Magia Sexualis: Sex, Magic, and Liberation in Modern Western Esotericism | Date: 22 April 2011, 14:02
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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 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 of post-modern spirituality, consumer capitalism, and the Internet.
Summary: Fine History, Predictable Conclusions Rating: 4
In many respects I would have to consider this one of the better studies of the topic. Hugh Urban does a fine job in giving us an overview of the concepts and persons involved throughout the history of sex magick, and demonstrates clearly the timeless link between religion, social politics, and sex. Most certainly a worthy addition to the bookshelf for any with even a passing interest in the subject. My only complaints would be the heavy handed manner in which the book is used to vindicate exclusively left wing radical politics, and the relative lack of objectivity in leveling a fair critique of liberal impacts and failures. It seems obvious that the portraits painted are begging for such criticism, but instead we are treated to endorsement of some fairly questionable views. But perhaps I protest too much. If the reader bears in mind that as an academic Professor Urban is predisposed to conclude the fashionably obvious (read: politically correct) rather than the critically sound, then the whole of this read is less frustrating and entirely worthwhile. For the historical expose I give 4.5 stars. For the shoddy conclusions, I give 1 star. Overall, because of its fearless treatment of such an obscure topic, I give the book 3.5 stars.
Summary: Sophisticated Occult Critique Rating: 5
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.
Summary: No sex please, we're penguins Rating: 4
This book looks at sex attitudes and practices in Western esoteric traditions, yoga, and aspects of tantra. Urban highlights and intermingles the issues of sex magic, liberation and transgression. The concept of sex magic he uses involves making a magical wish at the moment of climax in order to effect change in the external reality. Urban traces modern sex magic from Paschal Randolph (1825-1875) through Aleister Crowley, various occult groups, to neo-pagans and chaos magic. He notes that a number of practitioners were decidedly misogynist: Crowley, Theodor Reuss, Julius Evola and satanist Anton LaVey. Despite Randolph's high claims for sex magic, it did not help him. He had a severe accident, became alcoholic and suspicious that his wife was unfaithful, and at the age of 49 shot himself or was murdered. Urban concludes that late capitalism has made a fetish of sex, endowing it with mystical or magical qualities. He refers to Herbert Marcuse's concept of "repressive desublimation," whereby, under the promise of liberation of eros, people are enslaved to the consumer culture. Urban hopes that "a more equal, fair and free society" will restore a "magical" quality to sex. Sex magic is based on the idea that the moment of climax has great power. This key issue is not discussed by Urban. Especially for the male, the climax means a loss of vital energy, disorientation and powerlessness. It is called la petite mort for a reason. There is no hard evidence in the book that sex magic actually works. Life is not that simple.
Summary: A Concise Work Interweaving Sex, Spirituality and Culture Rating: 5
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.
Summary: Intelligent, academic, and very relavent Rating: 4
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)
Contents List of Illustrations vii Preface, Acknowledgments, and Apologies ix introduction Sex Magic, Modernity, and the Search for Liberation 1 1. the recurring nightmare, the elusive secret Historical and Imaginary Roots of Sex Magic in the Western Tradition 21 2. sex power is god power Paschal Beverly Randolph and the Birth of Sex Magic in Victorian America 55 3. the yoga of sex Tantra, Kama Sutra, and Other Exotic Imports from the Mysterious Orient 81 4. the beast with two backs Aleister Crowley and Sex Magick in Late Victorian England 109 5. the yoga of power Sex Magic, Tantra, and Fascism in Twentieth-Century Europe 140 6. the goddess and the great rite Sex Magic and Feminism in the Neo-Pagan Revival 162 7. the age of satan Satanic Sex and the Black Mass, from Fantasy to Reality 191 8. sexual chaos Chaos Magic, Cybersex, and Religion for a Postmodern Age 222 conclusion The Lessons of King Lamus: Religion, Sexuality, and Liberation in a “Post-Orgy” World 255 Notes 267 Selected Bibliography 317 Index 331 Preface, Acknowledgments, and Apologies Writing about Sex Magic; or, How to Ruin Your Academic Career and Your Sex Life All in One Go Sex is a thing of the soul; most people think it but a mere matter of earthly form and physical structure. . . . But its laws, offices, utilities and its deeper and diviner meanings are sealed books to all but about two in a million; yet they ought to have the attentive study of every rational human being, every aspirant to immortality beyond the grave. paschal beverly randolph, Eulis! The History of Love (1874) Sex is hardly ever just about sex. shirley maclaine When I first conceived the idea of writing a book on magia sexualis, or the tradition of sexual magic in the modern Western esotericism, I immediately encountered two very strong but completely opposite reactions. On one side, many friends and colleagues were naturally intr
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