The Way of the Will: Thelema in Action

by David Shoemaker

A practical and in-depth manual on integrating Thelemic spiritual principles into daily life, by a prominent writer and teacher of the occult and the work of Aleister Crowley. In  The Way of the Will,  David Shoemaker explores how the spiritual discipline of Thelema, founded by Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), can be utilized to enhance your psychological and spiritual growth. The book grew out of the author's own teachings and experiences—podcast episodes, classes, and of course, many years of personal practice and supervision of other initiates. It is a compendium of useful tools and perspectives designed to serve as one of many useful guides in the magician's library. David also offers a personal memoir of his own path toward awareness of True Will, including his experience of the "Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel"—the term often used by Crowley to describe the pivotal spiritual awakening potentially available to every human being.

Genres: Thelema

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2024

About the author

Dr. David Shoemaker is a clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in Jungian and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. David is the Chancellor and Prolocutor of the Temple of the Silver Star. He is a long-standing member of Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) and A.'.A.'., and has many years of experience training initiates in these traditions.

He is the Past Master of 418 Lodge, O.T.O. in Sacramento, having succeeded Soror Meral (Phyllis Seckler), his friend and teacher. He also serves as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the order. David was the founding President of the O.T.O. Psychology Guild, and is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences.

David was a co-editor of the journals Neshamah (Psychology Guild) and Cheth (418 Lodge). In addition to his essays in these publications, his writings have been published in the journals Mezlim and Black Pearl, and his chapter on Qabalistic Psychology was included in the Instructor’s Manual of Fadiman and Frager’s Personality and Personal Growth, an undergraduate psychology textbook. He was the compiler of the T.O.T.S.S. publication, Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923, and a co-editor of the T.O.T.S.S./Teitan Press collections of the writings of Phyllis Seckler, The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings, and The Kabbalah, Magick, and Thelema. Selected Writings Volume II. His popular Living Thelema instructional segments are presented regularly on the podcast of the same name.

In addition to his work in magick and psychology, David is a composer and musician. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Marco · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Shoemaker's latest book, "The Way of the Will: Thelema in Action," stands as a remarkable companion to his earlier work, "Living Thelema." Building on the foundation laid by "Living Thelema," which remains a highly recommended introduction to Thelemic principles and practices—so much so that it features in the "Further readings" section of my own book—this new volume continues Shoemaker's tradition of translating his popular podcast content into a rich and accessible written form.

"The Way of the Will" delves deeply into practical applications of Thelemic teachings, exploring a wide range of topics essential for any serious practitioner. Readers will find valuable insights into the shadow side of the magician, techniques for crafting invocations, meditative practices, and strategies for overcoming creative blockages, among other subjects. This practical focus ensures that the book is not just theoretical but offers concrete steps for living Thelema in daily life.

One aspect of Shoemaker's work that some readers might find contentious is his emphasis on Qabalistic Psychology. Given his professional background as a psychologist, it is understandable why this modality features prominently. However, I share the view that this approach can sometimes overshadow other valuable perspectives within Thelema.

Another area of concern is Shoemaker's detailed account of his own experience with the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel. While his narrative is engaging and insightful, there is a risk that providing such explicit details of a fundamentally private, sacred, and secret experience may do more harm than good. There has been a noticeable increase in individuals claiming to have achieved Union with the Angel, often echoing Shoemaker's experiences almost verbatim. This trend suggests that some may be replicating what they have read or heard rather than genuinely undergoing the experience themselves.

Despite these critiques, "The Way of the Will" is a solid addition to any Thelemic library. Shoemaker's ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and his practical approach to Thelemic practices make this book an invaluable resource for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners. It is a testament to Shoemaker's continued dedication to the dissemination of Thelemic knowledge through modern formats, building on his pioneering work in audio divulgation with his early 2010s podcasts.

Overall, "The Way of the Will" successfully expands on the themes introduced in "Living Thelema" and offers readers a comprehensive guide to putting Thelemic principles into action. While some aspects may invite debate, the book's contributions to practical Thelema are undeniable.

[Damien · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are FIVE parts to the Qabalistic Soul, as follows:
Yechidah, which corresponds to Kether
Chiah, which corresponds to Chokmah
Neshamah, which corresponds to Binah
Ruach, which corresponds to Chesed, Geburah, Tiphareth, Netzach, Hod, and Yesod
Nephesh, which corresponds to Malkuth
Don't let anyone tell you differently. Regardie thought he was improving this system by moving Nephesh to Yesod and replacing its original position in Malkuth with Guph; this is incorrect, and he even lies to justify this variation.
Shoemaker's Thelema is like a taxi with Regardie in the driver's seat and Jung on the radio, and as soon as the ride begins you realize you are not heading the right direction of your destination.
If you read Crowley, this book is completely redundant. All of the commentaries on Crowley's work basically just states the obvious. I was being very generous by giving it two stars.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great companion book to Living Thelema. This book is focused mainly on the integration the qabalistic tree of life and Thelema with sound psychological theory. That being said Shoemaker is cautious with the reader in that he does not believe that these spiritual systems can be reduced to psychological theory alone, but rather that this is a method that can be employed for better integration of personal growth on both the spiritual and the seeming mundane levels of life. In some ways, this book is reminiscent of Isreral Regardi's work and some of the stuff one found from New Falcon Publishing 25+ years ago but updated for more contemporary seekers.

[Beatrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very valuable advanced discussion into the theory and practice of cultivating Will and developing magical expertise. Recommended to be read at least after Shoemaker's Living Thelema, and most preferably to have both books side by side whilst reading due to how supplementary it can be.

[Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall quite good but a lot less guidance on individual practice than I was hoping for.

[Chris]

Soft DNF. Read it on occasion but not often enough to cluster.