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Thelema: An Introduction to the Life, Work & Philosophy of Aleister Crowley
The Life and Legacy of One of History's Most Fascinating Magicians
Thelema is one of the most powerful and influential systems of magick the world has ever known. But to truly understand the philosophy and practice of Thelema, you need to understand its charismatic founder, Aleister Crowley. Thelema reveals this enigmatic figure in all of his provocative and brilliant glory, providing a biography of Crowley and showing how his work evolved to become a paradigm-shifting system of magick. This book also explores the texts and writings that form the basis of Thelema, and it provides step-by-step instructions for practicing the basic rites and rituals of this often-misunderstood tradition.
Thelema provides a multifaceted method for spiritual attainment that focuses on manifesting your true will. Discover how Crowley developed his remarkable techniques, and learn how to begin or deepen your own magical practice with elements of Qabalah, Gnosticism, Eastern philosophy, Egyptian spirituality, tarot, and more. Along the way, you'll learn about Crowley's involvement in the Golden Dawn and the O.T.O., his clandestine activities during both world wars, and the nature and influence of his personal relationships.
Includes photos
Foreword by Lon Milo DuQuette
Praise:
Colin Campbell's earlier works have shown him to be one of the most thorough and thoughtful Thelemic authors of our era. In Thelema, Campbell brings this same acumen and clarity of expression to the life and work of Aleister Crowley. The book covers a wide range of territory--historical, theoretical, and practical--and will be a useful resource for beginners and more advanced students alike .--David Shoemaker, author of Living Thelema
Thelema is one of the most powerful and influential systems of magick the world has ever known. But to truly understand the philosophy and practice of Thelema, you need to understand its charismatic founder, Aleister Crowley. Thelema reveals this enigmatic figure in all of his provocative and brilliant glory, providing a biography of Crowley and showing how his work evolved to become a paradigm-shifting system of magick. This book also explores the texts and writings that form the basis of Thelema, and it provides step-by-step instructions for practicing the basic rites and rituals of this often-misunderstood tradition.
Thelema provides a multifaceted method for spiritual attainment that focuses on manifesting your true will. Discover how Crowley developed his remarkable techniques, and learn how to begin or deepen your own magical practice with elements of Qabalah, Gnosticism, Eastern philosophy, Egyptian spirituality, tarot, and more. Along the way, you'll learn about Crowley's involvement in the Golden Dawn and the O.T.O., his clandestine activities during both world wars, and the nature and influence of his personal relationships.
Includes photos
Foreword by Lon Milo DuQuette
Praise:
Colin Campbell's earlier works have shown him to be one of the most thorough and thoughtful Thelemic authors of our era. In Thelema, Campbell brings this same acumen and clarity of expression to the life and work of Aleister Crowley. The book covers a wide range of territory--historical, theoretical, and practical--and will be a useful resource for beginners and more advanced students alike .--David Shoemaker, author of Living Thelema
216 pages, Paperback
Published February 8, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 9, 2017
Review: THELEMA by Colin D. Campbell
THELEMA is a remarkably lucid, readable, and inspiring account of the life, and lifelong work, of Aleister Crowley: ceremonial magician, leader, founder, channeler, prophet. The author's enthusiasm and continued encouragement of readers to press on for themselves, to prove for themselves the truth of the Great Work, drives this book and vivifies his explanations. Cutting through the scurrilous and slanderous propaganda, Campbell illustrates a man who childhood was stable and beneficial, only to be upended and personally destructive to the drives and imagination. As author Campbell delineates Crowley' s biography, he also discusses at length his writings, magical beliefs and activities, and most essential, his Great Work. Included are selections from Crowley' s own writings.
THELEMA is a remarkably lucid, readable, and inspiring account of the life, and lifelong work, of Aleister Crowley: ceremonial magician, leader, founder, channeler, prophet. The author's enthusiasm and continued encouragement of readers to press on for themselves, to prove for themselves the truth of the Great Work, drives this book and vivifies his explanations. Cutting through the scurrilous and slanderous propaganda, Campbell illustrates a man who childhood was stable and beneficial, only to be upended and personally destructive to the drives and imagination. As author Campbell delineates Crowley' s biography, he also discusses at length his writings, magical beliefs and activities, and most essential, his Great Work. Included are selections from Crowley' s own writings.
November 25, 2019
I’m not a Thelemite. At one point, I counted myself among that tradition. Since then, I’ve grown into a different perspective and left Thelema (and its community) behind.
Nowadays, while my interest in the Golden Dawn’s work persists, I view Aleister Crowley and Thelema from a (mostly) historical perspective.
Nevertheless, having spent four years spent studying Thelema and the general milieu of Crowleyan magick, I believe I’m at least somewhat qualified to speak on the matter, and often answer questions about this tradition on my blog.
There are not many contemporary authors writing about Thelema that I can recommend. Most either sidestep the serious issues, or are overly-obtuse.
When I saw Colin Campbell’s book, Thelema, offered by Llewellyn on Netgalley, I was naturally interested. I’ve often sought to find a succinct, comprehensive book to recommend those who ask me about Thelema and what Crowley was all about.
In recent years, with occult interest exploding and growing well-beyond even what was seen in the 1990s, more and more people have discovered ceremonial paths, such as Thelema.
Beyond that, there’s also a great deal of controversies currently overtaking Thelemic communities. There’s an urgent need to contextualize Crowley, Thelema, and the influence of both in contemporary occultism
Colin Campbell did not appear on my radar prior to the publication of this book. Since then, I’ve learned that he has over thirty years of experience with ceremonial magic, and, as you might guess from the title of the book, with the traditions surrounding Aleister Crowley, the Ordo Templi Orientis, and the Golden Dawn.
He’s more than qualified to tackle a comprehensive look at Thelema as a whole. Having just finished reading the book, I can say that, while assuredly not perfect, I can recommend this one to the folks pressing me with questions about Thelema. I’d have to recommend it with some qualifiers, but still...
Space considerations mean that much of the material is either truncated or a bit simplified. This is entirely fair, considering Crowley’s own work numbers in (likely) tens of thousands of pages, and a summary can only really skim the top of it.
Campbell devotes a large portion of the book to Crowley’s life story. I think this approach is excellent, but I didn’t like how he portrays certain historical figures.
For example, Rose Kelly gets a particularly negative treatment, and her break-up with Crowley gets characterized as Aleister leaving her due to her alcoholism. Having read Perdurabo and other Crowley biographies, I see this as an extreme oversimplification.
Other than that, the sections give a really nice overview of Crowley’s history and relationship with the various organizations in his life. On my blog, folks always ask about what the A.’.A.’. and Ordo Templi Orientis actually are, and this book covers it pretty well.
I’ve got serious reservations about the OTO these days (as well as certain A.’.A.’. lineages, though. Campbell has no such compunctions, and a large portion of the book gets devoted to OTO-specific rituals like the Gnostic Mass.
The rituals are well-described and Campbell even includes helpful information about terminology, going beyond what you’d usually see in these kinds of books.
Again, though, I can be quite critical of the OTO at times. Basically, I’d recommend the reader think critically about these organizations. Do as much research as possible.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that Campbell’s got a very positive perspective on Crowley, so I’d recommend supplementing this book with more historical texts and biographies that give a fuller picture.
This section also skates over some of the nastier aspects of Crowley’s childhood, namely the severe abuse he suffered both at home and in school. Considering how influential that was on his later life, I would have liked more about that.
I wish there was a more in-depth look at the central Thelemic godforms. The Kemetic aspects (Nuit, Hadit, and Ra Hoor Khuit) receive some pages. I would’ve liked more historical context for them, though.
The section on the Stele of Revealing is pretty good, and probably qualifies as the most succinct, yet thorough, explanation of it that I’ve seen from a contemporary author.
Babalon, Therion, and a few other notable entities receive only brief mentions during the section of rituals. I can imagine anyone not already knowledgeable would find this a bit confusing.
As a side note, Lon Milo DuQuette wrote the introduction to this book. I’ve discussed on my blog and elsewhere some of the issues I have with DuQuette’s work, particularly how he portrays Qabalah.
This book is, refreshingly, devoid of most of the same problems, so again, I do recommend it if you’re curious about Thelema or Crowley.
Overall, I’m giving this book three out of five stars. There’s some problems here, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the better offerings out there about Thelema. If you’re curious about it, you can pick it up on Amazon, or directly from Llewellyn.
Nowadays, while my interest in the Golden Dawn’s work persists, I view Aleister Crowley and Thelema from a (mostly) historical perspective.
Nevertheless, having spent four years spent studying Thelema and the general milieu of Crowleyan magick, I believe I’m at least somewhat qualified to speak on the matter, and often answer questions about this tradition on my blog.
There are not many contemporary authors writing about Thelema that I can recommend. Most either sidestep the serious issues, or are overly-obtuse.
When I saw Colin Campbell’s book, Thelema, offered by Llewellyn on Netgalley, I was naturally interested. I’ve often sought to find a succinct, comprehensive book to recommend those who ask me about Thelema and what Crowley was all about.
In recent years, with occult interest exploding and growing well-beyond even what was seen in the 1990s, more and more people have discovered ceremonial paths, such as Thelema.
Beyond that, there’s also a great deal of controversies currently overtaking Thelemic communities. There’s an urgent need to contextualize Crowley, Thelema, and the influence of both in contemporary occultism
Colin Campbell did not appear on my radar prior to the publication of this book. Since then, I’ve learned that he has over thirty years of experience with ceremonial magic, and, as you might guess from the title of the book, with the traditions surrounding Aleister Crowley, the Ordo Templi Orientis, and the Golden Dawn.
He’s more than qualified to tackle a comprehensive look at Thelema as a whole. Having just finished reading the book, I can say that, while assuredly not perfect, I can recommend this one to the folks pressing me with questions about Thelema. I’d have to recommend it with some qualifiers, but still...
Space considerations mean that much of the material is either truncated or a bit simplified. This is entirely fair, considering Crowley’s own work numbers in (likely) tens of thousands of pages, and a summary can only really skim the top of it.
Campbell devotes a large portion of the book to Crowley’s life story. I think this approach is excellent, but I didn’t like how he portrays certain historical figures.
For example, Rose Kelly gets a particularly negative treatment, and her break-up with Crowley gets characterized as Aleister leaving her due to her alcoholism. Having read Perdurabo and other Crowley biographies, I see this as an extreme oversimplification.
Other than that, the sections give a really nice overview of Crowley’s history and relationship with the various organizations in his life. On my blog, folks always ask about what the A.’.A.’. and Ordo Templi Orientis actually are, and this book covers it pretty well.
I’ve got serious reservations about the OTO these days (as well as certain A.’.A.’. lineages, though. Campbell has no such compunctions, and a large portion of the book gets devoted to OTO-specific rituals like the Gnostic Mass.
The rituals are well-described and Campbell even includes helpful information about terminology, going beyond what you’d usually see in these kinds of books.
Again, though, I can be quite critical of the OTO at times. Basically, I’d recommend the reader think critically about these organizations. Do as much research as possible.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that Campbell’s got a very positive perspective on Crowley, so I’d recommend supplementing this book with more historical texts and biographies that give a fuller picture.
This section also skates over some of the nastier aspects of Crowley’s childhood, namely the severe abuse he suffered both at home and in school. Considering how influential that was on his later life, I would have liked more about that.
I wish there was a more in-depth look at the central Thelemic godforms. The Kemetic aspects (Nuit, Hadit, and Ra Hoor Khuit) receive some pages. I would’ve liked more historical context for them, though.
The section on the Stele of Revealing is pretty good, and probably qualifies as the most succinct, yet thorough, explanation of it that I’ve seen from a contemporary author.
Babalon, Therion, and a few other notable entities receive only brief mentions during the section of rituals. I can imagine anyone not already knowledgeable would find this a bit confusing.
As a side note, Lon Milo DuQuette wrote the introduction to this book. I’ve discussed on my blog and elsewhere some of the issues I have with DuQuette’s work, particularly how he portrays Qabalah.
This book is, refreshingly, devoid of most of the same problems, so again, I do recommend it if you’re curious about Thelema or Crowley.
Overall, I’m giving this book three out of five stars. There’s some problems here, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the better offerings out there about Thelema. If you’re curious about it, you can pick it up on Amazon, or directly from Llewellyn.
Read
April 8, 2023Are you left wanting after reading the Wikipedia entry for Aleister Crowley ("The Wickedest Man in the World") but also daunted by Richard Kaczynski's 700-page Perdurabo? Colin D. Campbell's introductory text is the answer. Neither exhaustive nor limpid, Campbell delivers a three-fold primer on Crowley and Thelema within 200 pages: biography, Thelemic philosophy, and Thelemic application. The prose is conversational, opting for passion over pretension even at the expense of an overuse of exclamation marks and a few knee-slappers. There is no complex thesis in the sense of a critical study—if there is a theme that drives the book it is that Thelema is more relevant than ever, with its very foundation built upon individualism sans conflict. Campbell's subject matter carries with it its own inherent intrigue to which has been attached much fantastic baggage. This text offers a sobering look at a complex and shrouded figure.
Read full review: http://www.chrisviabookreviews.com/20...
Read full review: http://www.chrisviabookreviews.com/20...
May 3, 2018
This is a very well explained, in-depth book about Thelema, a type of paganism. The writing and explanations aren't too simple, or too scholarly, but right in the middle. I hadn't heard of this belief system before, so it was illuminating.
December 31, 2019
I think this is one of the best introductory books on Thelema out there, perfect for anyone interested in Thelema, Crowley or the O.T.O. I highly recommend this as a concise and easy to digest first glimpse.
October 21, 2019
Excellent read
January 17, 2018
I received this book, for free, in exchange for an honest review.
After I requested and before I received this book I gave up on reading about Thelema.
I found the books I've read of Aleister Crowley's to be worded too fancifully; obscuring any truth that's there with an evangelical feeling.
This book described Aleister Crowley rather well giving good insights into the man. It then proceeded to describe Thelema in plain English and surprisingly (to me) I agree with most of its core concepts. The book ends by describing Thelemic practices which didn't jive with me (I can't see myself using Pentagrams or praying to Egyptian Gods) even though they are conveyed well.
This book did well, encouraging me to read up more on the philosophy of Thelema. Who knows maybe after I do I'll feel like doing the practices.
After I requested and before I received this book I gave up on reading about Thelema.
I found the books I've read of Aleister Crowley's to be worded too fancifully; obscuring any truth that's there with an evangelical feeling.
This book described Aleister Crowley rather well giving good insights into the man. It then proceeded to describe Thelema in plain English and surprisingly (to me) I agree with most of its core concepts. The book ends by describing Thelemic practices which didn't jive with me (I can't see myself using Pentagrams or praying to Egyptian Gods) even though they are conveyed well.
This book did well, encouraging me to read up more on the philosophy of Thelema. Who knows maybe after I do I'll feel like doing the practices.
July 26, 2023
Excuse my bluntness, but “Thelema: An Introduction to the Life, Work & Philosophy of Aleister Crowley” is a load of hairy bollocks.
Having been an avid reader of horror fiction since my early teens and an occasional brush with occult and mystic themes I’d often heard the name of Aleister Crowley as someone who has ‘peeked behind the curtain’ and knew more about the mysteries of the cosmos through dark magic and satanic masses. It’s taken a few year, but I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about and bought Colin D. Campbell's introductory text.
CC start with a very brief biography of "The Wickedest Man in the World" but doesn’t really explore what drove Crowley to occultism and setting up his own religion other than curiosity and a desire to buck against a very strict Christian upbring. It also doesn’t really explain how Crowley earned his ‘Wildest’ moniker either through a deliberate attempt to whitewash his image, or by explaining that it was all just tabloid sensationalism.
We then have a section where the Philosophy of the Thelemic religion is outlined in board strokes, and for an atheist cynic like myself, it’s laughable. Crowley has cobbled together bits and pieces of loads of non-Christian religions including Qabalah, Tarot, Egyptian mythology/Gods, Yoga, Mysticism, Astrology and Cosmology and even a little psychiatry and turned them into his own philosophy. All to understand one’s true self, and one’s ultimate purpose, and place in the universe.
The final part of the book is a description of the rituals and practices which are as bonkers and box of soapy frogs.
Honestly, it’s barmy and I can’t for the life of me understand why anyone would follow his teachings.
Having been an avid reader of horror fiction since my early teens and an occasional brush with occult and mystic themes I’d often heard the name of Aleister Crowley as someone who has ‘peeked behind the curtain’ and knew more about the mysteries of the cosmos through dark magic and satanic masses. It’s taken a few year, but I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about and bought Colin D. Campbell's introductory text.
CC start with a very brief biography of "The Wickedest Man in the World" but doesn’t really explore what drove Crowley to occultism and setting up his own religion other than curiosity and a desire to buck against a very strict Christian upbring. It also doesn’t really explain how Crowley earned his ‘Wildest’ moniker either through a deliberate attempt to whitewash his image, or by explaining that it was all just tabloid sensationalism.
We then have a section where the Philosophy of the Thelemic religion is outlined in board strokes, and for an atheist cynic like myself, it’s laughable. Crowley has cobbled together bits and pieces of loads of non-Christian religions including Qabalah, Tarot, Egyptian mythology/Gods, Yoga, Mysticism, Astrology and Cosmology and even a little psychiatry and turned them into his own philosophy. All to understand one’s true self, and one’s ultimate purpose, and place in the universe.
The final part of the book is a description of the rituals and practices which are as bonkers and box of soapy frogs.
Honestly, it’s barmy and I can’t for the life of me understand why anyone would follow his teachings.
October 14, 2017
Thelema caught my eye on NetGalley because Aleister Crowley was someone about whom I knew very little (aside from the bad press). I found it fascinating to learn more about both his background and his beliefs. Campbell's work commences with a short but compelling biography of Crowley, showing the origin of his beliefs and practices. Then it goes on to outline those practices, and their place among other belief systems. All in all, it was an eye-opening read that has really improved my understanding of this interesting man.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
April 22, 2022
I feel that this book was an extremely good representation for a person just beginning to learn about Thelema the author dose for the most part a good job of explaining and discussing the idea the motivation and practices of thelema while also diving deep into Aleister Crowley life. They also point out extremely good source material for readers to look up and better understand what is being discussed in this book Im really happy with this read. 93
December 30, 2022
This is a decent primer introduction to Thelema for those that know very little and want tidbits on an array of ideas of Thelemic practices and mindset. I enjoy that it has a ton of reference material recommendations at the end of each chapter if something strikes your fancy in the text itself. It does leave a ton out so it’s more of a perusal of ideas and additional materials are needed for fully rounded understandings.
March 3, 2024
An easily digestible introduction to Aleister Crowley and his Thelema. The already-informed practitioner may find the scope of the information to be limited. I think it would be a great recommendation for someone wanting a brief introduction.
December 12, 2018
picked this up from the library on a whim, but wasn't exactly what I'd hoped. was hoping for more sin and scandal and less explanation of how he revised the tarot.
June 7, 2019
Typical heroic biography and lackluster exploration of Crowley's philosophy.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars.
February 3, 2020
A reasonable overview of Crowley's philosophy and life. Enjoyable and informative.
April 9, 2020
An interesting and accessible guide to the area. A starting point for much more work
September 11, 2023
An excellent overview of the philosophy and rituals of Thelema.
June 23, 2025
1. lays out Crowley's life
2. lays out the philosophy behind Thelema
3. lays out the basics of Thelemic ritual
2. lays out the philosophy behind Thelema
3. lays out the basics of Thelemic ritual
March 20, 2023
I found this book to be able to change ones views and perspectives on life and the universe.
March 22, 2018
I struggled with this book. It just wasn't for me, sadly. I appreciate what the author put into the book but unless you have an interest in Thelema, I doubt you will get anything out of it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews