Thelema
Thelema: An Overview
Thelema is a spiritual philosophy and religious movement developed in the early 20th century by the British occultist and mystic Aleister Crowley. It emerged as a modern expression of Western esotericism and occultism and incorporates elements of mysticism, ceremonial magick, and a deep emphasis on personal spiritual discovery.
Crowley was a member of several occult organizations, most notably the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and he later became the head of the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), an international occult order. While Thelema shares elements with older traditions such as Hermeticism, Gnosticism, and Kabbalah, it is distinct in its teachings and worldview.
Thelema revolves around the concept of individual freedom and the pursuit of one's True Will, which is understood as one's unique, divine purpose or path in life. Crowley believed that each person has an inherent and specific Will that they are meant to fulfil, and the goal of Thelema is to help individuals discover and align themselves with this Will.
Core Tenets of Thelema
The teachings of Thelema are primarily centred around two famous phrases, both of which are drawn from The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis), the sacred text of Thelema that Crowley claimed was transmitted to him by a spiritual being named Aiwass in 1904.
1. "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law."
This is the central tenet of Thelema, and it emphasizes the importance of finding and following one's True Will. It is often misunderstood as promoting a hedonistic, "do whatever you want" mindset. However, in Thelemic thought, the phrase has a much deeper, more spiritual meaning.
"True Will" is seen as the unique purpose that each individual is meant to fulfil, and it is closely tied to the idea of divine purpose or destiny. According to Thelema, discovering one's True Will requires self-awareness, introspection, and often spiritual practices such as meditation or ceremonial magick.
The phrase is a call to align one's actions and life choices with this deeper purpose, rather than being swayed by social conventions, egoistic desires, or external pressures.
2. "Love is the law, love under will."
This phrase adds a moral dimension to Thelema, suggesting that love and compassion are important principles, but they must always be in service of one's True Will. This notion of love can be interpreted broadly, encompassing love for oneself, for others, and for the universe as a whole.
"Love under Will" implies that all actions, including those motivated by love, should be directed by and aligned with the True Will. Thus, the fulfilment of True Will should never be at the expense of others in a selfish or harmful way, but rather in harmony with the broader cosmic order.
The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis)
Liber AL vel Legis, commonly known as The Book of the Law, is the foundational scripture of Thelema. It was written by Crowley in 1904 and is divided into three chapters, each of which is believed to be the direct words of three deities: Nuit, the goddess of infinite space; Hadit, the god of the point or the inner spirit of man; and Ra-Hoor-Khuit, a manifestation of the god Horus and the lord of the current Aeon.
The text is cryptic and poetic, and much of it is open to personal interpretation. Crowley believed that The Book of the Law heralded the beginning of a new spiritual era for humanity, known as the Aeon of Horus.
The Three Aeons
Crowley’s Thelemic philosophy is rooted in his concept of the progression of spiritual ages or Aeons in human history:
The Aeon of Isis: This was a matriarchal age associated with goddess worship, fertility, and nature. It is linked to ancient times when the Earth was seen as sacred and divine forces were often personified as female deities like Isis.
The Aeon of Osiris: This was a patriarchal age centred on the themes of sacrifice, suffering, and death, symbolized by the god Osiris. In this age, religions such as Christianity and Islam predominated, with their emphasis on submission, repentance, and the idea of a saviour or dying-and-resurrected god.
The Aeon of Horus: Crowley believed that humanity had entered the Aeon of Horus in the early 20th century. This new age is characterized by self-empowerment, individualism, and the realization of one's True Will. Horus, the child god, represents spiritual maturity, freedom from the dogmas of the past, and the recognition of personal divinity.
Magick and Practices in Thelema
Magick (with a 'k') is central to Thelema. Crowley defined magick as "the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with Will." He believed that magick was a tool that could help practitioners discover and fulfil their True Will.
In Thelema, magick can take many forms, ranging from simple acts of will and intention-setting to complex ceremonial rituals. Common practices in Thelemic magick include:
Rituals and Ceremonies: These are often drawn from ceremonial magick traditions, such as those of the Golden Dawn, and can involve invoking deities, angels, or other spiritual entities. The most well-known Thelemic ritual is the Gnostic Mass, a ceremonial liturgy that embodies the principles of Thelema.
Meditation and Yoga: These practices are used to gain control over the mind, achieve spiritual insight, and align oneself with the True Will. Crowley adapted techniques from Eastern traditions such as Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga into his own teachings.
Sexual Magick: In Thelema, sexual magick is considered a powerful form of magick, as sexual energy is seen as a potent force for manifesting one's True Will. Crowley integrated tantric elements into his teachings and believed that sexual acts, when performed with the correct spiritual intent, could be transformative.
Orders and Initiatory Systems
Many practitioners of Thelema are members of one or more occult organizations that emphasize initiation, spiritual progression, and magickal training. The two most prominent Thelemic organizations are:
A∴A∴ (Argentium Astrum): This order was founded by Crowley to guide individuals through a series of graded spiritual and magickal attainments. The structure of the A∴A∴ is based on the Hermetic Qabalah and the system of grades from the Golden Dawn.
Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.): Originally founded in the late 19th century as a fraternal organization, the O.T.O. was restructured by Crowley around Thelemic teachings after he became its leader. The O.T.O. offers initiations into a hierarchical system and includes sexual magick as part of its higher degrees.
Legacy and Influence
Thelema has had a profound influence on modern occultism and esotericism. Although relatively small in terms of formal membership, Thelema's influence can be seen in a wide range of occult movements, New Age practices, and even pop culture. Crowley himself has become an iconic and controversial figure, both vilified and revered.
Thelema continues to attract practitioners who are drawn to its emphasis on individualism, personal spiritual discovery, and the idea of pursuing one's true path. The movement remains active through organizations like the O.T.O., the A∴A∴, and various independent Thelemic groups.
Conclusion
Thelema is a dynamic and complex spiritual philosophy that calls for personal liberation, self-discovery, and alignment with a higher purpose. Its emphasis on individualism and magickal practice, combined with its mystical and often cryptic teachings, makes it a deeply personal path for those who choose to explore it. Whether viewed as a religious system, a philosophy, or a way of life, Thelema continues to inspire and challenge those who seek to uncover the mysteries of the universe and themselves.