Aleister Crowley - The Ancient Wisdom Salvage Yard Podcast

Aleister Crowley

Introduction

Aleister Crowley, born Edward Alexander Crowley in 1875, is one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in the history of Western occultism. Known as "The Great Beast" and the founder of Thelema, a spiritual and philosophical movement, Crowley's life and teachings have left an indelible mark on the world of mysticism, magick, and the occult. This article delves into the multifaceted life of Aleister Crowley, his spiritual and philosophical contributions, and his involvement in the mysterious Babalon Working.

Early Life and Occult Beginnings

Aleister Crowley was born into a wealthy British family in Leamington Spa, England. Despite his privileged upbringing, his childhood was marked by tragedy, including the death of his father and an early exposure to the religious fundamentalism of his family's sect, the Plymouth Brethren. These early experiences would influence his later rejection of conventional religious beliefs.

Crowley's interest in the occult and esotericism began during his college years at Cambridge University. He immersed himself in the study of various mystical traditions, including Kabbalah, astrology, and tarot. His fascination with the occult deepened as he embarked on extensive travels, from India to Egypt, where he encountered various spiritual and mystical influences.

Thelema and the Writing of The Book of the Law

In 1904, while in Cairo, Egypt, Crowley claimed to have received a revelation from an otherworldly entity named Aiwass. This revelation, known as "The Book of the Law" or "Liber AL vel Legis," became the foundational text of Thelema, Crowley's spiritual and philosophical system. The central tenet of Thelema is "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law," emphasizing individual will, self-discovery, and personal responsibility.

The Book of the Law also introduced the figure of Babalon, often spelled as "Babylon" in the text. She is described as a powerful, divine feminine archetype associated with both eroticism and destruction. This concept of Babalon would become central to Crowley's later occult work, particularly the Babalon Working.

The Babalon Working

The Babalon Working, also known as the "Scarlet Woman" or "Babalon Project," was a series of magical rituals conducted by Crowley and his followers in the mid-1940s. The primary aim of these rituals was to invoke and manifest the energy and presence of Babalon, the divine feminine principle, in order to bring about spiritual and worldly transformation.

The rituals and workings were conducted in collaboration with Jack Parsons, a rocket scientist and occultist, and L. Ron Hubbard, who later founded the Church of Scientology. The rituals were shrouded in secrecy and often involved sexual elements, reflecting Crowley's belief in the transformative power of sex and the union of opposites.

The ultimate goal of the Babalon Working was to bring about a new Aeon, a new spiritual age, and to prepare the world for the arrival of a divine feminine force that would herald a period of profound change.

Controversy and Legacy

Aleister Crowley's unconventional and often provocative lifestyle and teachings stirred considerable controversy during his lifetime. He faced accusations of being a Satanist and was criticized for his libertine beliefs and practices.

Despite the controversy and criticism, Crowley's influence on Western occultism, magick, and contemporary spirituality is undeniable. His system of Thelema, with its emphasis on personal will and spiritual evolution, continues to inspire and attract followers. The figure of Babalon remains a significant aspect of Thelemic and occult traditions.

Aleister Crowley passed away on December 1, 1947, but his legacy endures through his writings, teachings, and the many individuals and organizations that continue to explore and practice his spiritual and magickal principles. Whether seen as a visionary mystic, a brilliant provocateur, or a combination of both, Crowley's life and work remain a subject of fascination and debate in the world of esoteric and occult knowledge.

Back to Articles

Salvaged Wisdom
The Official E-Shop
of the Ancient Wisdom Salvage Yard Podcast