Temples of Eros review- primal sensual spirituality and the animalistic play fighting workshop was a new kind of event. Recently, much of the sex-positive scene has moved from straight-up conventional sex parties and swinger events to a more holistic approach. It’s not about going somewhere to score. About using cheesy pickup lines or selecting the hottest person to conquer for the evening as a form of social sport. This is about something else.
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What is Temples of Eros?
Temples of Eros is part of what I might call the ‘California movement’ of sex-positive events. It’s based in London, sponsored by Joyclub.com and brings together Burning Man vibes, a rediscovery of bohemian philosophy from the 70’s and healthy living from cultures around the world, including South America, Yogic practice and deep transcendental bodywork to heal, grow and connect.
What happened at the primal play fighting workshop?
The day began with an in depth, well-attended workshop on primal play fighting. After sitting cross-legged in a circle around a large mat, expectations were discussed, along with safety, boundaries and the reasons for primal play being such an important part of rediscovering ourselves. I missed the start (can TFL workers please get their payrise so we can have our lives back?) and came in just as the playfighting was about to begin. The event organisers and volunteers were delightful, with a serene, welcoming vibe and quickly got me up to speed.
We sat in a ring around the central mat, where a volunteer came into the centre, stated the kind of play fight they would like to have and someone who wanted to participate could come join. Fights were 2 minutes long ending with a bell and both people set their intentions, boundaries and limitations at the start. Fights ranged from childish, playground style teasing to animalistic play, to flowing flexible expressive dance style movements, to competitive wrestling style with an objective to pin your opponent. All fights required at least one knee to stay on the ground, reducing risk of injury. The focus was on connection to yourself, your inner primal nature and your opponent.
What was the Feeling at Temples of Eros Play fighting workshop?
The space was body-positive, gender-inclusive (including gender non-binary) and sex-positive. There was no overt sexual interactions during the workshop, though, being more about sensuality and connection to one’s animal nature.
They say no one can meet you on a deeper level than they have met themselves, and indeed after a few tough years globally, many of us feel disconnected from ourselves, our instincts and those around us. We need to reconnect our root chakras and learn to feel at peace with ourselves, love for ourselves and for each other again as humans. As spirits. As the animal within.
I was initially concerned that as a no-alcohol event people would struggle to feel relaxed and mingle, however the event was guided and led from the time I arrived to when I left. This meant nobody was stood around feeling shy or isolated. The guidance and activities helped us feel safe, included and helped us to gently form connections with the other attendees, slowly learning more about how they self-identified, what their feelings and concerns were, their aspirations and their beauty within.
What’s the crowd like at Temples of Eros?
The crowd was a mixture of people looking to embrace their inner animal, explore themselves and their connection with others through guided play, fighting, dance and touch. Many of the people were very conventionally very attractive (probably through doing a lot of workshops to connect with their physicality) but also moved beautifully, with femininity, masculinity, strength, grace and powerful serenity. This really wasn’t the focus though. It was a gentle journey allowing us to see the people beneath their shells, with vulnerability in a safe space. Everyone was welcome and included.
I made a MFF play fight at Temples of Eros Primal Workshop
I only participated in one play fight: A competitive wrestling-only fight with two woman against one man, which was my expressed wish at the start. It was great fun, completely exhausting and highly physical, despite only lasting two minutes – it felt like 10. I think we all managed to pin someone and also be pinned, so winners all round. Afterwards we joined hands in a gesture of strength and gentleness before sitting back to back for a few minutes, catching our breath and coming back to earth. The circle gave feedback of what they thought of the fight. The words were all positive, descriptive and full of praise.
Why was the play fighting at Temple of Eros Primal workshop so good?
Watching the fights was also wonderful and for those who may not yet feel ready for the full physicality of fighting in the circle, there is still a mesmerizing value to watching. The primal nature was explored from playful and kitten-like to wild and fierce, with 2, 3 or 4 people partaking. Each fight told a story, fulfilled a wish for a momentary experience of connectedness to the self and others and demonstrated a beauty in diversity. Because the fights were so crafted to capture a feeling, a moment, and experiment with the scene in a playful nature, they were beautiful, entrancing and drew the whole circle into feeling a part of each one.
There was an interval for light snacks and water (some was provided, but people could also bring their own.) The fare was mainly vegan, with hummus, things to dip, olives and light bites, before we came back for the second half.
What did the playfighting do?
As each fight was built anew, people became more and more creative with their ideas for crafting these two minute encounters, and they varied from a biting contest to a silly verbal insults (non-contact) competition. There was a wonderful mixture between fierce animalistic energy, gentle playfulness and laughter in what felt a safe space- not just safe from the perspective of property and consent, but safe to release and relax a little. Safe to show yourself as you really are.
After the workshop some people stayed on for the Temples of Eros event. The space was transformed for the next round of activities and people changed attire. There was quite a variety of costume choice, with colourful sarongs, lingerie, animal ears and more casual looks. You won’t need to worry about your choice of shoes, everything is barefoot.
Temples of Eros Party
The Temples of Eros now became a space to connect in a primal way through dance, with a wonderful instructor leading us through exercises to loosen our tension, connect to our bodies and free our over-thinking minds from trauma, fear and inhibition. The evening was led, with the dance moving from a focus on ourselves, connecting our bodies to our spirits and onto forming connection with each other through exercises with eye contact, coming close together, scent and light touch, as well as exploring and playing with non-verbal acts of seduction and boundaries. Toying with someone to draw them in, then pushing them away and reframing, redirecting and pulling them back.
Who would love Temples of Eros?
Temples of Eros would be right for you if you are looking to work on healing, developing your skills to connect with others, if you love the Burner community and you love dance, yoga or other body-focussed activities. The movement away from ‘sex’ as a goal and making it a natural continuum of ourselves, body and spirit, an act of connection with ourselves and others that flows without force is a wonderfully healing practice.
Temples of Eros encourages people to socialise and join social media groups on Facebook and Telegram to build connection before an event, to join socials and workshops before Temple, as well as boundaries and consent workshops for complete beginners. You can make connection with the Temples of Eros community at:
Facebook Group Temples of Eros
Is Temples of Eros and the Primal Play Fighting workshop right for you?
Verdict – 😊✔
