This book examines the history of sexuality as a sacramental act. In spite of our culture's recent sexual liberalisations sexual intimacy often remains unfulfilling. Georg Feuerstein instructs that the fulfilment we long for in our sex lives can only be attained once we have explored the spiritual depths of our erotic natures. Feuerstein delves into a wide variety of spiritual traditions--including Christianity Judaism goddess worship Taoism and Hinduism--in search of sacred truths regarding sexuality. He reveals that all of these great teachings share the hidden message that spirituality is in essence erotic and that sexuality is inherently spiritual. From the erotic cult of the Great Mother and the archaic ritual of heiros gamos (sacred marriage)to the institution of sacred prostitution and the erotic spirituality practiced in the mystery traditions Feuerstein offers a wealth of historical practices and perspectives that serve as the bases for a positive sexual spirituality suited to our contemporary needs. · Examines sacred sexuality in the world's religious and mystery traditions · Explores contemporary sexual stress syndrome resulting from the absence of the sacred in sexual practice · Reveals how to find the sacred in the ordinary · New edition of J P Tarcher title