Aleister Crowley

1875-1947

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Aleister (Alexander Edward) Crowley was born on the 12th of October 1875 in Leamington Spa, England, into a family of Plymouth Brethren, a strict Christian sect. During his 72 years on this Earth, he managed to indelibly imprint himself on the Western Magickal Tradition, indeed, to many he was the Western Magickal Tradition.

Poet, Author, Magickian, Yogi, Philosopher, Mountain Climber, Drug User and Satyr, Crowley's output was prolific, and his life hedonistic. His legacy still attracts many new converts, and he commands considerable loyalty even from beyond the grave.

Photographic Images of the Master Therion

The following Organisations and Religions were affected or entertained by Crowley

The Golden Dawn

Crowley joined the Golden Dawn in 1898; this was his first introduction to organised and ritual magick. Although his entry preceded the demise of the first phase of the G.'.D.'.'s existence, his progress was swift, he entered the second order within a year of initiation. Siding with Samuel Liddell Mathers, the erstwhile leader of the G.'.D.'., they soon fell out, and Crowley exited.

A Brief History of the G.'.D.'., Genesis & Nature, with reference to Crowley

Aleister Crowley & the Golden Dawn. An essay on his relation with the G.'.D.'.

Freemasonry

Crowley had several encounters with Freemasonry in different guises, and used it as a source of valuable ceremonial in his works. His interaction with the OTO also relates to Masonry in several ways.

Chapter from the "Confessions" dealing with Freemasonry.

Essay upon Crowley's interactions with Freemasonry.

Fringe Masonry in England. This essay by a masonic researcher deals with the surge in interest in "reviving" obscure side degrees during the latter part of the 19th century. It is valuable as an overview of the masonic milieu surrounding the genesis
of the Golden Dawn, and attitudes to the occult value of masonic tradition.