Thelema is a spiritual philosophy and religious movement founded by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century. It is based on the idea of discovering and following one's True Will, with the guiding principle:

"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will."

This phrase emphasizes individual freedom, self-discovery, and responsibility.

Core Beliefs of Thelema

1. True Will – Every individual has a unique purpose or "True Will," and the goal of life is to discover and fulfill it.
2. The Law of Thelema – The phrase "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." is not about chaos or selfishness but about living in harmony with one's True Will.
3. Love Under Will – Love (Agape) is a guiding force, but it must be directed according to one's True Will.
4. Aeons and the New Age – Thelema teaches that humanity has entered the Aeon of Horus, an era of spiritual awakening and self-liberation.
5. Mysticism and Magick – Thelemites practice ceremonial magick (often spelled with a “k” to distinguish it from stage magic) to align with their True Will and connect with higher forces.

Sacred Texts

• The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis) – The central text of Thelema, which Crowley claimed was dictated to him by the entity Aiwass in 1904.
• The Holy Books of Thelema – Additional texts written by Crowley that expand on Thelemic philosophy and spiritual practice.
• Magick in Theory and Practice – Crowley’s manual on Thelemic ritual and magical techniques.

Key Figures & Archetypes

• Aleister Crowley (1875–1947) – The founder of Thelema, a mystic, magician, and philosopher.
• Horus – Represents the Aeon of Horus, symbolizing personal empowerment and self-liberation.
• Babalon – A Thelemic goddess associated with the divine feminine, sexuality, and spiritual transformation.
• Aiwass – The entity that dictated The Book of the Law to Crowley.

Practices in Thelema

• Magick and Ritual – Thelemic magicians perform rituals like the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP) and invocations to connect with higher spiritual forces.
• Thelemic Initiations – Some Thelemites join organizations like the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) or the A∴A∴ for structured spiritual training.
• Meditation and Yoga – Used for self-discipline and spiritual insight.
• Divination – Thelemites may use the Tarot, astrology, or other esoteric methods for guidance.

Common Misconceptions

• Thelema is not Satanism – While it embraces individualism and occultism, it does not promote worship of Satan.
• It is not about hedonism – "Do what thou wilt" is about discovering one’s divine purpose, not reckless indulgence.
• Crowley is not "the devil" – Though controversial, Crowley saw himself as a spiritual teacher, not an agent of evil.