Carl Llewellyn Weschcke

Carl Llewellyn Weschcke is noted for his association with the publication and dissemination of esoteric sexual philosophies, particularly the practice of coitus reservatus, also known as karezza. This practice involves sexual intercourse without male ejaculation, aiming to prolong pleasure and achieve higher states of consciousness or spiritual energy. The concept has roots in various traditions, including Hindu Tantra and Taoist sexual practices, and was popularized in the West by figures like Alice Stockham.

Weschcke's involvement likely centered on bringing these often controversial ideas to a wider audience through his publishing endeavors. The practice of karezza itself has a complex history, facing opposition from moral authorities and legal challenges, while also finding adherents within certain esoteric and spiritual communities. These groups explored the potential for sexual energy to be transmuted for spiritual growth or to enhance relational dynamics.

Karezza, a term coined by Alice Stockham derived from the Italian word for 'caress,' describes a form of sexual intercourse where the male partner refrains from ejaculation. This practice, also known as coitus reservatus or sexual continence, emphasizes mutual control and the expression of affection. Stockham proposed that by separating orgasm from ejaculation, individuals could prolong sexual pleasure, potentially leading to mystical ecstasy and fostering a sustained 'honeymoon period' in relationships. The technique was also seen as a form of birth control and was believed to allow for the body to recover more fully between sexual encounters, thus preserving sexual energy. Some interpretations extend these principles to masturbation, a practice distinct from partnered karezza.

The concept of controlling ejaculation and preserving sexual energy has found resonance within various Western esoteric traditions. Figures like Ida Craddock explored sex magick, with disciples developing practices like 'Dianism,' which involved sexual congress without climax, viewing the partner as a manifestation of a Holy Guardian Angel. While some Rosicrucian groups, such as AMORC, do not endorse occult sexual practices, others, like the Fraternitas Rosicruciana Antiqua (FRA) founded by Arnold Krumm-Heller, explicitly advocated for 'Immissio Membri Virile In Vaginae Sine Ejaculatio Seminis' – introducing the penis into the vagina without ejaculating semen. These practices often aimed at spiritual transformation, energy regeneration, and achieving heightened states of consciousness.

The practice of coitus reservatus and related concepts have a history marked by controversy and opposition. Alice Stockham faced legal challenges and was forced to cease teaching karezza in the United States, falling victim to the efforts of censors like Anthony Comstock. Similarly, Ida Craddock faced imprisonment for her writings on sexuality. The Oneida Community, an early proponent of male continence (a form of coitus reservatus), also faced scrutiny. Despite these challenges, the practice has been discussed and, with specific guidelines, even conditionally approved by some theologians within the Catholic Church, though with warnings against potential sinfulness if misused. This highlights the ongoing tension between societal norms and alternative sexual philosophies.