What do you think?
Rate this book
O Livro da Lei: Liber Al Vel Legis
“Faze o que tu queres, há de ser o todo da Lei”.
Esta frase, que é a base da Mágicka de Aleister Crowley, está n’O Livro da Lei. Escrito no Cairo, em abril de 1904, O Livro da Lei é a fonte e a chave para o pensamento do mais famoso mago do século XX. Sua influência se espalha por todo o ocultismo ocidental, do neopaganismo wicca à popularização de práticas espirituais como a yoga. Mas, além disso, espalha-se com muita força por toda a cultura popular ocidental.
Crowley está na capa do disco Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, dos Beatles, mas também é citado por artistas das mais diversas áreas, dos mais diversos gêneros. De Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Jay Z e Raul Seixas a Fernando Pessoa, William S. Burroughs, Alan Moore e Neil Gaiman. “A influência de Crowley na cultura moderna é tão disseminada quanto a de Freud ou Jung”, diz o jornal inglês The Guardian.
Esta edição bilíngue traz os comentários do autor e a reprodução dos manuscritos originais. Inclui ainda a tradução feita por Fernando Pessoa do poema de Crowley “Hino a Pan”, acompanhado de um texto do escritor português David Soares, estudioso da relação do poeta com o mago inglês.
Esta frase, que é a base da Mágicka de Aleister Crowley, está n’O Livro da Lei. Escrito no Cairo, em abril de 1904, O Livro da Lei é a fonte e a chave para o pensamento do mais famoso mago do século XX. Sua influência se espalha por todo o ocultismo ocidental, do neopaganismo wicca à popularização de práticas espirituais como a yoga. Mas, além disso, espalha-se com muita força por toda a cultura popular ocidental.
Crowley está na capa do disco Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, dos Beatles, mas também é citado por artistas das mais diversas áreas, dos mais diversos gêneros. De Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Jay Z e Raul Seixas a Fernando Pessoa, William S. Burroughs, Alan Moore e Neil Gaiman. “A influência de Crowley na cultura moderna é tão disseminada quanto a de Freud ou Jung”, diz o jornal inglês The Guardian.
Esta edição bilíngue traz os comentários do autor e a reprodução dos manuscritos originais. Inclui ainda a tradução feita por Fernando Pessoa do poema de Crowley “Hino a Pan”, acompanhado de um texto do escritor português David Soares, estudioso da relação do poeta com o mago inglês.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1904
760 people are currently reading
9059 people want to read
About the author
Aleister Crowley
859 books1,868 followersAleister Crowley was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, novelist, mountaineer, and painter. He founded the religion of Thelema, proclaiming himself as the prophet destined to guide humanity into the Æon of Horus in the early 20th century. A prolific writer, Crowley published extensively throughout his life.
Born Edward Alexander Crowley in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, he was raised in a wealthy family adhering to the fundamentalist Christian Plymouth Brethren faith. Crowley rejected his religious upbringing, developing an interest in Western esotericism. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, focusing on mountaineering and poetry, and published several works during this period. In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, receiving training in ceremonial magic from Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. His travels took him to Mexico for mountaineering with Oscar Eckenstein and to India, where he studied Hindu and Buddhist practices.
In 1904, during a honeymoon in Cairo with his wife Rose Edith Kelly, Crowley claimed to have received "The Book of the Law" from a supernatural entity named Aiwass. This text became the foundation of Thelema, announcing the onset of the Æon of Horus and introducing the central tenet: "Do what thou wilt." Crowley emphasized that individuals should align with their True Will through ceremonial magic.
After an unsuccessful expedition to Kanchenjunga in 1905 and further travels in India and China, Crowley returned to Britain. There, he co-founded the esoteric order A∴A∴ with George Cecil Jones in 1907 to promote Thelema. In 1912, he joined the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), eventually leading its British branch and reformulating it according to Thelemic principles. Crowley spent World War I in the United States, engaging in painting and writing pro-German propaganda, which biographers later suggested was a cover for British intelligence activities.
In 1920, Crowley established the Abbey of Thelema, a religious commune in Cefalù, Sicily. His libertine lifestyle attracted negative attention from the British press, leading to his expulsion by the Italian government in 1923. He spent subsequent years in France, Germany, and England, continuing to promote Thelema until his death in 1947.
Crowley's notoriety stemmed from his recreational drug use, bisexuality, and criticism of societal norms. Despite controversy, he significantly influenced Western esotericism and the 1960s counterculture, and remains a central figure in Thelema.
Born Edward Alexander Crowley in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, he was raised in a wealthy family adhering to the fundamentalist Christian Plymouth Brethren faith. Crowley rejected his religious upbringing, developing an interest in Western esotericism. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, focusing on mountaineering and poetry, and published several works during this period. In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, receiving training in ceremonial magic from Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. His travels took him to Mexico for mountaineering with Oscar Eckenstein and to India, where he studied Hindu and Buddhist practices.
In 1904, during a honeymoon in Cairo with his wife Rose Edith Kelly, Crowley claimed to have received "The Book of the Law" from a supernatural entity named Aiwass. This text became the foundation of Thelema, announcing the onset of the Æon of Horus and introducing the central tenet: "Do what thou wilt." Crowley emphasized that individuals should align with their True Will through ceremonial magic.
After an unsuccessful expedition to Kanchenjunga in 1905 and further travels in India and China, Crowley returned to Britain. There, he co-founded the esoteric order A∴A∴ with George Cecil Jones in 1907 to promote Thelema. In 1912, he joined the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), eventually leading its British branch and reformulating it according to Thelemic principles. Crowley spent World War I in the United States, engaging in painting and writing pro-German propaganda, which biographers later suggested was a cover for British intelligence activities.
In 1920, Crowley established the Abbey of Thelema, a religious commune in Cefalù, Sicily. His libertine lifestyle attracted negative attention from the British press, leading to his expulsion by the Italian government in 1923. He spent subsequent years in France, Germany, and England, continuing to promote Thelema until his death in 1947.
Crowley's notoriety stemmed from his recreational drug use, bisexuality, and criticism of societal norms. Despite controversy, he significantly influenced Western esotericism and the 1960s counterculture, and remains a central figure in Thelema.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
January 28, 2008
This is Crowley's revelation, and it shaped everything he did after receiving it. As a review, this can only be my personal experience with the Book of the Law as a philosophical/spiritual system. 90% of the Book of the Law really jives with me. The central axiom, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law, love is the law, love under will", is music to my ears. The notion that Aeon of sin and restriction, as represented by the dogma of Christianity, is coming to an end, makes a great deal of sense to me. It certainly seems that we are reaching an age where sexuality can be divorced from shame, where people can look inside for their morality, rather than the printed pages of one book, or another. TBOTL empowers the individual, "Every man and woman is a Star," meaning they have their own orbit they must find, their own natural path in the universe, aka their true will. Also good stuff...
That being said, many of the specifics in TBOTL, strike me as abhorrent. The metaphors involving slaves and conquest, commandments against empathy, and the general presentation being one of war and brutality, prohibit TBOTL from being 'my Book'. I was a Thelemite for some time, but I found I had to constantly stop and reconcile aspects of the book of the law with my paradigm. To quote Crowley, "effort is contrary to ease", and if I have to force it, it's probably not my path. This is not to judge any other Thelemites, I have met many who seem admirable people, and accomplished Hermeticists. The esoteric path is a highly subjective one, we can only look inside for truth, and my truth may not be yours.
That being said, many of the specifics in TBOTL, strike me as abhorrent. The metaphors involving slaves and conquest, commandments against empathy, and the general presentation being one of war and brutality, prohibit TBOTL from being 'my Book'. I was a Thelemite for some time, but I found I had to constantly stop and reconcile aspects of the book of the law with my paradigm. To quote Crowley, "effort is contrary to ease", and if I have to force it, it's probably not my path. This is not to judge any other Thelemites, I have met many who seem admirable people, and accomplished Hermeticists. The esoteric path is a highly subjective one, we can only look inside for truth, and my truth may not be yours.
March 13, 2015
Did not like this book because it Burned After Reading. Had to buy it again and the process repeated in a Ourobourian manner. Now I'm shit broke. At least Nuit is appeased. Fnord.
May 2, 2021
There were some pretty cool verses in this book. I particularly like how most verses were very poetic, full of depth (even if I couldn't quite grasp it), and flowed nicely. Then other verses were way over my head. I have read other comments about this book: it is very esoteric and aimed at a particular audience. Even with the stuff I didn't grasp I thought it had a nice ring to it. After finishing I can say with certainty I will revisit this again after doing more research about this book and Aleister Crowley.
"Every man and every woman is a star."
"Every man and every woman is a star."
July 30, 2017
“همگان، به هوش باشید: هستی، لذت محض است. اندوه تنها سایه ایست؛ می گذرد و نیست می گردد و تنها هستی باقی می ماند.”
ظاهراً در اواخر قرن نوزدهم، انجمن های سری جادوگری خیلی در انگلستان شایع شده بوده. اونجوری که توی فیلم ها و داستان ها نشون میده، عضویت در این انجمن ها فقط مختص اشراف بوده. از توی همین انجمن ها، کلی دین و آیین بیرون اومده، از جمله آیین "تلما" که توسط آلیستر کراولی بنیان گذاشته شد. آلیستر کراولی یکی از برجسته ترین جادوگران قرون جدیده و مخصوصاً نقش مهمی در معرفی آیین های هند (مثل یوگا) به اروپایی ها داره.
من نمیدونم آیا واقعاً این آیین ها پیروانی واقعی هم داشته ن یا نه، ولی میدونم که در قرن بیستم همه شون از بین رفتن، یعنی نهایتاً پنجاه شصت سال دوام آوردن.
این کتاب، کتاب شریعت آیین تلماست. نويسنده مدعيه كه در شهر قاهره، توسط صدايى كه خودش رو حورس (خدای آفتاب در مصر باستان) معرفى كرده، طى سه روز بر او نازل شده. اسلوبش مشخصاً از مکاشفات یوحنا اقتباس شده (همونطور که اسلوب کتاب اقدس بهایی ها، مشخصاً از قرآن اقتباس شده) و چیزهایی مثل رمزی حرف زدن یا استفاده از اعداد برای معرفی اشخاص (مثلاً: عوام من را به نام ۹ می شناسند، حال آن که من ۸ و ۱ هستم) از خصوصیات مکاشفات یوحناست و در کتاب های دیگه (مثل انجیل، قرآن، عهد عتیق) چنین اسلوبی به کار نرفته یا خیلی کم به کار رفته و معلومه که به خاطر مقاصد نویسنده ی کتاب (که برای آیین های رمزی و جادوگری این کتاب رو نوشته) این اسلوب بیشتر مورد پسند بوده.
ظاهراً در اواخر قرن نوزدهم، انجمن های سری جادوگری خیلی در انگلستان شایع شده بوده. اونجوری که توی فیلم ها و داستان ها نشون میده، عضویت در این انجمن ها فقط مختص اشراف بوده. از توی همین انجمن ها، کلی دین و آیین بیرون اومده، از جمله آیین "تلما" که توسط آلیستر کراولی بنیان گذاشته شد. آلیستر کراولی یکی از برجسته ترین جادوگران قرون جدیده و مخصوصاً نقش مهمی در معرفی آیین های هند (مثل یوگا) به اروپایی ها داره.
من نمیدونم آیا واقعاً این آیین ها پیروانی واقعی هم داشته ن یا نه، ولی میدونم که در قرن بیستم همه شون از بین رفتن، یعنی نهایتاً پنجاه شصت سال دوام آوردن.
این کتاب، کتاب شریعت آیین تلماست. نويسنده مدعيه كه در شهر قاهره، توسط صدايى كه خودش رو حورس (خدای آفتاب در مصر باستان) معرفى كرده، طى سه روز بر او نازل شده. اسلوبش مشخصاً از مکاشفات یوحنا اقتباس شده (همونطور که اسلوب کتاب اقدس بهایی ها، مشخصاً از قرآن اقتباس شده) و چیزهایی مثل رمزی حرف زدن یا استفاده از اعداد برای معرفی اشخاص (مثلاً: عوام من را به نام ۹ می شناسند، حال آن که من ۸ و ۱ هستم) از خصوصیات مکاشفات یوحناست و در کتاب های دیگه (مثل انجیل، قرآن، عهد عتیق) چنین اسلوبی به کار نرفته یا خیلی کم به کار رفته و معلومه که به خاطر مقاصد نویسنده ی کتاب (که برای آیین های رمزی و جادوگری این کتاب رو نوشته) این اسلوب بیشتر مورد پسند بوده.
October 21, 2014
A good friend who is super into the occult and weird new-agey stuff loaned me a copy of this. It's consistently interesting, but never appeals to me on an ethical or moral level. The guy was obviously either out of his mind or high as FUCK when he wrote it. I mean, dude claims that the whole thing was dictated to him by this ancient pseudo-Egyptian God type entity over three days in 1904, so he is probably not the most credible source on the nature of reality. Despite Crowley probably being out of his mind, he does convey an occasionally surprising depth of thought and consideration of this whole Thelemic thing, the central law of which is "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will." Hey, at the very least it makes a great inspirational poster!
October 16, 2014
Chapter I - Introduction
Spoilers alert! The first spoiler, this book is crap. This book was, in regards to its mythos, "Not spoken by Crowley himself", rather it takes place in one of Mr. Crowley's drug-induced trips. He and his recently married wife (whom married after the first date and said yes to avoid an arranged marriage) decide to take a honeymoon in Cairo. And like any good cliché occultism, motherfuckers gotta take that drug-induced crazy-town to the Pyramids of Egypt. Here I'm told, Between "noon and 1 P.M. on three successive days", Crowley was engaged in dialog from a spirit that called themselves "Aiwass" that "claimed" they were the "minister of Hoor-Paar-Kraat". Crowley asks skeptically: how do I know this Being speaks with any authority? Well, "Evidently he must show Knowledge and Power such as no man has ever been known to possess." ...Buckle up readers, shit is going to get real when we enter, Fear in Loathing in Cairo. To quote the good sir Rick James, "cocaine's a hell of a drug".
Chapter II - The Universe
"This Book explains the Universe."--Right... in just almost two pages, huh --the entire book is fifty pages. Just in case you missed Crowley's physics lecture, I took notes. Space is the Nuit, and this Egyptian space god is the creation of the universe and brings forth the "total of possibilities of every kind". And the only specialized western philosophy jargon I did understand makes an appearance: Leibniz Monadology. See Crowley, I roll my eyes when I hear monads. It's one of the greatest fictions I know in philosophy, right up there with a complete system of mathematics purposed in the Principia Mathematica. For Crowley understanding this means every event has a "uniting of some one monad" with which only one experience is possible to each monad. In due respect to Leibniz, talking about monads for him was just one way in its hay-day to solve a Cartesian mind-body problem - between appearances of substances in the world and thoughts about them - you could just say everything is monads so there isn't any dualism between them. With it Crowley goes on to something which is pretty base, your experiences have a way to effect you consciously or subconsciously. But also that each of us has a"universe of his own" within a cluster of space-experiences (monads) bumping around into us metaphorically. He continues, we each all have a bundle of these monads which we come into contact and metaphorically gather to ourselves. This all seems very technical; Crowley helps out by an example, but I decide to use my own "universe" of an example. Imagine you're out with someone and each at the same time grabs for the salt. Were you in fact grabbing the same salt? A sane man would say yes, regardless of the meaning, regardless of the purpose, or our impresses given by the senses. I say this because in the end, we are both going to start debating who should get to use the salt first. For Crowley, it's Esse-est-percipi, which means, to be is to be perceived. That's because each of us understands for himself his own reality from what he sees and experiences. Thus the claim does follow, "Yet all the time neither of us can know anything of him [the salt in my example] at all beyond the total impression made on our respective mind." He concludes what I imagine was some self-reflection for anyone who caught onto his bullshit of either oversimplification or just making it up as you go. I mean, I had to fill in a bit of the philosophical gaps that are said to be within this text, as he himself never mentions any philosopher but Comte specifically. Crowley concludes that, "the above is an extremely crude attempt to explain a system which reconciles all existing schools of philosophy." *pats on the head* Sure it does, Crowley...sure it does.
Chapter III - The Law of Thelema
Honestly, this is the best part of the book. It’s not for any great or exciting reason. Thelema is the Greek word for Will. With this, we come to the whole of his philosophy, "Do what thou wilt shall be the Whole of the Law. Love is that law, love under will. There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt." I enjoy it because it’s a fairly easy concept to understand, and that runs the whole of the book. What I can gather is that this is the sort of thing John Locke describes as beginning from a State of Nature; that is, born into a life of perfect freedom, as he says, to do as one lists, and then refer to this as good when it is a Virtue and done right. In his words, Do what Thou Wilt in the right way in the right degree as to love what it is that you wilt. Because each, as he says, will move onto his "true orbit" which is defined by the positions in the world we inhabit, in which Monads come into constant contact with us as "the impulse of our past experiences" to move us forward into the "Law of our Growth". Monads do not, for Crowley, come with ethical or moral baggage; "all events are equally lawful--and every one necessary, in the long run...but in practice, only one act is lawful for each one of us at any given moment. Therefore Duty consists in determining to experience the right event from one moment of consciousness to another." And only when one truly Wills what he Wills and it is right for him, may he act in his true nature. Want to learn more?! Well. you got to study "Magick!"--what, you've never heard of Magick? Well then, you need "personal instructions from the Master Therion and his appointed assistants." --Don't worry, I'll wait... but while we are waiting for you to study up, let’s move onto chapter IV.
ChapterIV - The New Aeon
So I hope you love some occultist history because apparently different Gods control different periods of our planet’s existence, and this period lasts "2,000 years," during what he calls "The Equinox of the Gods". For Crowley, certain Stars (such stars are called gods) are said to be a collection of Monads. Jesus will have a collection of certain Monads. Collection of experiences like, being the son of god, giving the Sermon on the Mount; monads of experience collected to him. And that's why he's Jesus. "In the history of the world, as far as we know accurately (heh...heh), are three such Gods"-- Wait the earth is 4.54 billion years old, Crowley. Sorry to break your heart, but "the history of the world", has a lot more Gods to count. Crowley counts three. First is Isis, the mother of the universe and creator for the purpose of "simple nourishment drawn directly from her." This is a period of government called the matriarchal. "Next" (yes that's all women are good for as gods, Simple Nourishment), the Father Osiris period begins in 500 B.C., the father brings forth the idea that the universe is pretty "catastrophic" giving raise to new monads of love, death, resurrection, with which "Experience was built up". This is a governmental system of the patriarchal. And finally, history draws its final period as controlled by the God Horus--you can probably guess by now what family bond Horus will have. If you guessed "the child," you'd be right! Gee, you'd almost think you could make this stuff up yourself. But you can't, because then you'd "...show Knowledge and Power such as no man has ever been known to possess." In this period, we learn from both previous governmental systems, but for the purpose of "continual growth," and to not be bound to circumstance. This age will be "the recognition of the individual as the unit of society." Horus has a technical title: "Heru-Ra-Ha," which combines twin gods, "Ra-Hoor-Khuit and Hoor-Paar-Kraat. What? You didn't know that? Well you should have brushed up with your studies on 'Magick,' you lazy fuck. It’s funny, but Horus’ reign over earth just so happens to start the year Crowley set out to do this trip in 1904- what a coincidence. Now Horus is said to make a few predictions, "Observe for yourselves the decay of the sense of sin, the growth of innocence and irresponsibility, the strange modifications of the reproductive instinct with a tendency to become bi-sexual or epicene, the childlike confidence in progress combined with nightmare fear of catastrophe, against which we are yet half unwilling to take precautions." However, this may be better attributed to Friedrich Nietzsche, whom in 1882 wrote “The Gay Science,” where he himself marks out, "God is Dead". And being that Crowley studied for a period at Cambridge University from 1895–98. It’s not impossible that he did just read Nietzsche and then hoke some bullshit from that. From here he lists all the infantile ideas, "Communism, Fascism, Pacifism, Health Crazes..." These sort of useless and childish acts are embodied in cinema, football pools, and "guessing competitions". All these for the purpose of being a lullaby to a screaming mad child we call society.
Chapter V - The Next Step
There isn't much to say here; all forms of governmental authority for Crowley are just childish tantrums "hemming us in". Democracy, fascism, Communism, whatever-ism. All just child’s thinking until something new comes along to embrace. But yet, the world seems to move forward from its child-like ways because there are always the "Light of genius." And this light of genius may only come to pass if we can establish the Law of Thelema. Only with this law will, "individual liberty" and the preservation of the future race be obtained.
Chapter VI - The Book of the Law (as transcribed by Aleister Crowley from the massager Aiwass)
Enter Aiwass, Messenger of the rulers of the world and bringer of the glory of truth to the "unveiling before the Children of Men!" This messenger explains that only "the few & secret" will be his servants which shall rule the "many & the Known" because they are fools, and so are their Gods too! So the messenger explains his monad-self as being "above you and in you. My ecstasy is in yours. My joy is to see your joy." The messenger Aiwass then speak to Aleister calling him "chosen priest" and the "prince-priest the beast". And the wife, "his woman called the Scarlet Woman", that this power from the gods will be given to them. From there this messenger explains that there is no other God but Lord Hadit or as his friends call him Nuit. He is infinite space and of infinite experience. This God explains that there shouldn't be any differences between any "One thing" or "any other thing," because only in differences comes the negative and the bad. But if you can live beyond differences then you are the bee's knees, my friend and "chief of all!" Then a famous line, "I Am Nuit, and my word is Six and fifty. Divide, add, multiply, and understand. Then saith the prophet and slave of the beauteous one: who am I, and what shall be the sign?" Anyway, to the best of my knowledge I think Crowley and his wife engage in copulation. Don't quote me, but it sounds like it when "the dew of her light bathing his whole body in a sweet-smelling perfume of sweat". Whatever might be the case, Nuit is said to be not just One thing but None. Because for Nuit, he's everything and therefore nothing, as he's always shifting "continuous". He's a shifty motherfucker. It might be asked, “Why hadn't I heard of this god before?” Well you gotta have love. Because it’s only when brought apart that love may unite us. Wow, I can totally see that working in some romantic movie. At this point, this God asks the Prophet to follow his "ordeals of my knowledge" and look only for him, that all joys within will redeem him "from all pain." This is when I think Crowley took another hit of cocaine and fell into a deep trance with which he asks the God for the ordeals he should follow.
There can be three ranks of men that look to be a scholar of this work: The Hermit, The Lover, and the Earth-man. There are, however, certain roads on this path for its scholarly pursuits for which to look out. One such naughty action is "The word of Sin is Restriction." There is an example, but being this is my "universe" I shall supply my own. Imagine that Walter White from 'Breaking Bad' decided he didn't like being a teacher, but loved cooking meth (which this author would have likely wanted a taste). His wife would rather he not cook meth. Well fuck that shit, cook the meth yo; YEAH Mr. White SCIENCE! That's because, "there is no bond that can unite the divided but love: all else is a curse...So with thy all; thou hast no right but to do thy will. Do that, and no other shall say nay." --I beg to differ. But then again I'm not getting this spiritual suggestion, and a man high on cocaine is. If you are at all curious of the ritualistic aspects, then a lot of it is caught up in pages 24-28. I'm just going to instead, 'do the hokey-pokey and turn myself around, and do as thou wilt'. That's what it’s all about!
So I think by this page, on 29, the next day Crowley has somehow gotten heroin intravenously, and was ready for round 2 of this new series, "Spirits speak to drug addict". "Come! All ye, and learn the secret that hath not yet been revealed." At this point we learn that this God has talent for a monad. Not only can he work the Las Vegas stage magic show--sorry, Magick show-- but he's been Vatican-approved to preform Exorcisms. By that, they mean, "I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle." But do be aware, this isn't the sort of God you’re going to call upon if you do happen to need a stage show for your son 8th birthday party, nor if you happen to have little girl Regan in your home asking if you suck cocks in hell. Oh no, for this God, “'Come unto me' is a foolish word: for it is I that go.” I will say, at least this God gives some mild self-help to pass unto us. "Sorrows are but as shadows; they pass & are done." But don't you dare call him nine! Only fools do that. Better yet, call him eight or one in eight, "which is vital, for I am none indeed." I will however have to ask, how much money do you have? Do you happen to have like a boat load of cash to spend on cocaine? While being sad isn't great either to this god, I think the money and coke will fix that. Because this God only deals with the Lords of earth. If you are, then you are in great company; this God is going to-- well not do anything because he's always leaving you with the bill- but trust me, he loved the meal you had. But as for the server that gave you the meal, stiff them the tip. In fact, "let them die in their misery" as they sound like they might be outcasts, and certainly not Lords. "Compassion is the vice of kings: stamp down the wretched & the weak: this is the law of the strong." So about how we worship this God. Actually I’ve been mentioning its sleight of hand, "To worship me take wine and strange drugs whereof I will tell my prophet, & be drunk thereof! They shall not harm ye at all. It is a lie, this folly against self. The exposure of innocence is a lie. Be strong, o man! Just enjoy all things of sense and rapture: fear not that any God shall deny thee for this...But Exceed! Exceed! Strive ever to more!" -- Due to my pseudo-legal obligations as a reviewer, I am forced to place a warning label here. WARNING! WARNING! Following this philosophy "Do as thou wilt" can lead to --Vomiting, indigestion, hallucinations, Spirit Gods' telling you to take more drugs, blood in urine, dry mouth, Sleeplessness, partially understood occultism, memory loss, shaking, stupidity, nonsense making sense, and possible death.
So I'm going to put out a calling for anyone that can understand this "4 6 3 8 A B K 2 4 A L G M O R 3 Y X 24 89 R P S T O V A L. What meaneth this, o prophet? Thou knowest not; nor shalt thou know ever. There cometh one to follow thee: he shall expound it." Ok ok... the answer is...42!
Product Ingredient: Ode to Crowley Perfume mix - Mix Meal & Honey, Thick Red wine. Add oil of Abramelin & Olive oil. After, spice it up by "soften & smooth down with rich fresh blood". But not just any blood mind you, only the best blood, on a full moon, fresh blood of a child or a baby, then add some enemy’s blood, then your own, and then any worshipper’s blood, and then a beast of some kind and mix that all together. It’s better yet if you could somehow find someone that is a child who is your enemy but happens to be an ordained minister that likes your religion but is also a child that was brought up by wolves. If you can, bake this for 10 minutes at 425 degrees and make "cakes & eat unto me."
But Crowley isn't done there- this God has a message to his wife, the Scarlet Women.
Dear "Scarlet Women beware! If pity and compassion and tenderness visits her heart; if she leave my work to toy with old sweetnesses; then shall my vengeance be known. I will slay me her child: I will alienate her heart: I will cast her out from men: as a shrinking and despised harlot shall she crawl through dusk wet streets, and die cold and an-hungered." However, if you "work the work of Wickedness! let her kill her heart! Let her be loud and adulterous! let her be covered with jewels, and rich garments, and let her be shameless before all men!"
yours truly, Nuit
P.S. "Do as thou wilt but don't you dare fucking walk away from me!"
Oh hey, but you know, if you’re a good girl, I'll "breed from her a child mightier than all the kings of the earth." So hey, there's that!
And that's it, that's my review. I hope you enjoyed it. I can't say I did, but you know there is one thing to say, the book concludes with the comment, "The study of this Book is forbidden. It is wise to destroy this copy after the first reading. Whosoever disregards this does so at his own risk and peril. These are most dire. Those who discuss the contents of this Book are to be shunned by all, as centres of pestilence. All questions of the Law are to be decided only by appeal to my writings, each for himself"
So I guess it was all for not, but whatever Crowley, I do what I want. I invoke the law, "do as I wilt" and I did, your book is crap, and you need rehab.
Spoilers alert! The first spoiler, this book is crap. This book was, in regards to its mythos, "Not spoken by Crowley himself", rather it takes place in one of Mr. Crowley's drug-induced trips. He and his recently married wife (whom married after the first date and said yes to avoid an arranged marriage) decide to take a honeymoon in Cairo. And like any good cliché occultism, motherfuckers gotta take that drug-induced crazy-town to the Pyramids of Egypt. Here I'm told, Between "noon and 1 P.M. on three successive days", Crowley was engaged in dialog from a spirit that called themselves "Aiwass" that "claimed" they were the "minister of Hoor-Paar-Kraat". Crowley asks skeptically: how do I know this Being speaks with any authority? Well, "Evidently he must show Knowledge and Power such as no man has ever been known to possess." ...Buckle up readers, shit is going to get real when we enter, Fear in Loathing in Cairo. To quote the good sir Rick James, "cocaine's a hell of a drug".
Chapter II - The Universe
"This Book explains the Universe."--Right... in just almost two pages, huh --the entire book is fifty pages. Just in case you missed Crowley's physics lecture, I took notes. Space is the Nuit, and this Egyptian space god is the creation of the universe and brings forth the "total of possibilities of every kind". And the only specialized western philosophy jargon I did understand makes an appearance: Leibniz Monadology. See Crowley, I roll my eyes when I hear monads. It's one of the greatest fictions I know in philosophy, right up there with a complete system of mathematics purposed in the Principia Mathematica. For Crowley understanding this means every event has a "uniting of some one monad" with which only one experience is possible to each monad. In due respect to Leibniz, talking about monads for him was just one way in its hay-day to solve a Cartesian mind-body problem - between appearances of substances in the world and thoughts about them - you could just say everything is monads so there isn't any dualism between them. With it Crowley goes on to something which is pretty base, your experiences have a way to effect you consciously or subconsciously. But also that each of us has a"universe of his own" within a cluster of space-experiences (monads) bumping around into us metaphorically. He continues, we each all have a bundle of these monads which we come into contact and metaphorically gather to ourselves. This all seems very technical; Crowley helps out by an example, but I decide to use my own "universe" of an example. Imagine you're out with someone and each at the same time grabs for the salt. Were you in fact grabbing the same salt? A sane man would say yes, regardless of the meaning, regardless of the purpose, or our impresses given by the senses. I say this because in the end, we are both going to start debating who should get to use the salt first. For Crowley, it's Esse-est-percipi, which means, to be is to be perceived. That's because each of us understands for himself his own reality from what he sees and experiences. Thus the claim does follow, "Yet all the time neither of us can know anything of him [the salt in my example] at all beyond the total impression made on our respective mind." He concludes what I imagine was some self-reflection for anyone who caught onto his bullshit of either oversimplification or just making it up as you go. I mean, I had to fill in a bit of the philosophical gaps that are said to be within this text, as he himself never mentions any philosopher but Comte specifically. Crowley concludes that, "the above is an extremely crude attempt to explain a system which reconciles all existing schools of philosophy." *pats on the head* Sure it does, Crowley...sure it does.
Chapter III - The Law of Thelema
Honestly, this is the best part of the book. It’s not for any great or exciting reason. Thelema is the Greek word for Will. With this, we come to the whole of his philosophy, "Do what thou wilt shall be the Whole of the Law. Love is that law, love under will. There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt." I enjoy it because it’s a fairly easy concept to understand, and that runs the whole of the book. What I can gather is that this is the sort of thing John Locke describes as beginning from a State of Nature; that is, born into a life of perfect freedom, as he says, to do as one lists, and then refer to this as good when it is a Virtue and done right. In his words, Do what Thou Wilt in the right way in the right degree as to love what it is that you wilt. Because each, as he says, will move onto his "true orbit" which is defined by the positions in the world we inhabit, in which Monads come into constant contact with us as "the impulse of our past experiences" to move us forward into the "Law of our Growth". Monads do not, for Crowley, come with ethical or moral baggage; "all events are equally lawful--and every one necessary, in the long run...but in practice, only one act is lawful for each one of us at any given moment. Therefore Duty consists in determining to experience the right event from one moment of consciousness to another." And only when one truly Wills what he Wills and it is right for him, may he act in his true nature. Want to learn more?! Well. you got to study "Magick!"--what, you've never heard of Magick? Well then, you need "personal instructions from the Master Therion and his appointed assistants." --Don't worry, I'll wait... but while we are waiting for you to study up, let’s move onto chapter IV.
ChapterIV - The New Aeon
So I hope you love some occultist history because apparently different Gods control different periods of our planet’s existence, and this period lasts "2,000 years," during what he calls "The Equinox of the Gods". For Crowley, certain Stars (such stars are called gods) are said to be a collection of Monads. Jesus will have a collection of certain Monads. Collection of experiences like, being the son of god, giving the Sermon on the Mount; monads of experience collected to him. And that's why he's Jesus. "In the history of the world, as far as we know accurately (heh...heh), are three such Gods"-- Wait the earth is 4.54 billion years old, Crowley. Sorry to break your heart, but "the history of the world", has a lot more Gods to count. Crowley counts three. First is Isis, the mother of the universe and creator for the purpose of "simple nourishment drawn directly from her." This is a period of government called the matriarchal. "Next" (yes that's all women are good for as gods, Simple Nourishment), the Father Osiris period begins in 500 B.C., the father brings forth the idea that the universe is pretty "catastrophic" giving raise to new monads of love, death, resurrection, with which "Experience was built up". This is a governmental system of the patriarchal. And finally, history draws its final period as controlled by the God Horus--you can probably guess by now what family bond Horus will have. If you guessed "the child," you'd be right! Gee, you'd almost think you could make this stuff up yourself. But you can't, because then you'd "...show Knowledge and Power such as no man has ever been known to possess." In this period, we learn from both previous governmental systems, but for the purpose of "continual growth," and to not be bound to circumstance. This age will be "the recognition of the individual as the unit of society." Horus has a technical title: "Heru-Ra-Ha," which combines twin gods, "Ra-Hoor-Khuit and Hoor-Paar-Kraat. What? You didn't know that? Well you should have brushed up with your studies on 'Magick,' you lazy fuck. It’s funny, but Horus’ reign over earth just so happens to start the year Crowley set out to do this trip in 1904- what a coincidence. Now Horus is said to make a few predictions, "Observe for yourselves the decay of the sense of sin, the growth of innocence and irresponsibility, the strange modifications of the reproductive instinct with a tendency to become bi-sexual or epicene, the childlike confidence in progress combined with nightmare fear of catastrophe, against which we are yet half unwilling to take precautions." However, this may be better attributed to Friedrich Nietzsche, whom in 1882 wrote “The Gay Science,” where he himself marks out, "God is Dead". And being that Crowley studied for a period at Cambridge University from 1895–98. It’s not impossible that he did just read Nietzsche and then hoke some bullshit from that. From here he lists all the infantile ideas, "Communism, Fascism, Pacifism, Health Crazes..." These sort of useless and childish acts are embodied in cinema, football pools, and "guessing competitions". All these for the purpose of being a lullaby to a screaming mad child we call society.
Chapter V - The Next Step
There isn't much to say here; all forms of governmental authority for Crowley are just childish tantrums "hemming us in". Democracy, fascism, Communism, whatever-ism. All just child’s thinking until something new comes along to embrace. But yet, the world seems to move forward from its child-like ways because there are always the "Light of genius." And this light of genius may only come to pass if we can establish the Law of Thelema. Only with this law will, "individual liberty" and the preservation of the future race be obtained.
Chapter VI - The Book of the Law (as transcribed by Aleister Crowley from the massager Aiwass)
Enter Aiwass, Messenger of the rulers of the world and bringer of the glory of truth to the "unveiling before the Children of Men!" This messenger explains that only "the few & secret" will be his servants which shall rule the "many & the Known" because they are fools, and so are their Gods too! So the messenger explains his monad-self as being "above you and in you. My ecstasy is in yours. My joy is to see your joy." The messenger Aiwass then speak to Aleister calling him "chosen priest" and the "prince-priest the beast". And the wife, "his woman called the Scarlet Woman", that this power from the gods will be given to them. From there this messenger explains that there is no other God but Lord Hadit or as his friends call him Nuit. He is infinite space and of infinite experience. This God explains that there shouldn't be any differences between any "One thing" or "any other thing," because only in differences comes the negative and the bad. But if you can live beyond differences then you are the bee's knees, my friend and "chief of all!" Then a famous line, "I Am Nuit, and my word is Six and fifty. Divide, add, multiply, and understand. Then saith the prophet and slave of the beauteous one: who am I, and what shall be the sign?" Anyway, to the best of my knowledge I think Crowley and his wife engage in copulation. Don't quote me, but it sounds like it when "the dew of her light bathing his whole body in a sweet-smelling perfume of sweat". Whatever might be the case, Nuit is said to be not just One thing but None. Because for Nuit, he's everything and therefore nothing, as he's always shifting "continuous". He's a shifty motherfucker. It might be asked, “Why hadn't I heard of this god before?” Well you gotta have love. Because it’s only when brought apart that love may unite us. Wow, I can totally see that working in some romantic movie. At this point, this God asks the Prophet to follow his "ordeals of my knowledge" and look only for him, that all joys within will redeem him "from all pain." This is when I think Crowley took another hit of cocaine and fell into a deep trance with which he asks the God for the ordeals he should follow.
There can be three ranks of men that look to be a scholar of this work: The Hermit, The Lover, and the Earth-man. There are, however, certain roads on this path for its scholarly pursuits for which to look out. One such naughty action is "The word of Sin is Restriction." There is an example, but being this is my "universe" I shall supply my own. Imagine that Walter White from 'Breaking Bad' decided he didn't like being a teacher, but loved cooking meth (which this author would have likely wanted a taste). His wife would rather he not cook meth. Well fuck that shit, cook the meth yo; YEAH Mr. White SCIENCE! That's because, "there is no bond that can unite the divided but love: all else is a curse...So with thy all; thou hast no right but to do thy will. Do that, and no other shall say nay." --I beg to differ. But then again I'm not getting this spiritual suggestion, and a man high on cocaine is. If you are at all curious of the ritualistic aspects, then a lot of it is caught up in pages 24-28. I'm just going to instead, 'do the hokey-pokey and turn myself around, and do as thou wilt'. That's what it’s all about!
So I think by this page, on 29, the next day Crowley has somehow gotten heroin intravenously, and was ready for round 2 of this new series, "Spirits speak to drug addict". "Come! All ye, and learn the secret that hath not yet been revealed." At this point we learn that this God has talent for a monad. Not only can he work the Las Vegas stage magic show--sorry, Magick show-- but he's been Vatican-approved to preform Exorcisms. By that, they mean, "I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle." But do be aware, this isn't the sort of God you’re going to call upon if you do happen to need a stage show for your son 8th birthday party, nor if you happen to have little girl Regan in your home asking if you suck cocks in hell. Oh no, for this God, “'Come unto me' is a foolish word: for it is I that go.” I will say, at least this God gives some mild self-help to pass unto us. "Sorrows are but as shadows; they pass & are done." But don't you dare call him nine! Only fools do that. Better yet, call him eight or one in eight, "which is vital, for I am none indeed." I will however have to ask, how much money do you have? Do you happen to have like a boat load of cash to spend on cocaine? While being sad isn't great either to this god, I think the money and coke will fix that. Because this God only deals with the Lords of earth. If you are, then you are in great company; this God is going to-- well not do anything because he's always leaving you with the bill- but trust me, he loved the meal you had. But as for the server that gave you the meal, stiff them the tip. In fact, "let them die in their misery" as they sound like they might be outcasts, and certainly not Lords. "Compassion is the vice of kings: stamp down the wretched & the weak: this is the law of the strong." So about how we worship this God. Actually I’ve been mentioning its sleight of hand, "To worship me take wine and strange drugs whereof I will tell my prophet, & be drunk thereof! They shall not harm ye at all. It is a lie, this folly against self. The exposure of innocence is a lie. Be strong, o man! Just enjoy all things of sense and rapture: fear not that any God shall deny thee for this...But Exceed! Exceed! Strive ever to more!" -- Due to my pseudo-legal obligations as a reviewer, I am forced to place a warning label here. WARNING! WARNING! Following this philosophy "Do as thou wilt" can lead to --Vomiting, indigestion, hallucinations, Spirit Gods' telling you to take more drugs, blood in urine, dry mouth, Sleeplessness, partially understood occultism, memory loss, shaking, stupidity, nonsense making sense, and possible death.
So I'm going to put out a calling for anyone that can understand this "4 6 3 8 A B K 2 4 A L G M O R 3 Y X 24 89 R P S T O V A L. What meaneth this, o prophet? Thou knowest not; nor shalt thou know ever. There cometh one to follow thee: he shall expound it." Ok ok... the answer is...42!
Product Ingredient: Ode to Crowley Perfume mix - Mix Meal & Honey, Thick Red wine. Add oil of Abramelin & Olive oil. After, spice it up by "soften & smooth down with rich fresh blood". But not just any blood mind you, only the best blood, on a full moon, fresh blood of a child or a baby, then add some enemy’s blood, then your own, and then any worshipper’s blood, and then a beast of some kind and mix that all together. It’s better yet if you could somehow find someone that is a child who is your enemy but happens to be an ordained minister that likes your religion but is also a child that was brought up by wolves. If you can, bake this for 10 minutes at 425 degrees and make "cakes & eat unto me."
But Crowley isn't done there- this God has a message to his wife, the Scarlet Women.
Dear "Scarlet Women beware! If pity and compassion and tenderness visits her heart; if she leave my work to toy with old sweetnesses; then shall my vengeance be known. I will slay me her child: I will alienate her heart: I will cast her out from men: as a shrinking and despised harlot shall she crawl through dusk wet streets, and die cold and an-hungered." However, if you "work the work of Wickedness! let her kill her heart! Let her be loud and adulterous! let her be covered with jewels, and rich garments, and let her be shameless before all men!"
yours truly, Nuit
P.S. "Do as thou wilt but don't you dare fucking walk away from me!"
Oh hey, but you know, if you’re a good girl, I'll "breed from her a child mightier than all the kings of the earth." So hey, there's that!
And that's it, that's my review. I hope you enjoyed it. I can't say I did, but you know there is one thing to say, the book concludes with the comment, "The study of this Book is forbidden. It is wise to destroy this copy after the first reading. Whosoever disregards this does so at his own risk and peril. These are most dire. Those who discuss the contents of this Book are to be shunned by all, as centres of pestilence. All questions of the Law are to be decided only by appeal to my writings, each for himself"
So I guess it was all for not, but whatever Crowley, I do what I want. I invoke the law, "do as I wilt" and I did, your book is crap, and you need rehab.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2011
I read the passages in this book often. There are truly some enlightened and beautiful words written here. No doubt people without esoteric knowledge will be confused and most likely repelled by this book. But it wasn't written for them.
Despite his flaws, Crowley was a forward thinking, truly progressive mind. He will always be controversial; prophet to some, anti-Christ to others. One thing is certain, no two people will walk away from this book with the same experience. In these pages are messages of equality amongst all men and women, destroying the self-defeating ego in all of us, and the prophesy of a coming era where humans will attain closeness and oneness with God. These ideas are universal in many cultures and religions already.
I consider this his most important work, although it can be argued that it is not his work since he "received" it. These are concepts that were not foreign to him however. Quite the contrary.
Like many religious texts the true teachings herein are coded in metaphor and require at least a basic theologic understanding and vocabulary. I have to stress, without some esoteric knowledge, reading The Book of the Law will be akin to an infant reading Shakespeare.
Despite his flaws, Crowley was a forward thinking, truly progressive mind. He will always be controversial; prophet to some, anti-Christ to others. One thing is certain, no two people will walk away from this book with the same experience. In these pages are messages of equality amongst all men and women, destroying the self-defeating ego in all of us, and the prophesy of a coming era where humans will attain closeness and oneness with God. These ideas are universal in many cultures and religions already.
I consider this his most important work, although it can be argued that it is not his work since he "received" it. These are concepts that were not foreign to him however. Quite the contrary.
Like many religious texts the true teachings herein are coded in metaphor and require at least a basic theologic understanding and vocabulary. I have to stress, without some esoteric knowledge, reading The Book of the Law will be akin to an infant reading Shakespeare.
August 12, 2018
Though I will put some further thoughts on this books, I really could just write a five word review and be done with it: Third-Rate Adolescent Nietzschean Garbage.
That's all it is, really. Endless upon endless repeats of Nietzsche's "will-to-power" rhetoric (love life, despise the slaves and the weak, dismiss religion, the aristocrat does not care, etc etc) without even beginning to understand Nietzsche.
Per example, Nietzsche's point was that Christianity was a nausea with life, masqueraded as faith for a "better" life; "this-worldliness" vs Christian "Otherworldliness". So it's very funny that Crowley mocks Christianity for this and for all its dogmas and then do the exact same dogmas. Is there a difference between an ancient book claiming God exists and some pretentious British druggie saying that they do?
Furthermore, this really can't be called "philosophy", this is only philosophy as much as the average garbage American Christian self-help book is "philosophy": Crowley claims lots of things, and he tells us to do lots of things as well, yet there are absolutely no argument behind them other than "I was possessed by these ancient Gods so shut up".
"Love" is just, whatever. It's a recurring theme in the book, perhaps the recurring theme ("Love is the law, love under will") and the very foundation of Thelema, yet "love" is never defined. It can't be compassion or empathy, since those things are for the weak and to be despised. So, is it just sexual lust? It's whatever Crowley and the idiots follow his writings think it is, because that's just how you rope people into this nonsense: make it as vague as possible so their heads fill in the blanks with whatever they like the most. Just like Christianity, funnily enough.
The prose too is just adolescent. Lots of Ye Old-Timey English so it sounds more profound (and religious) than it is, as though Ancient Egyptians deities would give two shits about Crowley's language (yet he insists that the English language is special in any way throughout the book).
Really, I could go on and on, but there really is no point. Thomas Ligotti wrote an excellent piece explaining why we turn to occultism, so we can think that our deeply uninteresting world is much more interesting than it will ever be. Following Thelema back in the 1920s might have made sense (and even then only on the context of brainless trend following, certainly not for anyone who takes philosophy seriously) since it was something of a sensation, but today? Well, there's a reason the few people gullible and pretentious enough (for there is always the need to feel as though one possesses some forbidden knowledge, even when one possesses no knowledge at all) have isolated themselves in the internet in their own little corners so they don't get laughed at by everyone else for following the cult of dead British dopehead that hasn't been relevant since World War 2.
If you're so strong, and if you love life so much, why would you feel the need to fill it with such obvious nonsense that isn't of this world, of this life?
That's all it is, really. Endless upon endless repeats of Nietzsche's "will-to-power" rhetoric (love life, despise the slaves and the weak, dismiss religion, the aristocrat does not care, etc etc) without even beginning to understand Nietzsche.
Per example, Nietzsche's point was that Christianity was a nausea with life, masqueraded as faith for a "better" life; "this-worldliness" vs Christian "Otherworldliness". So it's very funny that Crowley mocks Christianity for this and for all its dogmas and then do the exact same dogmas. Is there a difference between an ancient book claiming God exists and some pretentious British druggie saying that they do?
Furthermore, this really can't be called "philosophy", this is only philosophy as much as the average garbage American Christian self-help book is "philosophy": Crowley claims lots of things, and he tells us to do lots of things as well, yet there are absolutely no argument behind them other than "I was possessed by these ancient Gods so shut up".
"Love" is just, whatever. It's a recurring theme in the book, perhaps the recurring theme ("Love is the law, love under will") and the very foundation of Thelema, yet "love" is never defined. It can't be compassion or empathy, since those things are for the weak and to be despised. So, is it just sexual lust? It's whatever Crowley and the idiots follow his writings think it is, because that's just how you rope people into this nonsense: make it as vague as possible so their heads fill in the blanks with whatever they like the most. Just like Christianity, funnily enough.
The prose too is just adolescent. Lots of Ye Old-Timey English so it sounds more profound (and religious) than it is, as though Ancient Egyptians deities would give two shits about Crowley's language (yet he insists that the English language is special in any way throughout the book).
Really, I could go on and on, but there really is no point. Thomas Ligotti wrote an excellent piece explaining why we turn to occultism, so we can think that our deeply uninteresting world is much more interesting than it will ever be. Following Thelema back in the 1920s might have made sense (and even then only on the context of brainless trend following, certainly not for anyone who takes philosophy seriously) since it was something of a sensation, but today? Well, there's a reason the few people gullible and pretentious enough (for there is always the need to feel as though one possesses some forbidden knowledge, even when one possesses no knowledge at all) have isolated themselves in the internet in their own little corners so they don't get laughed at by everyone else for following the cult of dead British dopehead that hasn't been relevant since World War 2.
If you're so strong, and if you love life so much, why would you feel the need to fill it with such obvious nonsense that isn't of this world, of this life?
August 10, 2025
First published in 1904, Aleister Crowley’s “The Book of the Law” is a fascinating dive into the origins of ceremonial magic and its impact on the modern Wiccan religion. In fact, Crowley was the first “modern” writer to use the term “magick” with a ‘K’ at the end.
This book divides history into thirds, with the years pre-500 CE aligned with Isis and matriarchal societies, and the years post-500 CE to 1904 with Osiris and patriarchal societies. For the final third, Crowley calls this the Aeon of Horus and states that this era includes a combination of both matriarchal and patriarchal societies spanning from 1904 (the year this book was published) and continuing on for the next 2,000 years. Crowley represents the latest history, that of Horus, as still being in its infancy—a chaotic time where,
“The establishment of the Law of Thelema is the only way to preserve individual liberty and to assure the future of the race” pg. 7.
Crowley emphasized that, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” However, this statement was later modified into the more gentler and responsible Wiccan Rede of ‘Do what thou wilt, ‘an it harm none’. This is an important book for studying the role of Crowley in many modern religions.
This book divides history into thirds, with the years pre-500 CE aligned with Isis and matriarchal societies, and the years post-500 CE to 1904 with Osiris and patriarchal societies. For the final third, Crowley calls this the Aeon of Horus and states that this era includes a combination of both matriarchal and patriarchal societies spanning from 1904 (the year this book was published) and continuing on for the next 2,000 years. Crowley represents the latest history, that of Horus, as still being in its infancy—a chaotic time where,
“The establishment of the Law of Thelema is the only way to preserve individual liberty and to assure the future of the race” pg. 7.
Crowley emphasized that, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” However, this statement was later modified into the more gentler and responsible Wiccan Rede of ‘Do what thou wilt, ‘an it harm none’. This is an important book for studying the role of Crowley in many modern religions.
May 6, 2010
There are books about magick and then there are books that _are_ magick.
This is one of the latter.
I recommend everyone read it through at least once... Then never trust anyone who wants to speak with you about it. Including me.
Seriously.
This is one of the latter.
I recommend everyone read it through at least once... Then never trust anyone who wants to speak with you about it. Including me.
Seriously.
Read
November 22, 2007First off I have no idea how to properly rate this book. My best guess is I shouldn't have used this as my introduction to Crowley's work. I read it over the scope of two nights while drinking Guinness late at night. I think this is a book I will have to come back to, maybe when my knowledge of the occult has broadened...
November 14, 2008
This is the book that most often quoted by people interested in Aleister Crowley, and it certainly deserves to be read. As far as understood, I cannot imagine a translation (they do exist, by the way) that would make any sense to anyone other than Crowley.
There is, however, a hidden meaning to the entire text...
(HINT: look at the very end:
"THE COMMENT.
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The study of this Book is forbidden. It is wise to destroy this copy after the first reading.
Whosoever disregards this does so at his own risk and peril. These are most dire.
Those who discuss the contents of this Book are to be shunned by all, as centres of pestilence.
All questions of the Law are to be decided only by appeal to my writings, each for himself.
There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt. ")
Of course, "Do what thou wilt", does not mean do whatever the hell you want to do; rather, it is a very restrictive mandate, and those interested in this path are strongly encouraged to discover ones True Will and do that. Your True Will, will not conflict with another will, it will not harm anyone (or yourself), it will not cause suffering, discord, hate, pain and anything negative. It is both liberated and confining; it can take a lifetime to understand. I do not pretend to fully grasp the connotation, but I hope to with enough mediation and discipline.
There is, however, a hidden meaning to the entire text...
(HINT: look at the very end:
"THE COMMENT.
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The study of this Book is forbidden. It is wise to destroy this copy after the first reading.
Whosoever disregards this does so at his own risk and peril. These are most dire.
Those who discuss the contents of this Book are to be shunned by all, as centres of pestilence.
All questions of the Law are to be decided only by appeal to my writings, each for himself.
There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt. ")
Of course, "Do what thou wilt", does not mean do whatever the hell you want to do; rather, it is a very restrictive mandate, and those interested in this path are strongly encouraged to discover ones True Will and do that. Your True Will, will not conflict with another will, it will not harm anyone (or yourself), it will not cause suffering, discord, hate, pain and anything negative. It is both liberated and confining; it can take a lifetime to understand. I do not pretend to fully grasp the connotation, but I hope to with enough mediation and discipline.
January 19, 2015
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2015
This is a happy little book -- e.g., "We have nothing w/ the outcast and the unfit: let them die in their misery. For they feel not. Compassion is the vice of kings: stamp down the wretched & the weak: this is the law of the strong: this is our law and the joy of the world" (pg. 41).
Actually, the foregoing has much in common w/ the central philosophy of The Secret; viz, the idea that the suffering and pain of others must be ignored or turned away from lest the observer attract these ills unto him- or herself.
But isn't that a little cold? It is. "I am alone: there is no God where I am" (pg. 42). And alone, the king in a kingdom of one. And that's, basically, the place one finds oneself when one considers only oneself to be the be-all, end-all of creation. At one w/ oneself. (One is the loneliest number.)
And that, ultimately, is the Law of the Book, the Law of Thelema: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law."
Enjoy!
Actually, the foregoing has much in common w/ the central philosophy of The Secret; viz, the idea that the suffering and pain of others must be ignored or turned away from lest the observer attract these ills unto him- or herself.
But isn't that a little cold? It is. "I am alone: there is no God where I am" (pg. 42). And alone, the king in a kingdom of one. And that's, basically, the place one finds oneself when one considers only oneself to be the be-all, end-all of creation. At one w/ oneself. (One is the loneliest number.)
And that, ultimately, is the Law of the Book, the Law of Thelema: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law."
Enjoy!
February 7, 2022
I've found it quite entertaining to read reviews of atheists/materialists who are here not to leave an objective opinion about the book but to shit talk thelemites and occultists as a whole. But pissing people off was certainly one of Crowley's aims alongside with sharing gnosis. Great book.
March 28, 2017
The last page of this book forbids you to talk about it, so this shall suffice for a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2021
I've read this book simply because I was curious to read something written by Aleister Crowley, since he was and still is very influential among Luciferians (people focused on material domination and social Darwinism), many mainstream music artists and many occult groups that rule the material world on Earth trough satanic means.
I didn't want to base my opinions on his work, based on his personal life - he was a disgusting man, a fraud, liar, drug addict, pervert and maybe even a murderer, he alienated all of his associates and women and died poor and addicted to heroin, his funeral attended by just a few people. He was also a very good chess player, an alpinist and a man very dedicated to his cause who had a very wide range of knowledge.
This book reinforced what I though of him, it's an edgier "Thus spoke Zarathustra", championing "strong should destroy the weak" and "destroy all traditions". Crowley (he wrote the book, while high on drugs, nobody dictated anything) goes a couple of steps further, describing rituals where child's blood is required, his "god" requesting war, violence and fire and he came to "peck out Christ's eyes, blind Muhammad and tear the flesh of the Indian and the Buddhist".
I gave him the benefit of doubt, but now it's settled - Aleister Crowley was a mentally ill maniac who brought nothing good to the world and his entire life's work is worthless for anyone who honestly seeks God. He was a master manipulator, liar and a fraud, he rationalized all of his shortcomings trough lies and deception. What you're gonna find if you follow this path is going to be exactly what everyone else who followed it found: a spiral of madness, drugs, perversion and in the end destruction of your body, mind and soul.
Morality, goodness and love is the basis of all routes to God-realization, never believe anything else.
Matthew 7:15-20 - "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits."
I didn't want to base my opinions on his work, based on his personal life - he was a disgusting man, a fraud, liar, drug addict, pervert and maybe even a murderer, he alienated all of his associates and women and died poor and addicted to heroin, his funeral attended by just a few people. He was also a very good chess player, an alpinist and a man very dedicated to his cause who had a very wide range of knowledge.
This book reinforced what I though of him, it's an edgier "Thus spoke Zarathustra", championing "strong should destroy the weak" and "destroy all traditions". Crowley (he wrote the book, while high on drugs, nobody dictated anything) goes a couple of steps further, describing rituals where child's blood is required, his "god" requesting war, violence and fire and he came to "peck out Christ's eyes, blind Muhammad and tear the flesh of the Indian and the Buddhist".
I gave him the benefit of doubt, but now it's settled - Aleister Crowley was a mentally ill maniac who brought nothing good to the world and his entire life's work is worthless for anyone who honestly seeks God. He was a master manipulator, liar and a fraud, he rationalized all of his shortcomings trough lies and deception. What you're gonna find if you follow this path is going to be exactly what everyone else who followed it found: a spiral of madness, drugs, perversion and in the end destruction of your body, mind and soul.
Morality, goodness and love is the basis of all routes to God-realization, never believe anything else.
Matthew 7:15-20 - "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits."
September 6, 2017
La biografía de Crowley que se adjunta a este libro es tanto o más larga que el propio "El libro de la Ley", un manifiesto lisérgico que el mismo autor asegura fue dictado por el Diablo. Hay en cada uno de estos puntos prescriptivos de tono profético una potente poesía involuntaria que escapa incluso a las intenciones del autor.
February 12, 2019
کتاب پر از عدد هست و ادبیات کتابای دینی را دارد و اندرزهای شرارت آمیز هم می دهد.
چی باعث شد که این کتاب رو بخونم؟!
امروز از صبح به این فکر میکنم که تاروت چی هست؟ چرا باهاش فال میگیرن؟ تاریخچش چی بوده؟ که متوجه شدم کتاب تحوت از همین نویسنده میتونه درمورد تاریخچه تاروت باشه ولی چون حجم اون کتاب زیاد بود و این کتاب مهمترین کتاب نویسنده هست، این یکی رو خوندم!!!
چی باعث شد که این کتاب رو بخونم؟!
امروز از صبح به این فکر میکنم که تاروت چی هست؟ چرا باهاش فال میگیرن؟ تاریخچش چی بوده؟ که متوجه شدم کتاب تحوت از همین نویسنده میتونه درمورد تاریخچه تاروت باشه ولی چون حجم اون کتاب زیاد بود و این کتاب مهمترین کتاب نویسنده هست، این یکی رو خوندم!!!
January 7, 2009
Aw hell, I don't even know anymore.
I was reluctant to rate this book, but I gotta give props, this book is amazing and had quite an effect on me.
It certainly was written in 3 days, but people are still deciphering coded information from its text that yields SOMEtimes historically-accurate prophecy. Other times it seems to have predicted alternate versions of events. I can cite no examples.
I cannot review this book, as it seems to have no real author. But I can describe it.
Ok wait. It's 3 short books in one. Dictated by Crowley during 3 successive days in April of 1904 in which, during the same hour on each day, he and his wife or girlfriend or something engaged in a collaborative trance state, from which he dictated one book a day, written down by a third party in longhand.
The first 2 books describe, in personified terms, primary aspects of reality in line with a hermetic/holographic model.
The first book is that of Nuit, an early Egyptian concept of Infinite Space, the Vacuum or Void.
The second book is that of Hadit, a point of manifestation, having experience of union with Nuit.
The third book is that of Ra-Hoor-Khuit, and seems to read like a treatise concocted by the Lord of Humanity's Collective Consciousness as of 1904. At times these words are, in this context, frighteningly prophetic. War is a major subject of this book, largely the willful creation of war in the name of individual ideals, and this must certainly have been a growing stain on the future of humanity then, if we consider what horrors were to come soon after, in a way unprecedented in history.
But my memory's a little fuzzy on it.
I was reluctant to rate this book, but I gotta give props, this book is amazing and had quite an effect on me.
It certainly was written in 3 days, but people are still deciphering coded information from its text that yields SOMEtimes historically-accurate prophecy. Other times it seems to have predicted alternate versions of events. I can cite no examples.
I cannot review this book, as it seems to have no real author. But I can describe it.
Ok wait. It's 3 short books in one. Dictated by Crowley during 3 successive days in April of 1904 in which, during the same hour on each day, he and his wife or girlfriend or something engaged in a collaborative trance state, from which he dictated one book a day, written down by a third party in longhand.
The first 2 books describe, in personified terms, primary aspects of reality in line with a hermetic/holographic model.
The first book is that of Nuit, an early Egyptian concept of Infinite Space, the Vacuum or Void.
The second book is that of Hadit, a point of manifestation, having experience of union with Nuit.
The third book is that of Ra-Hoor-Khuit, and seems to read like a treatise concocted by the Lord of Humanity's Collective Consciousness as of 1904. At times these words are, in this context, frighteningly prophetic. War is a major subject of this book, largely the willful creation of war in the name of individual ideals, and this must certainly have been a growing stain on the future of humanity then, if we consider what horrors were to come soon after, in a way unprecedented in history.
But my memory's a little fuzzy on it.
July 8, 2014
The anecdotic and supposed meeting between Crowley and Gurdjieff goes as follows :
“Mister, you go?” Gurdjieff inquired. Crowley assented. “You have been guest?”—a fact which the visitor could hardly deny. “Now you go, you are no longer guest?” Crowley—no doubt wondering whether his host had lost his grip on reality and was wandering in a semantic wilderness – humored his mood by indicating that he was on his way back to Paris. But Gurdjieff, having made the point that he was not violating the canons of hospitality, changed on the instant into the embodiment of righteous anger. “You filthy,” he stormed, “you dirty inside! Never again you set foot in my house!” From his vantage point on the stairs, he worked himself into a rage which quite transfixed his watching pupils. Crowley was stigmatized as the sewer of creation was taken apart and trodden into the mire. Finally, he was banished in the style of East Lynne by a Gurdjieff in fine histrionic form. White faced and shaking, the Great Beast crept back to Paris with his tail between his legs. (James Webb)
“Mister, you go?” Gurdjieff inquired. Crowley assented. “You have been guest?”—a fact which the visitor could hardly deny. “Now you go, you are no longer guest?” Crowley—no doubt wondering whether his host had lost his grip on reality and was wandering in a semantic wilderness – humored his mood by indicating that he was on his way back to Paris. But Gurdjieff, having made the point that he was not violating the canons of hospitality, changed on the instant into the embodiment of righteous anger. “You filthy,” he stormed, “you dirty inside! Never again you set foot in my house!” From his vantage point on the stairs, he worked himself into a rage which quite transfixed his watching pupils. Crowley was stigmatized as the sewer of creation was taken apart and trodden into the mire. Finally, he was banished in the style of East Lynne by a Gurdjieff in fine histrionic form. White faced and shaking, the Great Beast crept back to Paris with his tail between his legs. (James Webb)
February 2, 2014
I had a longer review written out but this will get my point across:
"Extraterrestrial entities are apparently relatively familiar with 16th century French literature.
Unfortunately, that is apparently all they know of good writing and are woefully incapable of creating anything even remotely near what counts as actual literature."
-And-
"Crowley is a pre-Internet Nigerian prince.
“Evil” is a relative label requiring more qualifications than mere aberrant sex and the affixation of 666 to your name."
"Extraterrestrial entities are apparently relatively familiar with 16th century French literature.
Unfortunately, that is apparently all they know of good writing and are woefully incapable of creating anything even remotely near what counts as actual literature."
-And-
"Crowley is a pre-Internet Nigerian prince.
“Evil” is a relative label requiring more qualifications than mere aberrant sex and the affixation of 666 to your name."
August 13, 2011
This is not meant to be easily understood. This makes in not an easy read, even though it may be read quickly. It is meant to be eaten like fine food, eaten slowly and savored. This may be difficult for the new to the path to ingest, but the initiate may have more ease.
July 14, 2008
An absolute must, a library is incomplete without. Even Ron Maki seeks "the answer to the universe". 23 skidoo
July 29, 2011
'3. In the sphere I am everywhere the centre, as she, the circumference, is nowhere found.
4. Yet she shall be known & I never.'
(p. 29)
4. Yet she shall be known & I never.'
(p. 29)
June 1, 2012
Well, what can I say? It's my Holy Book. I love it.
August 4, 2012
Great book. Not for everyone, for sure. Really something that a one time reading does not do justice to. You could study your whole life and barely lift the veil.
September 11, 2012
I have read, re-read and read again and each time I goet more out of this book...
April 19, 2017
Do I interpret this book? Do I burn it? I'm not gonna burn it, I bought it. Oh Crowley, you wacky.
December 8, 2024
I first learned about Aleister Crowley during high school, I think it was almost 15 years ago when conspiracy theories were a hot topic.
Well, just a few days ago, discussions about conspiracy theories on a YouTube podcast related to the appearance of aliens brought me back to Crowley.
Back to this book, Crowley mentions in the introduction that it was written by Aiwaz over three days in Cairo, Egypt, during his honeymoon with his wife.
At that time, it’s possible Crowley was possessed by this entity called Aiwaz, which enabled him to write this book. Honestly, I felt overwhelmed reading it; the book contains many metaphors that should ideally be read alongside Crowley’s own commentary.
Overall, I didn’t bother to study it further. No offense to those who study Thelema as their religion.
Well, just a few days ago, discussions about conspiracy theories on a YouTube podcast related to the appearance of aliens brought me back to Crowley.
Back to this book, Crowley mentions in the introduction that it was written by Aiwaz over three days in Cairo, Egypt, during his honeymoon with his wife.
At that time, it’s possible Crowley was possessed by this entity called Aiwaz, which enabled him to write this book. Honestly, I felt overwhelmed reading it; the book contains many metaphors that should ideally be read alongside Crowley’s own commentary.
Overall, I didn’t bother to study it further. No offense to those who study Thelema as their religion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews