OILING BEFORE THE RITUAL                                  OILING2.TXT
      ***********************************************************************
      Tantric masters have taught that a Tantric couple or *white* Tantrika
      may simultaneously rouse the erotic and spiritual passions at once
      through the odors of rose (gulab-jal, or rosewater, is an essential oil
      created by crushing rose petals;
     
      for anointing the body), jasmine, sandalwood, saffron, cedar, and
      marijuana.

      Perfumes and oils, to a knowledgeable Tantrika, when properly
      used, also confer a powerful form of psychic protection, as well as
      uplifting heart and mind and promoting an instinctive atmosphere of
      harmony--in Temple, kitchen, or bedroom.

      Sandalwood paste and *vibhuti* or 'sacred ash' are applied to the arms,
      shoulders, and breasts/chest. (Sacred ash being either that produced
      supposedly from nothing by a Realized Master, or, as with Catholic holy
      water, ashes produced from incense burnt while chanting and meditating
      upon Brahman, or whatever primary or tutelary aspect one chooses. The
      ashes must be carefully collected in a pure container, i.e., one which
      is used *only* to produce sacred ash, not for burning incense for more
      mundane purposes. The vibhuti-font of choice should be made of pure
      brass, created in India, and have red and green yantras inked upon it.)

      The application of vibhuti and sandalwood paste are for the purpose of
      'cooling,' cooling substances serving as protection from the feverish
      heat produced by some practices.

      A garland of red and white flowers is donned as a form of protective
      talisman and symbolic ornament; and a *kappu* or PURE SILVER CIRCULAR
      BRACELET is placed around the right upper arm or wrist. The symbolism of
      both garland and bracelet is that of being 'bound for the duration'
      to/of ...... for .......

      While the costumes and ornaments are being donned, the Yogi/Yogini
      should recite continuously a 'protective mantra' an excellent one being

      AUM AH HUM VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUMM

      as this mantra simultaneously attracts protective forces of God, earthly
      wisdom, and 'occult' power.

      Once the ritual preparations are complete, the practishnor lights the
      sacred fire, on an altar of brass, and offers the herbs or materials to
      the fire, inhaling the scent deeply as it rises. Then he/she should
      inhale with short, deep gasps,


      During Tantric sexual rituals, incense, perfume, and fragrant oils are
      of paramount importance. Before the ritual love act commences, the Yogi
      honors the Yogini as Sakthi personified, and anoints her body in order
      to honor and lift her, assisting her to truly manifest her inner Goddess
      nature. The Yogini similarly anoints her Yogi, honoring him as Siva.
      Each must maintain complete concentration during the anointing, truly
      visualizing the divine nature of oneSelf and one's partner, enabling the
      couple to climb Mt. Meru to its peak.

      Sesame oil is the traditional Indian base for creating
      scented oils. Pure essence of lotus, rose, jasmine, night-queen,
      lavender, saffron, sandalwood and myrrh are all recommended for Tantric
      sexual rituals. An excellent book for beginners who wish to learn more
      about creating natural essential oils is _The Art of Aromatherapy_ by
      Robert Tisserand.

      the basic 'anointing' performed by the Tantric couple
      prior to undertaking, should be disclosed here:
      ************************************************************************
      The Yogini stands or reclines; the Yogi chants mantra in praise of
      Uma/Kali/Sakthi, keeping his mind firmly focused on the fact that his
      Yogini *is* Uma/Kali/Sakthi.

      He then;

      applies oil of Jasmine,
      to her hands, first the left, then the right.

      Next,

      applies oil of keora or patchouli,
      to her throat, neck, and cheeks, first left then right.

      next,
 
      applies Essence of amber or hina musk,
      to her breasts, first left then right.
      
      applies by smoothing Valerian extract through her hair.

      next,

      applies, Natural musk to her pubic mound and the area around the vulva

      [in this case, a similar natural musky scent or synthetic *may* be
      substituted.]

      Next,

      applies sandalwood oil with light, full-palm strokes to her inner thighs

      finally,

      her feet are anointed with pure essence of saffron.

      The Yogi then stands or reclines; the Yogini chanting mantras in praise
      of Siva, the Supreme Yogi, focusing on the Yogi as Lord, Master, Lover.

      The Yogini uses *only* sandalwood, in oil or paste form, and

      applies it,

      to the Yogi's forehead,

      next,

      to his throat and neck,

      next,
 
      to the chest, right pectoral first, then left.

      next,
    
      to his solar plexus, rousing the inner sun/power / masculine energy

      next,

      to the shaft of his Lingam,

      next,
 
      to his upper arms: first the right, then the left.

      next,

      to his inner thighs: right, then left, 

      next,

      to his hands, right then left;

      finally,

      to his feet, right, then left.

      Fragrance in Tantric love rites may be used as bodily-anointing, massage
      oil, the scent of burning incense and candles, and poured into water for
      ritual bathing, or even sprayed about the Temple, sanctum, or bedroom.

      Sattwic and rajasic scents should both be utilized for a Tantric couple,
      evoking the erotic and spiritual passions as one. Thus will outer body
      and inner Self be stimulated and united.

      AT the end of the ritual,

      sattwic incenses and perfumes should be offered and applied,
      restoring the Temple or ritual-place to full harmony.
      More about scent and its importance in ritual: when the body/mind/
      spirit is balanced and in harmony, it is said that the pores of the skin
      exude a subtle but delightful fragrance. Realized Yogis and Yoginis are
      said to have a naturally fragrant 'aura' which symbolizes their
      spiritual state. The entire custom of garlanding oneSelf, one's teacher,
      or a respected friend, is that of acknowledging the spirituality
      inherent in the Self or other; of acknowledging the 'deity within.'

      SWAHA! SWAHA! SWAHA! AUM SWAHA! SWAHA AUM!