Born Edward Alexander Crawley, he is known for his mystical writings and teachings. He founded the religion of Thelema, which was adopted by the Ordo Templis Orientis (OTO) and the magical order Argenteum Astrum, the Order of the Silver Star. He is also a highly controversial member of the Golden Dawn Conclave, where he is known by the magical name Frater Perdurabo.
Crowley’s lifestyle was absolutely shocking for his time.In addition to his interest in the occult, he had sex with both sexes (homosexuality was still illegal in Britain at the time), frequented prostitutes, spoke out against Christianity and Victorian and post-Victorian prudishness about sexual matters, and was a drug addict
Although Crowley loathes Christianity, he considers himself a very religious and spiritual person. His writings record his experiences with the gods, and the Thelemas regarded him as a prophet. In 1904, he met a man named Aiwas, described as a “priest” of Horus, the central deity of Thelema and a divine guardian angel. Aiwass dictated the Book of the Law, written and published by Crowley, which became the central Thelemic text.
One of Crowley’s beliefs is the pursuit of great work, which involves attaining self-knowledge and union with the greater universe. He also encouraged the search for one’s ultimate destiny or purpose, often referred to as one’s true will.
