Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer. He was a highly controversial figure during his lifetime and remains so today, known for his unconventional beliefs, practices, and lifestyle.
Born Edward Alexander Crowley on October 12, 1875, in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, he was the son of wealthy evangelical Christian parents, Edward Crowley and Emily Bertha Bishop. Despite his religious upbringing, Crowley became interested in the occult and mysticism at a young age. He attended Malvern College and Tonbridge School before enrolling at Trinity College at the University of Cambridge in 1895, where he began to explore his interests in esotericism and ceremonial magic. It was during his time at Cambridge that Crowley first began to question his Christian faith and delve deeper into the world of the occult.
Crowley founded the religion of Thelema, which is based on the philosophical law of “Do what thou wilt.” The central text of Thelema is “The Book of the Law,” also known as “Liber AL vel Legis,” which Crowley claimed was dictated to him in Cairo, Egypt, in April 1904 by a supernatural entity named Aiwass. This book contains the famous phrase “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will.” Thelema emphasizes the inherent divinity of each individual and encourages followers to discover and follow their true path in life, known as their “True Will.”
Throughout his life, Crowley was involved with various occult organizations. In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society dedicated to the study and practice of the occult, metaphysics, and paranormal activities. He quickly rose through the ranks of the organization, but his involvement led to conflicts with other members, particularly William Butler Yeats. Later, in 1907, Crowley became the leader of Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), an international fraternal and religious organization known for its practice of sex magick, which involves the use of sexual energy and arousal for magical purposes.
Crowley’s personal life was marked by experimentation with recreational drugs, sexual promiscuity, and unconventional behavior. He openly engaged in homosexual relationships and was known for his drug use, particularly his experimentation with mescaline, hashish, and opium. His notorious reputation earned him the tabloid nickname “The Wickedest Man in the World.” Despite this, Crowley was a prolific writer, penning numerous books, essays, and articles on topics such as mysticism, yoga, tarot, alchemy, and astrology. His works, such as “The Book of Thoth,” a detailed study of the Tarot, and “Magick in Theory and Practice,” a comprehensive guide to ceremonial magic, have made significant contributions to the study of occultism and mysticism.
Crowley’s ideas and teachings have had a lasting impact on various forms of modern paganism, as well as some aspects of popular culture, music, and literature. His philosophy of Thelema has influenced the development of several contemporary spiritual movements, such as Wicca and Chaos Magic. Many famous artists, musicians, and writers, such as Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, the Beatles, and author Robert Anton Wilson, have drawn inspiration from Crowley’s works and ideas.
Outside of his occult pursuits, Crowley was an accomplished chess player and mountaineer. He developed a passion for mountaineering during his travels and participated in a number of pioneering expeditions in the early 20th century. In 1902, he joined an expedition to climb K2 in the Himalayas, which, although unsuccessful, established a new world record for climbing altitude. Crowley also made significant contributions to the field of chess, authoring a book on the subject titled “The Chess Sacrifice.”
Despite his controversial life and the polarizing nature of his beliefs, Aleister Crowley’s influence on the world of Western esotericism and counterculture is significant and enduring. His legacy continues to be a subject of fascination, debate, and scholarly study. While some view him as a misunderstood genius and spiritual visionary, others see him as a charlatan or even a dangerous influence. Regardless of one’s personal opinion, there is no denying the impact that Crowley has had on the realms of magic, mysticism, and alternative spirituality.
