Sex transmutation is an age-old concept, and it’s about more than just a mystical bedroom technique. It involves harnessing sexual energy for higher motivation, heightened creativity, and better success. 

It might seem farfetched, but you can use your libido to achieve your life goals. It just takes effort (and abstinence). But if it interests you, learning how to transmute sexual energy will have you well on your way to a powerful glow-up.

What is sex transmutation? 

Sexual transmutation is the process of using your sexual energy or thoughts of sex for other physical, mental, and creative pursuits. When you can’t sleep at night, instead of turning on your vibrator, you’ll open your journal or do a workout, bringing your attention to non-sexual activities that add another kind of meaning to your life.

Rooted in ancient philosophies, sexual transmutation has been popularized by books like Napoleon Hill's “Think and Grow Rich”, which was published in 1937. Hill outlines sex transmutation as the 10th step toward getting rich, stating that redirecting thoughts from the physical has the potential to stimulate, inspire, and drive people toward success. 

Sex transmutation is also known as sublimation — a term Sigmund Freud coined. He saw it as a way to manage sexual impulses without repressing them, instead channeling that energy into creating beauty or culture elsewhere.

Avoiding sex won’t get you rich or heal your psyche. But when you channel your energy right, it can be a catalyst for creativity, entrepreneurship, or personal development. 

And, depending on who you ask, sex transmutation doesn't require total abstinence from sexual activity. It might mean not masturbating or not climaxing, but it could also mean not partaking in sexual activity at all. Sex is personal, which means transmutation will be, too.

Sex transmutation vs tantric sex

Tantric sex is a connected but different way to harness your sexual energy. It’s a practice that dates back to ancient Sanskrit texts and focuses more on deepening intimacy and enhancing pleasure during sex, blending spirituality with physicality into a form of sexual meditation. 

While both practices emphasize the potential of sexual energy transfer, sexual transmutation is more about diversion to other pursuits. Tantric sex aims to elevate the sexual experience, whether that’s through mindfulness, vaginal massage, or long, intimate foreplay. 

Is sex transmutation a real thing?

The answer is yes and no. If you’re reading up on this topic, you’re probably discovering that a lot of the language and discourse surrounding it are a little pseudoscience-y. This idea is more of a psychological theory than a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put it into practice if you want to redirect your sexual energy elsewhere. 

If you’re having trouble thinking about sexual energy as something you can channel into other activities, imagine it as attention. Instead of bringing your attention to sex, you’re pushing it toward those other activities.

What are the benefits of sex transmutation? 

At worst, trying sex transmutation could show you it’s not the right practice for you. But at best, it can help you reach personal goals through potent sexual energy and become a better version of yourself.

Here are some of the potential benefits of sex transmutation:  

• Energy and motivation: Sexual transmutation can spike your energy and motivation. Just as sexual energy drives passion in intimate relationships, it can fuel other endeavors with the same intensity. 

• Mental clarity: Sexual desire can cloud judgment, so it makes sense that transmuting those desires can boost mental clarity. This means more straightforward thought processes, better decision-making, and fewer late-night booty calls to your ex.

• Self-awareness: Sexual transmutation is a personal journey, and it can help you understand your desires, motivations, and intrinsic nature.

• Confidence: Successfully redirecting and harnessing sexual energy can boost your confidence and self-esteem. It gives you more control over your mind and body, fostering feelings of empowerment in other areas of life. 

• Creativity: Creativity and sex are undeniably linked, and history is replete with artists, writers, and athletes who've credited their creativity to sexual transmutation. Channeling sexual energy leads to bursts of inspiration and innovative ideas. 

• Connection to your body: Sex transmutation is profoundly physical, too. This practice cultivates a deeper appreciation of your body, leading to improved body image and better sex.

How to transmute sexual energy: 4 tips

Transmuting sexual energy is a powerful manifestation tool, guiding the primal force of sex toward personal goals, self-improvement, and self-esteem.

Like sex itself, this process is different for everyone. Finding the right practice for you might take some trial and error — and it might not work for you at all. But trying is the first step. Here's how to get started on this journey:

1. Establish clear intentions  

What do you want to get from this experience? Do you want to write a hard-hitting novel, become more in touch with your body, or get the internship you’ve been reaching for? 

Establish your ultimate goal and set it as a specific intention before starting transmutation. Write this goal down in a place you see often, like a journal or your bathroom mirror. Use all of your senses to visualize yourself attaining this goal and using your energy to do it. 

2. Direct your sexual energy  

Instead of letting your energy scatter aimlessly, harness it. Use breathwork or visualization methods to pinpoint your sexual energy and use it as a force driving you toward your goal. Allow the energy to burn and fuel your aspirations while visualizing your soon-to-be accomplishments. 

Maybe you work on a project when you’re horny, or masturbate to get out of a rut. Either option counts as sexual transmutation — it’s all about connecting sex with your creative, motivated self.

3. Stay focused  

Building sexual energy with no release is tough, especially when you're first starting out. Whenever your focus starts to drift, realign your energy and direct it back to your goal. Use positive affirmations like "My energy is consistently aligned with achieving [my goal]" to center yourself. 

Just remember that this is a personal journey. If you fail, that’s okay. There are other ways to reach your goals, and if you’re determined to make transmutation work for you, you can always try again.

4. Surrender   

Part of sex transmutation is releasing control. Once you've channeled your energy, trust that you’ll reach your original goal, whether that means the universe has your back or you know what concrete steps to take to do what you want. Avoid gripping your desires too tightly — trust in the process instead. 

How to increase sexual energy  

You can still try transmutation if you have a low libido. Boosting your sexual energy is your first step, and it’s about invigorating the body, mind, and spirit to enhance intimacy and your sexual self. To elevate this potent force, try the following: 

• Relieve stress: Stress reduces energy and increases cortisol levels, which can reduce your desire for sex.

• Get active: Schedule regular physical activity to increase energy levels, improve body image, and get you more in the mood. 

• Sleep more: Sleep is essential for your health, and chances are, you need more of it. Catch more Zs and see if your libido increases. You may even have a sexual dream. 

• Communicate: If you're in a relationship, talk to your partner about your sex life and libido. Share your needs, concerns, and desires to boost intimacy and find the support you need. 

• Quit smoking: Smoking is linked to reduced sexual arousal and satisfaction, so consider cutting back or quitting entirely. Your sexual energy will thank you. 

• Drink less alcohol: Overdoing it on alcohol intake can reduce sexual desire. Practice moderation or put down the bottle entirely while you practice transmutation.

Enhance your sexual energy with Quinn 

Not all sex transmutation involves abstinence. Sometimes, it’s about exploring your sexuality and becoming more in tune with your body. Listening to Quinn's ethical sexual content can give you the structure and support to increase your self-esteem and sexual energy. 

Quinn is a popular audio erotica app made by women, for the world. For narrated sex stories and guided masturbation sessions that will help you set the mood and explore your desires and fantasies, download our app for iOS or Android.