Sexual Secrets is an interesting and important reference on esoteric sex practices, yoga, meditation and certain symbols and archetypes. Though its subject is vast, it makes an admirable attempt at a thorough study of tantra and related practices. The authors have a background only in Hindu and Buddhist tantra, but they compile in this book texts from the Taoist tradition as well. Some may complain that the book is New Age-y and wishy-washy, preferring the technical detail of works by Taoist esoteric sex teacher Mantak Chia or the straightforward approach of western sex manuals. Nonetheless Sexual Secrets has a charm and beauty that offers more than mere mimicry of the ancient esoteric texts from which it liberally quotes, and, in some cases, displays in their entirety. It shows a real understanding of the imagery involved in meditation, as only a serious student of the practices would be able to convey. Those who find it vague are invariably those who do not practice meditation and those who have little interest in archetypes and symbols. That said, one serious flaw with the book is the authors’ opinion on homosexual sex and relationships and other practices that it deems deviant. Gay men or even heterosexual couples who enjoy anal sex (lesbians, or, at least, hetero women dabbling in girl-on-girl, however, fare better) will find that this book believes that they are doing things that are bad for their energy. This seems to be a somewhat common view in New Age circles, but it is by no means universal, and authors like Mantak Chia, for example, are more open-minded about how esoteric sex can be accomplished, not considering one's sexuality to be a hindrance at all. Despite its prejudices, the book has a wealth of information. It brings together in one volume source texts from Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist traditions, adds insightful commentary and ties in as well imagery, ideas and practices from meditation, breathing, static posture and movement exercises, ritual, mythology and artistic traditions.