Temple of Venus
A sanctuary for pleasure, sensuality & play
What if pleasure wasn't something to be earned, performed or ashamed of, but something you were simply allowed to inhabit?
Apply hereThe Sanctuary
An embodied, playful and intentional space for exploring sensuality, intimacy, connection and pleasure.
Inspired by the Goddess Aphrodite, symbol of love, beauty, desire and sensual pleasure, these gatherings invite us to reconnect with our bodies, our senses, each other, and the parts of ourselves that may have become muted by shame, conditioning or simply the busyness of modern life.
For thousands of years, across India, Greece, Rome and many pagan traditions, the sacred was intimately connected with the body, desire, fertility, beauty and Eros. Ancient temples were places of healing, ritual and offering.
Temple of Venus is a modern-day reimagining of that sanctuary.
The Priestess
Celeste
A real woman holds this space
Celeste is a modern-day Aphrodite worshipper and facilitator of sensual spaces. She realised her calling to serve the Temple many years ago, after becoming fascinated by the stories, myths and mysteries of temples long past.
In 2023 she embarked on a journey of discovery, experiencing Temples and sensual spaces across the world, from Cape Town to Thailand, Berlin, Bali, Amsterdam, Switzerland and France. It was there she encountered the Sensual Arts School and undertook their Trauma-Informed Temple Facilitation training.
As a Jungian-trained counsellor, Celeste weaves ritual, symbolism and archetype into her spaces, alongside plenty of play, fun and laughter. Safety is her priority. Her Temples are carefully curated and, where appropriate, invitation-only.
Eros without shame.
What to Expect
These evenings are themed, held and intentionally curated, creating an environment that is both safe and liberating. You might be invited into movement, sensory exploration, connection, playful interaction, ritual, conversation or other forms of embodied practice.
Consent is foundational.
Curiosity is encouraged.
Choice is always yours.
The Approach
My approach is trauma-informed, grounded in my training with the Sensual Arts School, and informed by a deep belief in the liberating power of pleasure.
For me, sensuality is not simply about sex.
Temple of Venus is an invitation to dismantle some of the stories we've inherited about what our bodies should look like, how pleasure should work, what intimacy should be, and who we are allowed to be.
Come curious.
Come exactly as you are.
Upcoming Temples
Temple of Venus
The Dyad
Pairs Edition
Friday 6 November · 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Cape Town · Address revealed upon registration
An evening for two people to step out of the everyday and into something a little more sensual, playful and unexpected. Come with a partner, lover, friend or someone you trust.
Temple of Venus
Monad
Solo Humans Open Night
Friday 11 December · 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Cape Town · Address revealed upon registration
The doors open to solo, curious adults of all sexualities, gender identities and relationship styles. A themed evening designed to take you out of your head and into your senses.
Make Your Nest
Bring a mattress, cushions and soft blankets to create your own soft place to land.
Complete the application form and Celeste will be in contact if an interview is needed.
FAQs
Is this Tantra?
Some of the practices may be inspired by Neo-Tantra and other embodied sensual traditions, but Temple of Venus is not a Tantric workshop or formal Tantra training. Think of it more as a pleasure playground and school for the senses: a place to learn, experience, explore and enjoy.
Is there nudity?
There may be some partial nudity, depending on the theme and the evening. Bottoms stay on. Nothing is ever compulsory, and every invitation comes with the freedom to say yes, no or not yet.
Do I have to participate in everything?
Absolutely not. Everything is an invitation. You can participate, observe, modify an exercise or simply take some time for yourself. Your no is always welcome.
What's the physical space like?
The exact location is revealed upon registration. Think of a lush, sensual and intentionally created space in Cape Town, with beautiful surroundings and magnificent views.
Can I come as an LGBTQIA+ person?
Absolutely. All sexualities, gender identities and relationship styles are welcome. Temple of Venus is a space for curiosity, openness and exploration without judgement.
Can I bring my partner?
Absolutely. You can choose to work exclusively with your partner throughout the evening, or explore some exercises independently. You are always in charge of what you share and with whom.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Temple of Venus is currently open to adults aged 25 to 55.
What if I have sexual trauma? Is this a safe space for me?
Temple spaces can bring up unexpected feelings, and all of them are welcome. The space is trauma-informed and consent-led, with a designated Angel present to support emotional safety throughout the evening. You are never expected to disclose personal history or explain your boundaries. Temple of Venus is not therapy, however. If you are currently experiencing acute or severe unresolved trauma, it may be more supportive to work with a qualified therapist before attending.
What if something triggers me, or my boundaries are crossed?
We curate a truly safer space, and we trust you to speak your boundaries. If something minor happens, name it to the person involved and call on the Angel on duty for grounding and support. If it is more serious, go straight to the Angel, who will support you and escalate to the Facilitator. Anyone who crosses a boundary may be asked to leave immediately and may not be welcomed back.
What kind of themes can I expect?
Every Temple has its own theme. We might explore your inner teenager, play with the idea of shame, celebrate your inner wild one, explore the senses or simply create space for more pleasure and connection. The themes are designed to be fun, playful and sometimes deliciously edgy.
Enter the Temple
This is an invitation-only space. Each guest is personally known, or gently screened.
Complete the application form and Celeste will be in contact if an interview is needed.
Apply to enter