Aleister Crowley - The Great Beast 666

Summary

Aleister Crowley, dubbed 'The Great Beast 666', was a controversial figure known for his claims as a magician, writer, and spy. Born to religious parents, he rebelled against his upbringing, embracing the occult and establishing his own philosophy, Thelema, which promoted personal freedom and self-fulfillment. His life was marked by scandal, from alleged connections to Jack the Ripper to creating a cult and practicing 'sex magic'. Despite his notoriety, Crowley's teachings influenced artists and musicians, leaving a lasting impact on counterculture.

Takeaways

• 🧙 Aleister Crowley was a multifaceted figure known as a magician, scholar, writer, and spy, with a controversial reputation as 'The Great Beast 666'.
• 👶 Born into a religious family, Crowley's early life was dominated by the strict teachings of The Plymouth Brethren, which he later rejected.
• 🏔 His health issues as a child led to a significant lifestyle change, including indulging in activities previously considered sinful, which contributed to his recovery.
• 🔮 Crowley's exploration into the occult began with the Order of the Golden Dawn, where he quickly advanced but also stirred controversy due to his radical ideas.
• 📜 He claimed to have received a divine revelation from Aiwass, resulting in 'The Book of the Law,' which became the cornerstone of his philosophy.
• 🏠 Crowley's personal life was tumultuous, marked by failed relationships and the establishment of his own cult, Thelema.
• 🏔️ His adventurous spirit led him to mountaineering expeditions, one of which ended in tragedy and further tarnished his reputation.
• 🌍 Crowley's influence extended beyond Europe, as he attempted to spread Thelema in the United States, impacting figures like Jack Parsons and L. Ron Hubbard.
• 🚫 His extreme lifestyle, including drug use and 'sex magic,' led to health issues and financial ruin, forcing him into a period of seclusion.
• 💉 Despite his notoriety, Crowley experienced a late-life redemption, finding happiness with Deirdre MacLellan and their son.
• ⚰️ His death in 1947 was overshadowed by his controversial life, with a small funeral and posthumous rumors of his demise.

Q & A

Who was Aleister Crowley known as and why?

Aleister Crowley was known as 'The Great Beast 666' due to some beliefs that he was the AntiChrist as told in the Book of Revelation.

What was Aleister Crowley's early life like, and how did it shape his views on religion?

Aleister Crowley was born to extremely religious parents and was raised in the strict teachings of The Plymouth Brethren, which he later rejected during his teenage rebellion, leading him to oppose their religious doctrines.

How did Aleister Crowley's health issues as a child influence his life?

Crowley's health issues led his uncle to introduce him to a more liberal lifestyle, including physical activities and experiences that were previously forbidden, which contributed to his recovery and his rejection of his strict upbringing.

What significant event occurred during Aleister Crowley's time at Cambridge University?

At Cambridge, Crowley fell in love with a fellow classmate, Herbert Jerome Pollitt, who had an alter ego as 'Diane de Rougy', and this love, along with his bisexuality, further motivated him to reject Christianity.

What was Aleister Crowley's involvement with the Order of the Golden Dawn?

Crowley joined the Order of the Golden Dawn, an organization of aspiring wizards, where he quickly moved through the lessons and eventually became involved in more radical practices, leading to distrust among some members.

What is the significance of the ' Abramelin Ceremony' that Aleister Crowley attempted?

The Abramelin Ceremony was a spell Crowley performed at Boleskine House with the intention of summoning angels, but it was rumored that his failure to complete it unlocked the gates of Hell.

What revelation did Aleister Crowley receive from his guardian angel, Aiwass?

Aleister Crowley received the revelation that 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law' from his guardian angel, Aiwass, which became a central tenet of his philosophy.

How did Aleister Crowley's personal relationships, such as with his first wife Rose, influence his beliefs and practices?

Rose Edith Kelly, Crowley's first wife, had visions during their time in Egypt that influenced Crowley's beliefs, leading to the creation of The Book of the Law, but their marriage eventually fell apart due to personal issues and the death of their first daughter.

What was the nature of Aleister Crowley's cult, Thelema, and how did it differ from his previous affiliations?

Thelema, Crowley's own cult, promoted the idea of doing whatever one wanted, with practices including drug use, orgies, and rituals that were more intense and controversial than those of the Order of the Golden Dawn.

How did Aleister Crowley's later life and relationships evolve, and what did he learn from these experiences?

In his later life, Crowley experienced drug addiction and financial struggles, but found a second chance at life with Deirdre MacLellan, who helped him recover and start a family, leading him to realize that true happiness came from family, not selfishness.

What is the legacy of Aleister Crowley, and how has it influenced popular culture?

Aleister Crowley's life and teachings have inspired artists, musicians, and the 'free love' movement, with his motto 'Do What Thou Wilt' appearing on albums by Led Zeppelin and his influence being recognized by figures like David Bowie and John Lennon.