
Aleister Crowley was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, novelist, mountaineer, and painter. He founded the religion of Thelema, proclaiming himself as the prophet destined to guide humanity into the Æon of Horus in the early 20th century. A prolific writer, Crowley published extensively throughout his life. Born Edward Alexander Crowley in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, he was raised in a wealthy family adhering to the fundamentalist Christian Plymouth Brethren faith. Crowley rejected his religious upbringing, developing an interest in Western esotericism. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, focusing on mountaineering and poetry, and published several works during this period. In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, receiving training in ceremonial magic from Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. His travels took him to Mexico for mountaineering with Oscar Eckenstein and to India, where he studied Hindu and Buddhist practices. In 1904, during a honeymoon in Cairo with his wife Rose Edith Kelly, Crowley claimed to have received "The Book of the Law" from a supernatural entity named Aiwass. This text became the foundation of Thelema, announcing the onset of the Æon of Horus and introducing the central tenet: "Do what thou wilt." Crowley emphasized that individuals should align with their True Will through ceremonial magic. After an unsuccessful expedition to Kanchenjunga in 1905 and further travels in India and China, Crowley returned to Britain. There, he co-founded the esoteric order A∴A∴ with George Cecil Jones in 1907 to promote Thelema. In 1912, he joined the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), eventually leading its British branch and reformulating it according to Thelemic principles. Crowley spent World War I in the United States, engaging in painting and writing pro-German propaganda, which biographers later suggested was a cover for British intelligence activities. In 1920, Crowley established the Abbey of Thelema, a religious commune in Cefalù, Sicily. His libertine lifestyle attracted negative attention from the British press, leading to his expulsion by the Italian government in 1923. He spent subsequent years in France, Germany, and England, continuing to promote Thelema until his death in 1947. Crowley's notoriety stemmed from his recreational drug use, bisexuality, and criticism of societal norms. Despite controversy, he significantly influenced Western esotericism and the 1960s counterculture, and remains a central figure in Thelema.
Understand Ritual and Ceremonial Magick in the Modern Era "MAGICK is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will." -Aleister Crowley, from the Introduction Magick in Theory and Practice is Part 3 of Aleister Crowley's four-part masterwork Liber ABA, Book Four, a foundational resource of modern magick, occultism, and hermeticism. Crowley's unparalleled knowledge of magick (which is defined as the effort, in Wicca and certain other belief systems, undertaken to affect personal transformation or external change), acquired as both scholar and practitioner, made him one of the world's leading experts on the subject. He was a British occult mystic who even created his own esoteric, magick-based spiritual philosophy called Thelema, for which he wrote the sacred texts. In Crowley's broad view, magick represents the act of affecting the world through thoughts and actions. Often known for his sensational teachings and self-created diabolical image (he was infamously known, in his own words, as "the Wickedest Man in the World!"), Crowley here provides an accessible and comprehensive entry into the world of magick for all readers. Synthesizing the most salient elements of his many other writings on the subject, this insightful and instructive volume focuses specifically on how to understand and perform ceremonial magick. Part 1 thoroughly explores definition, theory, formulas, methods, and philosophy of magick, along with the importance of self-discipline. In the second half, Crowley illuminates and provides instructions for several of the most significant magical rituals, including the Star Ruby banishing. Replete with useful advice and copious footnotes, Magick in Theory and Practice includes helpful instructions for creating conducive mindsets and appropriate physical settings for practicing magick. It is a must-read for any aspiring magus, mage, practitioner of magic, or student of the occult, and a belongs in every magician's library. This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a hardcover (ISBN 1648370861).
"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." This oft-misunderstood phrase, which forms the basis for Crowley's practice of Magick, is found in The Book of the Law. Allegedly dictated to Crowley in Cairo, Egypt between noon and 1 pm on three successive days in April 1904, the Book of the Law is the source book and key for Crowley's philosophy and/or religion, Thelema.
The Book of Lies (full title: Which is also Falsely Called BREAKS. The Wanderings or Falsifications of the One Thought of Frater Perdurabo, which Thought is itself Untrue. Liber CCCXXXIII [Book 333]) was written by English occultist Aleister Crowley (using the pen name of Frater Perdurabo) and first published in 1912 or 1913.The book consists of 93 chapters, each of which consists of one page of text. The chapters include a question mark, poems, rituals, instructions, and obscure allusions and cryptograms. The subject of each chapter is generally determined by its number and its corresponding qabalistic meaning. Around 1921, Crowley wrote a short commentary about each chapter, assisting the reader in the qabalistic interpretation.Several chapters and a photograph in the book reference Leila Waddell, who Crowley called Laylah, and who, as Crowley's influential Scarlet Woman, acted as his muse during the writing process of this volume.
Diary of a Drug Fiend (1922) is a novel by Aleister Crowley. Published at the height of his career as a poet and occultist, his debut novel draws on Crowley's experiences as a heroin addict. Despite his lifelong struggle, Crowley's penchant for recreational drug use and scientific informed many of the tenets of his religion Thelema. Diary of a Drug Fiend would inspire such musicians as Ozzy Osbourne, The Lemonheads, and The Beatles. Before there was Sir Peter Pendragon, decorated pilot and veteran of the First World War, there was Peter, a dedicated medical student with his whole life ahead of him. After the war, he struggles with depression and ennui while living off an inheritance from a deceased uncle. Alongside his lover Louise Laleham, he develops a passion for heroin and cocaine, which lead them across Europe in a series of drug-fueled escapades. Back in England, they attempt to use magick as a means of breaking their dependencies, but soon find themselves hopelessly lost in the world of addiction. At their lowest point, they meet Basil King Lamus, a powerful magician who offers them a way out. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Aleister Crowley's Diary of a Drug Fiend is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers.
Now a classic in the field, used by students of the Golden Dawn as well as by those who want to understand Crowley's tarot. This is the definitive study of the Egyptian tarot and is used as a key to all Western mystery disciplines. Color plates of eight cards.
This collection of Qabalistic texts is without parallel in the history of Mystical literature. Edited and introduced by Dr. Israel Regardie, the three texts included are Gematria, 777, and Sepher Sephiroth.Gematria, reprinted from "The Temple of Solomon the King," The Equinox, Vol. 1, No. 5. It provides essential explanations of theoretical and practice Qabalistic number analysis and philosophy. "An Essay ion Number," also included, provides invaluable insights into key numbers as well as techniques and safeguards for practical magical work.777 itself contains, in concise tabulated form, an overview of the symbolism of the major world religions, as well as the system of correspondence of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. In short, it is a complete magical and philosophical dictionary—a key to all religion and practical occultism—an amazing work whose value has been recognized through many edition since its first appearance in 1909 and subsequent enlargement in 1955.The thrid text is Sepher Sephiroth, a unique dictionary listing hundreds of Hebrew words arranged by numerical value. It was compiled jointly by Crowley and Allan Bennett and first appeared in The Equinox, Vol. 1, No. 8.
This second-revised edition of Crowley's magnum opus features new, more legible typesetting, text corrections based on a previously unseen corrected proof, and the previously unpublished Liber Testis Testitudinis. The original manuscript of The Book of the Law was re-scanned for this edition, using the latest technology, for the clearest facsimile possible.Aleister Crowley devoted twenty-five years to writing and producing the four parts of this book. It is his magnum opus, in which he systematically expounds the mystical and magical theories and techniques taught in his magical orders, the A∴A∴ and the O.T.O.This profusely illustrated new edition brings together the complete texts of all four parts of Liber ABA (Book 4) in one volume under the overall title Magick. This edition incorporates Crowley`s own additions, corrections, and annotations, and restores dozens of passages omitted from all earlier editions.Magick is the fundamental textbook of modern magick in the New Æon. It also has invaluable teachings for students of Yoga and meditation. Crowley mastered the practices of Yoga during his studies in the East, and writes about them lucidly, without recourse to the imprecise language of mysticism.Beginning with a discussion of the universal origin of world religions in mystical revelation, Magick then explores the theory and practice of mysticism and magick in the light of modern scientific thought. Crowley`s own revelation, The Book of the Law, is then treated as a case study, with an autobiographical study of events leading to its reception.Extensively cross-referenced and annotated, this edition features over 100 diagrams and photographs, as well as a glossary, bibliography, and detailed index.
Crowley's most famous novel. A young girl is drawn into a magical war between two men and is forced to choose between them. The reader is taken through an incredible series of magical intrigues involving a Black Lodge. Written from personal experience, this work describes the methods and theories of modern magical practices. First published in 1917.
In 1943 Aleister Crowley initiated a circle of correspondence by way of magickal training for a number of his students. It eventually resulted in this volume of 80 letters, Crowley's personal commentary on his own magickal training and insight. This is Crowley at his best, leading you gradually into the magickal philosophy behind one of the great mystics of our century and illuminating all that was previously unapproachable in earlier writing. These letters show him not to be a "drug dimmed addict," an image fostered by legend, but rather as a vital, intelligent avatar, perhaps more lucid in these last years than in his youth.Magick Without Tears is no less than a personal encyclopedia of magickal instruction, annotated by experience and explained in unguarded language. Crowley covers: how to use the Qabalah as a tool rather than merely a system of reference; the symbols of magick; etymology and its philosophy; the three major schools of magick—white, black, and yellow—and their approach to life and use of power; hints for meditation and astral projection; the Yi King; The Book of the Law; the Tarot; Astrology; the importance of talismans, lamens and pentacles; how to distinguish prophecy from coincidence; etc. etc.
BOOK FOUR, Parts I and II, together with Magick in Theory and Practice (which is Part III of BOOK FOUR) make up a complete course in Magick, with practical instruction in Yoga and mysticism.This book is the introduction, the foundation upon which all further magical work will be based. Its simplicity, clarity and depth is without equal in occult literature.The first part of BOOK FOUR deals with Yoga in a very sound and methodical manner, stripping it of the mysterious and glitter. Soberly, Crowley describes each step as a technique of mental and/or physical discipline, ultimately resulting in complete control of the will and with this, control of the physical and mental body.Crowley speaks with authority as he is one of the few writers on the subject of Yoga and Magick who has attained Dhyana and Conversation with his Holy Guardian Angel through discipline and ritual practices.The second part of BOOK FOUR is an encyclopedia of magical symbolism, the working tools in practical magic. All of the paraphernalia employed in ritual magic are carefully explained in both psychological and mystical terms.The Wand is the will of man, his wisdom, and his word; the Cup is man's understanding, the vehicle of grace; the Sword is reason, the analytical faculty of man; and the Pantacle is man's body, the temple of the Holy Ghost. All phenomena are sacraments. Every fact must enter into the Pantacle. It is the great storehouse from which the Magician draws.The laws and truths of the occult world which are presented here give the student a sound working knowledge and set him firmly on the path. BOOK FOUR is a concise, direct and honest presentation.
Aleister Crowley's autobiographical confessions are a fascinating record of his lifetime's journey into Strange regions of consciousness. A 'saint' of the 'Gnostic' church, Crowley subtitled his six-volume work 'an autohagiography'. He describes his initiation into magic, his world-wide travels and mistresses, his experiments with sex and drugs, and the philosophy of his famous Book of the Law which contains the gospel that Crowley proclaimed for all mankind: the Law of Thelema, or Do What Thou Wilt.Generations before his time, Crowley invoked sex, drugs, and Eastern philosophy in his perpetual and often bizarre search for self-realization. The Confessions, skillfully edited and annotated by John Symonds and Kenneth Grant, serves as the perfect introduction to Crowley's extraordinary life and thought.
Aleister Crowley was among the first Europeans to study, practice and teach Yoga. His intellectual hallmark—a philosophical synthesis of mysticism, magick and science—is rooted in his Yoga studies in the East at the turn of the last century. These eight lectures, written in 1937, set forth some of Crowley's conclusions after a lifelong philosophical investigation.Speaking in turns as mystic, magus, philosopher, scientist and seasoned adventurer, few sacred cows escape the Mahatma Guru Sri Paramahansa Shivaji, who even delights in poking fun at himself.The first series of lectures is introductory, and is entitled Yoga for Yahoos. The elements of Yoga are introduced, examined and demystified with a view to extracting the practical essence of Yoga doctrine. Yoga is also correlated to astrology and the Qabalah.The second, more advanced series of lectures is entitled Yoga for Yellowbellies. Here Crowley weaves Yoga into a conceptual framework that encompasses Western philosophy, magick and mathematical physics. He introduces relativity and quantum mechanics, and discusses their implications for ontology and consciousness.Crowley's humor suffuses thee talks, which are as entertaining as they are illuminating, and his wit elucidates concepts that elude rational explanation.Revised second edition, introduced and annotated by Hymenaeus Beta, Frater Superior of Ordo Templi Orientis. Includes a new author's portrait and index.
Aleister Crowley, noto occultista nonché eminenza nera della contro-cultura del ventesimo secolo, è stato anche autore di numerosi racconti. In questa fenomenale (nel vero senso della parola) storia breve, pubblicata nel 1913, egli ci racconta di una giovane donna inglese che, durante il suo percorso per divenire una promettente scienziata, scopre di possedere la facoltà di saper leggere i pensieri altrui e di essere particolarmente sensibile alle percezioni del suo prossimo, ma si accorgerà presto che questa conoscenza può essere tutt’altro che piacevole, specie quando forze oscure ed ignote prendono possesso di coloro che le stanno accanto. Una storia che vede lo scoperchiarsi di un baratro, nella quale l’autore mette in scena vero e proprio crescendo che porterà fino ad un finale debordante e che è in grado di tenere il lettore con il fiato sospeso. Uno dei più noti amici di Oscar Wilde, lo scrittore Frank Harris, non esitò a definire Il testamento di Magdalen Blair come “la storia più terrificante mai scritta”. Del resto chiunque si imbatta in Aleister Crowley, non può far altro che rimanerne impressionato, nel Bene e nel Male.
To synthesize the aim of religion and the method of science--this was the mission of the original 'Equinox,' a massive work in ten large volumes and several subsequent books. The complete 'Equinox' is rarely available and generally beyond the economic reach of most students. This one-volume collection contains all the important magical writings from the original. It has been edited and arranged by Crowley's secretary, Israel Regardie, so the student can "find his way through the maze more easily." It includes material on Crowley's magical order, magical rituals, yoga, invocations, and sex magick among many other topics.
Crowley, Aleister (Ed. Israel Regardie )
by Aleister Crowley
Rating: 4.2 ⭐
Crowley's life and thought are inexorably linked with 'The Book of the Law.' He received this visionary work by direct-voice dictation in Cairo in 1904. As an intelligent sceptic, he first found this improbable means of communication difficult to accept. Yet he could not ignore it or its message. He worked for decades to interpret its meaning for initiates and the general public. Eventually he entrusted the task to his best friend, Louis Wilkinson who possessed impressive literary qualifications. The result of his work, completed and augmented by Frater Superior Hymenaeus Beta of the O.T.O., is this long-awaited authorized popular edition of Crowley's "new commentary" on 'The Book of the Law' and its first appearance as Crowley wished it.
Written in New York City at the end of the First World War, this has been described by Crowley as "an extended and elaborate commentary on The Book of the law, in the form of a letter from the Master Therion to his magical son".
by Aleister Crowley
Rating: 4.0 ⭐
For the first time, the three great magical works of King Solomon are together in one volume. The Greater and Lesser Keys give a practical guide to the operation of his magic. The testament gives a historical account of its use by Solomon himself.The Key of Solomon the King was originally researched and translated by S.L. MacGregor Mathers from ancient manuscripts in the British museums. Included by Mathers is the Order of the Pentacles of Solomon, the Ancient Fragment of the Key of Solomon, The Qabalistic Invocation of Solomon, and 15 plates full of figures, seals and charts, as well as the original text giving detailed instruction for spells and invocations.The work is traditionally divided into two books detailing the Key of King Solomon. Book One explains the operation of conjurations, curses, spells and other magical works. Book Two instructs the practitioner on the proper attire, purification rituals and other means of obtaining the goals of the Goetia. Between these two books is the list of plates that contain numerous illustrations and secret seals of Solomon, including the Mystical Seal of Solomon, the Pentacles of Solomon, and the Mystical Alphabet, which impart the mechanisms and requirements for the invocation of spirits and demons.The Lesser Key of Solomon, or the Clavicula Salomonis Regis, or Lemegeton, is a compilation of materials and writings from ancient sources making up a text book of magic or “grimoire.” Portions of this book can be traced back to the mid-16th to 17th centuries, when occult researchers such as Cornelius Agrippa and Johannes Trithemisus assembled what they discovered during their investigations into their own great works.As a modern grimoire, the Lesser Key of Solomon has seen several editions with various authors and editors taking liberty to edit and translate the ancient writings and source material. In 1898, Arthur Edward Waite published his The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts, which contained large portions of the Lemegeton. He was followed by Mathers and Crowley in 1904 who published The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon.In the preface to this edition, it is explained that a “Secret Chief” of the Rosicrucian Order directed the completion of the book. The original editor was a G. H. Fra. D.D.C.F. who translated ancient texts from French, Hebrew, and Latin, but was unable to complete his labors because of the martial assaults of the Four Great Princes. Crowley was then asked to step in and finish what the previous author had begun.The Testament of Solomon is a pseudepigraphical work attributed to King Solomon the Wise of the Old Testament. Written in the first-person narrative, the book tells the story of the creation of the magical ring of King Solomon and how Solomon’s ring was used to bind and control demons, including Beelzebub. In this book of King Solomon, the discourses between the King and the various spirits are told, and the story shows how Solomon uses his wisdom to withstand the demons’ tricks and guile and enlist their aid in the building of his temple.The manuscripts from which this work was discovered date from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. All were written in Greek. This dating makes most experts believe that the work is medieval. But some scholars, including D.C. Duling, argue that it is likely that the work comes from the 5th or 6th centuries.
Book DescriptionThe first facsimile edition of this masterwork of Hermeticism and Magick, described by its author as "the most remarkable book on the Mystic Path ever written." It has long been treasured by students and collectors in its first edition of 1907. Crowley poured his occult knowledge, particularly that which he learned in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, into the four essays contained therein. It is an essential work for all students of the Golden Dawn and Magick.From the PublisherA new introduction by Crowley scholar Martin Starr places the book in the context of the author's life and work. Hardcover, 144 pages, printed in two colors on acid-free paper, with duotone portrait of the author
With an Introduction by William Breeze and a Foreword by David Tibet. This volume brings together the uncollected short fiction of the poet, writer and religious philosopher Aleister Crowley (1875 1947). Crowley was a successful critic, editor and author of fiction from 1908 to 1922, and his short stories are long overdue for discovery. Of the forty-nine stories in the present volume, only thirty were published in his lifetime. Most of the rest appear here for the first time. Like their author, Crowley's stories are fun, smart, witty, thought-provoking and sometimes unsettling. They are set in places he had lived and knew well: Belle Epoque Paris, Edwardian London, pre-revolutionary Russia and America during the first World War. The title story The Drug stands as one of the first accounts–if not the first–of a psychedelic experience. His Black and Silver is a knowing early noir discovery that anticipates an entire genre. Atlantis is a masterpiece of occult fantasy, a dark satire that can stand with Samuel Butler's Erewhon . Frank Harris considered The Testament of Magdalen Blair the most terrifying tale ever written. Extensive editorial end-notes give full details about the stories.The three characteristics --Ambrosii Magi Hortus Rosarum --The wake world --T'ien Tao --The stone of the philosophers --The murder in X. Street --The drug --Cancer? A study in nerves --At the fork of the roads --The dream circean --Illusion d'amoureux --The soul-hunter --The daughter of the horseleech --The violinist --The vixen --The electric silence --The ordeal of Ida Pendragon --Apollo bestows the violin --Across the gulf --His secret sin --The woodcutter --Professor Zircon --The vitriol-thrower --The testament of Magdalen Blair --Ercildoune --The stratagem --Lieutenant Finn's promotion --The chute --A death bed repentance --Felo de se --The argument that took the wrong turning --The professor and the plutocrat --Robbing Miss Horniman --The ideal idol --Face --Which things are an allegory --The crime of the impasse de l'enfant Jésus --Atlantis --The mysterious malady --The bald man --Black and silver --The humour of Pauline Pepper --A nativity --Every precaution --God's journey --The colour of my eyes --Dedit! --Colonel Pacton's brother --The vampire of Vespuccia --As you were! --Only a dog --The virgin --A masque --The escape
Liber 418, The Vision and the Voice is the record of Aleister Crowley's exploration of the 30 Æthyrs of the Enochian system of magick developed by Elizabethan magicians Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley. Crowley obtained these visions in Mexico in 1900m and in Algeria in 1909. The are the source of many key spiritual doctrines of Thelema, particularly concerning the theogony of the All-Father Chaos and the goddess Babalon. They give an account of the transcendence of the Ego by crossing the Abyss, and the attainment of the grade of Master of the Temple. This new edition adds previously unpublished material, including new explanatory diagrams, illustrations designed by Crowley, and the actual Algerian diary record. Unlike other available editions of The Vision and the Voice, this volume includes Crowley's extensive and illuminating commentary.This collection features several works that complement Liber 418, The Vision and the Voice, giving details of Crowley's other advanced initiations and magical workings.Liber 325, The Bartzabel Working gives ritual instructions for the evocation of the Spirit of Mars, and includes the first publication of the actual record of the group ritual evocation of this spirit conducted by Crowley in 1910.Liber 60, The Ab-ul-Diz Working, gives an account of the astral communications with an Adept named Ab-ul-Diz in 1911 that led to the writing of Crowley's Book 4 .Liber 415, The Paris Working, is the record of a series of sexmagical workings conducted in 1914, designed to restore the worship of several of the gods of pagan antiquity. It includes The Holy Hymns to the Great Gods of Heaven.This book collects the diaries of Aleister Crowley for 1909–1914 in one volume.
"Enochian World of Aleister Crowley" gives the student immediate access to the world's most powerful, yet misunderstood, system of magick. Crowley's work was the launching pad for all that followed. Originally published in 1912, it rent the veil of the Inner Order of the Golden Dawn and revealed its most precious jewel for all to see. For the first time, the reader is provided with instructions that bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds by integrating Enochiana with Sex Magick. Mr. DuQuette and Dr. Hyatt bring over forty years of practical experience in the field to show you how to start using this powerful system right now.Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was one of this century's most profound students of Magick, Qabalah and Yoga psychology. He is now widely recognized as the first Western investigator to give initiation a truly scientific method.Lon Milo DuQuette is an Adeptus Exemptus of The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and a high-ranking officer of Thelemic Esoteric Orders. He is regarded as one of the leading authorities on Enochian Magic. He is the co-author of "Aleister Crowley's Illustrated Goetia" and "Sex Magic, Tantra & Tarot" among other works.Christopher S. Hyatt, Ph.D. is a leading authority on Sex Magick and Tantra. He is the author of the world famous "Undoing Yourself With Energized Meditation; Secrets of Western Tantra; The Tree of Lies" and many other works. For years he was Israel Regardie's close associate and is the President of the Israel Regardie Foundation.
In 1904, Aleister Crowley commissioned, edited, and introduced an English translation of The Book of the Goetia of Solomon the King, the first of five magical texts known as the Lemegeton. Yet few have actually worked the system, believing one must conform blindly to the archaic procedures and long-winded conjurations of the original text. But Crowley s attitude toward the Goetia appears to have been different. His masterful expansion and perfection of the Preliminary Invocation of the Goetia is a prime example. This new edition of the Goetia features an introduction explaining Goetic Magick. Goetia refers to all the operations of that Magick which deals with gross, malignant or unenlightened forces. Goetia is sometimes thought of as a wild card, something that can get out of control, something which expresses the operator's lower desires to control others and improve his own personal life. And, in fact, this potential loss of control, this danger, the desire for self-improvement and great power is exactly what attracts many people to the Goetia while horrifying and repelling others. Crowley's Goetia is brought to life by David P. Wilson with vivid illustrations of the Goetic demons, while Lon Milo DuQuette and Christopher S. Hyatt bring the ancient art of Goetic Magick to life in the modern day. Christopher Hyatt joined with Lon Milo DuQuette and David P. Wilson to glean extraordinary magical and philosophical treasures from this most misunderstood subject.
In Little Essays Toward Truth, Aleister Crowley examines sixteen concepts fundamental to human existence in the light of the Holy Qabalah. These essays are a philosophical tour de force, in which he discusses, each in its turn, various of the powers, attributes and experiences that go to make up Man. It’s one of Crowley’s most mature works, and since it is addressed to the intelligent sceptic, rather than the specialist, it forms a lucid introduction to the Path of the Wise. This edition includes a new Forword, diagram, glossary, bibliography and index.
First published in Detroit in 1919, the legendary Blue Equinox was Crowley's first attempt to publicize the principles and aims of the magical secret society Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) and its allied order the A∴A∴. In it, Crowley laid out the esoteric, social, ethical, and philosophical ideas that he believed provided the framework for a new ethics and the liberated morality of the future. Upon publication, the book was threatened with suppression by the authorities of the day. Many of the papers in the Blue Equinox anticipated social liberties we tend to take for granted today.
While many of the details of Aleister Crowley's flamboyant life have been well documented, Portable Darkness is the first book to tackle the formidable task of collecting the best of his voluminous lifework. In bringing together Crowley's best writings, editor Scott Michaelsen makes Crowleyan philosophy both accessible and intelligible.As an intellectual and mystic, Crowley devoted his life to the study of Qabalah, gematria, numerology, astrology, myth, glyphs, yoga, and linguistics. His intense, methodical exploration of so immense and arcane a range of knowledge has yielded, not surprisingly, a hugely challenging body of literature. In Portable Darkness , Michaelsen has sifted through this vast, often abstruse oeuvre in search of those works which best display and illuminate the razor-sharp insight for which Crowley has become known.The selections in Portable Darkness are organized thematically according to Crowley's favorite Qabalah and Magick, Yoga and Magick, Sex and Magick, Magick and Law, Magick and Lies. As accompanied by Michaelsen's cogent essays, these texts represent the essential Aleister Crowley, guiding novice and adept alike through the complexities of his notoriously impenetrable writings. Enlightening and revelatory, Portable Darkness is an indispensable lexicon for all those with an interest in the occult.
Book by Crowley, Aleister
Variations of sodomy, pederasty, bestiality, and necrophilia are interwoven with gleeful blasphemy in this seminal collection of poetry by Aleister Crowley. Inspired by Krafft-Ebing's study of sexual perversity, Psychopathia Sexualis, it purports to be "the literary remains of George Archibald Bishop, a neuropath of the Second Empire." Crowley's infamous first book, White Stains was clandestinely printed in 1898 by Leonard Smithers. Of the one hundred numbered copies that were originally printed, only a handful were spared destruction by Her Majesty's Customs; an outcome which speaks against Crowley's decision to invoke the blessing of the Virgin Mary in his prefatory sonnet. Crowley would go on to establish himself as a leading figure in the Western occult tradition. A drug addict, bisexual, and proponent of sex magick, Crowley's flamboyantly impious lifestyle would lead the tabloid press to crown him "The Wickedest Man in the World."
by Aleister Crowley
Rating: 4.1 ⭐
Volume 1 of a 3-volume set. Later reprint of the original 1905 edition by the Yogi Publication Society. Contains early poems and plays with little in the way of magic. Aceldama, The Tale of Archais, Songs of the Spirit, The Poem, Jephthah, Mysteries, Jezebel and Other Tragic Poems, An Appeal to the American Republic, The Fatal Force, The Mother's Tragedy, The Temple of the Holy Ghost, Carmen Saeculare, Tannhauser.
One of Crowley's most rare and sought-after works. The Equinox of the Gods presents an amazing description of the circumstances leading up to Crowley's transcription of The Book of the Law. Includes extensive biographical data, highly personal diary extracts, ritual workings, several illustrations and a full color reproduction of the Stele of Revealing. Also includes the full text of The Book of the Law plus a facsimile of Crowley's original handwritten manuscript. This is a beautifully produced and completely new, corrected edition of this long out-of-print masterpiece.