Demons of the Flesh : The Complete Guide to Left-Hand Path Sex Magic

Rating:
Summary: The first magickal classic of the century?
Review: I was hoping for more, but I found I got the usual dreck from the Schrecks. There is nothing of their own from this, only information that anyone could find by using a good search engine ... They also tend to focus on the more abhorant, fetishistic sexual behaviours such as the consuming of bodily excreta while presenting it in a dry, uninspired tone. It looks like the Schrecks have used either themselves or one of their cronies to write the first review which waxes far more poetically than the text of the book.

Rating:
Summary: Jack Parsons and Julius Evola Would Have Approved
Review: I was not expecting very much from this book but having finished it I can say this is one of the most intelligent and well-researched titles I have read this year. The authors begin with an overview of the left hand tradition in the East witht the Vama Marga and Tantric teachings. Although most if not all of this material can be found in other writings, the Shrecks pull it together quite well with some very astute commentaries on the topic from a Western perspective. The next portion of the book examines how many of these ideas transfered to the West in the pagan, Gnostic, and occult communities. The basic occult figures and icons are examined- Gurdjieff, Grosche and the Fraternitas Saturni, the OTO, Parsons, Grant, etc.. with a nice commentary on lesser known luminaries such as the French author Georges Bataille and the satanic sophiale Maria de Naglowska. Several pages are dedicated to Crowley and the authors give a fairly critical but fair appraisal of this flawed genius. The final portion of the book is probably its weakest aspect where the Shrecks explain the basic application of these ideas. They give a sketchy overview of many basic techniques in LHP sex magick but it would have been better if they were a little more specific in some places. Of course, this is supposed to be the left hand path so perhaps the authors intentionally made it vague in favor of originality and experimentation. ... If you are interested in a textbook overview of the left hand tradition choked full of information and illustrations then this title will not disappoint.

Rating:
Summary: Dishonest tract
Review: The Schrecks have put together an interesting compendium of information. None of it is original, it is mostly cobbled together from others' ideas. Also they do not name their actual sources. Although they have a long bibliography, their actual sources, e.g. the works of Anton LaVey, Michael Aquino, and the seminal books CARNAL ALCHEMY and LORDS OF THE LEFT-HAND PATH are not mentioned in the bibliogrpahy (although they seem to be the actual background of their work). Why? The book's ok, but the actual sources might be even more interesting.

Rating:
Summary: The first magickal classic of the century?
Review: This beautifully produced Creation Books edition is a revolutionary classic of sexual self-initiation. The long awaited guide to the Left Hand Path's sexmagickal side is as thorough & definitive as we would expect from Nikolas and Zeena Schreck, the Demonic Duo who have been pushing the envelope of the black arts for years. One thing this must-have "Sexcronomicon" makes crystal clear in its fascinating journey through the theory practice & history of the Sinister Current in the East and West is that the Left Hand Path is really inseparable from sex magick. Rare among the few Western books available on this subject is the Schrecks' focus on the importance of the Demonic Feminine to the Left Hand Path, something this demonic female really appreciated! DEMONS OF THE FLESH describes itself as a sex magickal ritual and deliberately reflects the united male and female perspectives of the authors. This unique approach adds a seriousness of purpose that is lacking in many magical books, despite the Schrecks' often humorous take on reality. Despite some of the sensational topics covered such as magical S and M, sex vampirism, sacred prostitution & the darker side of erotic magick in general, the authors handle the material with an obvious understanding of the sacred nature of sexuality. Also unique is the authors' explanation of how every religion (including Christianity & Buddhism) has its secret Left Hand Path and the Schrecks' surprising dismissal of the overrated A. Crowley and modern Satanism as irrelevant to the authentic Sinister Current. Not afraid to spell out the radical formula of how sinister initiates must break the taboos of society, then their own taboos on the way to higher states of mind, DEMONS OF THE FLESH has become a controversial work in more conservative occult circles. Of particular use for practical magicians is the section on forming your own Left Hand Path group, which is obviously informed by the Schrecks' own experience in this field. Written with authority and expertise and bringing to light many previously unexplored areas of sinister sex magic, the Schrecks don't talk down to their readers, so my only caveat would be that this may be a better book for more advanced magicians than beginners. The extensive bibliography is a treasure trove for the serious student of Left Hand Path Sex Magic. The illustrations are a sensuous delight. It's the complete guide alright, but I'm already waiting for the sequel.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book On Occult Sex Magic
Review: This is a very good book on Sex Magic and Satanism. This is not a book for everyone, for instance, it is Satanic, and some people have an axe to grind against poor Mr. Satan. But if Satan is your friend,as he is mine, then this is the book for you.
However, hard core occultist may not find much new in these pages, but for the novice it is great.
Wyatt Kaldenberg