First and foremost it should be understood that sex is an act that is necessary for and often results in the continuation of the human race. Human beings differ from many other mammalian species in that they desire sex not only when the chances of successful procreation are at their highest. In other words when 'in heat'. In addition to the ability to want sex when fertile, humans also partake in the sexual act to promote feelings of well-being, wholeness, togetherness, completeness mutual caring, intimacy and appreciation. Generally people live longer and experience improved quality of life when such bonding occurs. What could be more sacred than something that promotes health and longevity in other words increases quality of life?

The pursuit of sacred sexuality is viewed as being an integral, special part of life by those adhering to various different spiritual and religious ideologies. The act is considered sacred sexuality because it brings about the continuation of the species and sacred because of the precepts of those spiritual ideologies which teach that the practice of sacred sexuality allows for integration of the male and female aspects in an ever increasing intimacy. This intimacy and resulting expansion of consciousness is a way of achieving freedom from limitations and joining with the divine nature found within everything.

Each sacred symbol of importance to those adherents of the principles and ideologies expressed as sacred sexuality are derived from male and female body parts. One such sacred symbol is the Goddess herself. She is portrayed by Earth based spiritualistic teachings as being pregnant, carrying the fruit of the planet. The phallic form is a male sacred symbol, and the yoni the female sacred symbol amply evident in sculptural and other forms of art of those adherents to the principles of sacred sexuality.

Those things whether actions, moral and ethical codes, people, and/or symbols that are deemed sacred, for whatever reason, have deep, long lasting and depending on personal religious beliefs and individual interpretations of those beliefs, positive effects. The arts of sacred sexuality have always and continue to be practiced with the intent of transforming mundane thoughts, feelings and energy into higher more spiritualized personal experience of oneness or union with all that exists. Sacred sexuality can be pursued when there is openness of mind, agreement on procedure and knowledge of equality as opposed to the desire for dominance resulting in competition, or a mindset of having to live up to a certain set of ideals which often has a stifling effect.

Couples understanding the concept of sacred sexuality realize that sacred is not something that need be separate from those living the lives of mere mortals. It is not something only those deemed more spiritualistic than others can enjoy.

Sacred sexuality should not be considered an act to be relegated to those 'special' enough to properly enjoy and who are specially deserving. It is a concept filled with a rich history and basis in the practical everyday aspects of reproduction, maintenance of health, and achieving an awakening of sensory perceptions that might otherwise stay dormant.