Thelema
Thelema
Definition
Thelema is a spiritual and philosophical system founded by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century. It centers around the concept of discovering and living in alignment with one’s True Will, a higher purpose that transcends personal desires.
The core tenet of Thelema is encapsulated in the phrase:
“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will.”
Thelema emerged from Crowley’s mystical experiences, particularly during his reception of The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis) in 1904. This text, said to be dictated by a non-human entity named Aiwass, forms the foundation of Thelemic teachings. The system integrates elements from Western esotericism, Hermeticism, Qabalah, and ceremonial magick, blending them into a cohesive framework for spiritual development.
Thelema also draws from earlier influences, including:
Rabelais’ Abbey of Thélème: A utopian vision emphasizing personal freedom and the pursuit of one’s true nature.
Classical Philosophy: Concepts of divine will and individual purpose echo ideas from Platonic and Neoplatonic traditions.
Thelema is a highly esoteric system that offers a path of self-realization and spiritual liberation. Key principles include:
True Will: The divine purpose or unique path that each individual is meant to fulfill.
The Aeon of Horus: The current spiritual age, characterized by individual sovereignty and self-empowerment.
Magick: The practice of aligning one’s actions and intentions with their True Will to manifest desired outcomes.
Thelema also emphasizes the balance between love (Agape) and will (Thelema), symbolizing the harmonious integration of personal power and divine connection.
Practicing Thelema involves a combination of philosophical reflection, ritual magick, and personal discipline.
Steps to engage with Thelema include:
Study Thelemic Texts: Begin with The Book of the Law and Crowley’s writings, such as Magick Without Tears and The Equinox.
Discover Your True Will: Reflect deeply on your life’s purpose through meditation, journaling, and self-inquiry.
Engage in Ritual Practice: Perform rituals such as the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP) to create sacred space and align with your True Will.
Live the Law of Thelema: Strive to act in alignment with your True Will while honoring the sovereignty of others.
Connection to Other Terms
True Will: The central concept of Thelema, representing one’s divine purpose.
Magick: A key practice in Thelema, used to manifest alignment with the True Will.
The Great Work: The process of spiritual transformation and self-realization, deeply connected to Thelemic principles.
Aeons: Thelemic philosophy identifies the Aeon of Horus as the current spiritual era.
Shadow Work: Discovering the True Will often requires confronting and integrating shadow aspects of the self.
Thelema emphasizes the Hermetic principle of As Above, So Below, teaching that personal will aligns with divine will when one discovers their True Will. It also encourages the pursuit of self-sovereignty and spiritual mastery, viewing every individual as a star with a unique orbit in the cosmic order.
Explore the path of Thelema and unlock your True Will by joining The Archaic Occultist or check out The Sacred Text Library. Gain access to teachings, rituals, and resources designed to support your spiritual journey and alignment with the Law of Thelema.
