Aleister Crowley, was an writer, and mage.
Early Life
Edward Alexander Crowley, was born on October 12, 1875, in Leamington Spa, England. He came from a wealthy family and was the only son of Edward Crowley and Emily Bertha Bishop. His father, a wealthy brewer and devout Plymouth Brethren member, died when Crowley was just 11 years old.
Aleister Crowley was influenced by his religious family background, particularly the strict doctrines of the Plymouth Brethren. However, he began to rebel against these teachings and developed an early interest in mysticism. His curiosity was sparked by books of the SRIA that he discovered in his family’s library.
In 1895, Crowley joined the Trinity College, Cambridge, Guided by the teachings of Nicolas Flamel.
Golden Down
In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, under the mentorship of Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. He and Flamel devised a plan to destroy the Golden Dawn from within, aiming to reshape its principles or expose its shortcomings.
The plan, however, took an unexpected turn when Crowley fell in love with Rose Edith Kelly. With Lady Rose as she became known, he journeyed to Mexico, India, and Egypt, in 1904, during his honeymoon in Cairo, Crowley claimed to have received communication from a Aeon known as Aiwass. that resulted in “The Book of the Law.” Flamel, made the decision to allow Aleister to redefine Magick if he could. “The Book of the Law,” was the foundational text for the philosophy of Thelema. Marked by the phrase “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” became a central aspect of Crowley’s teachings.
During this period, Crowley married Rose Edith Kelly. Their relationship led to the birth of their daughter, who died in infancy. Kelly had two daughters with Crowley: Nuit Ma Ahathoor Hecate Sappho Jezebel Lilith (1904–1906) and Lola Zaza (1907–1990). Kelly and Crowley divorced in 1909. Lola was eventually taken in by her uncle, Gerald. In 1911, Crowley had Rose committed to an asylum for alcohol dementia.
Kelly married Dr Joseph Andrew Gormley (1849-1925) in 1912 and died in 1932. Crowley’s personal life was also characterized by his unconventional and, at times, controversial relationships.
The A∴A∴
Crowley traveled in the Himalayas in 1907 and wrote about his experiences in “The Book of Lies” and “De Arte Magica.” in these books Crowley exposed the lies of magic”k” and with his close associate, George Cecil Jones, who is sometimes speculated to have been Crowley’s lover. Together, they established the A∴A∴ (Argentium Astrum or “Silver Star”). The A∴A∴ was envisioned as a secret society dedicated to spiritual attainment and the study of Thelema.
Crowley continued to publish works that explored various aspects of Thelema. “The Equinox,” served as the official base of the A∴A∴. “The Equinox” featured articles, rituals, and teachings related to Thelema, showcasing Crowley’s dedication to knowledge.
Crowley VS Christianity
In the early 1920s, Crowley established the Abbey of Thelema in Cefalù, Sicily. The abbey served as a communal living space for individuals interested in Thelema and Crowley’s teachings. The lifestyle adopted by its residents was unconventional, incorporating elements of ritual magic and personal exploration in alignment with Thelemic principles.
Crowley’s defiance of societal norms, encompassing allegations of drug use and unconventional sexual practices, positioned him as a symbol of rebellion against Christianity.
The Catholic Church, sent two assassins to eliminate him. However both plots ultimately failed, leaving Crowley to confront the heightened scrutiny and danger lurking around him. The Church began to raise the call against Crowley’s Satanism, naming Crowley as a agent of the Devil.
However, Crowley’s influence was still growing and the Church instructed Mussolini to deal with Crowley’s activities in Italy.
In 1923 Mussolini ordered Crowley’s exile from Italy.
Later Years
Exiled from Italy and dispossessed of the Abbey of Thelema, Crowley embarked on a journey that took him to various countries, including France, Germany, and Portugal. He struggled to establish a stable foothold, due to his controversial reputation and the challenges posed by the political climate of the time.
Crowley continued his writing, he published “Magick Without Tears” and “Moonchild,”, he remained engaged in activities, maintaining correspondence with followers and continuing his role as a teacher.
In the 1930s, Crowley became involved with the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), an esoteric organization focused on the practice of ritual magic and mysticism. He assumed leadership of the O.T.O. and worked on its development, infusing it with Thelemic principles.
When the nazis rose to power, Crowley expelled Martha Küntzel, his German representative, from the A∴A∴ for her devotion to Hitler and, Crowley supported the British cause during World War II. He called Nazism as an “abortion” of the New Age.
In 1940, Crowley’s worsening asthma led him back to heroin use due to the unavailability of his German medication. Evading the Blitz in London, he briefly stayed in Torquay, entertaining himself at a local chess club, before returning to London. During this time, he met American Thelemite Grady McMurtry, awarding him the title “Hymenaeus Alpha” and designating him as a future leader of the O.T.O.
With O.T.O. initiate Lady Frieda Harris, Crowley worked on a tarot card set and accompanying book, published as The Book of Thoth in 1944. For the war effort, he wrote Liber Oz and a poem for the liberation of France, Le Gauloise. His final publication, Olla: An Anthology of Sixty Years of Song, and the posthumously published Magick Without Tears, were part of his diverse literary endeavors.
In April 1944, Crowley moved to Aston Clinton, visited by poet Nancy Cunard, then to Hastings, where he took up residence at Netherwood. He engaged with figures like Kenneth Grant, John Symonds, and Gerald Gardner, authorizing Gardner to revive the O.T.O. and befriending future Wiccan founder. Crowley died on December 1, 1947, aged 72, at Netherwood, with a controversial funeral held in Brighton. His ashes were sent to Karl Germer in the US and buried in his garden in Hampton, New Jersey.
Legacy
Aleister Crowley’s Thelema philosophy, continues to influence contemporary occultism. The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), an organization he led, remains active and plays a significant role in the propagation of Thelemic teachings.
Crowley’s interactions with figures like Gerald Gardner, the founder of Gardnerian Wicca, left an imprint on the development of modern Wicca. While not directly responsible for the creation of Wicca, Crowley’s ideas influenced some aspects of ritual and magical practices within the Wiccan religion.
Crowley’s collaboration with Lady Frieda Harris resulted in the creation of the Thoth Tarot deck, a masterpiece of esoteric art.
Crowley’s life inspired bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, AC/DC and heavy metal band’s. Crowley’s life and philosophy have been depicted in various films and documentaries. Like “Chemical Wedding” (2008) and “Aleister Crowley: Legend of the Beast” (2013).
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