Customer Reviews:
I Don't Believe It.......2007-01-10
I think this book is made up of a bunch of baloney. I don't believe a word of it. I think that way too much importance is placed on sex, to the point of being obsessed with it. It's about a bunch perverts, in my opinion. The author's interest and obsession with sex is not normal. It appears she thinks of nothing else in life, except sex, and who to have it with.
a complete sacred sex course.......2006-04-27
This book is a complete sacred sex course in itself. With lots of meditations, activities, and exercises, it is particularly suited for couples who want to open up to each other emotionally as well as physically.
Extremely, technically thorough.......2005-09-20
Very detailed oriented manual type of book but very informative as well. I recommend if serious about this subject!
Interesting, but be honest about whether this is appropos.......2001-12-27
This is a very interesting book to read. However, be aware that this is not a typical western sex-ed book. It is written from a 'foreign' background, and that is very apparant. The book is big and there is a lot there, not like many sex-ed books. There are scores of exercises. But honestly ask yourself (and your partner) if you are willing or desirous of trying a truly different method. If it's not something you WANT to try, then you might not end up liking this book at all, and so will just be out the purchase price, with no sexual benefits.
So ask yourself whether you want to try a new type of sexual practice, paradigm, or ontology. If you do, then this is an excellent book. If you don't, then it is too truly foreign for you to enjoy or benefit from.
A wonderful wedding gift........2000-07-10
I've given this book as a shower gift or wedding present many times, and the couples always get me aside and tell me how grateful they were for the book. The Art of Sexual Ecstasy is beautifully and elegantly written that you never have that embarrased feeling when sharing it becuase it reads nearly like peotry. The illustrations are lovely and tasteful, and the spiritual aspects are insighful and rich. I found the book to be personally inspirering as well. Thanks :-)
Book Description
HARNESS THE MOST POWERFUL ENERGIES YOU HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED
Unlock the powerful energies raised during the sex act and use them to manifest your deepest desires. During the sex act, your attention becomes focused into a "laser beam" of concentration. This power of concentrated thought is the foundation of all magical systems. Sex Magic's "secret" is that it's a tremendously powerful and easily learned way to consciously direct sexual energy and accomplish material and personal goals.
Male and female energies are often entirely different and it would be folly to deny this; but experience shows that female magicians can be particularly successful in using and developing Sex Magic. Consequently, this book is aimed at both male and female readers unlike more traditional teachings written for men.
Of all secret lore, Sex Magic has been reputed through the centuries to be the most dangerous. Today we know that this attitude was largely a reflection of the hostility held towards the flesh held by repressive religions. If we learn one thing from the shamanic cultures, it is the strong emphasis upon the role of the body in magic. Mind and Body are two facets of the One Thing in which Will, Imagination and Gnostic Trance are the three pillars of success. Contrary to the principles of Eastern Tantra, Western Sex Magic emphasizes the importance of actual orgasm, both male and female. Orgasm is the moment when the walls between consciousness and subconsciousness are sundered and direct access to the deeper levels of the psyche become possible, freeing up possible paranormal powers. Orgasm itself is sufficient to achieve gnostic trance provided that control is maintained and one does not simply lose consciousness, as most people do at the moment of ecstasy. Secrets Western Sex Magic teaches one of the oldest disciplines of this secret lore. It is a complete system of Sex Magic, in theory and practice - with exercises to develop related abilities for visualization, concentration, breath control, psychic energy arousal and flow along with full instructions on the projection of sexual energies for healing and manifestation, their use in Sigil Magic and the charging of Amulets & Talismans, Group Ritual, and the assumption of god-forms when working as a priestly couple, and the divine Chymical Marriage of ultimate union.
This book is also an introduction to the entire field of practical magic, using our natural interest and involvement in sexual pleasure to illustrate and develop magical abilities and techniques.
Customer Reviews:
excellent book.......2006-07-01
Another book on sex magic, well worth picking up. Frater U.D. avoids being pretentious and expresses the concepts behind sex magic in a clear and coherent manner.
I particularly liked the exercises he included, which he made very accessible. His use of references gives him another bonus in my book.
I also liked that he presented sections of sex magic for people who aren't heterosexual. It's strill relatively rare to see books that offer that for people who choose to live a different lifestyle. I only would've liked to have seen a more comprehensive section under kink.
A disappointment.......2005-12-18
the so called 'secrets' that are mentioned in this book have not been secrets for decades. the majority of the book is a history lesson about the OTO.
Tyson does a much better job on inner planes lovers and his techniques work but are very dangerous. see my review on Donald Tyson and Sexual Alchemy.
if you are truly interested in secrets of western sex magic, i would look further afield than this book.
Highly recommended.......2004-03-15
Frater U.:D.: has provided a practical guide to sex magick, one that's been long overdue in occult literature. A brief overview is given of the history of Tantra and the `Inner Alchemy' of Taoism in comparison to western sex magick, dispelling common worries and fears regarding this much misunderstood branch of the western magickal tradition. He comments on the tendency of certain types of authors to `try to tackle a subject about which they know little only because it sells well', while noting that others often tend to exhibit `a vein of arrogance which looks down on the readers and believes that they are not yet "mature" enough for "real" knowledge'. I fully share his opinion that `secrecy has its place during learning and practicing, but not among authors who claim a desire to convey knowledge out of an inner commitment' (pg xi). Fortunately, this excellent text avoids these pitfalls.
Finally, a book on sex magick clearly written for both men and women, removing the patriarchal bias common to most texts of this genre. 'Secrets of Western Sex Magic' is aimed at consensual adults of any sexual preference or orientation, be they gay, straight, or bisexual. Even going so far as to state that `there is no such thing as total heterosexuality, as there is no such thing as total homosexuality' (pg 162); while in principle I agree, I am certain this will be a point of contention amongst many readers. He suggests that the practitioner aim for the more balanced androgyne, as he says: `Without making needless distinctions, traditional attachments and moral codes are set aside in favor of `Do what thou Wilt'. For the sex mystic, sexuality is a holy expression of one's highest destiny anyway' (pg xii).
Frater U.: D.: does an excellent job laying the ground work and getting, or informing the magician the `right' state or frame of mind, noting that `...it is not necessary to become a perfected, fear-free being to practice sex magic. It is only necessary to face up one's own fears and inhibitions with brutal frankness. If magic shall actually lead to freedom, than it must be transpersonal freedom, optimum in breadth of choice, and not some predefined norm which once more degrades humanity and wants to impose some new straightjacket' (pg 16).
U.: D.: refers to western magick as `applied mythology', referencing many ideas found within chaos magick, noting that `it does not matter which of the models you choose so long as it convinces you personally.' Recommending that one should `become familiar with as many models as possible, because each system has its limits and flexibility is needed for magic' (pg 83), instead taking magickal theories and ideas as `mythical truths' rather than restrictive objective absolutes. Though he cautions that one `should not overdo the individuality of our own correspondences. It is useful to follow traditional correspondences for metals, numbers, colors, gems an deities because they have a certain consistency.' While commenting on the power of `traditional' symbols, because `to use them is to tune into the traditional `current' of these magical symbols, making it easier to work with other magicians from a common basis' (pg 80).
Briefly, he discusses various OTO factions and the higher grades involving sex magick, and how they've chosen to represent them. While also combining numerous practical techniques, beginning with the more basic meditative and silencing of the mind, some pranayama, sigil magick, invocation as well as some physical discipline, and even a few aphrodisiac recipes are given - all without dumbing it down, while still remaining `down to Earth'.
As little background as possible is given when it would sidetrack from the original topic at hand, and in place he instead provides relevant and specific references for further information; which, while being both concise and useful, can also be a little frustrating at times. Then again there is only so much space one can dedicate, and as much as it does cover there is no substitute for experience, as he notes `in many respects it had to remain incomplete. It is my opinion that material, fleshy experience should always be preferred to purely mystical speculations. Only when this has been mastered will sex mysticism make any sense, and only then can the symbols become alive and images turn into reality' (pg 217).
Above all this book is practical, easy to read, astonishingly direct and honest in its approach and language, not to mention beautifully illustrated. Techniques and variances are explained in detail and are well-written. It's a shame more of his works have not been translated into English, especially those referenced throughout the book, numerous articles, essays, etc., which are, as far as I know, only available in German. Highly recommended.
German Occult Sex Magic.......2003-09-01
First off, nowhere does it state that this book is about the Tantra. This book is German Occult Sex Magic at its finest and most practical. It is about magic, about using your sexual energy, releasing it, and bringing about changes.
I grew up reading the likes of Cavendish, Waite, and others, and, personally, I like this book. It's breathing exercises are fantastic, it's sigil magic is great. It's inspiring and never sets on my bookshelf for very long.
Pretty straight forward.......2003-08-25
I bought this since practical sigil magic was hard to find.
It has the extra specifics & extracurricular activities tied to german sex magic in kind of a handy guide.
I've used the techniques to gain results in doing magic and improving my life.
To those who see it as vile or "black, etc etc"....no duh. This ain't for you. This is not even for people interested in tantra. Sure, it glosses over the tantra subject, but tantra is only a means to an end here. Were here to do MAGIC. Look at your life and see just what kind of MAGIC you've created. Tough to accept, I know.
Anyways, it's a 4 star read since it worked for me. But most of the book's subject matter is extracurricular to the basic sex magic techniques available in practical sigil magic(or on the internet). I just wanted something in my possession.
Customer Reviews:
A deep, and involved book, covering everything in its field........1999-08-24
The book contains a wealth of information, and the prints are outsatnding. The world of Art series is a must for any true art student.
Average customer rating:
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Myth, Sexuality and Power: Images of Jupiter in Western Art (Archaeologia Transatlantica, 15)
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Customer Reviews:
Superb visual history of lingerie.......2007-05-06
I have the hardback edition of this book, and my eyes popped when I went to check the details of the hardback edition on Amazon. If I can credit what I read, the hardback is currently worth nearly a cool $1,000. I personally think that's waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much to pay, but _1000 Dessous_ is so good that it's well worth paying top dollar for.
I would have to respectfully disagree with the reviewer who downchecked the book because he felt it was too risque. Of course it's risque. What else, in all honesty, would you expect from Taschen, the world leader in publishing high-class erotica? Women's lingerie, by its nature and design, is erotic, as Mr. Neret makes plain in his text and his extensive selection of photos. In point of fact, he doesn't devote the whole book to just considering the eroticism of lingerie. The section titled "Lingerie and Eroticism" is actually the last of four major sections in the book; the others deal with visual depictions of lingerie in history, the cinema and advertising. The great majority of the illustrations are full-page (one does wish, though, that Taschen would have published the book in oversize format, so as to bring out more detail in the pictures) and the selection is both wide-ranging and comprehensive. There's not a great deal of text, admittedly, but every picture has a short but informative caption discussing its subject.
Highly recommended.
i loved it.......2004-07-14
great book. excellent pictures of all types of lingerie. a must for any lingerie or fetish designers.
A Lingerie Lover's Must Buy.......2001-10-05
If you like sexy lingerie, this book is a must-have.
1000 Dessous, interesting, but risque.......2001-08-08
This is an interesting book with lots of full color and contemporary depictions of historical lingerie, but tends to rely too heavily on the pornographic aspects of women's underwear, and includes many photos which are purely historical pornography and bear no connection to lingerie. Maybe I'm just a prudish American, but I expected more history, and maybe a little text.
A must have for lingerie lovers.......2000-06-14
This softcover book has very little text and lots of fantastic photographs which tell the history or timeline of women's lingerie.
Full of B&W and color photographs, illustrations, designs, ads, and glamour shots. A great gift for lingerie lovers.
Also see: 1000 Nudes; The Male Nude; 1000 Tattoos
Customer Reviews:
Pogo Files for Pogophiles: Retrospective on 50 years.........2007-03-12
Thank you! This is the greatest retrospective of Pogo I've ever seen, and Amazon went "above and beyond" to find it for me. Thank you!
Book Description
Back in print at last! From the author of Auntie Mame: the bawdy, bestselling, bountifully illustrated autobiography of an imaginary diva whose life is one hilarious mishap after another.
For Belle Poitrine, née Mayble Schlumpfert, all the world's a stage and she's the most important player on it. At once coy and coercive, with a name that means "beautiful bosom" in French, she claws her way from Striver's Row to the silver screen. Recalling Belle's career, which ranged from portraying Anne Boleyn in Oh, Henry to roles in both Sodom and its sequel Gomorrah (not to mention the classic Papaya Paradise), Little Me serves up copious quanitites of husbands, couture, and Pink Lady cocktails, with international adventures and a murder trial to boot.
A runaway bestseller that made its way to Broadway, starring Sid Caesar in 1962 and Martin Short in 1998, Little Me is now reprinted--with all of the 150 historic, hysterical photographs depicting the funniest scenes from Belle's sordid life, including cameo appearances by the author and Rosalind Russell. Considered a collector's item, the first edition of Little Me was like a performance in book form. Now this glittering spoof of celebrity is gloriously reincarnated for connoisseurs of all things chick and cheeky.
Customer Reviews:
Over the top funny.......2007-09-02
I discovered this book after the Auntie Mame duo and I couldn't stop laughing. It was an excellent combination of pseudo-memoir and wacky photographs that fit and enhanced the tale of Belle Poitrine (look up the French) perfectly. Her rise and decline was so familiar based on the autobioraphies of that time but with much more absurdity and hilarity. It seemed pretty outré even given the greater censorship strictures of that day.
A wonderful read.
A PAGE TURNER!.......2005-08-03
So Campy, so Fabulous, so hilarious. Could also be titled "memoirs of a woman who wanted to be a drag queen".
I had seen the stage play of the same name and laughed to the point of near incontinence. The book brings all of the memories back into the present state of mind. Thankyou so much for the pictures too.
Better Late Than Never.......2004-04-15
When it comes to the "classics" of gay/camp literature, I always seem to find myself behind the curve. My friends can praise and recommend a camp classic year after year and I just can't muster enough enthusiasm to read it. In fact, it wasn't until the early 1990s that I finally read the entire TALES OF THE CITY oeuvre - blasphemy in gay circles, and considerably beyond the heyday of 28 Barbary Lane. I guess I just need to come to the gay classics in my own time and can't be lead to them by other people's tributes, no matter how emphatic. Anyway, it was just yesterday that I finally read LITTLE ME by Patrick Dennis (circa 1961- making the book only slightly older than me): this, despite the fact that this novel was re-released and embraced by a third generation of gay men as recently as 1989. And I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it, laughing out loud on nearly every page - all the while asking myself why I didn't read this one sooner. Maybe then I could have appreciated and participated in some of the jokes and one-liners that were all the rage among my circle of friends back in the late 80s and early 90s. This is my punishment, I guess, for always feeling like I have to boycott the latest gay trend. On the bright side, reading LITTLE ME now has given me an opportunity to remember my old friends from that bitter-sweet period in gay history - many of whom are no longer with us. And finally, I can laugh along with them, even if only in spirit. For others out there like me who have not yet picked up a copy of LITTLE ME ... if you don't want to read it for yourself, read this one for your friends! And for the newest generation of gay/camp devotees, read this one together with YOUR circle of friends ... you'll be glad you did.
Patrick Dennis is a Comic Genius.......2004-03-31
My God - I don't even know where to begin on how great this book is - pure hilarity from start to finish. If you are familiar with the work of Patrick Dennis, than you're in for a real treat. If his writings are new to you, well, you're in for a crash course.
Written with perfect, tongue-in-cheek camp humor, the autobiography of Belle Poitrine is the perfect send-up of the best Hollywood autobiographies - hysterically self-absorbed, condescending and - best of all - full of absolutely hysterical photographs by the great Cris Alexander. Belle's rise to fame from her childhood black sheep status, mid-life trials and tribulations, countless marriages (most often ending in widowhood) and more are all represented - once you're under the spell of her life story, the book is impossible to put down. And, please, do not rush to find out the ending - it's utterly priceless, and worth the wait, but to get the full, hilarious effect, you have to read everything leading up to it.
Read at your own risk - if you do, you'll surely be telling everyone you know about it - the humor is most contagious, and you'll be compelled to share. Enjoy!!!
Brilliant, but not your Auntie Mame.......2004-03-04
Mr.Dennis had much more than a fertile mind, as this book will show to those already familiar with his characters from Auntie Mame. He was a genius of social satire.
This book is a must read, especially if you love rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches-to-rags-ect. stories. This book was much before it's time, but quite similar to every has-beens' autobiography of the 50's, and every lifetime movie or mini-series of recent history. Although a little wordy, it has several laugh-out-loud moments, and will leave a smile of absuridity on your face. The photos are worth a giggle, too.
Books:
- The BOOK OF VIRTUES VOLUME II OF AN AUDIO LIBRARY OF GREAT MORAL STORIES: An Audio Library of Great Moral Stories (Book Of Virtues Collection)
- The Border Men: A Novel (The Tennessee Frontier Trilogy #2)
- The Collected Writings Of Ambrose Bierce
- The Complete Ghost Stories of Charles Dickens
- The Devil and Miss Prym: A Novel of Temptation
- The Empire City: A Novel of New York City
- The Good Negress
- The Half-Empty Heart: A Supportive Guide to Breaking Free from Chronic Discontent
- The Hill of the Ravens
- The Ice Curtain
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Sexual Ecstasy: The Art of Orgasm
The Sexual Ecstasy Workbook
The Art of Sexual Magic
The Art of Everyday Ecstasy
Tantra: The Art of Conscious Loving
