Understanding Thelema
Thelema is a spiritual philosophy and occult tradition founded in the early 20th century by Aleister Crowley, a British occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician. At its core, Thelema emphasizes the pursuit of one’s True Will, the innermost purpose and spiritual direction that guides an individual.
The word “Thelema” itself is derived from the Greek word for “will,” and its central tenet is encapsulated in the phrase “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.“
In this article, we’ll explore the key beliefs, symbols, practices, and historical background of Thelema, offering a deep dive into its philosophy.
Historical Origins
Thelema’s origins can be traced to Aleister Crowley, but its conceptual roots extend further into esoteric traditions such as Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and Western Occultism. Crowley introduced Thelema to the world with the publication of his book, The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis) in 1904. According to Crowley, he received this text through a spiritual communication with a higher entity named Aiwass while he was in Cairo, Egypt. As a result, The Book of the Law forms the cornerstone of Thelema’s teachings.
However, Crowley’s work built on centuries of occult knowledge, fusing elements of ceremonial magic, Eastern mysticism, and Western esotericism. By distilling these influences, Crowley crafted Thelema into a cohesive, yet highly individualistic, system of spiritual development.
Core Beliefs of Thelema
At the heart of Thelema lies the pursuit of one’s True Will. This is understood as the essential, divine purpose or mission that every individual has. This concept is foundational to Thelema and serves as a spiritual compass guiding every aspect of life.
The Law of Thelema
The philosophy of Thelema is encapsulated in the following three key phrases from The Book of the Law:
- “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.”
This statement emphasizes that each individual has a unique True Will, a spiritual purpose, and that they must follow this path. However, it should not be confused with hedonism or the unrestricted pursuit of desires. “Do what thou wilt” refers specifically to discovering and acting according to one’s True Will. - “Love is the law, love under will.”
While Will is the ultimate guiding principle, Love plays a significant role in Thelema. This phrase suggests that Love, in its highest form, must be aligned with one’s True Will. It also reflects the idea that every action must be harmonized with the greater whole. It also ensures that Will is not used selfishly but in harmony with the universe. - “Every man and every woman is a star.”
This metaphor emphasizes the uniqueness and independence of each individual. Just as stars move in their own orbits in the vast cosmos, individuals are meant to follow their True Will, free from external constraints or societal expectations. Thelema celebrates individuality and personal freedom, provided that one’s actions align with their Will and do not infringe on the Wills of others.
The Aeon of Horus
Crowley believed that humanity had entered a new era, which he called the Aeon of Horus. In this period, individuals are no longer bound by the restrictive moralities of the past and are instead encouraged to embrace self-discovery and the realization of their True Will.
According to Crowley, the Aeon of Horus follows the Aeon of Isis (a time of maternal nurturing and the worship of the goddess) and the Aeon of Osiris (a time of patriarchal religions, guilt, and self-sacrifice).
Key Symbols and Deities in Thelema
Thelema draws heavily on symbols, archetypes, and deities from various esoteric traditions. Therefore, understanding these symbols can help decode the complex layers of Thelemic philosophy.
Nuit
Nuit is the goddess of the infinite sky and the overarching cosmic force. In Thelema, she represents boundless potential, the infinite possibilities that exist in the universe. She is often depicted as a starry woman arching over the earth. Nuit’s symbolism encourages followers of Thelema to explore the vastness of their own potential.
Hadit
Hadit, often portrayed as a winged globe or a point of light, is the counterpart to Nuit. Where Nuit represents infinite expansion, Hadit represents the individual point of consciousness. He is also the centre of the universe within every individual and symbolizes the True Will itself.
Ra-Hoor-Khuit
Ra-Hoor-Khuit is the warrior god and the active force that propels individuals toward fulfilling their Will. Moreover, he is a form of the Egyptian god Horus and represents strength, courage, and the drive to achieve one’s spiritual goals. Ra-Hoor-Khuit is often seen as the deity overseeing the Aeon of Horus.
Rituals and Practices in Thelema
Thelema places a strong emphasis on individual practice and personal spiritual development. While there is no central governing body or church, there are several key practices that many Thelemites follow:
Ceremonial Magic
Thelemic rituals often involve ceremonial magic, which Crowley described as “the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will.” These rituals are designed to help individuals align themselves with their True Will and achieve spiritual transformation.
The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and the Star Ruby are examples of Thelemic magical rituals used for protection, cleansing, and spiritual alignment.
The Holy Guardian Angel
A central goal for many Thelemites is to establish contact with their Holy Guardian Angel (HGA). The HGA is believed to be a higher spiritual aspect of oneself. In addition, it can offer guidance on discovering and manifesting the True Will.
Crowley also emphasized this process in a specific magical operation called The Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel. Indeed, this is one of the key spiritual attainments in Thelema.
Initiation and the A∴A∴
The A∴A∴ (Argenteum Astrum or “Silver Star”) is the magical order founded by Crowley in 1907. Its purpose is to guide individuals along the path of spiritual development through initiation. Membership in the A∴A∴ involves passing through a series of initiatory grades, each representing a deeper level of spiritual attainment. This progression is intended to help initiates gain knowledge, self-awareness, and ultimately, the realization of their True Will.
The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.)
In addition to the A∴A∴, Crowley became involved with and later took leadership of the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), a secret society that incorporated elements of Freemasonry, esotericism, and ceremonial magic. The O.T.O. became a major vehicle for spreading Thelema, and it introduced various Thelemic rituals, such as the Gnostic Mass. This serves as a celebration of the union between the divine masculine and feminine principles.
The Ethics of Thelema
Despite its emphasis on individual freedom, Thelema also contains ethical guidelines. The concept of True Will is not about selfish or reckless behaviour, but about aligning with one’s highest purpose.
The Book of the Law encourages individuals to act according to their Will while respecting the Will of others. This creates a balance between personal freedom and responsibility. Thelema teaches that every person’s Will is unique. Furthermore, in pursuing one’s own True Will, they should not interfere with the Will of others.
Crowley also emphasized the principle of compassion. While Thelema might seem to encourage a libertine lifestyle, Crowley believed that understanding and acting on one’s True Will would naturally lead to ethical and harmonious behaviour with others.
Thelema and Modern Spirituality
Thelema’s influence extends far beyond the circle of its adherents. It has impacted modern occultism, ceremonial magic, and even aspects of popular culture. Some view Thelema as a path for self-realization, blending ancient esoteric traditions with modern spirituality, psychology, and personal freedom.
As a result, Thelema continues to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds who are seeking to discover their spiritual purpose and transcend conventional boundaries.
Misconceptions About Thelema
Thelema has often been misunderstood or misrepresented, partly due to Crowley’s provocative personality and his involvement in scandalous incidents. Critics have sometimes labelled Thelema as a form of dangerous hedonism, Satanism, or black magic, but these claims stem largely from misinterpretations of its teachings.
The focus on “Do what thou wilt” is often taken out of context, ignoring the deeper spiritual implications of True Will.
In Conclusion
Thelema is a rich, complex spiritual philosophy that emphasizes individualism, spiritual discovery, and the pursuit of one’s True Will. Through the teachings of Aleister Crowley, Thelema encourages its followers to explore their own potential.
It also encourages followers to engage in personal spiritual practices and align themselves with the forces of the universe. While it is often controversial and misunderstood, Thelema offers a unique path for those who seek to transcend societal limitations and connect with their higher purpose.
Whether approached as a philosophy, a religion, or a personal spiritual journey, Thelema remains a powerful system of thought that challenges and inspires those who engage with its teachings.
