Jon G. Hughes - Sexual Practices of the Druids: A Handbook of Magic and Ritual

I would like to dedicate this book to my wife, Yve, upon whose love and support I depend entirely. Also to Livingstone, Morgan, Molly, Mulligan, Montgomery, and Oliver, who provide us both with never-ending affection and inspiration.

Preface to the Second Edition

It is now thirteen years since I began the project of writing the first edition of this book, Celtic Sex Magic. It doesnt seem so long ago, but the world has changed in so many ways during that short time. Natural disasters, massive acts of terrorism, and economic turmoil have changed the planet and its population in a way that can never be undone. Changes that have not been for the better have touched the lives of every one of us without exception, and we live in a very different world than it was at the birth of the new millennium.

The reason I mention this is that when I was invited by my publisher to make whatever changes I felt necessary to the text of the first edition in preparation for the publishing of the second, I read through the book with a critical eye expecting to find various topics that would need updating or revising in light of the years that had passed.

I dont know why I found it surprising, but I could not find a single word that I felt should be changed. Of course I should not have been surprised that a tradition that has survived as a vital and vibrant practice for thousands of years had not changed in light of the experiences of the past thirteen years and that the practices involved are just as relevant today as they were when they were originally devised.

Having been involved in the Druidic tradition for my entire life, I find great comfort in its enduring relevance and significance, and by committing it to print I hope to have played a small part in its continuance.

Acknowledgments

I would like to extend my grateful thanks to the following, whose invaluable help at various critical stages in the writing of this book made it both possible and enjoyable.

Vincent OShea, whose photographic and artistic input proved crucial. May his many talents continue to be recognized and utilized.

Eoghan, Linda, and Tienne for their cooperation in the early stages of the books development.

Marie, Theresa, Sam, Nathan, and Pat, whose assistance was readily given.

Liz-Ann, for her help in the organization of much of the practical work of this book.

Introduction

T his is not yet another history of the Celts and the Druids, nor is it another romanticized retelling of Celtic beliefs and Druidic wizardry. Youll find here no ancient gods and no heroic myths. This book concerns itself with the practical working of Celtic sex magic: the ritualized preparation, focus, and release of the immense natural energy produced by sexual orgasm. In Druidic tradition, this energy is used to empower and cast spells for the betterment of individuals and of society in general.

This ritual is not re-created from ancient texts but has been perpetuated through an oral tradition, handed down to me through seven generations of a family lineage of Druids. To my knowledge little, if any, record of this ritual has been previously documented.

Our journey begins with an introduction to Druidic tradition, including how Druidic practices and rituals are handed down through generations, using my personal experience as a reference. Well then review the basic concepts and equipment necessary to embark on the study and practice of sex magic.

It continues with an exploration of the methods of focusing, channeling, and projecting personal energy through the explosive intensity of the sexual orgasm.

It concludes with a detailed look at rituals, workings, and practices that will allow you to begin your own adventure with Celtic sex magic.

Although there has been a resurgence of interest in Celtic culture and philosophy in recent years, the sex magic ritual has been generally ignored; some see it as distasteful, others see it as a threat to Christian morality, and still others fear it as a dangerous perversion. Few understand its purpose, the immense fulfillment it can bring to its participants, or the potency of its influences. For me this book begins a personal quest: the validation of this authentic and legitimate Druidic practice.