Who was Aleister Crowley?

Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, and mountaineer, best known for founding the religious philosophy of Thelema. Born into a wealthy family, he rebelled against his strict Christian upbringing and pursued a path of exploration into mysticism and the occult.

Crowley was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century occult movement and became a member of several secret societies, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O). His most significant contribution to occultism was the development of Thelema, which emphasizes the idea of "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law," suggesting that individuals should pursue their true will or purpose. In 1904, Crowley claimed to have received a divine revelation in Cairo, which he published as "The Book of the Law" (Liber AL vel Legis), establishing the foundational texts of Thelema. His life was marked by controversy, often labeled as "The Beast 666" and “the wickedest man in the world” due to his unconventional sexual practices, drug use, and disdain for societal norms.

Crowley's influence extended beyond the occult; he inspired various subcultures, including the counterculture of the 1960s and figures in music and art. He wrote extensively on esotericism, including works like "Magick in Theory and Practice" and "The Confessions of Aleister Crowley," which document his philosophies and experiences. Although Crowley's legacy is complex and polarizing, he remains a significant figure in Western esotericism, shaping modern occult practices and inviting both admiration and condemnation.