What is Thelema?

Answer

Thelema is an occult philosophy/religion that embraces libertinism and teaches that individuals should have the freedom to do as they please. Thelema was introduced by Aleister Crowley, an occultist and writer, in the early twentieth century. A fundamental belief of Thelema is “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” Adherents of Thelema refer to themselves as Thelemites.

In 1904, Crowley penned The Book of the Law (also known as Liber AL). He asserted that, while in a trance-like state, the book was revealed to him by an entity named Aiwass, whom Crowley viewed as his personal guardian angel. The Book of the Law is considered sacred by Thelemites, with Crowley being regarded as the prophet of Thelema. The interpretation of The Book of the Law is left to each individual Thelemite.

The term thelema originates from Greek, meaning “choice” or “will.” This word appears in various passages in the Bible. For instance, in Matthew 6:10, Jesus’ exemplary prayer includes the phrase: “Your kingdom come, your will be done.” The Greek term for “will” in this verse is thelema.

Thelemites refer to “the Great Work,” signifying the journey to acquire knowledge, communicate with one’s “Holy Guardian Angel,” and fulfill one’s “True Will.” In Thelema, the True Will represents an individual’s distinct purpose as determined by their nature. Those who identify their true essence (and consequently their genuine aspirations in life) and see them through to fruition will find contentment; those who fail to discover their true desires are condemned to aimlessly wander through life. Crowley stated, “The most common reason for failure in life is ignorance of one’s own True Will, or of the methods to achieve that Will” (Magick, Book 4, p. 127).

Thelema aims to discard all restrictions. The primary principle is that there are no constraints. Thelemites are at liberty to engage in any form of activity as long as it does not impede others’ pursuit of their goals.own destiny. Thelema strongly advocates sexual liberation: “Take your fill and will of love as you will, when, where, and with whom you will!” (Liber AL, I:51). Thelema also encompasses magick, yoga, astrology, and mysticism. It imparts teachings on reincarnation and astral projection and incorporates elements of Gnosticism and Hermeticism. Rituals involve the use of pentagrams, sacrificial altars, and sun worship. Spiritual entities in Thelema include specific Egyptian and Greek gods.

Thelema is founded on blatant demonic deception. The enticements to indulge in the desires of the flesh and the allure of hidden knowledge parallel the serpent’s temptation in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:5-6). Christians should steer clear of Thelema and all other occult philosophies and practices. “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” «And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. », (Ephesians 5:11).