Perhaps you might be aroused and evoke that ancient Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia? Or mayhap find heated inspiration via the traditional date to share tokens of romantic love with those who have fired your passions? As if one needed a special day to responsibly partake of the sensual joys that nature offers. Yet, here we are, so joyously indulge!
Despite the vicissitudes plaguing human societies on a global level, Lust has not been banished. Its pursuit has always required inventive means for expression. It is well known that many of our technological advances have been driven by individuals seeking to expand their means for erotic fulfillment. So, whether mediated by electronic technologies or in vivid personal encounters, keep it safe, creative, and consensual, dear fellow intrepid sybarites.
Claude Debussy (1862–1918) wrote his sensual Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune in 1894, inspired by the poem of symbolist Stéphane Mallarmé. It is considered a turning point in Western classical music and the dawn of the impressionist school of musical composition. As Debussy wrote of his tone poem, “it is a very free illustration of Mallarmé’s beautiful poem. By no means does it claim to be a synthesis of it. Rather there is a succession of scenes through which pass the desires and dreams of the faun in the heat of the afternoon. Then, tired of pursuing the timorous flight of nymphs and naiads, he succumbs to intoxicating sleep, in which he can finally realize his dreams of possession in universal Nature.”
At eleven and a half minutes in duration, I invite you to dream along with our mythical faun, embracing the concupiscence of this holiday. Please follow this link for a performance played by the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra with Clara Andrada de la Calle, as flute soloist, Maestro Alain Altinoglu, conducts.
May all you horny, life-loving devils enjoy a lust-filled day—as well as a musk-filled night—with your exciting, eager, and enthusiastic partners! And, never underestimate the exultant experience of self-love, should you embrace that option for fulfilling gratification.
—Magus Peter H. Gilmore
The delightfully erotic painting excerpted above, and given a sepia tint for a feeling of antiquity, is:
Satyr and Nymph, by Gerard van Honthorst (1623).
Follow this link to see the entire painting, and downloadable image files are there for your pleasure!
