Sex is one of the most highly-charged topics that one can write about; many consider it such a personal thing that I think many of us would be embarrassed if we were reading any book on sex in a public forum—like on the subway, for example. I had that experience myself once; I was reading a book on sexual astrology on the train and got an appreciative look from a fellow rider. But I immediately put the book away because I feared less positive reactions from others.
McIntyre’s Sex and the Intelligence of the Heart is a courageous book. The author talks us through breaking sex down to its very natural form as we see it in animals and other organisms on the earth, and asks us to question our own attitudes toward all aspects of our own sexuality.
The work also provides an explanation of what intimacy is and how uncomfortable we can become with our intimate—not necessarily sexual—selves. The exercises are designed to reconnect the reader to the earth and to the sexual, intimate being within.
McIntyre also takes on lots of topics related to our sexual selves that many would condemn outright. The book also has a great section on the discussion of the role of pornography, for example. It’s great to see someone talk about the realities of it without judgment; it’s become so accessible that no true discussion of sexual intimacy would be complete without it.
I was impressed by the book’s ability to de-program our sexual selves and the attitudes that may be blocking development as sexual beings. McIntyre includes many different meditations and exercises to clear away the clutter so that you can go “back to basics” on a sexual level. This can be a challenge for us; our upbringing, our experiences and our society all have an influence over our sexual choices, but McIntyre uses thoughtful questions to gently examine these beliefs and see where we may be able to embrace intimacy more fully.
One of the most positive aspects of the book is the author’s ability to make her points simply and without sounding preachy in any way. I particularly liked the chapter on how to discuss sexuality with children. She doesn’t give a particular formula, but lays out the questions that you should be asking yourself so that you will be comfortable talking to them.
While the book will be especially helpful for anyone walking a Pagan path, I’d recommend it to any spiritual path who is open to a more “new age” view of human sexuality with a focus on the earth or energy work.
If you’re brave enough to open it up and read through it, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that it’s a great way to re-assess your sexual self. This book is a great way to find out where you are, sexually speaking. If you’re not ready for a frank, open discussion of “natural” sexuality and its place in our lives, I suggest you give this book a pass.
~review by John Marani
Author: Julie McIntyre
Destiny Books
$19.95
