Thelemic mysticism

The seal of the A∴A∴

Thelema

Core topics
The Book of the Law • Aleister Crowley • True Will 93 (Thelema) • Magick
Mysticism
Thelemic mysticism • Great Work • Holy Guardian Angel The Gnostic Mass
Thelemic texts
Works of Crowley • Holy Books of Thelema • Thelemite texts
Organizations
A∴A∴ • Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (EGC) Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn (OSOGD) Typhonian Order (TO) • Order of Chosen Priests
Deities
Nuit • Hadit • Horus • Babalon • Chaos (mythology) Baphomet • Choronzon • Ankh-f-n-khonsu • Aiwass • Ma'at}}
Related topics
Stele of Revealing • Abrahadabra • Unicursal hexagram Abramelin oil • Thoth tarot deck • Aeon
*The Holy Books of Thelema*
Works of Crowley (Libri) • Thelemite texts

Cryptognosticism
"Three Parts of the Wisdom of the Whole Universe" Alchemy • Astrology • Theurgy Movements Ariosophy • Freemasonry Rosicrucianism • Theosophy • Thelema • Wicca Orders Knights Templar • Ordo Templi Orientis Scottish Rite Freemasonry Topics Christian Kabbalah • Hermetic Qabalah People Aleister Crowley • François Rabelais Francis Dashwood and the Hellfire Club

This article is about a Thelema topic

Thelemic mysticism is a spiritual and esoteric system rooted in the philosophy and practices of Thelema, a spiritual tradition established by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century. Thelema emphasizes individual spiritual freedom, self-discovery, and alignment with one's "True Will," a core concept representing the unique purpose or path of each individual.

Core Concepts of Thelemic Mysticism

1. True Will - The idea of True Will is central to Thelema. It refers to each individual's unique, divinely inspired purpose or path. Discovering and following one's True Will is considered the key to spiritual fulfillment.

2. "Do What Thou Wilt" - This famous phrase, found in The Book of the Law (the foundational text of Thelema), encourages individuals to align their actions with their True Will. It is not a call to hedonism or chaos but to disciplined self-knowledge and purpose.

3. The Holy Guardian Angel (HGA) - A mystical concept representing the higher self or divine guide. Attaining knowledge and conversation with the HGA is a primary goal of Thelemic mysticism, often pursued through ritual and meditation.

4. The Three Aeons - Thelema describes history as unfolding in three major spiritual epochs or Aeons:

Aeon of Isis (feminine, matriarchal spiritual systems)

Aeon of Osiris (masculine, patriarchal systems of sacrifice and salvation)

Aeon of Horus (the current Aeon, marked by individualism and spiritual freedom).

5. Magick and Mysticism - Thelemic practice incorporates ceremonial magick, meditation, and mystical rituals to achieve spiritual enlightenment and unity with the divine. Crowley defined magick as "the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will."

6. Liber AL vel Legis (The Book of the Law) - This text, dictated to Aleister Crowley in 1904 by Aiwass, is Thelema's central scripture. It outlines the principles of the philosophy and serves as a guide for spiritual exploration.

Practices in Thelemic Mysticism

1. Meditation and Contemplation - Practitioners often engage in meditation to achieve inner clarity and connect with their True Will.

2. Ceremonial Magick - Rituals, such as those found in Crowley's Magick in Theory and Practice, are used to invoke or evoke spiritual forces, attain mystical states, or further personal transformation.

3. Thelemic Rituals - Key rituals include the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP) and Thelemic adaptations of older mystical practices. Some practitioners also perform the Mass of the Phoenix or participate in the Gnostic Mass.

4. Pathworking and Astral Exploration - Practitioners often use guided visualization or dream states to explore the spiritual and archetypal realms.

5. Engagement with Thelemic Texts - Study and interpretation of Crowley's writings, including Liber AL vel Legis, The Vision and the Voice, and other texts, are central to the mystical path.