Thelema

"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law."

 

Alistair Crowley

"But the Magician knows that the pure Will of every man and every woman is already in perfect harmony with the divine Will; in fact, they are one and the same."

 

Thelema emphasizes individual freedom and sovereignty. Its central tenet is "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law," which recognizes each person's unique spiritual purpose123. True Will refers to an individual's divinely ordained purpose or path in life, transcending personal desires and ego-driven motives4

 

Thelema is a spiritual philosophy and religious system founded by the early 20th-century occultist Aleister Crowley. The word “Thelema” comes from the Greek term meaning “will” or “intention,” and its central concept revolves around the idea of True Will, which refers to an individual's higher, authentic purpose in life.

Core Beliefs of Thelema:

  1. "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." This is one of the most famous phrases associated with Thelema. It means that individuals should strive to discover and follow their True Will, or their highest and most authentic purpose in life. Crowley believed that each person has a unique path and purpose that they must seek out and fulfill. However, this is not about indulgence in personal desires, but rather understanding one's higher spiritual path and pursuing it with dedication and integrity.

  2. "Love is the law, love under will." This phrase highlights that while pursuing one's True Will, love is the guiding force. It teaches that love should not be forced or imposed, but it should arise naturally when one is in alignment with their True Will. True love, in Thelemic terms, is deeply connected to the will and should be free, authentic, and spiritual.

  3. The Law of Thelema: Thelema is often summed up in the two basic principles—Will and Love—which together provide the foundation for moral and spiritual guidance. However, these principles are not meant to be restrictive or dogmatic; they encourage a deeply personal exploration of the self and one's place in the universe.

  4. Self-Realization and Personal Sovereignty: Thelema emphasizes individualism, personal freedom, and self-realization. Crowley taught that each person has the right to determine their own destiny and should actively seek to develop their talents and abilities. This idea extends to rejecting societal norms or arbitrary rules that inhibit personal growth and exploration.

  5. The Role of Magick: Thelemic practices include magick (spelled with a “k” to differentiate it from stage magic), which is a spiritual science designed to bring about personal transformation and self-discovery. Magick, in this context, is understood as the art of influencing the world and oneself through focused intention and will. Crowley developed complex rituals and techniques for magickal work, including meditation, the use of symbols, and ceremonial practices, all aimed at empowering the practitioner to realize their True Will.

Thelemic Rituals and Practices:

Thelema incorporates elements of ceremonial magick, and followers often perform rituals, prayers, and meditations. Some practices within Thelema include:

  • Invocation of deities: Many Thelemites work with gods and goddesses from a variety of spiritual traditions, particularly those of Egyptian, Greek, and other ancient origins.
  • Thelemic Holidays: Key dates in the Thelemic calendar include The Feast for the Three Days of the Writing of the Book of the Law, The Birth of the Beast, and The Equinoxes, which are times for reflection and celebration of the divine will.

The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis):

One of the central texts of Thelema is The Book of the Law (or Liber AL vel Legis), which Crowley claimed was dictated to him by a spiritual entity known as Aiwass in 1904. The book is considered the foundational text of Thelema, and its contents are cryptic, poetic, and filled with mystical teachings. Its revelation marks the beginning of the "Aeon of Horus," an era of spiritual evolution and empowerment for humanity.

The Three Aeons of Thelema:

Crowley theorized that the world passes through different spiritual ages, or Aeons, which are ruled by different gods:

  1. The Aeon of Isis: The era of matriarchy and mother worship.
  2. The Aeon of Osiris: The patriarchal age focused on law, sacrifice, and organized religion.
  3. The Aeon of Horus: The current era, characterized by individualism, personal empowerment, and the realization of the True Will.

The Aeon of Horus is thought to be an era in which humanity is meant to transcend old systems and discover new forms of personal sovereignty and self-actualization.

Thelemic Influence and Modern Interpretation:

While Thelema was introduced in the early 20th century, it has had a lasting influence on contemporary occultism, mysticism, and spiritual thought. Many modern occultists, magical practitioners, and spiritual seekers are drawn to Thelema's emphasis on personal freedom, individual discovery, and self-mastery.

In popular culture, Thelema has been associated with Aleister Crowley’s controversial and provocative image. Despite this, the philosophy remains attractive to people seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their role in the universe.

Criticism and Misunderstanding:

Thelema is often misunderstood due to its unconventional approach to spirituality and Crowley's provocative persona. Critics sometimes misinterpret Thelema’s principles as promoting selfishness or indulgence. However, Crowley’s true intent was to encourage followers to live authentically and with integrity, following their True Will while fostering love and respect for others.

In summary, Thelema is a philosophy that encourages individuals to explore their authentic spiritual paths, express their will freely, and embrace love as a force of unity. Its teachings are rooted in personal empowerment, the pursuit of higher purpose, and the idea that each person has a unique, divine role to play in the world.