Jungian analyst Bud Harris's fifth book, The Fire & the Rose, focuses on the intersection of spirituality and sexuality -- two forces that are often viewed as opposites. Harris encourages a harmonious marriage of the two, leading to consciousness expansion, the discovery of the true self, and spiritual transformation.

The Fire & the Rose is a four-part work reminiscent of a journey. In I, "The Power of Desire," Harris describes our thirst for spirituality, which is often not met by rigid, mainstream religion. The author teaches the reader to know thyself in Part II, "The Depth of the Soul," and then expounds upon the societal benefits of self-knowledge in Part III, "Transforming Lead into Gold."

The conclusion of the journey, "The Wedding of Spirituality & Sexuality," demonstrates how all of life's energies can become grounded and magnified.

The text draws on mythology, history, psychological research and anecdotal experience to describe the union of spirituality and sexuality. The appendix includes practical advice for journaling, listening to others, reflecting, and questioning.