When it comes to understanding our desires and discovering what turns us on, our sexual “wiring” plays a large role. The Erotic Blueprint model, created by somatic sexologist Jaiya Ma, explores these different “wiring types” in a way that is designed to help us understand our own unique turn-ons. Understanding your Erotic Blueprint can be a powerful step toward sexual self-discovery, more fulfilling relationships, and a deeper appreciation for your sexual self.
In this blog, we’ll explore what an Erotic Blueprint is, the five types of blueprints, and practical ways to discover yours. So, if you’ve ever wondered why you’re drawn to certain experiences or why your turn-ons seem to differ from those of your partner, read on!
What is an Erotic Blueprint?
An Erotic Blueprint is a model designed to help people understand their personal “sexual wiring,” including how they experience arousal, intimacy, and pleasure. Similar to love languages, Erotic Blueprints aim to categorise people’s turn-ons and comfort zones so they can better understand themselves and their partners.
Our Erotic Blueprint can influence many areas of our intimate lives, including what we like, how we communicate desire, and what helps us feel connected. Importantly, each blueprint brings with it unique turn-ons, challenges, and even “shadow sides” that can impact how we navigate our sexual lives.
Learning What Turns You On
When it comes to understanding our own turn-ons, society tends to send us mixed messages. We’re often told that certain desires or fantasies are more “normal” than others, but in reality, human sexuality is rich and diverse. Understanding what genuinely excites and arouses you begins with tuning into your own body, desires, and boundaries without judgement.
One of the most effective ways to start understanding what turns you on is to explore your body’s reactions. Notice what happens when you’re reading a scene in a romance novel, watching a movie, or even when certain sounds or scents are present. These subtle cues can reveal the kinds of experiences that stimulate your senses, emotional responses, or desires.
To take it a step further, you can use the Erotic Blueprint model as a tool for self-discovery. By identifying your dominant Erotic Blueprint, you gain insight into the sensory, emotional, and even psychological elements that bring you the most pleasure.
Understanding Your Sexual Wiring: The Five Erotic Blueprints
The Erotic Blueprints recognize five primary types: Sensual, Sexual, Energetic, Kinky, and Shapeshifter. While everyone has elements of each type, most people have one or two dominant blueprints that shape their primary turn-ons. Here’s a look at each blueprint type, along with ways to discover your own.
- The Sensual Blueprint
For Sensual types, pleasure is often about engaging the senses. They find deep satisfaction in touch, taste, sound, smell, and visual beauty. A Sensual person might be aroused by candle-lit baths, gentle massages, soft music, or the warm embrace of silk sheets.
Signs You Might Be a Sensual Type:
- You are turned on by sensory experiences like scents, textures, or sounds.
- You tend to enjoy long, luxurious foreplay.
- You’re drawn to comfort and ambiance, like dim lighting or soft bedding.
Challenges for Sensual Types:
Sensuals can easily get “stuck in their heads” and distracted by physical discomfort, mess, or stress, which can pull them out of the moment.
- The Sexual Blueprint
Sexual types are all about the primal, straightforward aspects of sex. They’re often aroused by visual stimulation, nudity, and direct sexual acts. Sexuals find satisfaction in simplicity; they don’t need elaborate set-ups to feel turned on.
Signs You Might Be a Sexual Type:
- You’re aroused by clear visual cues or physical stimulation.
- You find straightforward acts of sex arousing and don’t feel the need for extensive buildup.
- You tend to crave a consistent sexual experience, like specific acts or routines.
Challenges for Sexual Types:
Sexuals can sometimes feel unfulfilled if their partner doesn’t have a similar blueprint, which can lead to misunderstandings if there’s a mismatch in desire.
- The Energetic Blueprint
Energetic types experience arousal through anticipation, mental connection, and the thrill of “energetic play.” They might enjoy teasing, eye contact, and the feeling of sexual energy building over time, even without physical contact.
Signs You Might Be an Energetic Type:
- You’re aroused by anticipation, subtle touches, or even just eye contact.
- You find yourself excited by the energetic “vibe” between you and a partner.
- You might enjoy spiritual or meditative experiences that heighten your connection to intimacy.
Challenges for Energetic Types:
Energetics can feel overstimulated or even “turned off” by too much physical touch too quickly, as they prefer a slow and gentle buildup.
- The Kinky Blueprint
Kinky types find excitement in exploring taboos, power dynamics, or any form of play that feels “outside the norm.” For some, it’s about control or surrender, while for others, it’s about physical sensations like impact play or sensory deprivation.
Signs You Might Be a Kinky Type:
- You’re excited by exploration of taboo or unconventional experiences.
- You might feel turned on by power play or the concept of surrender.
- You’re curious about diverse sensations, textures, or intensity.
Challenges for Kinky Types:
Some people feel shame around kinky desires due to societal stigmas, so it’s essential for Kinkys to embrace their interests without self-judgement.
- The Shapeshifter Blueprint
Shapeshifters are the chameleons of the Erotic Blueprint model. They embody all blueprints to varying degrees, which allows them to adapt to different situations and desires. Shapeshifters tend to crave variety and depth, often enjoying the elements of multiple blueprints in a single experience.
Signs You Might Be a Shapeshifter Type:
- You enjoy multiple forms of arousal, from sensual massages to kinky play and energetic exchanges.
- You crave variety and enjoy experimenting with different types of sexual experiences.
- You find yourself adapting to your partner’s preferences while still finding enjoyment.
Challenges for Shapeshifters:
Shapeshifters can feel unfulfilled if they aren’t fully expressing their complex range of desires, and they may feel limited by partners who prefer only one or two blueprints.
How to Discover Your Erotic Blueprint
Identifying your primary Erotic Blueprint can take some self-reflection, exploration, and open-mindedness. Here are a few steps to help you uncover your blueprint and make the most of this self-discovery:
Self-Assessment: Reflect on what you find most arousing. Do you feel more drawn to physical sensations, fantasies, anticipation, or diversity in your sexual experiences? You might find it helpful to journal about different intimate encounters and note what aspects excited you the most.
The Erotic Blueprint Quiz: Jaiya Ma’s Erotic Blueprint Quiz is designed to give you a personalised breakdown of your blueprint. The quiz provides a starting point for further exploration and can reveal insights about how different blueprints resonate with you.
Explore with a Partner: If you’re in a relationship, talking with your partner about blueprints can deepen your connection and understanding. You might even try experimenting with different types of play to see which blueprints resonate with you both.
Experiment and Stay Curious: Remember, the Erotic Blueprint is a guide, not a label. Your blueprint may shift over time, and exploring different aspects of your sexuality can lead to unexpected insights.
Embracing Your Blueprint for a More Fulfilled Sex Life
Understanding your Erotic Blueprint is a powerful step in embracing your unique sexual wiring, desires, and needs. By exploring what really turns you on, you’re cultivating a more connected and self-aware approach to intimacy. And if you have a partner, this understanding can lead to a more empathetic and satisfying sexual relationship, where both of you feel seen, understood, and appreciated.
Sexual self-awareness is a journey, not a destination. As you continue to learn about yourself and your blueprint, you’re taking steps toward a more fulfilling, authentic, and joyful sex life. Whether you’re Sensual, Sexual, Energetic, Kinky, or a Shapeshifter, knowing your Erotic Blueprint empowers you to embrace your sexual identity and create meaningful, satisfying connections.