Violet Firth

The goal of this book is to instill certain basic ideas in the minds of the uninitiated so that they might form the foundation for further research, rather than to provide the principles of psychology in an organized manner. To achieve this, the author has chosen a visual, nearly diagrammatic style of presentation. This facilitates the development of a broad concept structure, enabling the incorporation of specific details. The author has discovered that this is the most effective method for introducing new ideas to readers who are not familiar with philosophical nuances. No particular school of psychology is followed in its teachings; the author is loyal to no one but owes all to others, maintaining that since there is no recognized body of authority in psychological science, each student must evaluate the theories to which he or she is asked to adhere in the context of their own experiences. This book's goal is fundamentally practical, written in response to a practical necessity. The author's experience in remedial psychology led her to observe that a basic understanding of how the mind functions could have prevented many cases of mental and nervous disorders. She also discovered that many patients could have recovered with just an explanation of these concepts and that even in cases where further treatment was necessary, having this knowledge would have sped up the healing process by allowing the patient to cooperate intelligently. According to her, no book addresses psychopathology from the perspective of the patient, who requires a basic understanding of mental rules to think hygienically. Instead, the book approaches the subject from the student's perspective. This book aims to fulfill that need, yet it also resonates with those seeking to unleash their hidden potential through the practical application of character and thinking principles. It is not limited to those who are mentally or physically ill.

The author, Dion Fortune, is well known for having been one of the greatest occult writers of her time. She was lesser known for her profession as a psychotherapist, where she helped numerous clients with sexual issues. Her spiritual background allowed her to draw connections between human sexuality and who and what we are as spiritual beings. This book explains how and why the control of the sexual force may allow us to harness its energy. In doing so, it becomes possible to transform ourselves and evolve in higher spiritual ways. There is a spiritual nature to sex that few people will acknowledge. The author not only shows that it is there, but also reveals how one may use it for a higher purpose. She covers such topics as sexual motivation, celibacy, the purpose of the sex instinct, homosexuality, the wisdom of love, masturbation, modesty, abnormal forms of sexuality, and more. This book may serve as a study guide for individuals, or by therapists or counselors. Now back in print, it was originally published under the author's real name, Violet Firth.