Terra Incognita (TI) is a Temple of Sexual Magick founded in Chicago that has slowly evolved from a small gathering of friends hosted by Amanda and David over ten years ago, to a larger group of karmically interconnected people.

TI has attempted to integrate spirituality with sexuality using an ancient Mesopotamian model that we have found very adaptable to a variety of religious and magickal beliefs. While the Temples of Sumer and Babylon have inspired our mindset, we also feel a connection to the European mariners who were brave enough to sail to the “unknown lands” they called Terra Incognita on their maps. Scary, shadow-filled places of Monsters and Magick near The Edge of the World.

We believe that breaking fear-generated barriers is an important part of personal growth. TI also feels the power of loving energy can heal most emotional wounds as well as unite those participating in the Process. In our perspective, symbolic acts can only bring symbolic rewards, so both diety and divine energy exchanges should be real.

To actively explore these ideas Terra Incognita is dedicated to the Qadishtu path of sexual healing. For us this includes BDSM, Paganism, our Patron/protégé program, polyamory, Sex Magick, sexwork, surrogacy, Tantra and Taoist practices. TI has developed a very flexible neo-Pagan type of ritual to focus energetic group workings, which owes a great deal to Chaos Magick creativity. Our Qadishtu priesthood is Temple-based, in homage to historical precedents and includes educational outreach and various hands-on practices with Seekers. We have also hosted assorted salons, workshops and book signings, as well as presented at festivals and conferences.

Starting in the fall of 2004, New Zealand filmmaker Lynda Brendish began filming an award- winning documentary about Terra Incognita called Uncharted Lands. It captured our shift from a larger group dynamic to one that is more family-based today. The current core of TI is now Amanda, David and Magickal Partner Kristin. However, the Temple still honors and works with an extended Tribe of wonderful folks in the Sacred Sexuality community.

Tags: Qadishti, Qadishtu, sacred eros, sacred sex, Sacred Sexuality, sacred touch

This entry was posted on Monday, December 15th, 2008 at 7:41 pm and is filed under Path Of Tthe Qadishti course. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.