Thelema: The Philosophy of Will and Divine Self-Realization
Thelema is a spiritual philosophy that was founded by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century. It emphasizes the power of the will, the importance of self-realization, and the pursuit of one's true purpose in life.
At its core, Thelema teaches that each individual has a unique and divine purpose, and the path to spiritual enlightenment involves embracing one’s true will, a concept central to the philosophy.
Thelema has become a significant influence in contemporary occultism and has sparked interest in the exploration of personal freedom, magical practices, and the union with the divine.
The Origins of Thelema
The term “Thelema” comes from the Greek word “θέλημα” (thélēma), which means "will" or "intention." It was popularized by Aleister Crowley, who was an influential figure in the early 20th century occult movement.
Crowley claimed to have received a mystical revelation in 1904, while in Egypt, during a time of spiritual crisis. This event, which he called the "Cairo Working", led to the communication of a message from an entity named Aiwass, which Crowley believed to be his Holy Guardian Angel. This message, known as the Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis), became the foundational text of Thelema.
In the Book of the Law, the central tenet of Thelema is expressed as:
"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will."
This phrase encapsulates the core principle of Thelema: that each person should follow their True Will, a term Crowley used to describe the authentic path of one’s life, aligned with their deeper, divine purpose.
The Core Teachings of Thelema
1. True Will: The central concept in Thelema is the True Will, which is not simply about personal desires or mundane wishes, but refers to an individual’s deeper, higher purpose in life. Thelemites believe that every person has a unique path or purpose in the universe, and the key to spiritual fulfillment is discovering and following that path. It is an individual’s divine will, the expression of their unique essence. This is often seen as a metaphysical calling, rather than just a superficial goal or ambition.
2. Do What Thou Wilt: One of the most famous and controversial aspects of Thelema is the slogan "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." Crowley interpreted this as a call for individuals to embrace their full potential and act in alignment with their True Will, rather than conforming to societal expectations or restrictions. The idea is that once a person discovers their True Will, their actions and choices become part of a higher, divine order, and their life becomes an expression of this greater purpose.
3. Love Under Will: While the first part of the statement emphasizes personal freedom and autonomy, the phrase “Love is the law, love under will” underscores the importance of love in the Thelemic philosophy. Love, in this context, is not a mere emotion but a transformative force that operates in harmony with one’s True Will. In Thelema, love is viewed as an essential element in the spiritual path, guiding the will in a direction that is not selfish or destructive, but instead one that supports the greater good of both the individual and humanity.
4. The Aeon of Horus: Crowley’s system of Thelema was deeply tied to his understanding of the development of human consciousness and the changing spiritual ages. He declared that humanity had entered the Aeon of Horus, a new era that would be marked by individual sovereignty, the rise of the will, and the eventual fulfillment of humanity's divine potential. According to Crowley, each era of human history was associated with a different spiritual archetype: the Aeon of Isis (the era of the Mother Goddess), the Aeon of Osiris (the era of sacrifice and religious submission), and the Aeon of Horus, which represents the child and the sovereign will. The Aeon of Horus emphasizes the personal empowerment and individuation of each human being.
5. Magical Practice: Crowley was also a prolific occultist and wrote extensively on the practice of magic (spelled "magick" with a "k" to distinguish it from stage magic). He believed that magical practices such as rituals, invocations, and meditation were tools for aligning the individual’s will with the forces of the universe. Thelema’s magical system is based on ceremonial magic, the use of sigils, visualizations, and other occult practices to shape one’s reality and tap into higher spiritual energies.
6. The Holy Guardian Angel: The pursuit of Knowledge and Conversation with the Holy Guardian Angel (often referred to as the HGA) is considered one of the highest spiritual goals in Thelemic tradition. The HGA is thought to be an aspect of the higher self or divine intelligence that offers guidance, wisdom, and protection. The process of achieving communication with the HGA is an essential step toward spiritual enlightenment, as it represents a union with the divine aspect of the self and the true realization of the will.
Thelema and Its Influence on Modern Occultism
Thelema has had a profound impact on modern occultism, neo-paganism, and the magical community. Crowley’s influence extends beyond Thelema itself and into various aspects of the occult revival of the early 20th century.
He founded the Argenteum Astrum (Silver Star) and the A∴A∴ (Argenteum Astrum), organizations designed to spread Thelemic teachings and magical practices. Thelema also influenced the development of Wicca, especially through figures like Gerald Gardner, who was connected to Crowley and the Hermetic tradition.
Crowley’s philosophy of personal empowerment, individual freedom, and the pursuit of one’s higher will resonated with many of the countercultural movements of the 1960s and beyond, influencing figures in art, music, and literature. Artists like David Bowie, Jimmy Page, and Marilyn Manson have all cited Crowley and Thelema as influences on their work.
Thelema in Practice Today
Today, Thelema is practiced by a variety of groups and individuals, many of whom continue to follow Crowley’s teachings and rituals. Thelemites engage in spiritual practices aimed at realizing their True Will, and they often incorporate magical rituals, astrology, Tarot, and meditation into their daily lives.
Some Thelemites belong to formal organizations such as the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) or the A∴A∴, while others practice independently. The principles of Thelema are flexible, and practitioners are encouraged to find their own paths and engage with the teachings in a way that is authentic to their personal experience.
Thelema continues to inspire a wide range of seekers, and its emphasis on personal freedom, empowerment, and divine self-realization resonates in the modern age, where many people are searching for meaning beyond the confines of traditional religion and societal norms.
Thelema represents a powerful spiritual philosophy that calls individuals to embrace their True Will, discover their divine purpose, and live a life of freedom and self-expression. Rooted in the mystical experiences of Aleister Crowley and the teachings of the Book of the Law, Thelema invites followers to explore the deeper aspects of the self and the universe.
With its emphasis on the individual’s spiritual autonomy, Thelema remains a cornerstone of modern occultism and spirituality, continuing to influence those seeking to live a life that is aligned with their deepest calling and higher potential.
