Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism

Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism PDF Author: Henrik Bogdan
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199996067
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 421

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Book Description
This volume is the first comprehensive examination of one of the twentieth century's most distinctive iconoclasts. Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a study in contradictions. Born into a fundamentalist Christian family and educated at Cambridge, he was vilified as a traitor, drug addict, and debaucher, yet revered as perhaps the most influential thinker in contemporary esotericism. Moving beyond the influence of contemporary psychology and the modernist understanding of the occult, Crowley declared himself the revelator of a new age of individualism. Crowley's occult bricolage, Magick, was an eclectic combination of spiritual exercises drawn from Western European magical ceremonies and Indic sources for meditation and yoga. This journey of self-liberation culminated in harnessing sexual power as a magical discipline, a "sacrilization of the self" as practiced in Crowley's mixed masonic group, the Ordo Templi Orientis. The religion Crowley created, Thelema, legitimated his role as a charismatic revelator and herald of a new age of freedom. Aleister Crowley's lasting influence can be seen in the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s and in many forms of alternative spirituality and popular culture. The essays in this volume offer crucial insight into Crowley's foundational role in the study of Western esotericism, new religious movements, and sexuality.

Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism

Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism PDF Author: Henrik Bogdan
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199996067
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 421

Get Book Here

Book Description
This volume is the first comprehensive examination of one of the twentieth century's most distinctive iconoclasts. Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a study in contradictions. Born into a fundamentalist Christian family and educated at Cambridge, he was vilified as a traitor, drug addict, and debaucher, yet revered as perhaps the most influential thinker in contemporary esotericism. Moving beyond the influence of contemporary psychology and the modernist understanding of the occult, Crowley declared himself the revelator of a new age of individualism. Crowley's occult bricolage, Magick, was an eclectic combination of spiritual exercises drawn from Western European magical ceremonies and Indic sources for meditation and yoga. This journey of self-liberation culminated in harnessing sexual power as a magical discipline, a "sacrilization of the self" as practiced in Crowley's mixed masonic group, the Ordo Templi Orientis. The religion Crowley created, Thelema, legitimated his role as a charismatic revelator and herald of a new age of freedom. Aleister Crowley's lasting influence can be seen in the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s and in many forms of alternative spirituality and popular culture. The essays in this volume offer crucial insight into Crowley's foundational role in the study of Western esotericism, new religious movements, and sexuality.

The Aleister Crowley Collection

The Aleister Crowley Collection PDF Author: Aleister Crowley
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 0359905722
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 420

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Book Description
The Aleister Crowley Collection includes Crowley's seminal works The Book of the Law and The Book of Lies, as well as his esoteric, entertaining drug memoir, Diary of a Drug Fiend.

The Collected Works of Aleister Crowley

The Collected Works of Aleister Crowley PDF Author: Aleister Crowley
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 872

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Book Description
The Collected Works of Aleister Crowley stands as a beacon of esoteric literature, showcasing the profound depth and diversity within the realm of mysticism and occult philosophy. This anthology unites an array of literary styles, from poetry to dramatic rituals, encapsulating the multifaceted nature of Crowley's work alongside contributions from S. L. MacGregor Mathers and Mary d'Este Sturges. The collection navigates the complexities of ceremonial magick, Thelema, and the Qabalah, reflecting the rich tapestry of esoteric thought at the turn of the 20th century. The anthology is remarkable not only for its breadth but also for its ability to offer a comprehensive glimpse into the controversial and revolutionary ideas that challenged societal norms of the time. The backgrounds of the contributors add layers of depth to the anthology. Aleister Crowley, known as 'The Wickedest Man in the World,' was a figurehead in the occult world, founding Thelema and significantly influencing modern occultism. S. L. MacGregor Mathers, a pivotal member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and Mary d'Este Sturges, a close collaborator of Crowleys, bring their own unique perspectives and esoteric knowledge, enhancing the collections thematic richness. The anthology reflects the zeitgeist of a period where mysticism mingled with literature, and esoteric orders were at their zenith. The Collected Works of Aleister Crowley offers readers an unparalleled journey through the labyrinth of early 20th-century occult philosophy. It invites scholars, practitioners, and novices alike to explore the enigmatic and often misunderstood world of Crowley and his contemporaries. This collection serves not only as an educational resource but also as a testament to the enduring power of the occult tradition. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the depths of esoteric thought and its influence on both historical and contemporary spiritual practices.

The Legend of Aleister Crowley

The Legend of Aleister Crowley PDF Author: Percy Reginald Stephensen
Publisher: London : Mandrake Press
ISBN:
Category : Authors, English
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description


Aleister Crowley and the Temptation of Politics

Aleister Crowley and the Temptation of Politics PDF Author: Marco Pasi
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317546296
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 308

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Book Description
Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) is one of the most famous and significant authors in the history of western esotericism. Crowley has been long ignored by scholars of religion whilst the stories of magical and sexual practice which circulate about him continue to attract popular interest. "Aleister Crowley and the Temptation of Politics" looks at the man behind the myth - by setting him firmly within the politics of his time - and the development of his ideas through his extensive and extraordinarily varied writings. Crowley was a rationalist, sympathetic to the values of the Enlightenment, but also a romantic and a reactionary. His search for an alternative way to express his religious feelings led him to elaborate his own vision of social and political change. Crowley's complex politics led to his involvement with many key individuals, organisations and groups of his day - the secret service of various countries, the German Nazi party, Russian political activists, journalists and politicians of various persuasions, as well as other writers - both in Europe and America. "Aleister Crowley and the Temptation of Politics" presents a life of ideas, an examination of a man shaped by and shaping the politics of his times.

Aleister Crowley: The Biography

Aleister Crowley: The Biography PDF Author: Tobias Churton
Publisher: Watkins Media Limited
ISBN: 178028134X
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 400

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Book Description
In early 20th-century England, Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was considered "the wickedest man in the world." Today he's seen as a prophet, a master of the occult, and a spiritual pioneer—and his reputation just keeps on growing. This new biography, written with the cooperation of leading Crowley scholars and including new revelations from Crowley's grandson, displays the full scope of the man's many achievements as poet, explorer, spiritualist, wartime spy, and a thinker as significant as Jung, Freud, or Einstein.

Western Esotericism and Rituals of Initiation

Western Esotericism and Rituals of Initiation PDF Author: Henrik Bogdan
Publisher: SUNY Press
ISBN: 9780791470695
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 247

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Book Description
Historical exploration of Masonic rituals of initiation.

Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed

Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed PDF Author: Wouter J. Hanegraaff
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1441146741
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 192

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Book Description
Western esotericism has been a pervasive presence in Western culture from late antiquity to the present day, but until recently it was largely ignored by scholars and surrounded by misconceptions and prejudice. This accessible guide provides readers with the basic knowledge and tools that will allow them to find their way in this bewildering but fascinating field. What is it that unites phenomena as diverse as ancient gnosticism and hermetism, the "occult sciences" of astrology, alchemy, and magic, rosicrucianism, as well as Christian theosophy, occultism, spiritualism, and the contemporary New Age spiritualities? What can the study of them teach us about our common cultural and intellectual heritage, and what is it that makes them relevant to contemporary concerns? How do we distinguish reliable historical knowledge from legends and fictions about esoteric traditions? These and many other questions are answered clearly and succinctly, so that the reader can find his way into the labyrinth of Western esotericism and out of it again.

The Greatest Works of Aleister Crowley

The Greatest Works of Aleister Crowley PDF Author: Aleister Crowley
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 1047

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Book Description
The Greatest Works of Aleister Crowley' is a pivotal anthology that curates the quintessential writings of Crowley, while also featuring contributions from S. L. MacGregor Mathers and Mary d'Este Sturges, offering readers a comprehensive view into the vast spectrum of esoteric and occult traditions of the early 20th century. This collection encapsulates a range of literary styles, from the didactic to the poetic, showcasing the diversity and depth of occult philosophy and its influence on Western esoteric thought. The anthology stands out for weaving together the radical, often controversial ideas of Crowley with the foundational contributions of Mathers and the innovative perspectives of Sturges, creating a rich tapestry of mystical and magical discourse. The authors and editors are emblematic figures within the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the broader occult movement, each bringing a unique scholarly and experiential depth to the anthology. Crowleys provocative writings, Mathers scholarly rigor, and Sturges innovative occult interpretations collectively engage with a range of historical, cultural, and literary movements, from Hermetic Qabalah to Eastern mysticism, providing a fertile ground for exploring complex philosophical themes. Their combined works offer a nuanced exploration of the nature of reality, magic, and the self, situating the anthology at the intersection of personal mysticism and collective cultural evolution. The Greatest Works of Aleister Crowley is an indispensable collection for readers seeking to delve into the complexities of early 20th-century occultism through the lens of its most prominent figures. Offering a rare synthesis of poetic insight, scholarly exploration, and mystical experimentation, this anthology is a treasure trove for students, scholars, and practitioners alike. Its selection invites readers on a journey through the labyrinthine paths of esoteric thought, encouraging a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of existence and the transformative power of the magical and the mystical.

The Open Gates of Mysticism

The Open Gates of Mysticism PDF Author: Aleister Crowley
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 381

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Book Description
In 'The Open Gates of Mysticism' by Aleister Crowley, readers are taken on a journey through the realms of mysticism, exploring esoteric knowledge and spiritual practices. Written in Crowley's signature poetic and cryptic style, the book delves into the complexities of the occult, touching on themes of ritual magic, symbolism, and the nature of reality. Drawing on a rich literary context of 19th and 20th-century occult texts, Crowley's work stands as a cornerstone of modern mysticism literature. Aleister Crowley, a controversial figure in the world of esotericism, was a practicing magician and philosopher who sought to push the boundaries of human consciousness. Influenced by Eastern and Western mysticism, Crowley's personal experiences and studies led him to write 'The Open Gates of Mysticism' as a guide to those seeking profound spiritual knowledge and enlightenment. For readers interested in delving into the depths of mysticism and exploring the esoteric teachings of Aleister Crowley, 'The Open Gates of Mysticism' offers a profound and enlightening journey into the mysteries of the occult. With its rich symbolism and philosophical insights, this book is a must-read for scholars and seekers of spiritual wisdom.