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Physical effort: Medium Inverted

Candle-style caress trio: legs raised, two partners at the sides

The Candle-style caress trio is a threesome without penetration in which one person receives the attention of two others. The receiving partner lies on their back in the middle, with a firm cushion under the hips and the legs raised towards the ceiling, like a candle. The other two kneel one on each side, facing the middle: each holds a leg or the hip with one hand and caresses with the other. Everything is done with the hands, and the partner in the middle can see both of the others at all times.

Also known as: Candle trio · Caress trio

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Illustration of Candle-style caress trio: A trio of caresses: the receiving partner lies on their back in the middle with legs raised like a candle, while the other two kneel on either side, holding the
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner lies on their back in the middle of the bed, with a firm cushion under the hips and the legs stretched upwards; shoulders, head and upper back rest on the mattress. One partner kneels on the left and the other on the right, both facing the person in the middle. Each holds a leg or the lower back with one hand, so the receiving partner does not have to hold their legs up unaided, and caresses the body with the other: chest, belly, inner thighs, vulva and clitoris. The two partners at the sides set the pace, and the receiving partner adjusts it with small hip movements or by guiding their hands. There is no penetration. Body contact is broad and the partner in the middle has eye contact with both. If the hips are lifted too high, the load falls on the receiving partner's lower back and neck, so let the cushion do the work.

Why this position works

Some people enjoy it because the partner in the middle can relax and simply receive, with four hands exploring different areas at once. Raised legs make the inner thighs and vulva very accessible, and the receiving partner can see both faces. For many threesomes it is a gentle way to start, without penetration and with time to talk. Sensations vary from person to person.

Deep Intimacy Sensory Exploration Maximized Clitoral Stimulation Medium Non-Penetrative Interaction

Variations of this position

Variation 1: both legs resting on one partner's shoulder

The receiving partner brings the legs together and rests them on the shoulder of one of the side partners, who holds them; the other has both hands free.

With the legs resting on a single shoulder, the receiving partner does not have to hold them up, and one of the other two can use both hands to caress. The hips stay on the cushion and the position is just as stable.

  1. Start in the basic position, with the receiving partner on their back and the cushion under the hips.
  2. One of the side partners moves a little closer to the hips.
  3. The receiving partner brings the legs together and rests them on that partner's shoulder, who wraps an arm around them.
  4. The other partner, hands free, caresses; swap sides whenever you like.

Variation 2: half candle, with the knees bent

Instead of stretching the legs towards the ceiling, the receiving partner bends the knees and lets them fall outwards, resting the feet on the other partners' thighs.

With the knees bent, the load on the lower back drops a lot and nobody needs to hold the legs, so both side partners have both hands free. It is the most comfortable option for long sessions or if the receiving partner finds it hard to keep the legs up.

  1. Start in the basic position.
  2. The receiving partner bends the knees and opens them to the sides.
  3. Each foot rests on the thigh of the partner on that side.
  4. The two side partners, with both hands free, keep caressing.

Variation 3: with a mirror at the foot of the bed

The same candle position, with a mirror at the foot of the bed so the receiving partner can watch what the other two partners' hands are doing.

The position does not change: only the mirror is added. Some people find watching arousing, and it helps to guide the others; the receiving partner can raise the head slightly on a pillow to see without straining the neck.

  1. Place a stable mirror at the foot of the bed, facing the receiving partner.
  2. The receiving partner lies down with the cushion under the hips and a pillow under the head.
  3. The other two kneel at the sides without blocking the view of the mirror.
  4. The receiving partner guides the caresses according to what they see.

✓ Tips
  • Agree beforehand on what each person does and does not want, and keep checking in during the threesome.
  • Use a firm cushion under the receiving partner's hips so the other two can hold the legs without effort; the hips should not be lifted by loading the neck.
  • Wash your hands and keep nails short; if you touch the anus, wash before going back to the vulva.
  • A little water-based lubricant makes caressing the vulva and clitoris more comfortable.
  • Coordinate: one partner can focus on the upper body while the other caresses the thighs and vulva, then swap.
  • Lower the legs and rest if the receiving partner gets tired, feels discomfort in the neck or back, or simply wants to stop.
Interaction type
Manual caresses and stimulation in a trio (two men and one woman), without penetration
Active anatomy
The two men's hands and fingers
Receptive anatomy
Her body and erogenous zones, including the vulva and clitoris
Main stimulation
Manual caresses of the whole body, including the vulva and clitoris, by two partners at once
Setups and participants
Trio · 3 people In a threesome

Frequently asked questions

What does “candle-style” mean?

That the receiving partner lies on their back with the legs raised vertically, like a candle. It is not a full shoulder stand: the hips rest on a cushion and the other two partners hold the legs.

Is there penetration?

No. It is a threesome of manual caresses. If you add other practices, agree on them beforehand and use condoms or barriers.

Do we need threesome experience?

No, but it is essential to agree on limits beforehand and to talk during the encounter so that everyone feels comfortable.

Is it physically demanding?

Not much, as long as the cushion and the other partners' hands support the legs. Without support, keeping the legs up quickly tires the lower back.

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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