Though its roots are in Hinduism, tantra's goals are the universal ones of self-knowledge and liberated joy. Its methods and effects transcend geography and era, and can be applied to everyday life. This historical survey explains the roles of astronomy, astrology, alchemy, and cosmology in tantrism. It discusses the different viewpoints of ''left-hand'' and ''right-hand'' tantrikas and their respective attitudes toward human sexuality and its place in ritual. The drawings and illustrations serve further to explain and instruct, thus providing a unique opportunity for close contact with one of the world's oldest practical methods of achieving an expanded and creative awareness of oneself.