Ophiolatreia

Edward Sellon's 'Ophiolatreia' is a provocative and controversial exploration of ancient serpent worship, delving into the religious practices and rituals surrounding the ophiolatry. Written in a sensationalistic and at times scandalous style, Sellon's book sheds light on a little-known but fascinating aspect of ancient religions, providing a mix of historical research and speculative interpretations. Despite its scholarly flaws, the book offers a unique perspective on a marginalized topic, making it a compelling read for those interested in esoteric religious studies of the 19th century. Edward Sellon, a British writer and translator known for his erotic works, demonstrates a curiosity for taboo subjects and a penchant for pushing boundaries, which likely influenced his decision to delve into the mysterious world of serpent worship. Sellon's unconventional background and interests add an intriguing layer to his exploration of ophiolatry in 'Ophiolatreia'. I recommend 'Ophiolatreia' to readers interested in unconventional religious practices and esoteric traditions. While approaching Sellon's work with a critical eye, one can appreciate the book's contribution to the study of ancient beliefs and its ability to spark thought-provoking discussions on the role of serpents in religious symbolism.

Edward Sellon (1818–1866) was a writer, translator, and illustrator in the 19th century whose work chiefly engaged with themes of erotica, sexual anthropology, and pagan religion. He is perhaps best known for his involvement in the study of sexuality in antiquity, particularly through his book 'Ophiolatreia: An Account of the Rites and Mysteries connected with the Origin, Rise, and Development of Serpent Worship in Various Parts of the World'. Sellon's interests lay in the exploration of sexual practices in different cultures and the veneration of the phallus, which becomes evident in the title 'Ophiolatreia' itself, with 'ophio' being Greek for 'snake' and 'latreia' implying worship or service. His literary style often combined a scholarly approach with a frank fascination in the erotic aspects of his subjects. A controversial figure, Sellon's works were published at a time when Victorian sensibilities dictated public discourse, leading to his enduring reputation as an eccentric and iconoclast in the field of sexual anthropology. Despite the scarcity of comprehensive biographical studies on Sellon, his contributions to the understanding of sexual rites and pagan worship practices have been noted by historians and scholars of comparative religion and erotica (Muchembled, R., Orgasm and the West: A History of Pleasure from the 16th Century to the Present, Polity, 2005; Moore, R., Restoring the Temple of Vision: Cabalistic Freemasonry and Stuart Culture, Brill, 2002).