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Physical effort: Medium Seated

Embraced by the Moon: a kneeling face-to-face embrace on his lap

Embraced by the Moon is a close, upright embrace on the bed. He kneels and sits back on his heels with his torso upright; she straddles his lap facing him, kneeling on the mattress on either side of his thighs, with her arms around his shoulders. Their chests touch and their faces are together, so kissing and eye contact come naturally. She sets the pace with small movements of her hips, and penetration is shallow.

Also known as: Kneeling lotus · Kneeling embrace · Kneeling lap embrace

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Illustration of Embraced by the Moon: A kneeling face-to-face embrace: he sits back on his heels and she straddles his lap on her knees, chest to chest, setting the pace.
Anatomy and biomechanics

He kneels on the bed and sits back on his heels, with the tops of his feet on the mattress and his torso upright. His arms wrap around her back, with one hand on her buttocks. She straddles his lap facing him: her knees rest on the mattress on either side of his thighs, her lower legs are folded back, and her torso is upright against his chest, with her arms around his shoulders. Vaginal penetration is shallow. She controls the rhythm by rocking or circling her hips, using her knees on the bed to lift slightly. Part of her weight rests on his thighs, and both partners' knees bear load. Eye contact, kissing and broad body contact are easy, and her pubis can rub against his.

Why this position works

Many couples like it for the closeness: you are wrapped around each other, face to face, and can kiss throughout. She sets the pace and can find the movement that suits her, and the pressure of her pubis against his lets some women add clitoral friction. The movements are short and slow rather than deep. Sensations vary, and for some couples the knees set the limit on how long it lasts.

Deep Intimacy Complete Rhythm Control Medium Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: she moves her hips in circles

In the same kneeling position, she swaps the up-and-down movement for slow circles of the hips, without leaving his chest.

She stops lifting on her knees and moves only her pelvis in circles, steadying herself on his shoulders. Penetration stays shallow and stable, and her pubis rubs continuously against his, which some women find adds clitoral stimulation.

  1. Get into the base position: he sits on his heels and she straddles his lap on her knees.
  2. She rests her hands on his shoulders to steady herself.
  3. Without rising, she traces slow circles with her hips.
  4. He holds her back and buttocks and follows the movement.

Variation 2: with a cushion between his buttocks and heels

He places a firm cushion between his buttocks and heels so his knees bend less; she stays astride on her knees.

The cushion raises his pelvis and reduces the bend in his knees and the pressure on the tops of his feet. She ends up slightly higher, so she may need to open her knees a little more or sit up taller to keep penetration. It helps if the base position bothers the knees.

  1. He kneels and places a firm cushion or a folded pillow on his heels.
  2. He sits on the cushion with his torso upright.
  3. She straddles his lap on her knees and adjusts how wide her knees are to the new height.
  4. Resume the rhythm of the base position, with her setting the pace.

Variation 3: he leans back on his hands

He lets go of the embrace and leans back slightly, hands on the bed behind him; she stays upright astride his lap.

As he leans back, the torsos separate and the angle of the pelvis changes: penetration is still shallow, but she has more room to rock her hips back and forth. The embrace is lost, though eye contact remains, and his hands take part of his weight.

  1. From the base position, he gradually lets go of the embrace.
  2. He leans back and places his hands on the bed behind his feet.
  3. She holds on to his shoulders or knees and keeps her torso upright.
  4. She rocks her hips back and forth at her own pace.

✓ Tips
  • Do it on a firm mattress or with a folded blanket under your knees to protect them.
  • She can take some weight on her own knees instead of sitting fully on his thighs; change position if his legs go numb or his knees hurt.
  • Keep the movements short and controlled: if she rises too high and comes down at an angle, the penis can bend.
  • Rocking the hips back and forth presses her pubis against his, which some women find adds clitoral stimulation.
  • Use lubricant if needed and a condom to protect against STIs.
  • Stop or change position if anything hurts.
Interaction type
Vaginal sex
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina; clitoris (rubbing against the pubis)
Main stimulation
Shallow vaginal penetration, face to face and kneeling, with her setting the pace; possible clitoral
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is fairly simple. The main demand is on the knees: if they bother either of you, use a soft surface or try variation 2.

Who controls the movement?

Mainly her. From his lap she can rock, circle or lift slightly on her knees; he accompanies her with his hands on her back and buttocks.

Is penetration deep?

No, it is usually shallow. The position favours closeness and short movements over depth.

Is it good for people with knee problems?

Not especially: both partners kneel. A cushion between his buttocks and heels (variation 2) and a soft surface help, but if the knees hurt, choose a seated position on a chair instead.

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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