Thelema, the spiritual philosophy founded by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century, is encapsulated by its central axiom: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.”.1 At the heart of this declaration lies the concept of True Will, a profound idea that calls each individual to discover and live according to their unique, divine purpose.
But what exactly is True Will, and how can a newcomer to Thelema begin to discern and embody it? This post seeks to explain the concept and offer practical guidance for those embarking on this sacred journey.
What Is True Will
True Will is not simply one’s desires, impulses, or whims. Rather, it is the deep, inner calling that aligns the individual with the cosmic order, the “Word of the Law” that Crowley references throughout Liber AL vel Legis.2 True Will represents the essential nature and purpose of a person’s existence, a path that, when followed, harmonizes the individual with the universe.
Crowley described True Will as “the unique and true purpose of an individual’s existence,” a force beyond the ego that transcends superficial wants or societal expectations.3 In this sense, True Will is sacred, singular, and unique to each person.
Why Discovering True Will Matters
Living in alignment with True Will brings a sense of profound fulfillment and spiritual freedom. Rather than being driven by external conditioning or fleeting passions, the individual moves with intention and purpose. This alignment fosters harmony, not only within oneself but also between the individual and the greater whole.
Crowley’s Thelemic philosophy suggests that true freedom is found in obedience to one’s True Will: “Every man and every woman is a star,”4 each shining most fully when following their destined path. When one acts in accordance with this will, there is no conflict with universal law. Instead, personal actions contribute to cosmic balance, reflecting the unity of personal fulfillment and universal order.
Practical Guidance for Discovering Your True Will
For newcomers, discerning True Will can seem daunting, yet it is a path accessible through disciplined practice and sincere inquiry.
Cultivate Self-Awareness: Begin with meditation, journaling, and contemplative practices to quiet superficial desires and external pressures, allowing the deeper voice of True Will to emerge.5
Study Thelemic Texts: Engage rigorously with Crowley’s writings, especially Liber AL vel Legis and Magick in Theory and Practice, to ground understanding within the tradition.6
Experiment with Willful Action: True Will is dynamic. Test intentions and actions; note what resonates and what creates resistance. Clarity arises through lived experience.7
Embrace Ethical Framework: Crowley framed Thelemic ethics as “Love is the law, love under will,”8 emphasizing that True Will operates within love and respect for self and others.
Overcome Obstacles: Ego, fear, and societal pressure cloud perception of True Will. Facing these with honesty and courage is essential to the path.9
Living Your True Will
True Will requires ongoing commitment and refinement. Incorporate it into daily life through decisions aligned with your authentic path, relationships, work, and creativity. Ritual and magick serve as supports, aligning personal will with cosmic forces and bridging insight and action.10
Patience is crucial. The journey toward living True Will is lifelong, marked by continual discovery and transformation.
Conclusion
True Will stands as a beacon in Thelemic practice, guiding seekers toward their unique destiny within the vast tapestry of existence. For newcomers, embracing this path with both rigor and openness can unlock profound spiritual freedom and purpose.
As Crowley affirmed, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,”11, an invitation to live authentically, harmoniously, and in sacred alignment with the universe.
Footnotes
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Crowley, Aleister. Liber AL vel Legis, I:40.
This foundational verse declares that discovering and doing one’s True Will is the central imperative of Thelemic philosophy. ↩︎ -
Crowley, Aleister. Liber AL vel Legis, general reference.
Crowley repeatedly emphasizes Will as a cosmic law. It is not an ego-driven desire, but a transcendent purpose. ↩︎ -
Crowley, Aleister. Magick in Theory and Practice, Ch. 2: “The Formulae of the Elemental Weapons.”
Here, Crowley warns that magick must be focused through Will; otherwise, it fragments and fails. True Will is the axis of coherent magical practice. ↩︎ -
Crowley, Aleister. Liber AL vel Legis, I:3.
“Every man and every woman is a star”, each with their own orbit and unique path, an elegant metaphor for the individuation of Will. ↩︎ -
Crowley, Aleister. Magick in Theory and Practice, Ch. 12: “Of the Bloody Sacrifice.”
Symbolic of discipline and devotion, this chapter teaches that distractions and lesser desires must be sacrificed to uncover one’s True Will. ↩︎ -
Crowley, Aleister. Magick in Theory and Practice, Ch. 0: “Introduction and Theorems.”
Crowley defines magick as “the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will”—the foundation of practical Thelemic work. ↩︎ -
Crowley, Aleister. Magick in Theory and Practice, Ch. 3: “The Principle of the Continuity of Existence.”
Will is verified through action, not belief. Crowley urges practitioners to test their Will through experience and reflection. ↩︎ -
Crowley, Aleister. Liber AL vel Legis, I:57.
“Love is the law, love under will.” This ethical principle balances freedom with responsibility, framing love as an expression of Will. ↩︎ -
Crowley, Aleister. Magick in Theory and Practice, Ch. 4: “The Law of Thelema.”
Crowley discusses psychological and societal barriers to Will, which magick must address and overcome. ↩︎ -
Crowley, Aleister. Magick in Theory and Practice, Ch. 13: “Of the Banishings, and of the Purifications.”
Purification rituals are presented as tools to align the self with the Will, clearing psychic and spiritual interference. ↩︎ -
Crowley, Aleister. Liber AL vel Legis, I:40.
Repeating this closing phrase affirms the completeness of the law of Thelema: to know and do one’s True Will. ↩︎
