The Divine Feminine Within: Discovering & Nurturing Your Yoni
Updated on:
December 23, 2020
Author:
Aimee Hughes
The Hindu tradition reveres a woman’s “yoni,” her external and internal genitalia, as a sacred place. The yoni is, indeed, sacred, and a source of divine feminine energy. Learn more about the yoni and the tools and techniques you can use to discover and nurture it fully.
The yoni is a representation of sacred feminine energy. “Yoni” is the Sanskrit word for vulva, the female external genitalia. In depictions of the yoni, these organs often include:
Labia majora
Clitoris
Hymen
Clitoral hood
Labia minora
Introitus
Traditionally, the yoni also refers to the female internal genitalia of the vagina and womb.
The yoni is described as the sacred place of a woman’s world. It is symbolic of a woman’s divinity. As the yoni is the doorway through which life enters, it is inherently sacred.
Other Terms for the Yoni
The Hindu tradition refers to a woman’s genitalia as the yoni. The Daoist tradition uses other terms for female genitalia, such as the golden lotus and the gate of paradise.
As you can see, both traditions revere the female sexual organs. This perspective is quite different from that of the Western world. We can learn a great deal from these ancient traditions.
The Sacred Energy of the Yoni
For most women, this perspective is positive and necessary. A woman’s sexual organs are powerful, and, indeed, sacred. They deserve our respect, but unfortunately, are often abused by modern society.
The word “yoni” conjures up reverence, unlike some of the more derogatory, modern terms used to describe the female sexual organs. We should all practice this kind of sacred regard for female sexuality. It is a much more awe-inspiring way to experience sexuality and life itself.
The yoni is also sometimes called the pindika. In some yogic belief systems, the pindika is symbolic of Shakti, the Hindu goddess of feminine energy. Her male counterpart is Shiva, the Hindu god of masculine energy. Together, they represent the divine feminine and masculine energies that are said to reside within us all.
Where Is the Yoni Mentioned?
The yoni is included in several Hindu traditions:
Kashmir Shaivism, a major Hindu tradition
Kaula, an esoteric, Hindu practice of spiritual connectedness
According to scholars, the word “yoni” first appears in the Rig Veda. The Rig Veda is a Vedic text, which birthed the yoga tradition.
The yoni can be a spiritual metaphor for life, namely regeneration, rebirth, and the creative powers of the divine feminine. It is also symbolic of Mother Nature and her four distinct seasons, in which there is death and rebirth.
Women can become empowered when they get in touch with, and give attention to, their yoni. For this reason, the tradition known as tantra is becoming more widespread. It is time for the divine feminine to rise up!
Tantric Tradition
Tantra, the Hindu art of sacred sexuality.
Nowadays, the yoni and the practices that revolve around it are often synonymous with tantra. Tantra refers to the Hindu art of sacred sexuality. Like yoga, it is becoming more and more popular.
Sexual healing is valued by many women, especially those who have been sexually abused or assaulted. Tantra can empower women to take back their feminine power in a healthy way.
The Yoni and Tantra
Tantra utilizes a myriad of sexual healing practices. Some of the most popular tools and techniques include:
Yoga for yoni health
Deep breathing techniques
Yoni visualization meditations
Kegel exercises
The yoni egg and yoni wand
Tantric yoni massage
Yoni puja (yoni worship)
The world of tantra, and its spiritual practices relating to the yoni, can be profound for men and women. Everyone may benefit from yoni healing.
The cool thing about tantra is that it can be practiced with or without a partner. Tantric massage, for example, can be performed by a partner, or by oneself. One does not need a partner to receive the full benefits of yoni healing. With the guidance of an experienced tantric practitioner, sexual healing can be attained in a solo practice. Self-massaging one’s yoni can be empowering.
The Empowerment of the Yoni
Every woman deserves a strong sense of empowerment. The world needs more women to take ownership of their yoni. With its many yoni healing techniques, tantra is a powerful way to honor the divine feminine in every woman.
The yoni is sacred. It is healthy to be in touch with and give attention to one’s yoni. With the right loving intention and technique, a woman can come into her own by giving her yoni the love it deserves.
The Yoni, Emotions, and Memories
In yoga, it is said that “the issues are in our tissues.” The yoni is no exception. If sexual trauma has not been healed or released, the yoni may hold on to it. This trauma can manifest as pain during intercourse, or as a complete shutting down of one’s sexuality.
These sexual difficulties are common, and sad, given the fact that sexual pleasure is everyone’s birthright. Unfortunately, life can present us with trauma and shame. These scars may live on within the yoni. Thus, it is essential to treat the yoni with compassion as one goes through the healing process.
Stay tuned for more yoni insights!
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Sources
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Kinsley, David. Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine: the Ten Mahāvidyās. Motilal Banarsidass, January 1, 2016.
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Yoni Symbolism
The Yoni, Emotions, and Memories
The yoni is a powerful symbol representing Shakti, the Hindu goddess of feminine energy. Reverence for the yoni spans thousands of years and across spiritual traditions. The yoni remains relevant today as an enduring sign of female empowerment.
Depictions of the yoni are shaped in a similar way to look like the female reproductive organs of the vulva, vagina, or womb. Though these representations may be slightly different, they share the same symbolic meaning.
The Yoni Mudra
The yoni mudra is a hand gesture practiced in yoga and other kinds of meditation. It is commonly used to channel healing energy and promote inner peace. It represents both the Hindu goddess Shakti and the Hindu goddess Kali, the goddess of life and rebirth.
The gesture is also used as a sign of feminine strength among groups such as:
LGBTQ women
Feminists
Women’s rights advocates
Women’s anti-violence and anti-sexual assault organizations
The yoni mudra is made by bringing the thumbs and index fingers together and pointing the hands down. A triangular shape is created, resembling the vulva, vagina, or womb. Different variations of the yoni mudra exist, such as bringing all of the fingers together along with the thumbs, or resting the remaining fingers within the space created by the index fingers and thumbs.
Practicing the yoni mudra is a way for women to feel pride and love for their bodies. Some practitioners believe that in addition to grounding the mind, this practice can promote a woman’s health and wellness.
Yoni Pendants
The yoni can also be worn as a pendant. It represents the divine feminine energy that is available to everyone, regardless of gender identity. A yoni pendant is shaped to look like a vulva, often including:
Labia majora
Clitoris
Hymen
Clitoral hood
Labia minora
This pendant is usually worn as a necklace, but may also be worn as a pin, bracelet, etc. This powerful symbol is a reminder of the positivity and beauty that is the yoni.
The Three Sides of the Yoni
The symbol of the yoni can also be seen as an upside-down triangle. These three sides have a strong spiritual meaning. The number three is significant to many religions and spiritual traditions. Some of the representations of the three sides of the yoni include:
The three doshas (personal energies)
The three gunas (forces of nature)
The three main states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, and sleeping)
These are just some examples of the power behind the number three and how it is used within the yoni symbol.
Why Is This Symbol Important?
Many women are taught to feel ashamed of their bodies, or that their bodies do not belong to them. These beliefs are toxic. It is important that women realize the power of their bodies, their yoni, and their sexuality. Many women have also been sexually abused or assaulted. Reclaiming the feminine body is significant for these reasons. A woman’s body belongs to her and only her.
The symbol of the yoni is not meant to be inappropriate or pornographic. It is a sign of life, peace, and divine feminine energy.
The Yoni Lingam
The symbol of the yoni lingam is different from that of the yoni. This symbol adds a phallic shape to the typical yoni image to represent the sexual relationship between a man and a woman. The lingam is the yoni’s counterpart.
It represents Shiva, the Hindu god of masculine energy. The yoni lingam is often depicted as a circle with a long line that breaks off from it, representing the penis and the vagina. It is also a symbol of life and reproduction.
The imagery of the yoni lingam is a reminder that sexual relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, should always be consensual. The yoni is equal to the lingam in this symbol, representing gender equality.
Celebrating the Body of a Woman
A woman’s body is amazing. In addition to being beautiful and sensual, a woman’s body can create, nurture, and give birth to new life. The reproductive organs of a woman are truly incredible, but modern society has made them taboo.
In reality, the body of a woman should be celebrated for the miracle that it is and the miracles that it can create. Every woman should feel empowered by and take ownership of her body.
The yoni symbol is also a reminder that pleasure and sexuality are a human right and nothing to be ashamed of. Loving one’s yoni is important, and giving one’s yoni physical love is necessary.
In Sanskrit, “yoni” means sacred place. The yoni is truly a sacred place. It conceives, supports, and gives birth to new life.
In contrast, modern society teaches many women to be ashamed of their bodies. It is so important for women to realize that their bodies are beautiful.
Practicing yoni yoga is a way for women to feel pride and love for their bodies. Yoni yoga is much more than just poses. It involves breathwork, meditation, and self-work. Yoni yoga’s activation of the yoni allows women to fully connect with their yoni.
What Happens in Yoni Yoga?
Each yoni yoga class will be different because each teacher has a unique style of teaching. However, yoni yoga generally involves:
Working with the second chakra
Discussions about sexuality
Meditations on the yoni
Practicing the yoni mudra
Mantras that focus on the yoni
The word “yoga” translates to union. When a woman becomes more in touch with her yoni, she can develop a greater union of the mind, body, and spirit.
Moreover, many yoni yoga poses work to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can make sexual relations more pleasurable and intense.
The Second Chakra and the Pelvic Lock
The chakras are disks of energy located throughout the body. This energy is composed of feminine and masculine energies.
The second chakra is sexual energy. When this chakra is open, a person is more in touch with their sexuality.
The yoni is activated by stimulating the mula bandha, the “root lock.” This lock is located within the muscles of the pelvic floor. Contracting and relaxing these muscles strengthens them and opens the second chakra.
These muscles are the same ones that contract during an orgasm. Strengthening them may result in stronger orgasms. Contraction and relaxation of the pelvic lock can be combined with yogic breathing for an even greater connection with the yoni.
Yoga Poses for the Yoni
Multiple yoga poses work the pelvic floor muscles and open the second chakra. Practicing these poses can help strengthen the yoni and the energy within it. Some of these poses include:
Beginner
Warrior I
Warrior II
Warrior III
Triangle
Chair
Intermediate
Downward Facing Dog
Camel
Cobra
Frog
Advanced
Open lizard
Garland (Wide Squat)
Bridge
Reclining Bound Angle (Reclined Butterfly)
These poses increase the strength and flexibility of the pelvic floor muscles. They are often combined with breathwork, meditation, mudras, and mantras.
Medical Advice
Consult your health care provider before practicing yoga for the first time. Yoga may result in physical injury, especially if you venture outside of your body’s comfort zone. If you believe this complication has occurred, immediately discontinue this practice and consult your health care provider.
Yoni massage therapy is a sensual practice that can be performed by a partner or by oneself. This massage allows a woman to explore her body and better understand it. It can be beneficial in healing sexual trauma and increasing bodily awareness.
The yoni holds a great deal of energy, including traumatic energy, which can be therapeutically released during a yoni massage. This technique may be especially healing for those who have been sexually abused or assaulted. A woman can learn how to love her body and embrace her sexuality by becoming more in touch with her yoni.
Yoni Massage Benefits
A yoni massage does not have to be sexual. It involves the entire body, including the non-sexual organs. Some of the benefits of yoni massage may include:
Sexual healing
Increased natural lubrication of the vagina
Decreased vaginal pain
Decreased pain during sex
Increased sexual pleasure
Physical healing
Relief of bodily tension
Relief of menstrual cramps
Mental and spiritual healing
Increased bodily awareness
Release of pent-up emotions
Decreased feelings of anxiety and depression
Healing from sexual abuse or trauma
Yoni Massage Techniques
A yoni massage can be performed by oneself, by a partner, or by a professional tantric/yoni massage therapist. It can be enjoyed in a variety of positions. The massage often begins with the non-sexual parts of the body (such as the arms, belly, and legs). The massage then moves closer and closer to the sexual parts of the body.
The breasts will be massaged, and then the nipples. Next, the massage will move down the body to the inner thighs. Then, the yoni will be stimulated. The parts of the yoni that are usually massaged include:
Labia majora
Clitoris
Vagina
Clitoral hood
Labia minora
G-spot
Sexual Yoni Massage
The yoni is much more than a representation of sexuality. The yoni embodies the divine feminine energy that is present within us all. A yoni massage is not always sexual, but often is.
Many of these massages focus on sexuality with the intention of finishing with an orgasm. This sexual practice is a great way to strengthen one’s sexual relationship with oneself and others.
When this massage has a more sexual focus, there is greater stimulation of the nipples, clitoris, and vagina. A variety of techniques may be used on the clitoris toward the end of the massage, including circling, rubbing, flicking, etc. The G-spot can be stimulated at this time as well. Eventually, with these techniques, an orgasm may be reached.
This tantric practice can help create a connection between the mind, body, and spirit. The yoni is powerful, and when it is activated, a woman can fully embrace her divine femininity.
Medical Advice
Consult your health care provider before engaging in genital massage. Continue to practice good personal hygiene, including washing your hands before and after self-massage. Genital massage may result in genital discomfort, irritation, abrasion, infection, toxin exposure, or an allergic reaction. If you believe any of these complications have occurred, immediately discontinue this practice and consult your health care provider.
Yoni eggs and yoni wands are another way for a woman to care for her yoni. At first, the idea of a yoni egg may seem odd, but it can be beneficial physically, mentally, and spiritually. Yoni eggs are shaped like eggs and are used by inserting them into the vagina. They come in a variety of sizes, making them accessible to many women.
Yoni Eggs
Yoni eggs can be used when practicing yoni yoga poses and breathing exercises. Yoni eggs have been used for over two thousand years. They are said to have originated in China as an ancient spiritual practice to strengthen a woman’s prana (life force energy).
Yoni eggs may be complemented by meditation, music, lubricants, etc. Each woman’s spiritual practice will be slightly different, depending on her personal needs. By exploring what she wants to heal or grow, a woman can get to know herself and her yoni better.
Benefits
Some of the benefits of yoni eggs may include:
Sexual Healing
Increased sexual desire
Increased natural lubrication of the vagina
Increased sexual pleasure
Physical Healing
Stronger pelvic floor muscles
Better bladder and bowel control
Decreased progression of pelvic organ prolapse
Mental and spiritual healing
Greater awareness of the pelvic floor muscles and the sexual organs
Greater connection with the yoni
Yoni Eggs and Kegels
Yoni eggs can be used to practice Kegel exercises, which strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening these muscles may help to decrease urinary and fecal incontinence, decrease the progression of pelvic organ prolapse, and increase orgasm intensity. Doing Kegels with the yoni egg also helps to activate the mula bandha (root lock).
This practice, especially when combined with yoni breathing, can result in an orgasmic response. Over time, it can strengthen a woman’s sexuality. Many women are taught by society to be ashamed of their bodies and their sexuality. This experience can be enlightening, allowing a woman to strengthen her relationship with herself and her body.
Yoni wands are similar to yoni eggs, but they are shaped differently. While yoni eggs are shaped like actual eggs, the wands have more of a phallic shape. Because the wands are longer, they are better able to reach the cervix. Using a yoni wand can give women a more sexual experience, allowing them to experiment with their bodies. These wands are used for performing a cervix massage, masturbation purposes, and exploring the yoni. Every woman deserves to be comfortable with her sexuality and her body.
Consult your health care provider before using a yoni egg or wand, especially if you are pregnant, are recovering from childbirth or gynecological surgery, or have an existing pelvic condition.
Safety use of Yoni Eggs and Wands
Yoni eggs and wands made of glass and medical-grade silicone are the safest to use. (Yoni eggs and wands made of other materials have an increased risk of health complications.) Make sure the egg has a medical-grade silicone string, or a drilled hole for attachment of a clean, disposable string.
This string helps support safe removal of the egg. For your health and safety, try using the smallest size egg first, and move up one size at a time. Do not use a yoni egg or wand that is dyed or cracked. Do not use a yoni egg during intercourse.
Clean and disinfect before and after each use: place the yoni egg or wand in a collapsible steamer within a pot of boiling water; make sure the water level covers the egg or wand completely; boil for thirty minutes.
Once the egg or wand returns to room temperature, dry it completely with a clean cloth. If the egg does not already have a medical-grade silicone string attached, attach a clean string through the drilled hole of the egg. Insert the egg or wand with clean hands.
Gently remove the egg or wand within four hours of insertion to avoid health complications. Remove disposable string from the egg and discard. Repeat cleaning and disinfection process. Store your yoni egg or wand in a clean and dry environment in between uses. Continue to practice good personal hygiene.
Medical Advice
Use of yoni eggs and wands may result in genital discomfort, irritation, abrasion, infection, toxin exposure, or an allergic reaction. If you believe any of these complications have occurred, immediately discontinue this practice and consult your health care provider.
Yoni steaming is an ancient practice, traditionally used to cleanse the yoni, regulate menstruation, and increase fertility. It is a controversial practice today, given its questionable benefits and potential health risks. It may be safer if performed at a reputable, traditional spa, and not at home.
There are multiple ways to practice yoni steaming. A woman can squat over a pot of steam, or sit on a yoni steaming seat to receive the treatment. These seats have an opening where the steam is released, making it a more comfortable option.
Again, for your safety, if you decide to engage in yoni steaming, it is best to do so with an experienced practitioner.
The Yoni Steam Set
It is recommended that practitioners use a yoni steaming set in order to ensure their safety, as well as the efficiency of the steaming session. This typically consists of a steaming seat, herbs and a gown.
You can steep the herbal mixture directly into the yoni seat and then proceed to sit comfortably, after checking the temperature of the steam with your hand. There are a variety of steam seats available, some of which are compatible with toilets or bides.
Using a steaming gown will make the session last longer, as the material will trap in the healing steam.
Steaming Herbs
The steam is made of much more than just water. It can include different kinds of herbs, oils, and flowers. Some common herbs and flowers used in yoni steaming include, but are not limited to:
Lavender
Oregano
Basil
Sage
Rose
Berry leaves
Chamomile
The choice of ingredients depends on a woman’s needs, preferences, and known allergies.
Wearing a yoni steaming gown maximizes the duration and benefits of your v-steaming session. Made of naturally dyed imitation silk, this accessory retains moisture and heat, while also allowing your skin to breathe.
The fabric aids the detoxification process by promoting sweat production. Soft, elegant and modest, the gown is available in several colors. It does not cling to the body, allowing the wearer to become immersed in their relaxation ritual.
The Yoni steam seat is a must-have accessory for vaginal steaming. It simplifies the preparation process and ensures that the user is comfortable. It consists of a discreet plastic tub that is compatible with 99% of toilets and bidets. It comes in four colors: pink, purple, white and blue.
You can steep the herbal mixture directly in the yoni steam seat. After testing the steam’s temperature, sit back and enjoy a relaxing steaming session from the privacy of your own home.
During a yoni steam session, a basin of hot water is heated until steam is visible. Next, herbs, oils, and flowers may be added to the water, and they are left to sit for a few minutes, as if steeping tea. It is crucial that the water is not too hot to avoid getting burnt or disturbing the natural vaginal flora and pH that protect against bacterial and fungal infections.
The woman will then remove her clothes, or she may prefer just to take off her bottoms. She will then squat over the basin. The basin may also be placed at a safe distance within a steaming chair. This position can be held for up to one hour or less, depending on a woman’s needs and preferences.
Yoni Steaming and Fertility
One of the most common reasons why women try yoni steaming is to increase fertility. It can be used a few days after menstruation, and during ovulation before sexual intercourse. When used before menstruation, bleeding may be heavier.
Medical Advice
Consult your health care provider before engaging in yoni steaming. Continue to practice good personal hygiene. Yoni steaming may result in genital discomfort, irritation, burn, infection, toxin exposure, or allergic reaction.
If you believe any of these complications have occurred, immediately discontinue this practice and consult your health care provider. Yoni steaming should never be performed when a woman is pregnant, due to the potential health risks to the mother and fetus.
Maintaining intimate hygiene can prove to be a challenge. Heavily scented products packed with artificial ingredients can throw off the bacterial flora of the vagina and destroy its pH balance. Yoni care is an all-natural, GMO and paraben free line that caters to your wishes: from yoni soap to herbal tampons, it features everything you need to stay fresh and healthy.
Conclusion
No matter if you are looking for spiritual healing, protection, improving general well-being, or more intense orgasms, remember to practice your Kegel exercises responsibly. Don’t use yoni eggs for long periods of time and sterilize them before each session.
No two yoni eggs are alike the same way no two people are alike. All stone eggs are linked to a different natural element, chakra, and type of energy. Whether you’re seeking emotional balance or erotic liberation, there’s surely at least one crystal that can help you set out on your journey.
Aimee is a mindfulness enthusiast who's practiced yoga for 21 years. She earned her B.A. in French from Tulane University and a Doctorate in Naturopathy from Clayton College.