Magia Sexualis: Sex, Magic, and Liberation in Modern Western Esotericism

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Sexuality and the occult arts have long been associated in the western imagination, but it was not until the nineteenth century that a large and sophisticated body of literature on sexual magic--the use of sex as a source of magical power--emerged. This book, the first history of western sexual magic as a modern spiritual tradition, places these practices in the context of the larger discourse surrounding sexuality in American and European society over the last 150 years to discover how sexual magic was transformed from a terrifying medieval nightmare of heresy and social subversion into a modern ideal of personal empowerment and social liberation. Focusing on a series of key figures including American spiritualist Paschal Beverly Randolph, Aleister Crowley, Julius Evola, Gerald Gardner, and Anton LaVey, Hugh Urban traces the emergence of sexual magic out of older western esoteric traditions including Gnosticism and Kabbalah, which were progressively fused with recently-discovered eastern traditions such as Hindu and Buddhist Tantra. His study gives remarkable new insight into sexuality in the modern era, specifically on issues such as the politics of birth control, the classification of sexual "deviance," debates over homosexuality and feminism, and the role of sexuality in our own new world of post-modern spirituality, consumer capitalism, and the Internet.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars

A Concise Work Interweaving Sex, Spirituality and Culture August 22, 2007
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

What is the connection between an early 19th century African American spiritualist, Paschal Beverly Randolph, and the workings of later individuals/groups such as Brotherhood of Luxor, A. Crowley, and the O.T.O.?

How have the ancient tantric teachings of south east asia morphed into the distinctly western practice of expensive weekend workshops discussing "neo-tantra"? What does this say about our collective views of sex, love, and spirituality in this culture?

This is a scholar's book, but the style is accessable, and sometimes witty. This book belongs on the shelf of anyone who is willing to think outside of the box and willing to look at this important topic.

4 out of 5 stars

Intelligent, academic, and very relavent March 6, 2007
3 out of 10 found this review helpful

Given how popular culture has begun to immerse itself in "alternative" spiritualities (I place most of my blame on Dan Brown, but shows like "Charmed" predate his work), it's nice to see someone approach this subject from an academic standpoint. Thankfully, Magia Sexualis doesn't read like a textbook, and his statements are sometimes laced with humor. Urban's overview on the relations among sex, the ethereal, and worldly liberation is both fascinating and informative... If all you know about Gnostic Christianity comes from "The DaVinci Code", you're in for a few surprises about their practices... (Don't get me wrong; Brown is an amazing author and I was just as addicted to "The DaVinci Code" as everyone else was/is)

5 out of 5 stars

Sophisticated Occult Critique July 16, 2008
Urban's literary and enjoyable survey of Sex Magick movements, with an emphasis on the Victorian era, is a great read. I especially enjoy his post-feminist critique of Wicca. I'm looking forward to reading more Urban in the future.

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