For many BDSM practitioners, the purpose of play is not primarily linked to sexual arousal, but the altered states of consciousness that it can facilitate in both Bottoms and Tops. While the BDSM community isn't tied to any religious ideology, the practice does share an important commonality with some spiritual meditation traditions that involve pain. This workshop will explore the spiritual dimensions of BDSM in relation to trance states, being in the present moment through pain, and the mystery of the un-known.

Come expand the range of your energetic sexual experience and expand your capacity to feel more of everything including bliss and pleasure as well as connection, without needing physical touch. Come reclaim your sexual power & sovereignty as you discover your capacity to awaken, cultivate, expand & move your sexual energy on your own & with others all from withing your own body through breath movement sound & visualization.

Shibari is a unique and sensual art form that involves tying geometric patterns and shapes with rope that contrast with the human body’s natural curves. The ropes and their texture provide contrast to smooth skin and curves. In Shibari, the model is the canvas, the rope is the paint and brush, and the rigger is the rope artist. Originally developed as a form of capture, torture or presentation of prisoners by the Samurai, it has developed over time into a sensual art form.

While holding forms an integral part of many physical interactions, and while it can, by itself, generate intense emotions and sensations, it is rarely investigated on its own merit. Often we do not actually feel safely held, even though that is what we long for (we can only truly let go when we know that someone will be there to hold us). Once we understand what it is that makes being held a less than satisfying experience, we can be clearer about what it is that we wish to feel in an embrace and where to place our attention.

This session will be a process of stripping back the socialised self and dropping into a state of pure being.

In this workshop we will look at the ways in which fear affects the body and how we can utilise this to create a heightened sensory and erotic experience for someone. We will explore different methods for safely inducing fear and look at the depth of feelings and sensations that lead up to and follow fear. We will experiment with knife play and face slapping as well as playing with proximity, volume and anticipation.

Meet the festival presenters, learn about verbal and body consent, and how best to navigate through the festival. To ensure that all festival participants can practice informed consent, everyone must attend the Opening Ceremony.

Temple Night is a curated play party which explores theatricality, ceremony and poetry in the context of erotic play. There will be live music to accompany and inspire you through the evening.