History

Crowley and Gayatri

Posted by on December 9, 2021
Gayatri Mantra in Crowley's hand

On April 22nd, 1917, Crowley wrote in his journal, “soul has no fear, nor can it. Therefore a man’s courage depends on the quantity of soul available. So, the most spiritual men are the most courageous.” Later that day he reports, “wrote Gayatri mantra”, which may be a reference to an obscure poem of his entitled A Meditation upon Gayatri Mantra


O Judoka: A Chapter in the Life of Marcelo Motta

Posted by on March 23, 2019

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Most within the Thelemic community will be familiar with Motta’s name and writings but few are aware that he is maybe best known in Brazil for his work in film – albeit short lived.  Motta tried his hand in both writing and directing films…


Grady and his Thoth Deck

Posted by on March 24, 2017

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. The images above and below are of Grady McMurtry’s personal Thoth deck – one of the early Llewellyn editions.  Grady would be directly involved with the production of this deck which was first published in 1969.  This was the first time I had seen…


Crowley’s Yi King Sticks

Posted by on December 22, 2016

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. The Yi King was Crowley’s preferred method of divination and he consulted it regularly if not daily.  He also cast an omen with every Word of the Equinox which were sent to members of the A∴A∴ as a sort of oracular “password” – (See The…


The Words of the Equinox

Posted by on December 22, 2016

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. In 1907 Crowley began the tradition of issuing a new “Word” at each equinox.  These were sent to each member of the A∴A∴ (Neophyte and above) in good standing.  Commonly issued on Crowley’s personal stationary featuring his “Mark of the Beast” or a lamen…


Remembering Soror Meral

Posted by on March 21, 2016

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Eleven years ago today Phyllis Seckler, AKA Soror Meral, Celebrated her Greater Feast. She was the first Thelemite I ever knew and the first I called teacher, but most importantly she was a dear friend. Someone who taught me how to BE a Thelemite….


The Star in the West

Posted by on March 21, 2016

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Here is something you won’t see every day. It is a first edition of J. F. C. Fuller’s “The Star in the West” — A Critical Essay Upon the Works of Aleister Crowley – (1907). Signed by both Crowley and Fuller. This limited edition…