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Sex Magicians

The Lives and Spiritual Practices of Paschal Beverly Randolph, Aleister Crowley, Jack Parsons, Marjorie Cameron, Anton LaVey, and Others

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Sex Magicians

By: Michael William West, Hannah Haddix - introduction
Narrated by: Andy Rick
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About this listen

 • Explores the background and sexual magical beliefs of Paschal Beverly Randolph, Ida Craddock, Aleister Crowley, Maria de Naglowska, Austin Osman Spare, Julius Evola, Franz Bardon, Jack Parsons, William S. Burroughs, Marjorie Cameron, Anton LaVey, and Genesis P-Orridge

• Details the life of each sex magician, how they came to uncover their occult practice, and, most importantly, how the practice of sex magic affected their lives

Offering a fascinating introduction to the occult practice of sex magic in the Western esoteric tradition, Michael William West explores its history from its reintroduction in the early 19th century via Paschal Beverly Randolph to the practices, influence, and figureheads of the 20th and 21st century such as Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan, and Genesis P-Orridge, founder of Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth.

Focusing on 12 influential sex magicians, some well-known and some who have remained in obscurity, West details the life of each sex magician and how the practice of sex magic affected their lives. He explains how most of the figures presented in the book used sex magic as a means rather than an end, utilizing their practice to enhance and enrich their life’s work, whether in the arts, sciences, or as a spiritual leader. He examines what is known about Paschal Beverly Randolph, the founding father of modern sex magic, explores the tragic and mystical life of Ida Craddock, and discusses, in depth, iconic figures like Aleister Crowley and Austin Osman Spare, who saw sex magic as a source of artistic power and is now seen as a prophet of the chaos magick movement. Other sex magicians explored deployed magic to drive themselves to the highest echelons of achievement: in literature, William S. Burroughs; in music, Genesis P-Orridge; and in science, Jack Parsons, who openly used magic while making unconventional breakthroughs in rocket science. The author also examines Maria de Naglowska, Julius Evola, Franz Bardon, Marjorie Cameron, and Anton Szandor LaVey.

While these sex magicians each followed a different spiritual path and had varying degrees of notoriety and infamy, one common thread emerges from looking at their interesting lives: utilizing magic to know thyself and change your reality is a journey that requires imagination, creativity, and self-awareness to the quest for enlightenment. Magic Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Witchcraft Magic Users

Critic reviews

“Sex Magicians is a very useable overview and an enticing introduction to the world of psychosexual theory and practice. De nitely a must-read for anyone interested in the mystery of mysteries: how primordial biological energy can be put to great and re ned creative use.”
"As a female-identifying practitioner, I’m fascinated by female identity and sex magic / eros in relationship to magic and gender, specifically female eroticism and occultism. I’m a student of my body in this way. Ecstatic personal rites and experiences are fascinating to me, as is the sovereign tantric path of sexual tantra and sacred sexuality. What struck me most in reading this book was the singular path each magician discovered, having developed their own lexicon, practice, and walked their own oft misunderstood path to illumination. Sex magic is a living tradition, as is magic, one that requires a certain diablesse and courage. Anyone who is interested in -- or practicing -- at any level-- will enjoy this benchmark book. West gives context, but the text also instigates in its own way an inner journey for the reader to contemplate what to take from the past, what to leave behind, and perhaps where their own sovereign journey will bring them."
All stars
Most relevant
Though the reading of the book leaves a lot to be desired, the content is excellent. Worth getting for the chapter on Genesis P. Orridge alone.

Good overview of the major practitioners

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Interesting overview of the key characters. I enjoyed how the author humanised a lot of these larger than life personalities with details & observations that aren’t often talked about. I almost skipped the chapter on LaVey with rolled eyes but it wasn’t out of place at all & makes you appreciate his role in the grander story.

Interesting overview of the key characters

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Amazing. It wonderfully span time bringing to the modern day. Highly Recommended.
Do Listen

Absolutely a brilliant perfect voice narration.

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The author provides an interesting overview of some of the key pioneers of western sex magick. Very good for those new to the subject. However the chapters are a little rambling and the key focus of sex magick is often under explored. If the book were simply an anthology of biographies this wouldn’t be a problem, but those seeking deeper insight into the title subject will be left wanting. The choice of subjects is excellent with the exception of Anton Lavey who was not a magician, contributed nothing of value and is completely out of place among the other biographies included.

One especially poor aspect is the narrator. The very poor pronunciation of names, places and foreign language quotations detracts from the overall quality of the content. Some names are unrecognisable for example. The consistent mispronunciation of common words (e.g. “bourgeois”) left me cringing.

Overall an interesting compendium of short biographies that should leave the listener wanting to learn more.

Accessible biographical introduction to key western sex magick pioneers

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