ALEISTER CROWLEY | A Grande Besta 666

Summary

This video script delves into the enigmatic figure of Aleister Crowley, a controversial occultist known as 'The Great Beast 666'. Born into an orthodox family in 1875, Crowley became a pivotal member of the Golden Dawn order before founding his own, the Argentum Astrum, and developing the philosophy of Thelema. The video explores his scandalous reputation, his influence on esoteric circles, and his controversial yet profound teachings, including the famous maxim 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law'. It also touches on his impact on popular culture and music, with artists like Led Zeppelin and David Bowie drawing inspiration from his works.

Takeaways

• 🔮 Aleister Crowley was a controversial figure in the 20th century, known for his involvement in occultism and magic.
• 📜 He is credited with creating the Thelema philosophy, which is based on the principle 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law'.
• 👶 Born in 1875, Crowley was part of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, but his controversial actions led to his expulsion and the eventual collapse of the order.
• 🌟 Crowley's philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual will and aligning one's actions with love and divine law, rather than societal norms.
• 💭 The script suggests that Crowley's reputation for perversion and scandal was partly due to media sensationalism and the prevailing values of his time.
• 🚫 Crowley's use of drugs, such as heroin for asthma treatment, was not uncommon in his era and reflects the different attitudes towards substances in the past.
• 📖 The reception of 'Liber AL Vel Legis', or 'The Book of the Law', during Crowley's honeymoon in Cairo is a pivotal event in the development of Thelema.
• 🧘 Crowley's teachings on sexuality and breaking societal taboos were seen as revolutionary, challenging the status quo and advocating for personal freedom and expression.
• 👁 The video suggests that Crowley's legacy is complex, with his influence extending beyond occultism to impact popular culture and music.
• 🎨 Crowley's work on the Thoth Tarot deck is highlighted as a significant contribution to esoteric knowledge, combining deep symbolism with artistic beauty.
• 🌐 The script encourages viewers to look beyond Crowley's controversial persona to understand the deeper esoteric messages in his teachings.

Q & A

Who was Aleister Crowley and why is he a controversial figure?

Aleister Crowley was a prominent occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician of the early 20th century. He is controversial due to his involvement in various scandals and polemics, including those related to drugs, sexuality, and rituals, as well as his irreverence towards the prevailing values of his time.

What is the significance of the year 1875 in the context of Aleister Crowley's birth?

1875 is significant because it is the same year that the occultist Eliphas Levi died and Helena Blavatsky founded the Theosophical Society, marking it as a pivotal year in the history of esotericism.

What role did Aleister Crowley play in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn?

Aleister Crowley joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a prominent esoteric order of the time. However, his involvement led to the order's collapse due to various scandals and controversies, after which he was expelled.

What is Thelema and how is it related to Aleister Crowley?

Thelema is a spiritual philosophy or religion established by Aleister Crowley. It is based on the idea that 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,' emphasizing the importance of individual will and aligning one's actions with one's true purpose.

What is the meaning behind the phrase 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law'?

This phrase, central to Thelema, suggests that one's true will, when aligned with love and divine law, should guide one's actions. It implies that if one's desires are rooted in love, they are in accordance with divine will, regardless of societal norms or ethics.

How did Aleister Crowley's views on sexuality challenge the societal norms of his time?

Crowley was known for his irreverence towards the prevailing societal norms, particularly regarding sexuality. He advocated for sexual liberation and challenged taboos within esoteric circles, which was seen as perverse during the conservative era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What is the significance of the 'Abysmal' or 'Abyss' in Aleister Crowley's work?

The Abyss in Crowley's work represents a spiritual chasm that one must traverse to achieve self-transcendence. It symbolizes the dissolution of the ego to allow for divine consciousness, which is a departure from many spiritual practices that aim to suppress or break the ego.

What is the 'Liber AL Vel Legis' and why is it important in Thelema?

The 'Liber AL Vel Legis,' also known as 'The Book of the Law,' is a central text in Thelema. It was received by Crowley and his partner Rose Kelly during a series of rituals in Cairo and is considered a divine revelation, outlining the principles of Thelema.

How did Aleister Crowley's teachings influence popular culture and music?

Crowley's teachings have had a significant impact on popular culture, particularly in music. Bands and artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Bruce Dickinson, Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, and Raul Seixas have been influenced by his work.

What is the 'Thoth Tarot' and how is it associated with Aleister Crowley?

The Thoth Tarot is a popular deck of tarot cards designed by Aleister Crowley in collaboration with Lady Frieda Harris. It is known for its complex symbolism and synthesis of esoteric knowledge, making it a significant contribution to the field of divination and occult studies.