He discusses the history of Western Sex Magick (WSM) early in the book, and I find his grasp of this history to be interesting and enlightening. Considering the great deal of obfuscation, ego trips, and other impediments to a clear transmission of knowledge in these areas, I find his work to be refreshing and practical. He is not elitist, didactic, or sectarian in his approach, and discusses difficult subjects such as the use of S&M in magick openly and honestly.
This is not a tour de force of all magick, nor is it intended to be. It is a good introduction to the use of erotic energy in magickal/spiritual practice from a primarily Western standpoint. Tantra and Taoist practices are mentioned as they relate to these practices, but are not the focus of the book. There is a nice glossary and a seven page Bibliography, in addition to the other resources mentioned throughout the text.
Someone with experience in other areas of magick seeking to add erotic energy to their current practices would find this book helpful. I don't know that I would consider this an entry-level book for magick in general. Having explored various practices for over 30 years, I find it difficult to approach these things as a complete beginner, although I am by no means an expert. My experiences tend to agree with his. I am comfortable with Kraig's ideas, and my "inner compass" leads me to trust him. I liked the book, and while I didn't agree with everything in it, found it to have a high proportion of useful information.
Of course, all the usual caveats apply. As with all powerful technologies, one must understand and respect one's tools in order to use them safely. (no humor intended)
Personally, I learned a lot about Sex Magick from this individual's research of the subject. The author helps dispel many of the rumors and much of the disinformation about the practice of sex magick. I did not read about the subject for many years, due to misinformation from an organization I formerly studied with (and the silly claims against Sex Magick, in the back of the original "Light of Egypt" books associated with that organization), so this subject is new to me--although "Sex" and "Magick" separately are quite familiar subjects.
Considering the fact that I have experienced some indoctrination against the practice of Sex Magick, I truly enjoyed the author's honest, helpful attempt to reveal the truth about Sex Magick and also give other perspectives (e.g., from various women involved in the practice), by including essays from other practitioners, instead of just espousing one theory or perspective on the subject.
I found the rituals to mostly follow the same, basic format, but the book is very interesting and very informative--especially, for a person just beginning to research this system of Magick. The book is well-illustrated, comprehensive and full of common sense applications of different styles of Sex Magick (including safe explanations and illustrations of S&M practices). It is obvious that the author made a great effort to fully explain the material, instead of leaving the safety of the reader in question.
Having previously studied much in the areas of; sex, magick, polyamorous relationships, etc., I had to give this book a good review and will also place it on my "Polyamory, "Open Relationships" & New Age Sexuality" Listmania list.
I also recommend this book to Thelemites.
Master a variety of powerful practices that heighten and amplify magickal energy raised during sexual activity, and discover how to use the energy to transform your magick and your life. This one-of-a-kind book is the first to clearly reveal the secrets of Western sex magick without relying on Tantric theory.
Straightforward and accessible, this illustrated guide to sex magick shows you how to take your magickal rituals and sexual abilities to amazing new levels.? Reveals for the first time the sexual secrets of the Kabalah dating back to the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem? Includes a summary and analysis of the rarest of Crowley's sex magick instructions: "IX? Emblems and Mode of Use"? Shares the powerful secrets of women's little-known erotic areas, including the AFE Zone and the U-Spot? Explores the outer thresholds of sex magick: sensory deprivation, bondage, and beyond
