Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was an influential occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, and writer. He is known for his controversial and unconventional lifestyle, as well as his significant contributions to various occult practices and beliefs. 

Birth: Aleister Crowley was born Edward Alexander Crowley on October 12, 1875, in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England.

Privileged Background: He came from a wealthy family; his father was a successful brewing heir.

Education: Crowley attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied philosophy and gained an interest in esoteric and mystical subjects.

Golden Dawn: Crowley became a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, an influential occult society, in the late 19th century. He later had conflicts with the group’s leaders, leading to his departure.

Thelema: Crowley founded his own religious movement called Thelema in the early 20th century. Central to Thelema is the belief in one’s True Will, a guiding purpose or destiny that individuals should strive to discover and fulfill.

Holy Books: He claimed to receive mystical revelations and wrote a series of texts known as the Holy Books of Thelema, which form the core of Thelemic religious practices.

Writings: Crowley authored numerous books on occultism, magick, yoga, and ceremonial rituals. His most famous works include “The Book of the Law,” “Magick in Theory and Practice,” and “The Book of Thoth.”

Art and Poetry: Crowley was also a poet, painter, and mountaineer. He dabbled in various art forms throughout his life.

Cultural Impact: Crowley’s ideas and writings have influenced various occult and esoteric movements, as well as popular culture, making him a controversial and enduring figure.

Sexuality: Crowley was known for his liberal views on sexuality, advocating for sexual freedom and experimentation. He founded the Abbey of Thelema in Sicily, which faced scrutiny due to allegations of immoral and hedonistic behavior.

Later Years: In his later years, Crowley lived in relative obscurity, facing financial difficulties and declining health.

Death: He passed away on December 1, 1947, in Hastings, England, at the age of 72.

Aleister Crowley’s life and teachings continue to fascinate scholars, occultists, and individuals interested in esoteric and mystical traditions. He remains a controversial and polarizing figure, remembered for his complex legacy in the world of occultism and spirituality.