just have to think about it and they become highly aroused and are ready without the need for any furhter physical stimulation. Unfortunately there are many who seem confused about orgasm, this is possibly due to a conservative childhood, or having an insensitive/controlling/abusive partner. Another factor is not understanding your own body and its needs, and this plays a huge role in not achieving the ultimate pleasures of foreplay.

We all need to stand naked in front of a mirror from time to time, just looking at ourselves, to marvel at our creation. Admiring what we have. Just remember that no one is perfect, take pleasure and joy in what you have. The next step is to fantasize that your loved one is behind you, admiring you. Surrender into the fantasy! Touch yourself, see what happens, see how your body and your skin reacts to your touch. Imagine your loved being aroused by the sight of you. Learn to sense what turns you on and what you enjoy. Then use these strokes, tehniques and feelings in your foreplay as well as guiding your partner to do these for you. Learn to shed your inhibitions and pleasure yourself for your loved one. They will soon learn about what turns you on by observing what you do. A recommended foreplay technique that many enjoy, is mutual shaving. The sensation of skin on skin in foreplay is wonderful and needs to be experienced.

Most women only experience a clitoral orgasm, this is possibly the most easily achieved of all. For some the clit (also known as the Jade Pearl) is too sensitive to touch - try rubbing a gentle lubricant around the Jade Pearl first. Then slowly and gently begin to stimulate the Jade Pearl itself, keeping it well lubricated at all times.

The G-spot orgasm is a bit more tricky as you will need to learn how to reach the G-spot for stimulation. The G-spot is situated close to the front and upwards in the Yoni near the pelvic bone and has a different texture when compared to the walls and lining of the Yoni. A slightly rough texture. Orgasm can be quickly achieved through this technique.

The vaginal orgasm needs more patience as well as plenty of lubricant. You do not want to cause an irritation through dryness. Use a pressure and speed that is comfortable to you.

Once you have succesfully achieved all of the abovementioned, you will then be ready to experiment with the Expanded Full Body Orgasm. Lie back, relax and surrender into the pleasures you can give yourself. Whether you use deep vaginal strokes, or just want to stimulate the clit is entirely up to you. Once you feel that you are about to peak, just relax into the sensation, never squeeze, let go of your belly and leg muscles, breathe deep and focus on the energy moving through your body. Do this for a while allowing the energy to peak, then back off, then peak once more only to back off again gently. Soon your entire body will go into orgasm, not just the genital area.

Never feel guilty about enjoying your body, or enjoying the sensations you uncover, lap it up, it is yours. Your feelings and sensations are unique to you. You are allowed to get greedy with these and then allow yourself to have multiple orgasms. It is quite easy to experience a Expanded Full Body Orgasm lasting up to 2 to 3 hours, it is just as easy to allow yourself to experience multiple orgasms numbering 10, 15 even 20 repeats!

The only limits to these pleasures is what you place on yourself, shed those old teachings and allow yourself to get a natural high on your own newly discovered pleasures!

Erotic Massage and Ecstatic Bliss

Recently I have been told that the Sensual Healing Massage I offer should be titled Erotic Massage as sometimes the clients feel that they entering into a state of Ecstatic Bliss - this comment came from someone who surrendered very deeply into a state of pure erotic ecstacy during Yoni Massage. She connected deeply with her Chakras and visualized the energies awakening and moving through her body. She could sense an awkening deep within her Yoni, as it became hotter, that heat then travelled into her belly and throughout the body.

When doing intense energy balancing, combining it with Hot Stones and Crystals, and then getting the receiver to focus on breathing and visualize their energies awakening, they will encounter a unique state of meditative ecstacy. They encounter a deep, almost spiritual awakening as the Kundalini energy rises and moves upward and engulfs the body.

For some, Sensual Healing Massage can be erotic, it depends on the receiver's awareness at the time of massage. When certain parts of the body are massaged, it can create a state of arousal, for example, for women, many find that massaging the top of the inner thigh and following the line of the muscle into the groin is an extremely erogenous zone. Sometimes people are aroused just by suggestion, by this for example, working along the thigh into the groin but not actually touching the genital area createsa sudden awareness of the closeness of the hand to the genitals. It creates an expectancy of intimate touch and this in turn then awakens erotic thoughts.

There are other erogenous zones, such as the soft spot behind the knees, using gentle strokes between the butt cheeks up and over the tail-bone, into the nape of the neck.

It is all about awkening the senses, making people aware that there is more to arousal than just grabbing breasts and genitals, it is mind play, it is a special play time. The biggest sex organ is the skin, and the greatest aphrodisiac created is the mind - blindfold your partner and then explore their body, let their mind wander and be filled with desire.

Allow them to enter into a state of Ecstaic Bliss as you begin your Erotic Massage.
Don

Setting free!

Last night I received a wonderful inspirational message from a friend, I believe that this is an important message for all of us - share it with your friends today!

Use it as your Mantra today, make it part of your meditations and your learning, just be inspired:

"When we set others free of our expectations, we set our own soul free to explore!"

Thanks to Christa for sharing with us.

Valentine's Day - Special Offer

I have just noticed the date, I should keep better track of time and events!

OK, with Valentine's Day around the corner I have decided to help all the hopeless romantics and all the lovers out there by offering a 20% discount on all therapies and workshops from 14th February till the end of the month.

Make use of this opportunity, and spoil that special lady in your life, and allow her to be pampered in our studio.

Don

Belly Dance - Tribal Fusion and Gothic

This morning I had a meeting with a Belly dance teacher, with the hope of finally introducing this wonderful art form as an additional teaching at Shaktigardens.

Everything worked out well and we hope to start on the first Saturday of March. We will be inviting you to experience Tribal Fusion and Gothic Belly Dance. This is a wonderful blend of various styles, from Egyptian to Gypsy to Indian Belly Dance. The outfits even differ from what you are used to seeing in various restaurants and other venues in and around Johannesburg, out are the glitzy shiny materials that have made belly dance just another form of entertainment. In Tribal Fusion and Gothic you wear more earthy colours, the clothing is more creative and it becomes an expression of yourself. The dance differs slightly, it is more open to interpretation, and there is more freedom of movement and expression. With "traditional" belly dance it is mainly the hps, thighs and belly that are used, in tribal Fusion and Gothic you learn to utilise the entire body. The arms play a big part in this.

At Shaktigardens we will be focussing more on the sensual aspects of belly dance. This is not to be confused with Pole Dancing or Lap Dancing - this will be deeply rooted in the feminine divine, assisting you to get in touch with your hidden inner sensuality.

If you look at a Chakra chart, you will notice that the base Chakra is in the hips and this reaches down the legs and into the feet, gounding th eindividual. By swivelling the hips you awaken dormant energies in this Chakra, this in turn begins to move upward and through the body entering the next Chakra, the Sacral which resides in the belly. This is where you store your sensuality and sexuality. Soon this is awakened as the belly is used and excercised along with the hips. You will begin to feel energised as the base Chakra flows up through the Sacral and then upward towards the heart.

What a wonderful combination, awakening the survival instinct, the sensual and then the loving!

No wonder women feel more feminine and sensual when doing belly dance, as these Chakras are re-energised, flow and connect.

There is a possibility that classes will be hosted on Saturdays - beginning in March!

You can call Alison for more details:
083 450 8508

or myself - Don:
082 961 5454

Sensual Massage is healing

A lot has been said about sensual massage, some have the idea that we have employed numerous young women who are willing to include sexual favours with the massage. Please note, that at Shaktigardens we do have numerous female staff members, we do not offer sexual favours, especially to men looking for "lovely young ladies to touch ". If I do have a female therapist at our studio assisting me with a project or teaching a workshop, she will be treated with the utmost respect. I will not allow her to feel embarrassed or feel harrassed. More recently I have been reciving calls and e-mails by a small number of Gay men to get sexually involved with them. Please respect our lifestyle and our choices, I have been married for 28 years to the same woman who encourages and supports my work fully.

Many hours have been invested keeping up to date with various new therapies, so we can offer you the best possible service. Women are honoured and treated with the utmost respect. Some might want Swedish Massage combined with Hot Stone Therapy, others might want Lomi-Lomi Massage. There are others who seek deeper healing and wish to awaken their inner sensuality, they have realised that modern day stress is destroying their libido and femininity. For these women, they need to get in touch with their dormant sensuality and then be able to release their sexuality. At no time is sex offered. The massages offered honours their femine character, and helps them celebrate their womanhood.

In Sensual Healing Massage, I focus on re-energising their Chakras, to bring harmony and balance back into the body, mind and spirit. This is always combined with the massage technique used and chosen by them. Sometimes they immediately begin to feel an awakening, other times it might take an additional session. When they are ready, they can request that they receive Yoni Massage, this is a very nurturing and intimate experience, it is done with utmost respect to honour them.

On our website we have made it clear that we honour the female, we provide a safe space for healing, and we teach couples sensuality and how to reconnect. So guys, please take note, if it something else you need (like sheap thrills or favours) you can always pick up a copy of The Star or Citizen newspapers, there are many "slap and tickle" artists who can cater to your needs. At Shaktigardens we will always endeavour to honour and respect women and couples.
Don

First gathering of naturists

This Sunday saw the first gathering of a small group of naturists at Shaktigardens. A total of 8 people (including my wife and I) were present. It was good just to sit outside once more, celebrating the sunshine (finally), chatting and getting to know one another.

One thing I have noticed with naturists, they are incredibly friendly, have a genuine openess and it is easy to have a converstion with them. I think it is because, that once all the trappings of society are removed, and they have no image to hide behind then their natural true character comes out. A vast range of topics were discussed, from religious perspectives to alternative healing.

We are hoping to host more of these gatherings at Shaktigardens, and other times plan an outing to a dam or a just have a picnic. This is not all about naturism, or stripping off, we might plan to meet for coffee and a chat somewhere, just to get to know the others better and forge proper friendships. We are too isolated from each other in South Africa, we dont even know our neighbours, we are always wary of strangers, and what we experienced yesterday was special, a group of total strangers having a wonderfully relaxed social.

Thank you to all who attended and made it a special day!
Don

Sexual Massage and Sensual Healing

Recently I have had a number of calls from males seeking Sexual Massage. Some specifically asking if I have young female assistants. Similar requests have also come from within the Gay community.

Shaktigardens is a venue where events are hosted (featuring guest speakers) and therapies offered (such as Sensual Healing Massage) to encourage women to receive healing, and to honour the Goddess in all women. This is a place where women can find solitude, healing and peace. It is a place where you will be treated like a Goddess, where you can discover ancient teachings and be involved in workshops, a place where you can re-discover your inner sensuality and femininity. This is all done through the various healing modalities offered. The healing and massages that are done are not specifically sexual, but are done in a caring and gentle manner, with compassion and understanding to allow a sensual awakening to take place, and to bring balance to body mind and spirit. We focus on breathwork and balancing Chakras as part of the awakening and healing processes. The therapies are never rushed, this is your time!. A full body massage is usually longer than 90 minutes, and Sensual Healing Massage up to 2 hours.

Workshops are held for couples who wish to explore Tantric and Sensual Massage practices. The male partner is taught patience in love-making, he is taught to look upon his female partner in a new light. She is taught new tricks to stimulate him, and together they are shown the basics of Expanded Orgasm. They are both taught Sensual Massage techniques to enhance their foreplay and lovemaking, and to have a deeper appreciation for each other.

We all need to be more aware of how stress is destroying our libidos. We all need a new awakening of our sexual and sensual energies. At Shaktigardens we endeavour to provide a safe nuturing environment where you can explore what has been hidden from you. Allow your body and senses to come alive again! Enjoy the moment, live int it and rejoice!
Don

Lomi-Lomi (Kahuna) massage

Some good news! I have just completed Level One and Two of the Lomi-Lomi massage, some people often refer to this as Kahuna massage.

It is a wonderfully gentle relaxing full body massage, using broad sweeping movements - it awakens dormant energies and brings balance and harmony to body mind and spirit. Our garden studio lends itself to this treatment - or you may prefer to receive this outside at the pool, just be prepared to be indulged in absolute harmony and bliss
Don

Naturist Social Gathering

this Sunday (10th Feb) sees the first Naturist Social Gathering taking place at Shaktigardens. Anyone who is a practising naturist/nudist, or is new to this, is welcome to attend - no pressure at all to disrobe. Please contact me for further details.
Don
082 961 5454

International Goddess Conference

INTERNATIONAL GODDESS CONFERENCE

FULL MOON HARVEST FESTIVAL OF THE GREAT MOTHER
Friday 21 March - Sunday 23 March 2008 (Autumn Equinox/Full Moon/Mabon/Easter)

Taking place on the farm Artemis, in the cauldron of the Franschhoek Valley. The Conference will honour Goddess as the Mother Spirit within everything and within all of us. A celebration of the Feminine Spirit expressed through nature, sacred art, myth, sacred drama, sacred dance and song. We will showcase the power of art, myth and ritual as powerful tools of transformation and empowerment. We will make our pilgrimage to the Mother in Her many splendid forms as Table Mountain, the Full Moon, the spiral of the Labyrinth, circle dance, Moon dance, weaving of ceremonial girdles, playshops, sacred sexuality, delicious food. Journey with us through playshops, art exhibitions, participate in powerful ritual, re-enact sacred myths and women's stories, to restore Her to our consciousness.

ONE DAY FULL CONFERENCE TICKET :
R400 PER DAY

THREE DAY FULL CONFERENCE TICKET :
R1000

New exciting workshops, talks and installations added to a full program :
At play with the Sacred Feminine – by Sara Matchett and Dr Makgathi Mokwena of Mothertongue;
The Woman of Light, The Mother of Enlightenment – the Sophian Gnostic Tradition by Sophia Suzette Shuttleworth;
Initiation into Unity Consciousness with Quantum Goddess by Yanietsche Megun;
One in Herself by award winning film maker Kali van der Merwe.

FOR FULL DETAILS ON PROGRAM, CONTRIBUTORS, ACCOMMODATION AND BOOKINGS VISIT:
www.goddesstemple.co.za

BOOK SOON THROUGH :
www.goddesstemple.co.za
phone :
0828038821
email :
hettienne@goddesstemple.co.za

Yoga and Art

just a reminder for those who might be interested

yoga classes on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings
contact Manique : 083 258 7489

art life study workshops on Wednesday evenings
contact Alec : 072 630 1105

Don