“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law”
― Aleister Crowley
Introduction to Aleister Crowley, The Wickedest Man in the World
Aleister Crowley, often referred to as “The Great Beast,” was a British occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician. Born in 1875, Crowley was a highly controversial figure who left a lasting impact on modern occultism and esotericism. His teachings and practices have been both celebrated and criticized, leading to numerous conspiracy theories and myths about his life and legacy. Crowley’s influence persists in popular culture, and he is often depicted as the archetype of the “evil occultist,” though his actual beliefs were complex and multifaceted.
Origins and Early Life
Crowley was born Edward Alexander Crowley on October 12, 1875, in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England. His parents were devout Christians, belonging to the Plymouth Brethren, a strict evangelical sect. Crowley’s early rebellion against his religious upbringing laid the groundwork for his later pursuits in occultism. He attended Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, where he studied philosophy and poetry, but he never completed his degree.
In 1898, Crowley joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society dedicated to the study and practice of the occult, metaphysics, and paranormal activities. His involvement with this organization was the beginning of his deeper engagement with occult practices.
The Birth of Thelema
Crowley’s most significant contribution to occultism was the founding of Thelema, a new religious philosophy. In 1904, Crowley claimed to have received a divine revelation through a series of communications with a spirit named Aiwass. These communications culminated in the writing of The Book of the Law, which became the central text of Thelema. The book’s core message, encapsulated in the phrase “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” advocates the pursuit of one’s true will as the highest form of spiritual expression.
Crowley’s Thelema emphasized the importance of individual freedom, the exploration of the self, and the rejection of conventional moral and religious norms. Thelema has since influenced various occult and spiritual movements, as well as pop culture.
Crowley’s Controversial Reputation
Throughout his life, Crowley was a polarizing figure. The British press dubbed him “The Wickedest Man in the World” due to his unorthodox beliefs, scandalous behavior, and advocacy for sexual liberation. He was also accused of engaging in drug use, sexual perversion, and black magic. These accusations, whether true or exaggerated, contributed to Crowley’s infamous reputation.
Example: Crowley in Sicily
In the 1920s, Crowley established the Abbey of Thelema in Cefalù, Sicily, where he and his followers practiced rituals and lived according to Thelemic principles. The commune became the subject of sensationalist media reports, leading to Crowley’s expulsion from Italy by Benito Mussolini’s government in 1923. The stories surrounding the Abbey contributed to the enduring myths about Crowley’s alleged involvement in dark and dangerous practices.
Aleister Crowley Conspiracy Theories
Given Crowley’s controversial nature, it is unsurprising that numerous conspiracy theories have emerged about him. These range from claims about his influence on world events to his supposed involvement with secret societies.
1. Crowley and the Nazis
One conspiracy theory suggests that Crowley was involved with the Nazis during World War II. Proponents claim that his occult knowledge was sought by the Nazis for their own purposes. However, there is little evidence to support this claim, and most historians dismiss it as a fabrication.
2. The “Illuminati” Connection
Another prevalent theory posits that Crowley was a member of the Illuminati, a secret society supposedly controlling world events. Crowley’s association with various occult groups, such as the Golden Dawn and Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), has fueled this theory. Yet, there is no credible evidence linking Crowley to the Illuminati.
3. Influence on Modern Culture and Rock Music
Crowley’s influence on rock music, particularly on bands like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, has led to conspiracy theories about his role in shaping modern culture. Some believe that Crowley’s teachings inspired a hidden agenda in popular music, promoting occultism and rebellion. Crowley’s image even appears on the cover of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, further fueling these theories.
Legacy and Modern Interpretations
Aleister Crowley’s legacy is complex. He is revered by some as a pioneer of modern occultism and a champion of individual freedom. Others view him as a dangerous figure whose teachings lead to moral and spiritual decay. Despite this, Crowley’s impact on Western esotericism is undeniable, and his ideas continue to inspire new generations of occultists and spiritual seekers.
Conclusion
Aleister Crowley remains one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in modern history. His life, teachings, and the myths surrounding him have solidified his place in the annals of occult lore. While some of the conspiracy theories about Crowley are far-fetched, his influence on occultism and popular culture is both profound and enduring.
Recommended Literature on Aleister Crowley
- Aleister Crowley: The Biography – Tobias Churton. Watkins, 2014.
- The Confessions of Aleister Crowley – Aleister Crowley. Penguin Classics, 1989.
- Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley – Richard Kaczynski. North Atlantic Books, 2010.
- Do What Thou Wilt: A Life of Aleister Crowley – Lawrence Sutin. St. Martin’s Press, 2002.
- Aleister Crowley and the Temptation of Politics – Marco Pasi. Routledge, 2014.
- The Magick of Aleister Crowley: A Handbook of the Rituals of Thelema – Lon Milo DuQuette. Weiser Books, 2003.
- The Secret Life of a Satanist: The Authorized Biography of Anton LaVey – Blanche Barton. Feral House, 1990.
- Aleister Crowley: The Beast in Berlin – Tobias Churton. Inner Traditions, 2014.
- Aleister Crowley in America: Art, Espionage, and Sex Magick in the New World – Tobias Churton. Inner Traditions, 2017.