A: Tantra is so many things. The plethora of information can be very confusing. Just as with religions, philosophies, and different healing modalities, the opportunities are so many and varied, it can be exciting, even scary, and overwhelming.

It is important to note here that Tantra is not a religion. It sprang out of spiritual practice and has been included as part of many world religions, such as Hindu, Buddhism and Native American religions. While you can find those who profess loyalty to the "true tantra," and who may ascribe to dogmas and structured beliefs and attitudes, the "true tantra" is a path of subjective spiritual exploration which focuses its emphasis more on the arts of allowing and honoring what is, and being. Unlike many religions, on this path, it is not required that you agree with or do everything that is shared.

Tantra also offers collections of yogic exercises in breathing and muscle/tension and release that enable the practitioner to move easily and somewhat predictably into altered states of awareness and open the channels of the body so that it can be more receptive to pleasure and inspiration - one of the pathways to oneness and enlightenment. And, I think, one of the faster, more enjoyable ones.

My advice to you is to take a look at whatever is attracting you about Tantra. Look deeply, explore, and try. Take what resonates with you, and incorporate it into your being. Question what doesn't. See if your attitudes and beliefs are ready for a change. Take what works, then leave the rest. If the deities of a religion speak to you and you to them in a way that serves your path, great. If not, just stay with what does. This is the way you can move into the life of your choosing, made of what works for you - rather than what others have told you is and should be. Tantra, like everything else in life is a subjective experience.