The sacred knowledge concerning sexuality was carried secretly throughout the Western world over the last few hundred years, held securely in a variety of orders, groups, and institutions.

The Mysteries were organized for the purpose of assisting the struggling human creature to reawaken the spiritual powers which, surrounded by the flaming ring of lust and degeneracy, lay asleep within his soul. In other words, man was offered a way by which he could regain his lost estate. - Manly P. Hall, Secret Teachings of All Ages (1928)

Sensual gratification without a spiritual union is and remains bestial; afterwards, one has no trace of noble feeling, but rather remorse. - Beethoven