Goddess Pose: seated position with her sideways on his lap
Goddess Pose is a seated position on the floor: he sits with his legs stretched out and she sits sideways across his lap, her side and back against his chest, with her knees bent together to one side. He wraps his arms around her, and by turning their heads they can look at each other and kiss.
Also known as: The Goddess · Criss cross
Anatomy and biomechanics
He sits on the floor with both legs stretched straight out in front and his torso upright, without a backrest. She sits sideways across his lap, her body at right angles to his, so that her side and part of her back rest against his chest. Her knees are bent and held together, with both feet on the floor beside his thigh, and she places one hand on the floor for balance. He holds her waist and hip with both hands and helps guide her movement. Because she is sideways, her range of movement is small: the rhythm is shared, with short rocking movements rather than big up-and-down strokes. Penetration is medium in depth. His lower back works to keep him upright, and her weight rests on his thighs.
Why this position works
Some couples enjoy it for the closeness: he holds her in a sideways embrace, and turning their heads lets them look at each other and kiss. The movement is slow and rocking, which suits unhurried sex. The sideways angle is different from most seated positions, and some women find it pleasant; how it feels varies from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: she turns her torso towards him
Same sideways seat on his lap, but she turns her shoulders towards him and puts an arm around his neck, bringing their faces closer.
Her hips and legs stay sideways, but her torso twists towards him and one arm rests around his neck instead of on the floor. Kissing and eye contact become easier; balance depends more on his arms, so movements become smaller.
- Start in the basic position, she sideways on his lap.
- She turns her shoulders towards him and puts one arm around his neck.
- He holds her back and hip firmly with his arms.
- Rock gently while you kiss.
Variation 2: slow circles with her hips
Same position, but instead of rocking back and forth she moves her hips in slow, small circles while he guides her waist.
The posture does not change; only the movement does. Small circles keep the penis inside without long strokes, which suits the short range of the sideways position and reduces the risk of it slipping out.
- Settle into the basic position, her hand on the floor for balance.
- She draws slow, small circles with her hips.
- He follows the movement with his hands on her waist.
- Adjust speed and pressure by telling each other what you like.
Variation 3: he leans his back against a wall or sofa
Same position, but he sits with his back against a wall, the base of a sofa or the headboard, so his lower back is supported.
The only change is a backrest for him. His lower back no longer has to hold him upright, so he can stay longer and use both arms to hold and guide her. She can lean a little more into his chest.
- He sits on the floor or bed with his back against a wall, sofa or headboard, legs stretched out.
- A cushion behind his lower back adds comfort.
- She sits sideways across his lap as in the basic position.
- Rock slowly; he can now use both hands freely.
✓ Tips
- Sit on a soft rug or mat; if his lower back tires, he can lean against a wall, sofa or headboard.
- She should not let all her weight drop onto his thighs: the hand on the floor and her feet share the load.
- Keep the movements short and controlled: the sideways angle means the penis can bend if it slips out.
- If he feels pain or hears a crack, stop immediately and seek medical help.
- Use lubricant, and a condom if you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship with tested partners.
- His hand on her hip can slide round to caress her clitoris.
- Stop if there is pain.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Seated vaginal penetration, with her sideways on his lap
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina
- Main stimulation
- Medium-depth vaginal penetration at a sideways angle
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is it face to face?
Not exactly. She sits sideways, at right angles to him, with her side against his chest. They can see each other and kiss by turning their heads.
Who controls the movement?
It is shared: she rocks her hips, and he guides her waist with his hands. The range of movement is small.
Is it tiring?
Moderately. His lower back works because he has no backrest, and her weight rests on his thighs. Leaning his back against a wall makes it easier.
Is it possible without penetration?
Yes. The same sideways embrace allows manual stimulation of the clitoris or penis.
Safety and evidence
Scientific context for common terms used on this page. Keeping these terms makes the content easier to understand; the sources clarify what is established and what remains uncertain.
G-spot: what the evidence says
“G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not established a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary between individuals.
A-spot / AFE zone: limited evidence
The “A-spot” or AFE zone has been proposed to describe a deeper area of the anterior vaginal wall. Available evidence is limited and does not support presenting it as a confirmed anatomical structure.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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