
A scholarly exploration of the ancient world’s reverence for the generative principle, this work delves into the symbols, rituals, and myths that linked the sun, serpents, trees, and phallic emblems to the forces of creation. Drawing on a wide range of rare sources, the author traces how early societies personified fertility in both pure, rudimentary rites and later, more elaborate ceremonies that blended worship with sensual celebration. The narrative highlights the transition from simple homage to the divine spark of life to the complex, sometimes controversial practices that emerged under the guidance of priesthoods across cultures such as Egypt, Babylon, Greece, and the Levant.
The book also examines how these symbols were interpreted differently by common worshippers and learned elites, revealing a layered meaning behind seemingly crude statues and altar pieces. By comparing the varied mythologies, the study shows a shared origin in the veneration of nature’s creative energy, offering listeners a nuanced picture of how ancient peoples understood and expressed the power of reproduction. This concise yet thorough account invites anyone curious about the intersection of religion, sexuality, and cultural history to gain a clearer grasp of a often‑overlooked facet of antiquity.
Full title
Phallic Worship A description of the mysteries of the sex worship of the ancients, with the history of the masculine cross. An account of primitive symbolism, Hebrew phallicism, bacchic festivals, sexual rites, and the mysteries of the ancient faiths.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (109K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: Privately printed, 1880.
Credits
deaurider, Daniel Lowe and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2022-05-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
d. 1890
Drawn to secret societies, comparative religion, and the stranger edges of Victorian thought, this British writer became best known for bold, eccentric books on Rosicrucians, symbolism, and occult history. His work is a vivid snapshot of nineteenth-century fascination with mysticism and hidden meanings.
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