Full Name and Common Aliases

Full Name: Edward Alexander Crowley
Common Aliases: Aleister Crowley, The Great Beast 666, Frater Perdurabo

Birth and Death Dates

Birth Date: October 12, 1875
Death Date: December 1, 1947

Nationality and Profession(s)

Nationality: British
Professions: Occultist, Writer, Poet, Mountaineer, Ceremonial Magician

Early Life and Background

Aleister Crowley was born Edward Alexander Crowley in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England. He was the son of a wealthy brewing family and was raised in a strict Christian household. His father, Edward Crowley, was a preacher for the Plymouth Brethren, a conservative evangelical sect. This religious upbringing had a profound impact on Crowley, who would later rebel against it vehemently.

Crowley's early education was marked by a series of private tutors and boarding schools, where he demonstrated a keen intellect and a rebellious spirit. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he pursued a variety of interests, including poetry and mountaineering. It was during his time at Cambridge that he adopted the name Aleister, a Gaelic form of Alexander, which he believed had a more mystical resonance.

Major Accomplishments

Aleister Crowley is best known for his role in the development of modern occultism and his founding of the religious philosophy known as Thelema. He proclaimed himself as a prophet of a new age, the Aeon of Horus, and his teachings emphasized the pursuit of individual will and spiritual enlightenment. Crowley's work in the field of ceremonial magic and his writings on the subject have had a lasting influence on contemporary esoteric practices.

In addition to his occult pursuits, Crowley was an accomplished mountaineer. He participated in several significant expeditions, including an attempt to climb K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, in 1902. Although the expedition was ultimately unsuccessful, it demonstrated Crowley's adventurous spirit and determination.

Notable Works or Actions

Crowley's literary output was prolific and diverse, encompassing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Among his most notable works is "The Book of the Law" (Liber AL vel Legis), which he claimed was dictated to him by a supernatural entity named Aiwass in 1904. This text serves as the central scripture of Thelema and outlines its core tenets: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law" and "Love is the law, love under will."

Other significant works include "Magick in Theory and Practice," a comprehensive guide to ceremonial magic, and "The Confessions of Aleister Crowley," an autobiography that offers insight into his complex personality and beliefs. Crowley's writings continue to be studied and debated by scholars and practitioners of the occult.

Impact and Legacy

Aleister Crowley's impact on the world of mysticism and the occult is profound. He is often credited with revitalizing interest in esoteric traditions and inspiring subsequent generations of occultists and spiritual seekers. His philosophy of Thelema has influenced a wide range of spiritual movements, from Wicca to modern paganism.

Despite his controversial reputation, Crowley's ideas about personal freedom and self-discovery have resonated with many, and his influence can be seen in popular culture, literature, and music. Artists such as David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles have all acknowledged Crowley's impact on their work.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Aleister Crowley is widely quoted and remembered for his provocative and often enigmatic statements, which challenge conventional beliefs and encourage introspection. His aphorisms, such as "Every man and every woman is a star," reflect his belief in the divine potential of the individual and the importance of pursuing one's true will.

Crowley's life and work continue to captivate those interested in the mysteries of the human psyche and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. His legacy as a pioneer of modern occultism and a champion of personal freedom ensures that his words remain relevant and thought-provoking to this day.