Thelema: Frequently Asked Questions

A guide for students, practitioners, and the curious public

“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Love is the law, love under will.”
– Liber AL vel Legis, I:40, III:60

Quick Navigation

• What is Thelema?
• Who was Aleister Crowley?
• What does “Do what thou wilt” mean?
• Is Thelema a religion, philosophy, or magical system?
• What are the core practices of Thelema?
• What is the A∴A∴?
• Can Thelema be combined with other beliefs?
• What role do deities play in Thelema?
• What is Thelema’s view of ethics?
• How can I begin practicing Thelema?

1. What is Thelema?

Thelema is a modern spiritual and philosophical system founded by Aleister Crowley. Its core principle is the discovery and execution of one’s True Will a unique path aligned with universal order.

Thelema draws from ancient and modern esotericism, including Hermeticism, Gnosticism, ceremonial magick, and Eastern mysticism.

Source: Liber AL vel Legis I:40, III:60

2. Who was Aleister Crowley?

Aleister Crowley (1875–1947) was a British occultist, poet, mystic, and founder of Thelema. In 1904, he received a transmission known as The Book of the Law from an entity named Aiwass. Crowley’s work redefined occultism for the modern age through texts such as Magick in Theory and Practice and The Equinox.

See: Lawrence Sutin, Do What Thou Wilt: A Life of Aleister Crowley (2000)

3. What does “Do what thou wilt” mean?

Often misunderstood as permissive or anarchic, this phrase refers to discovering and doing one’s True Will, a divinely informed course of life.

It is not a license for egoistic behavior, but a sacred injunction to align with one’s higher self and purpose.

See: Magick Without Tears, ch. 8

4. Is Thelema a religion, philosophy, or magical system?

Thelema is all three:

• Religion: includes divine figures, rituals, and cosmology.
• Philosophy: proposes a radical ethic of personal sovereignty.
• Magical system: teaches techniques for transformation, vision, and will.

See: David Allen Hulse, The Key of It All, Vol. II

5. What are the core practices of Thelema?

• Daily solar adoration (Liber Resh)
• Ritual magick (e.g., The Star Ruby)
• Meditation, concentration, and yoga
• Reading and contemplating Thelemic texts
• Self-initiation or formal work through esoteric Orders

See: Eight Lectures on Yoga, The Equinox III(4)

6. What is the A∴A∴?

The A∴A∴ (Astrum Argentum) is a spiritual Order founded by Crowley and George Cecil Jones in 1907. It emphasizes solitary development, personal discipline, and direct experience. The A∴A∴ curriculum includes study, magical practice, and graded initiations.

See: One Star in Sight (Crowley, 1938)

7. Can Thelema be combined with other beliefs?

Yes, though Thelema offers a complete system, many practitioners integrate it with:

• Hermetic Qabalah
• Pagan revivalism
• Vajrayana or Zen Buddhism
• Jungian or postmodern psychology

However, Liber AL critiques many religious orthodoxies, challenging syncretism that dilutes the Will.

See: Liber AL vel Legis, III:49

8. What role do deities play in Thelema?

Thelema’s principal deities are Nuit, Hadit, and Ra-Hoor-Khuit. They are not gods in the traditional sense, but cosmic principles:

• Nuit: Infinite potential, space, divine womb
• Hadit: The point of awareness, inner fire
• Ra-Hoor-Khuit: Force of action, balance of war and justice

See: The Law is for All, commentary on Liber AL

9. What is Thelema’s view of ethics?

Ethics in Thelema are non-dogmatic. Actions are judged by their alignment with True Will. Thelemic morality rejects guilt-based systems in favor of self-discovery, responsibility, and mutual respect.

“There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt.”
– Liber AL, III:60

See: Liber II: The Message of the Master Therion

10. How can I begin practicing Thelema?

Start by reading the following foundational texts:

• Liber AL vel Legis
• The Law is for All (Crowley’s commentary)
• Magick in Theory and Practice
• Eight Lectures on Yoga

Begin small: Perform Liber Resh daily, keep a magical diary, and meditate. Join study groups or investigate A∴A∴ or O.T.O. if appropriate. Study with a critical mind and courageous heart.

See: Lon Milo DuQuette, The Magick of Aleister Crowley

References

1. Crowley, Aleister. Liber AL vel Legis (1904)
2. Sutin, Lawrence. Do What Thou Wilt: A Life of Aleister Crowley. St. Martin’s, 2000
3. Crowley, Aleister. Magick Without Tears, Eight Lectures on Yoga
4. Crowley, Aleister. The Law is for All, One Star in Sight
5. DuQuette, Lon Milo. The Magick of Aleister Crowley (1991)