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Physical effort: Medium Lateral

The Venus Mirror: side-lying face to face with one leg raised

The Venus Mirror is a face-to-face, side-lying position with one distinctive detail: the receiving partner raises her top leg straight up towards the ceiling, resting it beside her partner's shoulder. He lies on his side facing her, between her legs, and they hold each other close. Their faces stay together, so kissing and eye contact come naturally. Penetration is shallow and he sets the rhythm. It needs good hip and hamstring flexibility from her.

Also known as: Face-to-face side position with leg up · Side-lying with raised leg

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Illustration of The Venus Mirror: Side-lying and face to face: she lies on her side with her top leg raised straight up beside his shoulder, he lies facing her between her legs, and they can kis
Anatomy and biomechanics

Both partners lie on their sides facing each other. She is rolled slightly towards her back, with her lower leg stretched along the bed or floor and her top leg raised straight up, resting beside his shoulder. One arm goes around his neck. He lies on his side between her legs, with his lower leg stretched out under her leg, one arm hugging her back and the other hand on her buttock. Penetration comes from the front at a side angle and stays shallow, because the raised leg and the side-lying position limit how close the hips can get. He moves with short pelvic movements; she mainly holds the leg position. Eye contact, kissing and broad body contact are all possible.

Why this position works

Many couples like it for the closeness: faces together, kissing, arms wrapped around each other. The raised leg opens the hips and changes the feel of penetration compared with ordinary side-lying positions, and the movement is gentle rather than deep. For some, the rubbing of the pelvis can also be pleasant. Sensations vary from person to person, and the leg position will not be comfortable for everyone.

Deep Intimacy Difficult High Mobility Required Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: top leg bent over his shoulder

Same position, but she bends the knee of her raised leg and rests the calf over his shoulder instead of keeping it straight.

Bending the knee takes most of the stretch off the hamstrings and the hip, so it suits less flexible bodies or longer sessions. The hips can come a little closer, although penetration stays fairly shallow. Faces stay close enough to kiss.

  1. Lie on your sides facing each other, him between her legs.
  2. She lifts her top leg and bends the knee, resting the calf over his shoulder or upper arm.
  3. He keeps one arm around her back and enters slowly from the front.
  4. Move in short strokes; she can straighten the leg a little if she wants more stretch.

Variation 2: cushion under her hip

A firm cushion under her lower hip lifts her pelvis slightly while both stay face to face.

The cushion tilts her pelvis up a little, which lines the hips up better and takes some strain off the lower hip and waist. Holding the raised leg becomes easier, and he does not need to curve his back as much to reach her.

  1. Place a firm cushion or folded pillow under her lower hip.
  2. She lies on it on her side, slightly rolled towards her back, and raises her top leg.
  3. He lies facing her between her legs and adjusts his height to hers.
  4. Try a few slow strokes and move the cushion until the angle feels comfortable.

Variation 3: a hand on the clitoris

He moves the hand from her buttock to between their bodies, or she uses her own hand, to stroke the clitoris during penetration.

The posture does not change: one hand simply leaves the embrace and slides between the bodies. Because the raised leg leaves the vulva open, the clitoris is easy to reach. Many people find that clitoral touch matters more than penetration for pleasure, and here it can be added without losing the kissing and closeness.

  1. Get into the base position, face to face with her top leg raised.
  2. He moves the hand from her buttock to the front, between your bodies, or she uses her free hand.
  3. Stroke the clitoris gently, adjusting pressure and speed to what she asks for.
  4. Keep penetration slow so the hand does not lose its place.

✓ Tips
  • Warm up the hips and hamstrings first: the top leg goes straight up, which requires flexibility.
  • If the raised leg pulls or cramps, bend the knee or rest the leg on his shoulder instead of forcing it straight.
  • He should not put weight on her lower leg or pull the raised leg further than it goes on its own.
  • Put a pillow under her head and keep the movements short; the angle allows only shallow penetration, so do not force depth.
  • Use lubricant if needed, and a condom to protect against STIs and pregnancy.
  • Stop if her hip or the back of her thigh hurts.
Interaction type
Shallow vaginal penetration, side-lying and face to face
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina
Main stimulation
Shallow vaginal penetration, side-lying and face to face
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to be flexible?

Yes, she does: the top leg is raised straight up beside his shoulder, which stretches the hip and hamstrings. Bending the knee (variation 1) makes it much easier.

Is penetration deep?

No, it is shallow. The side-lying angle and the raised leg keep the hips apart; the appeal is closeness rather than depth.

Who controls the movement?

Mainly him, with small pelvic movements. She can help by drawing him in with the arm around his neck.

Is it suitable for people with reduced mobility?

Not in its basic form, because of the flexibility it requires. With the knee bent and a pillow under the hip it becomes gentler, but if raising the leg hurts, choose another side-lying position.

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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