Crowley did not invent Thelema, but he certainly promulgated its philosophy and wrapped the existing magical systems around its heart. The Book of the Law is worthy of study by all those enquiring about the Universe, as it synthesises all of Crowley's teachings, despite the inherent problems caused by it being a "transmitted" document. It is important not to miss the other Holy Books written by Crowley, which are often sublime mystical tracts of the greatest value and beauty. Don't believe the publicity about Crowley - discover him for yourself. Magick without Tears is extremely useful and clearly written, but more useful once you've already started the practice of a Thelemic Attitude. Crowley would have wound Psychosyhnthesis into his work if it had been developed earlier, so that's worth a look as a psychological take into the uncovering of Will. The main problem with studying Crowley is that it is hard work - you will need to ensure you have a background in many other schools of thought to get a full comprehension of his body of work.

About Author:

Aleister Crowley, born Edward Alexander Crowley, (12 October 1875 - 1 December 1947) was an English occultist, prolific writer and poet, mystic, astrologer, drug experimenter, hedonist, aficionado of chess and mountain climbing, sexual revolutionary and social critic. He is perhaps best known today for his occult writings, especially The Book of the Law, the central sacred text of Thelema. Crowley was also an influential member in several occult organizations, including the Golden Dawn, the Argenteum Astrum, and Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.). Crowley gained much notoriety during his lifetime, and was famously dubbed "The Wickedest Man In the World."

Aleister Crowley founded the religion of Thelema, which became adopted by the Ordo Templis Orientis (O.T.O.) as well as the magical order Argenteum Astrum, the Order of the Silver Star. He was also a highly controversial member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, where he was known by the magical name of Frater Perdurabo.

Crowley's lifestyle was absolutely shocking in the era in which he lived. Besides his interest in the occult, he was sexually promiscuous with both genders (at a time when homosexuality was still illegal in Britain), frequented prostitutes, was vocally defiant against Christianity and Victorian and post-Victorian prudishness toward sexual subjects, and was a drug addict.

While Crowley detested Christianity, he considered himself an immensely religious and spiritual person. His writings record incidents of experiencing deity, and Thelemites consider him to be a prophet. In 1904, he encountered a being known as Aiwass, described as a "minister" to Horus, the central deity in Thelema, and as a Holy Guardian Angel. Aiwass dictated the Book of the Law, which Crowley wrote down and published, becoming the central Thelemic text.

Crowley's beliefs included pursuing the Great Work, which included gaining self-knowledge and uniting with the larger universe. He also encouraged seeking out one's ultimate destiny or purpose, commonly referred to as one's True Will.