The Encyclopedia of Sacred Sexuality : From Aphrodisiacs and Exstasy to Yoni Worship and Zap-Lam Yoga [Paperback]

Rufus C. Camphausen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1999

Revised and Expanded Edition of The Encyclopedia of Erotic Wisdom

This comprehensive reference book, lavishly illustrated and extensively cross-referenced, encompasses all eras and cultures in exploring the meaning of sexuality

• Updated and expanded with over 150 new or revised entries, along with a vast array of new color illustrations

• Contains the most recent scientific knowledge of the brain, mind, and body as it relates to the erotic and sexual

• An exceptional reference--including Internet resources--that explores the farthest reaches of this fascinating subject

• Over 25,000 copies of the first edition sold

This fully updated and expanded edition of The Encyclopedia of Erotic Wisdom contains more than 1,200 entries--150 of which are either new additions or were extensively revised for this edition--and a vast array of new illustrations, many in full color, from the author's recent travels to the Far East. The encyclopedia explains how to integrate body and mind, love and sexuality, and spiritual exercise and inner alchemical techniques in the practice of sacred sexuality. It also contains the most recent scientific knowledge of the brain, mind, and body as it relates to the erotic and sexual. Extensive cross references, quotations from sacred erotic scriptures, Internet resources, and 28 indexes to related topics within the book take the reader on an odyssey from almost any point of departure to the farthest reaches of this fascinating subject.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A highly readable, nicely illustrated, cross-referenced guide book."
(

Libido

)

"A treasure house of esoteric lore and delightful tidbits of erotica . . . well illustrated and intricately cross-referenced, it is a useful companion for the researcher, aficionado, dabbler, or just plain interested [beginner]."
(

The Journal of Divine Ecstasy

)

“An elegant, unsentimental, and extraordinary book. From photographs of African fertility dances to full tantrik instructions, from French phallic ancient stone monuments to a discussion of pheromones, this is the best of its kind I've seen. Highly recommended.”
(Yellow Silk )

“Aside from the erotic implications, sexual energy is the universe’s great rejuvenator, making this a good reference tool for intellectually inclined energy workers. It will also interest those who seriously study ancient goddess tradition. Consider displaying it strategically to boost sales of essential oils, incense, candles, and even jewelry (agate, jade, and amber are all considered aphrodisiacs).”
(Anna Jedrziewski, Retailing Insight, December 2011 )

About the Author

Rufus C. Camphausen has studied the religious and sociosexual mores of cultures throughout the world for more than 25 years. He is the author of The Yoni, The Divine Library, and most recently Return of the Tribal: A Celebration of Body Adornment. He lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Inner Traditions (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892817194
• ISBN-13: 978-0892817191
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,368,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great pictures; questionable research, October 8, 2004

By 

TammyJo Eckhart "TammyJo Eckhart" (Bloomington, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Sacred Sexuality : From Aphrodisiacs and Exstasy to Yoni Worship and Zap-Lam Yoga (Paperback)

There is one really good reason to get this book: the pictures. Almost 50% of the pages have coloar photographs of primarily Eastern art. However, pictures aside, Camphausen states his goals early in the book then does not see them through as well as he could. While there are many rare facts covered there are also very commonly known terms, deities, and objects included. Most terms do not have references so we can't tell where the information was found. The bibliography is done well but without references how can one truly do extra research? The index is completely worthless because it just lists things under general categories but not the pages they appear on; yes, the terms are alphabetically done but really, is putting a page number too much to ask? So if you want some great pictures, this is a good way to get them. Luckily the price is good just for the pictures themselves.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good General Reference, February 19, 2008

By 

Brahms Scholar (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Sacred Sexuality : From Aphrodisiacs and Exstasy to Yoni Worship and Zap-Lam Yoga (Paperback)

The previous reviewers are far to hard on this book. There are a lot of interesting facts and images here that you won't find all in one place anywhere else. I could easily spend an hour or more jumping around to the different cross references that are provided with each entry. Within each entry he points the reader to other entries within the book by placing a asterisk beside the word. This denotes that you can find the entry listed separately in another location. All entries are alphabetical so finding things is no problem at all. Do you know what a Shiela-na-gig is? Or, how the Taoists viewed female sexual secretions? You'll learn this and more if you get this book. The bibliography is quite extensive and you'll get many ideas from there. Make sure to place a little mark beside them, because there are so many references, you won't remember which one you liked. If you get this used, you can't go wrong!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book, January 4, 2009

By 

Colin A. McKenzie "colkenzie" (Kingston, Jamaica W.I.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Sacred Sexuality : From Aphrodisiacs and Exstasy to Yoni Worship and Zap-Lam Yoga (Paperback)

This is one of my favorite reference book on sexuality, hence its location on my desk in my study. Worth every second turning its pages!