Sex, Magick and Spirit:  Enlightenment Through Ecstasy Bonnie L. Johnson Peter L. Schuerman Llewellyn Publications 1998

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"Sex is a potent method for directing and releasing magical energies.  The sexual act unites the polarities that exist within us to create a strong of energy which can be used to transform consciousness."
—from Sex, Magick and Spirit

Sex, Magick and Spirit is a practical guide for those who want to explore the ancient mysteries of Sacred Sexuality.  Combining their knowledge and experience of Eastern Tantra and Western sex magic, Johnson and Schuerman offer easy to follow methods and techniques designed to explore the esoteric aspects of sexuality.  The book is written in a clear, precise language, including illustrations that demonstrate the various positions and exercises that make it even easier to understand.   With its simplistic manner and the wealth of information within, it has much to offer both novice and experienced practitioner alike.  Anyone interested in exploring the sacred nature of sexuality will find this book a useful and inspiring resource.

"Sacred sex is a celebration of many things, but it is not merely celebratory. It is also a means of practicing magic, of transforming your consciousness in positive ways."
—from Sex, Magick and Spirit

Inside, the authors describe how to arouse the powers within in order to reach new levels of consciousness, how to heighten sensuality and intimacy between you and your partner "including hands-on techniques for experiencing union with one's partner and with the Divine on all levels" and how to achieve personal transformation by harnessing the mystical powers of sex magick.

The book continues to delve deeper into the mysteries to describe the collective unconsciousness (Divine Consciousness) and the four main Paleolithic and Neolithic Archetypes for Relationships, explaining how they relate directly with aspects of ourselves.  Many other topics include the seven energy centers (Chakras) and how to charge and balance the energies and polarities within ourselves, yoga exercises, massage, Kegel (or sex) exercises, breathing, meditation and visualization.   It candidly explains different aspects of sexuality and relationships like masturbation, prolonging arousal, breathing and orgasm, the energetics of sex, sexual ethics, oral and anal sex, tuning into your partner sexually, and the Sexuality Rituals such as Sacred Marriage and Sacred Prostitution.

"There were two primary types of sacred prostitution: one-time prostitution, and long-term devotion to the goddess. One-time prostitution was an initiation rite for women, in which a girl, upon reaching puberty, would go to the temple of the goddess and sit outside, waiting for a stranger to make an offering to the goddess and then to deflower her."
—from Sex, Magick and Spirit

Sex, Magic and Spirit is not only for those who practice Wicca, Yoga, Tantra or other Sacred Sexualities.  It is designed for those interested in experiencing greater intimacy, unity, balance, and metaphysical enlightenment with your partner and within yourself.  I liked the fact that it included recommended reading by the authors at the end of the book on various topics pertaining to Sacred Sexuality.

I personally found Sex, Magic and Spirit informative, well-written, enlightening and fascinating to read.  My partner and I enjoyed experimenting with the various techniques described in the book.  We both found the experience heightened our sensitivity to each other's bodies and sexuality as well as gaining a deeper personal understanding of ourselves.  I felt a greater connection to my partner on a deeper spiritual plane both in and out of bed.  I highly recommend this book for couples, groups or individuals who wish to delve deeper into their own sexual mysteries and awaken the God(dess) within.

To find out more about this fascinating subject or for ordering information on Sex, Magick and Spirit, please visit Bonnie L. Johnston's webpage on Sacred Sexuality  (click on the image of the book).