At the heart of the philosophy “Do what Thou Wilt” lies a profound simplicity and a call to embrace one’s true nature.
It is not just about unbridled freedom but about aligning with a deeper, more authentic part of oneself - a concept often symbolized in Thelemic philosophy as the Holy Guardian Angel, representing the higher self.
By examining the historical context, philosophical underpinnings, and spiritual implications of “Do what thou wilt,” we aim to shed light on its true essence.
It is an invitation to understand a more profound aspect of spiritual identity and purpose.
What is Thelema: An Introduction to the Esoteric Philosophy
Historical Context: The Evolution of a Spiritual Edict
In the Renaissance work “Gargantua and Pantagruel” by François Rabelais, the phrase “Do what thou wilt” appears.
It’s found in the description of the Abbey of Thélème, a fictional utopia where the only rule is “Fais ce que voudras,” which translates to “Do what thou wilt.”
This phrase encapsulates the ethos of the Abbey, where inhabitants live free from constraints and rules, guided by their own will and pleasure. This concept, as depicted by Rabelais, is reflective of a society where individuals, assumed to be inherently virtuous and well-intentioned, are trusted to make their own decisions
Aleister Crowley brought this phrase into the limelight of modern esotericism. Through his development of Thelema, Crowley transformed “Do what thou wilt” from a historical footnote into a central pillar of a new spiritual movement.
Thelema and True Will
In the exploration of “Do what thou wilt,” the concept of True Will emerges as a cornerstone of Thelemic philosophy.
Thelema distinguishes between an individual’s True Will and their ordinary desires, which are often influenced by societal norms and personal limitations. True Will is perceived as an inherent guiding force, leading each person towards their natural path in life.
The journey to discover one’s True Will requires profound self-awareness and introspection. It’s about peeling back the layers of conditioned beliefs and societal impositions to reveal the authentic self. Thelemic practices like meditation, ritual magick, and personal reflection often facilitate this process.
Realizing one’s True Will is not just a personal triumph but also a harmonious alignment with the universe. It acknowledges that each individual plays a significant role in the cosmic tapestry, where every True Will interconnects and contributes to the greater whole.
In this context, “Do what thou wilt” becomes a directive to live authentically and purposefully, fulfilling one’s role in the grand scheme of existence.
The Holy Guardian Angel: The Higher Self in Thelema
In Thelemic philosophy, the Holy Guardian Angel is a central and profound concept representing the higher self. It is not an external entity but a symbolic representation of one’s deepest spiritual essence.
Aleister Crowley’s understanding of the Holy Guardian Angel evolved over time. In his early years, he viewed the Angel as a subconscious aspect of oneself.
During his time at the Abbey of Thelema in Cefalù, Italy, Crowley spoke about the Angel in terms of the subconscious mind, stating that allowing this subconscious mind full sway, without interference from the physical mind, begins the process of illumination.
He illustrated this by explaining how the subconscious mind constantly urges its will upon the physical mind. When these inner desires are restricted or suppressed, it results in various troubles, including mental health issues.
By the end of his life, Crowley’s views had evolved to perceive the Angel as an objective being, entirely apart from the individual. He believed the Holy Guardian Angel was not merely a higher self but an existing being, an idea he elaborated on in “Magick Without Tears.”
Philosophical and Spiritual Meanings
“Do what thou wilt” is more than a statement of personal freedom; it is a philosophical mandate that invites deep reflection on the nature of will, freedom, and responsibility.
In the context of Thelema, this phrase is not an encouragement for hedonistic pursuits but a call to discover and fulfill one’s True Will - the ultimate purpose or calling in one’s life.
Philosophical Underpinnings
The philosophy of Thelema, while rooted in mysticism, intersects with various philosophical schools.
It shares with existentialism the emphasis on individual freedom and responsibility, where each person is tasked with finding their own path and purpose.
However, unlike existentialism, which often views the universe as indifferent, Thelema suggests a dynamic and participatory cosmos where individuals will play an integral role in the cosmic order.
True Will also resonates with the philosophical notion of ‘eudaimonia’ in Aristotelian ethics, where the highest human good is found in living by one’s virtue and realizing one’s potential.
Spiritual Exploration
In the spiritual domain, “Do what thou wilt” opens a gateway to profound self-exploration and growth.
It encourages practitioners to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to understand their true desires, and to align their actions with their innermost values and purpose.
Pursuing one’s True Will is akin to the concept of Dharma in Hinduism, where each individual has their unique path and duty in life.
In Thelema, this spiritual quest is not self-centered but contributes to the order and harmony of the universe.
Ethical Implications
The phrase also carries significant ethical implications. While it champions individual liberty, it does not advocate for moral relativism.
Instead, it suggests that when one acts by their True Will, their actions inherently align with the greater good.
This understanding imposes a sense of responsibility and ethical consideration in one’s actions, diverging from a simplistic interpretation of the phrase as a license for unrestricted freedom.
Applying “Do What Thou Wilt” in Practice
The principle of “Do what thou wilt” in Thelema, while profound in theory, raises the question of practical application. How does one integrate this spiritual and philosophical mandate into everyday life?
Here are some suggested approaches:
Self-Discovery and True Will
Introspection and Self-Analysis
Engage in deep self-reflection to understand your core desires, motivations, fears, and strengths.
This involves delving beyond superficial wants to unearth what truly drives you.
Shadow Work
Integrate shadow work as a tool for self-discovery. This process involves confronting and embracing your personality’s hidden or repressed aspects — your ‘shadow’ self.
It’s about acknowledging and working through the parts of yourself that are often ignored or unseen but significantly influence your behavior and thoughts.
Journaling and Meditation
Maintain a journal and practice meditation to gain deeper insights into your true nature.
Documenting thoughts and experiences and reflective meditation can help clarify your path and purpose.
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Rituals and Practices
Magickal Rituals
Thelema’s ceremonial magick practices, such as The Mass of the Phoenix (a ritual of self-nourishment through the darkness of night), focus on personal transformation and realizing the True Will.
Daily Practices
Align daily activities with your True Will, ranging from simple tasks like pursuing a hobby to more complex ritualistic practices such as Liber Resh vel Helios (daily solar adorations)
Body of Light Development
Crowley emphasizes developing the ‘Body of Light’ through imaginative and disciplined practices. It involves visualization exercises, the assumption of god forms, and rituals that strengthen and purify this spiritual body.
By cultivating the Body of Light, practitioners aim to achieve astral travel and deeper spiritual insights, essential for progress on their spiritual path.
Ethical and Social Considerations
Responsibility and Ethics
Act responsibly in your pursuit. “Do what thou wilt” is not an excuse for unethical behavior but a call to align actions with a deeper moral and spiritual understanding.
Community and Relationships
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Thelema views the pursuit of True Will as a lifelong journey. Continuously seek knowledge and experiences that enrich your understanding and practice.
Be open to evolving your understanding of your True Will. Life brings changes, and adaptability is critical to staying aligned with your true purpose.
Periodically review your path and choices. Are your actions still aligned with your True Will? Are there adjustments needed to stay on course?
Final Thoughts
The core principle of “Do what thou wilt” is simple and impactful.
It’s about finding a balance between personal freedom and responsibility, between individual desires and the greater good.
When practiced with consciousness and ethical consideration, this principle can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of one’s role in the universe.
I can get down with that 🙂
