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True Will

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True Will is a foundational concept in Thelema, the philosophical and magical framework established by Aleister Crowley early in the 20th century. It represents the intrinsic and divine purpose unique to each individual, transcending mere personal desires and societal expectations. At the core of Crowley's teachings is "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law", a central dictum of his received work, The Book of the Law.[1] This principle asserts not a license for unchecked indulgence, but rather a mandate for individuals to align their actions with their truest spiritual calling. By adhering to their True Will, practitioners of Thelema seek to fulfill their spiritual destiny by harmonising with the cosmic order.

Crowley, drawing from diverse mystical traditions and personal experiences, articulated True Will as essential to personal fulfillment and universal harmony. For Crowley, the journey to uncover one's True Will requires deep introspection, spiritual discipline, and a commitment to the ethical conduct outlined in The Book of the Law. This work, written down during a revelatory experience in 1904, serves as a guiding principle for Thelemites, emphasizing the transformative power of aligning one's life with one's True Will.

Background[edit]

Crowley (1875–1947), was an influential figure in the world of Western esotericism and the founder of Thelema. His journey into the occult began in his early twenties, culminating in the establishment of Thelema, a religious and philosophical system that combined elements of mysticism, magick, and esoteric traditions.[2]

The development of Thelema was significantly influenced by Crowley's mystical experiences and extensive study of various esoteric traditions. One of the pivotal moments in Crowley's life was his reception of The Book of the Law in 1904, a text he maintained that he received from a higher entity named Aiwass. This book laid the foundation for Thelema, introducing key concepts such as True Will and the Thelemic law, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law".[3]

Crowley's teachings and writings on Thelema expanded throughout his life, incorporating elements from his experiences with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, his travels to Egypt and other mystical sites, and his interactions with other occultists. His work synthesized various strands of Western esoteric thought into a cohesive system that emphasized personal spiritual development and the pursuit of True Will.[4]

Concept and meaning[edit]

True Will in Thelema refers to an individual's unique, divinely ordained purpose or path in life. It is the core principle that guides a person's actions and decisions, transcending personal desires and ego-driven motives. According to Crowley, True Will is the expression of one's deepest and most authentic self, aligned with the universal order.[5]

Distinguishing True Will from ego-driven desires is crucial in Thelemic practice. While personal desires often stem from temporary emotions, societal conditioning, or superficial goals, True Will represents a higher calling that aligns with the cosmic order and one's inherent nature. Pursuing ego-driven desires can lead to conflict, dissatisfaction, and disharmony, whereas following one's True Will brings about a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and alignment with the greater good.[4]

True Will is not static but evolves as individuals grow and develop spiritually. Discovering and understanding one's True Will requires introspection, self-discipline, and spiritual practices that help uncover the deeper layers of one's being. In Thelema, various techniques such as meditation, ritual magick, and divination are used to gain insight into one's True Will and to align one's actions with this higher purpose.[6]

Crowley believed that in order to discover the True Will, one had to free the desires of the unconscious mind from the control of the conscious mind, especially the restrictions placed on sexual expression, which he associated with the power of divine creation.[7] He identified the True Will of each individual with the Holy Guardian Angel, a daimon unique to each individual.[8] The spiritual quest to find what one is meant to do and to do it is known in Thelema as the Great Work.[9]

In Thelemic texts[edit]

Several key Thelemic texts provide in-depth discussions on the concept of True Will, including The Book of the Law (also known as Liber AL vel Legis) and other writings by Aleister Crowley. These texts serve as foundational sources for understanding and practicing True Will in Thelema.[10]

  • The Book of the Law:[11] This seminal text, received by Crowley in 1904, outlines the core principles of Thelema, including the concept of True Will. The central tenet, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law," emphasizes the importance of discovering and following one's True Will as the path to spiritual fulfillment and harmony with the cosmic order.[2]
  • "Liber II: The Message of the Master Therion":[12] In this text, Crowley elaborates on the meaning and implications of True Will, providing practical guidance for its discovery and application in daily life. He stresses the distinction between True Will and personal desires, highlighting the importance of aligning with one's higher purpose.[6]
  • Magick Without Tears:[13] This collection of letters written by Crowley offers insights into various aspects of Thelemic philosophy, including the concept of True Will. Crowley addresses common questions and challenges faced by practitioners, providing practical advice and encouragement for pursuing True Will.[4]

These texts, among others, form the basis for Thelemic practice and study, offering a comprehensive understanding of True Will and its significance within the broader framework of Thelema.[10]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ Crowley (1976), ch. I, v. 40.
  2. ^ a b Kaczynski (2012).
  3. ^ Pasi (2014).
  4. ^ a b c Bogdan & Starr (2012).
  5. ^ DuQuette (2003), pp. 3–12.
  6. ^ a b Sutin (2002).
  7. ^ Sutin (2002), p. 294.
  8. ^ Hymenaeus Beta (1995), p. xxi.
  9. ^ Kraig (1998), p. 44.
  10. ^ a b Churton (2012); Kaczynski (2012).
  11. ^ Crowley (1976).
  12. ^ Crowley (1919).
  13. ^ Crowley (1973).

Works cited[edit]

  • Bogdan, Henrik; Starr, Martin P., eds. (2012). Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-999606-3.
  • Churton, Tobias (2012). Aleister Crowley: The Biography: Spiritual Revolutionary, Romantic Explorer, Occult Master and Spy. Watkins Media. ISBN 978-1-78028-384-5.
  • Crowley, Aleister (Spring 1919). "Liber II: The Message of Master Therion". The Equinox. III (1). Detroit: Universal Publishing Co.
  • Crowley, Aleister (1973). Regardie, Israel (ed.). Magick Without Tears. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications. ISBN 978-0-87542-115-5.
  • Crowley, Aleister (1976). The Book of the Law: Liber AL vel Legis. York Beach, Maine: Weiser Book. ISBN 978-0-87728-334-8.
  • DuQuette, Lon Milo (2003). The Magick of Aleister Crowley: A Handbook of the Rituals of Thelema. Weiser. ISBN 1-57863-299-4.
  • Hymenaeus Beta (1995). "Editor's Foreword". In Crowley, Aleister (ed.). The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King. Red Wheel. ISBN 0-87728-847-X.
  • Kaczynski, Richard (2012). Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley (rev. & exp. ed.). North Atlantic Books. ISBN 978-1-58394-576-6.
  • Kraig, Donald Michael (1998). Modern Sex Magick. Llewellyn. ISBN 1-56718-394-8.
  • Pasi, Marco (2014). Aleister Crowley and the Temptation of Politics. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-317-54630-6.
  • Sutin, Lawrence (2002). Do What Thou Wilt: A life of Aleister Crowley. New York: St. Martin's Griffin. ISBN 0-312-25243-9. OCLC 48140552.

Further reading[edit]

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