Glossary of Thelemic Terms

“The study of words is the study of power.” – Aleister Crowley

A∴A∴ (Astrum Argentum)

A magical and initiatory order founded by Aleister Crowley and George Cecil Jones in 1907. The A∴A∴ emphasizes personal spiritual development, the pursuit of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, and the realization of the True Will.

Agape

Greek word meaning “love.” In Thelema, Agape (ΑΓΑΠΗ) shares the same numerical value (93) as Thelema (ΘΕΛΗΜΑ) in Greek isopsephy. This creates a magical equivalence: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will.”

Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis)

The central sacred text of Thelema, received by Crowley in 1904 in Cairo. The book is said to have been dictated by a praeterhuman intelligence named Aiwass, and it establishes the fundamental law of Thelema.

Hadit

A central deity in Liber AL, representing the point, the inner self, the secret flame of consciousness. Hadit is “the flame that burns in every heart,” symbolizing the individual point of experience and will.

Holy Guardian Angel (HGA)

A metaphysical and magical entity representing one’s higher self or divine guide. Achieving conscious communion with the HGA is considered a central task in Thelemic magick and initiatory practice.

Liber

Latin for “book.” In Thelema, “Liber” is used in the titles of canonical texts and ritual instructions, often numbered (e.g., Liber Resh, Liber XV, Liber O). Each Liber has a specific function in the system.

Magick

Defined by Crowley as “the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will.” In Thelema, magick encompasses ritual, meditation, astral work, alchemy, and daily acts performed with intention.

Nuit

The star goddess of infinite space, representing cosmic potential and the body of the universe. In Liber AL, Nuit is the first speaker and represents the feminine aspect of divinity and ultimate expansion.

O.T.O. (Ordo Templi Orientis)

A fraternal order that adopted Thelema as its official doctrine under Crowley’s leadership. While independent of the A∴A∴, the O.T.O. offers degrees of initiation, ecclesiastical sacraments (via the Gnostic Mass), and a structured social system.

Ra-Hoor-Khuit

The Crowned and Conquering Child, a solar-phallic warrior god representing the active aspect of the New Aeon. He is the speaker of the third chapter of Liber AL, and the lord of the Aeon of Horus.

Stele of Revealing

An Egyptian funerary stele (Cairo Museum #666) that played a critical role in the reception of Liber AL. The stele’s imagery and symbolism informed much of Crowley’s understanding of the Thelemic cosmology.

The Book of Lies

A cryptic and paradoxical work by Crowley, blending mystical insight and deliberate obfuscation. Although not dogmatic scripture, it is frequently studied for its depth and wit.

Thelema

From the Greek θέλημα, meaning “will” or “intention.” It refers both to the central principle of the religion and to the entire spiritual system established around it. In Thelema, discovering and doing one’s True Will is the highest imperative.

Thelemite

One who follows the law of Thelema. Thelemic practice may be devotional, magical, philosophical, or initiatory in nature, depending on the individual.

True Will

The innermost purpose or destiny of the individual. True Will is not the same as desire or preference; it is a divine current unique to each being. Discovering and fulfilling this Will is the essence of Thelemic life.

93

A symbol and greeting among Thelemites. Both “Thelema” and “Agape” equal 93 in Greek gematria. A common salutation is simply:
93
93 93/93 (“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will.”)

J.F. Moon