In this comprehensive and profusely illustrated book, Peter Tompkins explores the entire history of man's association with obelisks; the many early and current theories about them and their magical and physical properties; the adventures encountered in engineering and moving 300-ton monoliths; their association with sexual rites and the Hermetic wisdom of ancient Egypt; and their suspected influence on and connection with many secret societies and historic figures - Freemasons, Knights Templar, Rosicrucians, Illuminati, Ficino, Pico, John Dee, Bruno, Athanasius Kircher, Cagliostro, Aleister Crowley, Gerald Massey, and others. Includes sections on witchcraft, devil worship, the Ordo Templi Orientis, etc. This was one of the first books to take the works of Kenneth Grant seriously, especially concerning his theories regarding sex magick and the 16 kalas. Additional Tantric material is presented. A treasure trove of occult information is presented here.