Are you curious about Thelema? A spiritual and philosophical movement that emerged in the early 20th century, Thelema is based on the teachings of Aleister Crowley, an English occultist, writer, and mystic.
The central tenet is “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” which emphasizes the individual’s freedom and sovereignty.
Thelema draws on various esoteric and mystical traditions, including Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and Eastern spirituality. It incorporates practices such as meditation, ritual magic, and divination to help individuals discover and fulfill their true will.
Thelemites also follow a moral code which emphasizes personal responsibility, self-discipline, and compassion.
In the following article, we will delve deeper into the history, philosophy, and practices of Thelema, giving you a comprehensive introduction to this fascinating movement.
Origins of Thelema
Thelema is a philosophical and religious system that was founded by English writer and occultist Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century.
Crowley developed Thelema as a spiritual path that emphasizes individualism, personal responsibility, and the attainment of one’s true will.
Crowley was influenced by a number of different sources, including the works of French occultist Eliphas Levi and the teachings of Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and Eastern spirituality. Thelema also draws heavily on Crowley’s personal experiences with various spiritual practices, including yoga, meditation, and ceremonial magic.
Thelema also incorporates elements of Gnosticism, particularly the idea that the material world is a flawed and illusory construct that must be transcended in order to attain enlightenment.
One of the most significant influences was the ancient Egyptian deity Horus, whom Crowley identified as the central figure of the Thelemic pantheon.
According to Crowley, Horus represents the individual’s true will and is the key to spiritual liberation.
Who was Aleister Crowley?
Aleister Crowley, born in 1875, was an English occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician. He was a member of several secret societies, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and founded the Ordo Templi Orientis.
Crowley’s most significant contribution to Thelema was the writing of “The Book of the Law,” which he claimed was dictated to him by a supernatural entity known as Aiwass. This book contains the central tenets of Thelema, including the belief in the divine nature of the individual and the importance of fulfilling one’s true purpose in life.
He also developed a system of ceremonial magic known as “Magick,” which he believed could be used to achieve spiritual enlightenment and communicate with supernatural beings. This system was heavily influenced by the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and other occult traditions.
In addition to his writings on Thelema and Magick, Crowley also wrote extensively on other occult topics, including astrology, tarot, and alchemy. He was a prolific author, publishing over 50 books and numerous articles during his lifetime.
Crowley’s life was marked by controversy and scandal. He was often criticized for his unconventional beliefs and practices, which included drug use, sexual experimentation, and the use of magic to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Despite this, Crowley remains a popular figure in the occult community and his teachings continue to influence modern occultism.
Thelema Beliefs and Practices
True Will
As a Thelemite, you believe in the concept of “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.”
This means that you have the freedom to pursue your true will, or purpose in life, without interference from others. However, this does not mean that you can do whatever you want without regard for others.
Thelema ethics are based on the idea of balance and responsibility. You are responsible for your actions and must take responsibility for the consequences of those actions.
Thelemites also believe in the Law of Thelema, which states “Love is the law, love under will.”
This means that you should act with love towards others, but always in accordance with your true will. Thelemites strive to find a balance between their individual will and the greater good of humanity.
The Great Work
The concept of “The Great Work” has its roots in Hermeticism and has been adopted by various traditions descending from it, including Thelema.
This concept is emblematic of spiritual alchemy, with the philosopher’s stone serving as its symbol. The philosopher’s stone, far from being a literal object, represents the profound transformation and enlightenment achievable through this process.
In the realm of spiritual development, the Great Work is seen as the pinnacle of the spiritual journey. It embodies the process of enlightenment achieved by bringing unconscious complexes into conscious awareness, thereby enabling their integration back into oneself.
This process of self-realization and integration is at the heart of what the Great Work represents.
In the context of Thelema, the Great Work is interpreted as the mystical union of the Self with the All. This is accomplished through the realization and fulfillment of one’s True Will. True Will is not just a personal quest; it is the alignment with the universal will, transcending the individual self and connecting with the broader cosmos.
Thelemites pursue the Great Work through a variety of practices like ritual magick, meditation, and scholarly study. These practices are geared towards facilitating this transformative journey.
Each path is unique, reflecting the deeply personal nature of the Great Work. It is through this individual journey that one seeks to achieve the ultimate spiritual goal: the unification of the self with the greater whole and the realization of one’s true purpose in the cosmic order.
Magick and Ritual
Magick is an important part of Thelemic practice. Thelemites believe that magick is a tool for personal transformation and spiritual growth. It is not seen as supernatural or miraculous, but rather as a natural part of the universe that can be harnessed through ritual and meditation.
Thelemites use a variety of rituals and practices to achieve their goals, including the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, the Star Ruby, and the Gnostic Mass.
In addition to ritual, Thelemites also practice meditation, visualization, and other forms of spiritual discipline.
These practices are designed to help develop spiritual and psychic abilities, as well as to cultivate a deeper understanding of the universe and their place within it.
Thelemic Symbols and Texts
Important Symbols
Thelema Symbols: Decoding their Mystical Meanings
Thelema is a religion that heavily relies on symbolism to convey its teachings and beliefs.
One of the most important symbols is the unicursal hexagram, which consists of a six-pointed star that can be drawn in one continuous line. This symbol represents the unity of all things and the balance of opposing forces.
Another significant symbol is the Eye of Horus, which is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents protection, healing, and power.
In Thelema, the Eye of Horus is often associated with the concept of the “True Will,” which is the ultimate purpose or destiny of an individual.
Sacred Texts
The Holy Books of Thelema: The Major and Minor Texts
Thelema has two primary sacred texts: The Book of the Law (also known as Liber AL vel Legis) and The Book of Lies (also known as Liber CCCXXXIII).
The Book of the Law was written by Aleister Crowley in 1904 and it contains the foundational principles of the religion.
Liber AL contains three chapters, each of which presents a series of cryptic verses. The text is written in a poetic and symbolic language, and its meaning is often subject to interpretation. However, there are several core teachings that are central to Thelema and are derived from the Book of the Law:
- The Book of the Law proclaims, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” This means that individuals should follow their true desires and aspirations, as long as they do not harm others.
- The Book of the Law also teaches the concept of true selfhood, or the “True Will.” This is the individual’s unique purpose or destiny, which can only be discovered through self-knowledge and self-exploration.
- The text also introduces the concept of the Aeon of Horus, a new era of human history characterized by individualism, creativity, and spiritual liberation. The Book of the Law proclaims, “Every man and every woman is a star.”
In comparison, The Book of Lies is a collection of short essays and poems that explore various aspects of Thelemic philosophy and practice. It is not considered to be as important as The Book of the Law, but it is still highly revered by Thelemites.
In addition to these primary texts, Thelema also draws inspiration from a wide range of other sources, including the works of other occultists, poets, and philosophers. These texts are often used as a means of exploring and deepening one’s understanding of Thelemic principles and practices.
Organizations and Movements
Ordo Templi Orientis
Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) is an international organization that was founded in the early 20th century by Aleister Crowley. The organization is dedicated to the study and practice of Thelema.
OTO has a hierarchical structure, with members progressing through various degrees of initiation.
The organization’s rituals and practices are based on the principles of Thelema, which include the belief in a divine force called the “True Will” and the importance of personal growth and spiritual development.
Thelema and Modern Occultism
Thelema has had a significant influence on modern occultism, and many contemporary occult movements and organizations have been inspired by its teachings. Some of these groups include the Temple of Set, the Order of the Silver Star, and the Typhonian Order.
Thelema’s emphasis on individualism and personal freedom has also had an impact on contemporary spirituality more broadly, with many people incorporating Thelemic principles into their own spiritual practices.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Thelema has been a fascinating journey for me. I find myself resonating with its core beliefs, especially the concept of the Great Work and its moral code, which stresses personal responsibility, self-discipline, and compassion.
While many might be drawn to Thelema for its ritualistic aspects and the use of magick to fulfill desires, I connect more deeply with the foundational Hermetic principles, which speaks to the transformative journey of spiritual alchemy.
For me personally, it’s these foundational principles that hold the most profound significance and align with my understanding of spirituality and personal growth.
This journey into Thelema underscores a vital truth: spirituality is deeply personal. It’s about finding what resonates with you, forging a path that aligns with your inner truth and aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you properly pronounce Thelema?
Thelema is pronounced “thuh-LEE-muh”.
What is the significance of Thelema in Greek culture?
Thelema is a Greek word that means “will” or “desire”. In Greek philosophy, it was believed that fulfilling one’s will was the ultimate goal of human life. Thelema as a spiritual philosophy draws on this idea of fulfilling one’s true will.
Can you explain the core principles of Thelema as a spiritual philosophy?
The core principles of Thelema include the belief in the individual’s ability to discover and fulfill their true will, the rejection of dogma and external authority, and the importance of living in accordance with one’s own nature.
What is ‘The Great Work’ in the context of Thelema?
The Great Work is the process of discovering and fulfilling one’s true will. It involves developing a deep understanding of oneself and the universe, and working towards the realization of one’s highest potential.
How has Thelema influenced modern spiritual practices?
Thelema has had a significant impact on modern spiritual practices, particularly in the areas of ceremonial magic and occultism. Thelema’s emphasis on individual will and self-discovery has also influenced the development of modern forms of spirituality such as New Age and self-help movements.
What are some notable works of literature associated with Thelema?
The most well-known work associated with Thelema is “The Book of the Law”, a text that was allegedly channeled by Aleister Crowley in 1904. Other notable works include Crowley’s “Magick in Theory and Practice” and “The Book of Thoth”, as well as the writings of other prominent Thelemites such as Israel Regardie and Kenneth Grant.