Product Description

Beginning with an overview of the symbolism of creative forces in general, The Phallus first examines the representation of male fertility in such forms as the menhirs or standing stones of prehistoric Europe; the Mahalinga and Svayambhu of India; and the ancient Greek Omphalos. The second part of the book surveys the presence of ithyphallic gods in archaic shamanistic religions (the Lord of the Animals), the Greek pantheon (Hermes, Priapus), and the Hindu deities (Ardhanarishvara, the androgyne). Danielou also explores the role of Shaivist and Dionysian initiatory rites in bringing men into communion with the creative forces of life. Illustrated throughout with photographs and line drawings of European and Indian art, The Phallus celebrates the expression of the masculine in the religious traditions of East and West.

Phallic imagery, in one form or another, may be found in the artistic traditions of virtually every world culture since prehistoric times. Alain Danielou here unveils the religious impulse underlying art that at first glance seems to have no purpose beyond the erotic.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #569216 in Books
• Published on: 1995-11-01
• Released on: 1995-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Review
Danielou was one of the most distinguished contemporary orientalists, who brought the beauty of ancient texts and music to our unfortunate and increasingly barbaric continent. Our debt to his scholarship and humanity is immeasurable. -- Times Literary Supplement

Review
"Danielou was one of the most distinguished contemporary orientalists, who brought the beauty of ancient texts and music to our unfortunate and increasingly barbaric continent. Our debt to his scholarship and humanity is immeasurable."
(

Times Literary Supplement

)

"The Phallus: Sacred Symbol of Male Creative Power is an excellent overview and introduction to a remarkable field of study, one as relevant to us today as to those who danced in the mists of antiquity."
(Thor the Barbarian )

"A great introduction to an often shunned aspect of religion."
(Tony Mierzwicki, New Dawn, Mar-Apr 2006 )

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

---

Customer Reviews

The Phallus: Sacred Symbol of Male Creative Power
I found "The Phallus: Sacred Symbol of Male Creative Power" to be a fascinating book, not only with respect to Alain Daniélou's well-researched explanations of the purpose of phallic symbolism and worship, but also for his inclusion of ancient legends, beliefs, and cultural customs. With so much history and religio-cultural reasoning underlying phallic symbolism and worship, I'm personally amazed, as the author appears to be, that Western civilization, for the most part, considers this such a forbidden subject. In the introduction, the Author extends the amazement with the following caveat:

"Contempt for this sacred emblem, as well as degradation and debasement of it, pushes man from the divine reality. It provokes the anger of the gods and leads to the decline of the species. The man who scorns the very symbol of the life principle abandons his kind to the powers of death."

"The Phallus" is based on what I discovered to be an intriguing subject, and it is written with such clarity that I was easily drawn in, enlightened and entertained. Aside from its stimulating intellectual content, this book contains many beautiful photographs in both color and black and white.

Fantastic & Informative!
There is a lot of information packed into this 113 page book...and a LOT of pictures! Danielou provides a strong overview of the phallus as a symbol and an object of worship. The Phallus is well researched and chock full of interesting details and myths from around the world relating to the importance of the phallus. One of the most powerful messages I got from this reading is that the phallus was seen as the object of power (a source of life/energy), not the man...the man (according to the text) was the phallus-bearer and it not he was the source of the power/life/energy. I found the entire thing to be very interesting! One minor quibble, I think because this is a translation, there is always at least a little bit of difficulty with flow...though this is really not a problematic translation by any means. I also have to admit, I learned a few things I DID NOT KNOW, and that is always welcome when reading a book! I would definitely recommend it!

The Magnificent Male Symbol
Of all the disputes of modern times, the most difficult to reconcile in a dual gender world is the grandeur of the male phallus and its idolization as a symbol of male strength and power. In the Bible, it dons the symbolism of all creation for its functionality and unique character, making it the tool of civilization. Oddly, within that burden rests a world unduly concerned with its exposure and exhibition, particularly in its moments of swollen pride reserved for times of sexual excitement. Contrast the phallus at rest when its devine power is merely imaginable for its capacity and what results is its fascinating dual nature, too often judged by its larger dimension. The tool through which the real "family jewels" are delivered to deposit nature's bounty have been unfairly criticized in our puritanical history. A similar problem occurs for female genitals creating the great shame that burdens society in its love/hate schizophrenic resolve in what attitudes are appropriate in any given situation of that primary focus. Misrepresented by advertisers, condemned by religious leaders, what is a male to do? The pride of ownership by both sexes might be the choice of response along with the tender care that any other physical organ deserves and is consistent with the mental health concerns we take with every other part of our bodies. Yet, the sensitive and private areas reserved for intimacies of enormous emotion and passion are often resigned to shameless hiding to survive where both men and women are conditioned to avoid or ignore these bodily parts so that both are unfamiliar with them throughout their lives. God given body parts that are integral to the sum total of our existence, including the ability to have children, are rarely the product of adults who have already had children for their value has been proven, and appreciation is accepted for its (or their) unique function. No need for shame. There is a need for understanding through the education that might be available to reach acceptance of these parts as no different from other organs of our bodies. Of greater sadness is the ridicule that is produced from the general and common functions these parts are meant to perform in our daily lives that ordinary, unthinking people consider gross. The unnatural contemplation and distain of the phallus, rooted in centuries of conflict, no doubt strives to live a normal life where its unique powers may be accepted and appreciated, and even proudly displayed in art, in sculpture, and when appropriate, in private. Overreaction of horror is unnatural for an educated society distorted by its taboos of shame. For God's finest glory designed for its distinct purpose, it is shameful treatment to condemn and irrationally hide God's artwork.