An Interview with a Thelemite

In this interview, Kim speaks to David Benton, a Thelemite currently living in Egypt, who has been studying Crowley's system of magic and mysticism since the age of 17.

"To me, the core of Thelemic belief is the innate divinity of each person. Each of us is an Angel incarnate"~ David Benton

What attracted you to Thelema in the first place?

I was aware of Thelema long before I became a Thelemite. Over the years, as I began to understand mysticism, I slowly realised that Aleister Crowley knew what he was talking about (a rarity among occult writers), and that Thelema held the keys of initiation to a degree that other systems seem not to do.

Thelemites have only one "moral code" to live by: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law". Many people think this means you can do what you like, but there's more to it than that. Can you explain what it means and how you live by it?

In fact, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law" is only half of the "moral code" of Thelema. Its corollary is "Love is the law, love under will", and the two statements are mutually dependent. In essence these statements mean that each individual has a True Will, a destiny if you like, and that Love is the fundamental force in the Universe. The philosophical implications of this viewpoint are revolutionary. As to how I live by it, I try to ensure that every thought, word and deed contributes in some way to the accomplishment of my True Will.

Would you define Thelema as a religious path, a spiritual path or a mystical path, and could you explain why?

The one thing that unites all Thelemites is the belief that The Book of the Law is the Word of the Aeon of Horus. How Thelemites react to this is a different matter. Some are primarily religious in nature (e.g. Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica), while others are more magickally oriented (e.g. A.A.). So I would say that Thelema is both religious and mystical in nature.

What is the difference between Hermetic Magic and Thelema, but in what ways are they also similar?

Strictly speaking Thelema is a form of Hermetic Magic. It differs from other Hermetic traditions in its syncretic approach (both ritual magic and yoga are practiced side by side), and in its attempt to evolve a new spirituality which is intended to replace Christianity.

What is the ultimate goal of a Thelemite?

The ultimate goal of a Thelemite is to attain Union with his or her Holy Guardian Angel.

Within Thelema there is something called "The Great Work". What is this?

The Great Work is the process of gradual mystical enlightenment which culminates in Union with the Holy Guardian Angel. To a Thelemite this is analogous to accomplishing one's True Will.

Is Thelema similar to modern Wicca in any way, or do they share any common ground or roots?

Wicca is usually regarded by Thelemites as a "watered down" version of Thelema. The Wiccan Rede is a good example of this:

Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfil: An it harm none, do what you will.

The story that Crowley was paid by Gardner to write the Wiccan Book of Shadows is probably apocryphal, but Gardner did seem to be "inspired" by Crowley's writings, shall we say. That said modern Wicca is so varied in nature that the Thelemic influence is probably minimal by now.

How do you feel Thelema is viewed by the general Pagan community?

In my experience with suspicion at best, if not downright hostility. I think a lot of Pagans are uncomfortable with Crowley's influence on their belief systems (Wiccans tend to be in out-and-out denial, for example) and a lot of misunderstandings have arisen along the way. Having said that the new generation of Pagans seems to be far less Crowley-phobic, so I think relations will improve.

The centenary of the reception of the Book of the Law is approaching in April. What significance does this book have for Thelemites, and what significance does the centenary have for you and other Thelemites around the world?

It's the centenary of the start of the Aeon of Horus, simple as that. April 1904 is the Thelemic "Year 0". For me, living in Cairo (where The Book of the Law was received) is an immense privilege at this time. I suspect that come April Cairo will be invaded by hordes of sinister Goths! As for the significance of The Book of the Law, without it there would be no Thelema. It is the sourcebook of the tradition.

Crowley was a member of the Golden Dawn, and as part of their studies G.D. initiates had to create their own Tarot decks. This led to the creation of the Rider-Waite deck and the Thoth deck. Yet despite their common roots the Rider-Waite is so different to Crowley's deck, in imagery, symbolism and occult philosophy. Why do you think this is?

Trust you to come up with a Tarot related question! For a start while the Rider -Waite deck is a G.D. inspired deck, Crowley's Thoth deck is not. By the time Crowley designed the Thoth deck he was no longer a G. D. member. Also, the symbolism of the Thoth deck was revolutionary. The Rider-Waite deck is, I suppose, the best of the "Old Aeon" decks, while the Thoth deck is the first (and still the best [-in his opinion! Ed.]) of the "New Aeon" decks. The Rider-Waite deck is a synthesis of 2000 years of Hermetic philosophy, while the Thoth deck was designed as a tool to aid humanity's spiritual evolution over the next 2000 years.

When Crowley "created" Thelema, what did he use as his inspiration and sources?

The primary source for Thelema is The Book of the Law. Crowley always flatly denied the authorship of this book; he received it by direct voice dictation from his Holy Guardian Angel, Aiwass. As for secondary sources, they are many and varied. For example, many commentators have noted the influence of Rabelais' Abbey of Thelema in "Gargantua and Pantegruel". Crowley included a list of Thelemic saints in the Gnostic Mass, and it can be assumed that each of these people influenced Crowley's thought to a greater or lesser extent. Examples include Lao-Tze, Pythagoras, Pope Alexander the Sixth, Wagner, Nietzche... a pretty eclectic bunch!

Crowley spoke of a New Aeon, which presumably corresponds to the coming Age of Aquarius. What was his vision for this New Aeon? And what was his vision for Thelema? What did he want it to do?

As far as I am aware hippies based their concept of the Age of Aquarius on Crowley's concept of the Aeon of Horus. Crowley was a major influence on the early hippy movement. Crowley's vision of the Aeon of Horus was of an age when humans took responsibility for their own spiritual development, overthrowing the tyranny of doctrine and priest craft, and aspiring to the Divine in Creation. He saw Thelema replacing Christianity as a global religion, with society run by adepts along Thelemic lines. He wanted Thelema to liberate the human soul, both individually and collectively.

What are your views with regard to the notorious Amado Crowley, who insists he is Aleister Crowley's son and magical heir?

First let me make it clear that I have never met the man. I have read Amado's work, and he makes a lot of claims about the origins of Thelema and other matters which so far he has been unable to validate. This would not have impressed Crowley, who insisted that any such claims should be subject to independent verification as far as is possible. Until Amado can prove his claims beyond reasonable doubt I have to regard him as largely irrelevant.

Where do you think Thelema will be in fifty years time? What does the future hold for it?

It seems fairly clear that Thelema is here to stay. Estimates of the number of Thelemites in the world range from several thousand to several million. Thelema is currently undergoing something of an upheaval. At least three different Thelemic currents are now in existence:

1. The Caliphate OTO: Crowley's original order, this is the orthodox current.
2. The Typhonian OTO: Led by Kenneth Grant, they believe that the Aeon of Horus is over and are trying to replace it with the Aeon of Set.
3. The Maat Current: About ten years old, the Maat Current is based on the teachings of Frater Achad, who was regarded by Crowley as his "magickal son". Achad tried to invoke the Aeon of Maat early (the Aeon of Maat is due to start circa 4000 CE), and it seems to be regarded as an "Over-Aeon" by some.

Incidentally, though not a member I subscribe to the orthodox Caliphate view.

In addition to this fragmentation an increasing number of people have received apochryphal Holy Books over the years. These vary in quality from sublime to trash.

Over the next 50 years I hope to see Thelemic thought becoming more influential in the world, and being taken seriously by society at large. I suspect that Thelema will continue to schism, something I regard as a negative development. The Book of the Law is what is important, everything else is a distraction. I hope that Thelema has a bright and shining future, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

And finally, would you give some words of advice for those seeking to study Thelema or for those wishing to take it up as a spiritual / mystical path? What books would you recommend?

Thelema is meant to be practised on a daily basis. "Invoke often" is the key. As for recommended books, I have a little list:

Books by Aleister Crowley:

• The Holy Books of Thelema - all of Crowley's Class A material.
• Commentaries on the Holy Books - Crowley's commentaries to the above.
• The Law is for All - Crowley's commentaries to The Book of the Law
• Magick - Crowley's magnum opus, but very heavy going.
• Gems from the Equinox - the most important material from the greatest occult periodical ever published.
• The Confessions of Aleister Crowley - essential for an understanding of the man and his work.

Books by others:

• The Magick of Thelema (Lon Milo Duquette) - the best introduction to Crowley's philosophy ever written.
• The Golden Dawn (Israel Regardie) - an essential handbook of hermetic magic.