Thomas Moore, author of “The Soul of Sex”1, takes a unique approach to the understanding of human sexuality. Rather than
to detail biological processes, the mechanics of sexual activity, or to make elaborate suppositions about the psycho/social patterns and pressures associated with mating, he looks at human
sexuality from a more profound and personal perspective. He believes that our dreams, desires, fantasies, and even our aversions and perversions are echoes of soul; in it’s insistent demand to be attended to. Our souls have a deep need for continual growth and expansion, our sexual behaviors, beliefs, attitudes, actions, and the emotions involved in our sexuality, are all manifestations of the needs of the soul. Sexuality can be a physical behavior, but it is first and foremost an emotional occurrence. We may repress all or parts of our sexual being, we may over-emphasize or exaggerate our sexuality, or we may walk some other path between extremes, but however we
experience our sexual selves, what we are truly experiencing is the soul speaking to us in one of it’s most powerful languages. Moore is an adept and versatile fabulist with an extensive knowledge of our cultural heritage. He demonstrates, with illustrations from literature, art, mythology, and theology, how the metaphors, allegories, and archetypes offered therein are valid and applicable to our own personal dramas. All of our life experiences add up to create the growing individuals that we are. Our experience of our sexual selves is one of the most powerful and life shaping of emotional phenomena. Moore hopes in his work to help guide us through many maturation processes by making us aware of the universality of our humanity. With a Jungian flavor, this material will bring insight and perspective to professional clergy and counselors, as well as the contemplative layperson.