Sex Magic, Tantra & Tarot: The Way of the Secret Lover

by Christopher S. Hyatt, Lon Milo DuQuette, David Cherubim (Contributor)

This book offers the student of Western Tantra the knowledge and inner truth that has been hidden from us since conception. This is a new and expanded edition wherein you will find a wealth of practical and passionate Tantric techniques utilizing the archetypal images of the Tarot. Nothing is held back. All of the methods are explicit and clearly described.

"Each of us has a Guardian Angel—a companion and lover who waits just behind the images that flood our minds during sleep or reverie. A protector and guide who disguises as the individual with whom we fall in love; an ideal lover who has adored us since the beginning of our individual existence and who will never abandon us until the instant we merge our being into Absolute Godhead."

Genres: Tarot, Occult, Magick, Sexuality, Nonfiction, Divination, Magic

158 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1991

About the author

Christopher Hyatt was an American occultist, author, and founder of the Extreme Individual Institute (EII).Using his birth name, Alan Ronald Miller, he has served as president of New Falcon Publications.

Reviews

[Chaeya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book, especially if you are on the Em Path. I bought this from Amazon where some clown had given it a low rating because there was little about sex in it. That is the problem I've had with tantra all along is watching the porn industry and skeezes turn it into some cheap thrill. This book is about mentally preparing yourself for the relationship with your Secret Lover. This requires a great deal of personal work and in-depth meditation. I do agree with others that the ritual itself is quite complex, time-consuming, and a bit over-the-top for these times. I asked my Guides if I could rewrite some of the ritual to suite my own needs as I have my own deities I like to work with. I believe a person should be able to do this, neither do I believe you need to wait until your birthday or conception date to do it. If you are ernest and are looking to establishing a relationship, you should be able to pick your own starting date. I've always reworked rituals to suite my comfort zone. After all, you are the one establishing a relationship with your inner lover, so it's important that you be comfortable and work with those spirits and deities that you are comfortable with.

[JHM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book, but I suspect that to truly appreciate it you need to have a background in hermetic magic and an understanding of the concept of the Holy Guardian Angel as understood in Thelema (the latter of which I can not claim to have). In order to carry out the central ritual -- an elaborate working involving sex magic (either as part of a heterosexual couple, homosexual couple, or solo) -- you need to be committed enough to do some serious prep work and allow at least a year for the full effects to radiate out into your life. It's a book for advanced magicians -- or those who aspire to become so.

This book will not provide readers with "magical" tips for enhancing lovemaking, teach how to cast spells using sexual ritual, or other popular topics.

I have no idea why the word "Tantra" in the title. This book does not teach Tantra, nor does it seem to draw on it in a meaningful way, so unless I missed something significant. I'm surprised that respected authors like these seem to have used it as a buzz word to garner attention. (I can't think of any other reason to put it in the title unless to show up in search engine listings.)

The final chapter, "Sexual Magic: A Chaos Perspective" provided some intriguing food for thought about the importance of escaping from the psychological traps which can plague and undermine our personal development, especially in the area of relationships.

[Drew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Arguably the worst book ever written by either Hyatt or DuQuette. Hyatt's edgelord schtick didn't age well in this book and the practical works that are offered here are not that compelling and/or can found in other better books.

[Valenfore Alestreneon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unique. Like most books on the subject, it's a workbook and not just one you read.

[m · Rating 4 out of 5]

short, interesting read. Talks about a once in a lifetime ritual to speak with your Holy Guardian Angel. Would come to love back to this when I’m ready to actually do the ritual

[Jean-Pierre Vidrine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very informative book that is really only a little about Tarot. Beyond that, there is quite a bit about Eastern thought, quite a lot of which goes over my head. Where the book really wins out is in talking about sex magic. The writers show a great strength in describing the explicit without being salacious.

[Keteriya Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly the same as

The Ultimate Divination, albeit laid out perhaps a bit different and having a different cover. Still a good system to learn thyself better regardless of cover.

[Amai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great take on the subject. It's been a couple of years since I last skimmed through it but I still remember the first time I read it. I wasn't too familiar with the subject back then and this was certainly a good introduction. Good for beginners although perhaps not enough in-depth for those more familiar with this kind of stuff.

Certainly something you actually work with, not just for reading. Very practical and articulate, not difficult to follow.

Bonus points for Crowley fanboyism; quoting Liber XCV is always a good idea.

[Andres Coca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the theory was great, but the main ritual is a bit of a drag. It takes a few years to complete. Compared to other people's approach (like Alan Chapman), I think this is way too over-complicated,

[Greyer Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Divination is Fascinating...

[Ravi Bhawsar]

i have no knowledge

[Red Dragon Raccoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting break down of tarot and a super cool ultimate divination spread.
Also really liked how he talked about the HGA being your 'secret lover'.