The Secret History of Western Sexual Mysticism: Sacred Practices and Spiritual Marriage
- ISBN-10
- 1594779864
- ISBN-13
- 9781594779862
- Category
- Body, Mind & Spirit
- Pages
- 176
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2008-03-25
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Author
- Arthur Versluis
Description
The first book to reveal the history of Western sexual mysticism • Reveals the secret sexual practices that have been used since ancient Greece to achieve mystical union with God • Details the sects and individuals who transmitted the radical sexual practices that orthodox Christianity never completely silenced • Distinguishes between sexual magic and sexual mysticism Beginning with the ancient Greek Mystery traditions, Gnosticism, and the practices in early Christianity, Arthur Versluis uncovers the secret line of Western sexual mysticism that, like the Tantra of the East, seeks transcendence or union with God through sexual practices. Throughout antiquity, and right into the present day, sexuality has played an important, if largely hidden, role in religious traditions and practices. This includes not only Christian but also kabbalistic and hermetic alchemical currents of sexual mysticism, many discussed together here for the first time. In the Mystery tradition of hieros gamos (sacred marriage) and the Gnostic tradition of spiritual marriage, we see the possibility of divine union in which sexual union is the principal sign or symbol. Key to these practices is the inner or archetypal union of above and below, the intermingling of the revelatory divine world with the mundane earthly one. Versluis shows that these secret currents of sexual mysticism helped fuel the rise of the troubadours and their erotic doctrine, the esoteric teachings of Jacob Böhme in the late 16th century, the 19th-century utopian communities of John Humphrey Noyes and Thomas Lake Harris, the free love movement of the 20th century, and the modern writings of Denis de Rougemont and Alan Watts.
Get the book
Similar books
-
The Light Of Conscience: How A Simple Act Can Change Your Life
By Bill ShoreDuring our ride, they discussed MTV's rumor that 'N Sync star Justin Timberlake had assaulted a female fan. Mollie has been to two 'N Sync concerts, ...
-
Llewellyn's 2022 Sabbats Almanac: Samhain 2021 to Mabon 2022
By Natalie Zaman, Tess Whitehurst, LupaAround Mabon, you may start to notice frost forming on the ground ... or quality of yourself you'd like to strengthen and incorporate it into a ritual.
-
Healing Thoughts: Workable Views for Healing and Inspiration
By Marjorie Daun Timberlake-LintonIt is the living Spirit of God. In Healing Thoughts, author Marjorie Daun Timberlake-Linton shares that when there is a conscious realization of the presence and power of God within, we can handle any situation that confronts us.
-
Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow: 12 Simple Principles
By Karen CaseyFinding happiness, peace, and purpose really can be as simple as changing our minds. This little book will show you how. “Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow tells the truth and tells it well.
-
La promesa de un nuevo día: meditaciones diarias
By Karen Casey, Martha VanceburgEn esta exquisita recopilacion, las palabras de Virginia Woolf, Joan Baez o Carlos Castaneda vienen acompanadas de reflexiones profundas y enriquecedoras. Cada pagina sera un rayo de luz y un oasis de serenidad para tu nuevo dia.
-
Oggi è un nuovo giorno. Meditazioni giorno per giorno per donne che vivono momenti difficili
By Karen CaseyOggi è un nuovo giorno. Meditazioni giorno per giorno per donne che vivono momenti difficili
-
Sunken Realms: A Survey of Underwater Ruins Around the World
By Karen MuttonRobson proposes to present the relics to the British museum at London upon his return to Liverpool.” Investigations into this story by journalist N.L Hills revealed that it is unlikely that this story was a hoax as there really had been ...
-
Marvels & Mysteries of the Unexplained: An Imagination-Defying Exploration of our World's Strangest Secrets
By Karen FarringtonGuy Gibson wasa different brandof celebrity. He came to prominence during the Second World War, after leading the 1943 raid againsttwo hydroelectric dams in industrial Germany, using speciallydesigned bouncing bombs.
-
Judy Hall's Complete Crystal Workshop
By Judy HallJudy Hall's Complete Crystal Workshop is interactive, practical, and includes a step-by-step learning program to guide you toward the profound wisdom within crystal lore.
-
Crystal Skulls: Ancient Tools for Peace, Knowledge, and Enlightenment
By Judy HallIn this book, best-selling occultist and crystal expert Judy Hall provides a basic primer on crystal skulls: What they are Where they are found Their role in legend and lore around the world Their uses for physical and psychic healing Also ...