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In the last post of this series, we left off after having a cursory look into Helena Blavatsky and Theosophy. This week, we will continue in a similar vein, looking to get a firmer grasp of what transpired then. In so doing, perhaps we’ll garner a better understanding of what’s transpiring now.
Aleister Crowley
There has been so much commotion about this man through the years that I’d be surprised if any among the readers here aren’t familiar with him on some level. The fact is that this single individual and the ideas he put forth have had a lasting, and chilling impact on modern society and culture.
Let’s look into it shall we?
Edward Alexander Crowley, was an occultist and was once heralded as “the wickedest man in the world.” He was the founder of a religion called Thelema and proclaimed himself a prophet tasked with guiding humanity into the Æon of Horus… oh look, Egypt again. That however, isn’t even the tip of the iceberg.
To summarize, this man pursued alchemy, sorcery, channeling and nearly every manner of witchcraft and “magic” imaginable… and many that for most of us are decidedly unimaginable. He advocated for all manner of vice and perversion, including but not limited to promiscuity and homosexuality… and honestly, I’m being generous.
In 1904, Crowley penned The Book of the Law, claiming that the true source of the contents were supernatural in nature. While I personally do not doubt that this man, and many others before or since, have had such profound interactions with “beings beyond”, the nature of such beings and their enmity with the one true God is plainly evident. Consider what is held as the ultimate summation of this channeled text; “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law“.
That sound like YHVH to you?
Me neither.
Honestly, it had been my intention to go far deeper with both these article, as well as the prior – but the truth is that each time I dig into such topics, it takes a toll.
Understand that I advocate facing reality. We truly need to understand the operations of the enemy and, further to understand that while the Messiah told us to love our enemies, He never told us not to identify them as enemies, but this is a road I’ve been down before. I know how dark it gets and, frankly I just don’t have it in me at the present moment to delve with specificity.
Should you choose to research a bit for yourself – and if you’re truly ignorant of this man, you should; he’s had an inordinate impact on our modern cultures and societies – be warned; it is not for the faint of heart.
I will however, provide you with a bit more of a “drive-by” on Mr. Crowley:
Crowley claimed to be “The Great Beast – 666”
Testifying in court (ca. 1934), Crowley was asked:
“Did you take to yourself the designation of ‘the Beast 666’?”
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Crowley: “Yes.”
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“Do you call yourself the ‘Master Therion’?”
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Crowley: “Yes.”
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“What does ‘Therion’ mean?”
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Crowley: “Great wild beast.”
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“Do these titles convey a fair impression of your practice and outlook on life?”
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Crowley: “It depends on what they mean.”
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“The Great Wild Beast and the Beast 666 are out of the Apocalypse?”
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Crowley: “It only means sunlight; 666 is the number of the sun. You can call me ‘Little Sunshine.'”
While this certainly does not represent the only occurrence in which Crowley made such a claim, it’s interesting since it transpired during legal proceedings.
Crowley inspired the ‘Counter-Culture’ movement
While there are numerous sources attributed to aiding in the birth of the “counter-culture” movement of the early 1960’s, the Central Intelligence Agency not least among them, Crowley’s corrupting influence is obvious and undeniable. Himself a drug user, he is known to have used heroine, cocaine, hashish, ether and peyote to name a few.
The presence of Crowley’s influence throughout the counter-culture movement is evidenced by his appearances in the arts and entertainment of the day ~ consider the following:
- The Beatles placed him among dozens of other influential figures on the cover of their concept album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
- David Bowie, whose song “Quicksand”, featured on his album Hunky Dory, makes the reference “I’m closer to the Golden Dawn, immersed in Crowley’s uniform of imagery…”
- Ozzy Osbourne in his solo album Blizzard of Ozz released the song “Mr. Crowley” which was about Crowley’s struggles and beliefs.
- Ministry referred to Crowley in lyrics and sampled his voice on the track “Golden Dawn” from their Land of Rape and Honey album.
- Iron Maiden, referenced to Crowley in many of their songs (most obviously “Moonchild”, on the “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” album); Bruce Dickinson, their lead singer, who is an ardent follower of mystical teachings.
- Marilyn Manson stated that Crowley was one of his favorite authors. The album Antichrist Superstar incudes the sentence “When you are suffering, know that I have betrayed you” reportedly rephrasing a line from Liber AL vel Legis (The Book of the Law).
- Nu metal band Mudvayne references one of Crowley’s books in their song “Mercy, Severity”.
- Progressive metal band Tool is heavily influenced by Crowley’s works, ranging from Danny Carey’s Enochian Magic Board, references to Qabalah in Lateralus, and citations by Blair MacKenzie Blake on the Tool newsletter to name a few.
- Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page owned Crowley’s Loch Ness estate, Boleskine House, from 1971 to 1992. Page also composed the original music for Lucifer Rising, a film by Kenneth Anger heavily influenced by Crowley.
- Crowley is the old man pictured on the cover of Led Zeppelins fourth album (IV, Zoso, Runes etc).
- The track Synchronicity II, from the album Synchronicity by The Police, is said to be partly inspired by strange events at Boleskine House while Jimmy Page was the owner.
- Mick Jagger composed the soundtrack to another Crowley inspired Kenneth Anger film, ‘Invocation of my Demon Brother’.
- Former Pantera frontman Philip Anselmo used the alias “Anton Crowley”, (In reference to Anton LaVey from “Satanic Bible” fame, and Aleister Crowley), to avoid lawsuits while recording for his many side-projects.
- John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is an admirer of Crowley, and the songs, ‘666’ , ‘I’m Around’ , ‘Emptiness’ and ‘Look On’ (from his solo album, ‘Inside of Emptiness’) are all inspired by Crowley.
To be clear; these references have been cherry-picked to highlight names and acts you may readily recognize. By no means is this even remotely close to being an exhaustive list… so if you’re disinclined to think that such an esoteric figure could have a lasting impact on modern society; think again.
Crowley may have been the father of Barbara Bush
Go ahead – shake your head and roll your eyes. I’ll wait.
I’d like the opportunity to remind you however;
The one who gives an answer before he listens — that is his folly and his shame.
Proverbs 18:13
Until next time,
שלום עליכם – Shalom Aleichem – Peace Be Upon You