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Intro/description of Thelema

Quagmire

Imaginary talking monkey
Staff member
Premium Member
Courtesy of Octavia156.

Thelema is an internationally recognised religion, with many solitary followers as well as active practitioners.

Thelema has 3 active Organisations:

- The OTO: (Social and Political Thelemic Thought) 4000+ active members worldwide

- The EGC: (Religious Gnostic Catholic Church of Thelema) membership I don't know... but The Gnostic Mass is held many times a week worldwide as is open to the public

- The A.'.A.'. (The Mystical Solitary Thelemic system) (membership numbers unknown due to the nature of the Order)

We have
- a Holy Book - Liber Al vel Legis (The Book of the Law)
- A prophet (of sorts)
- Many formal rites and rituals.
- 1 single dogma.
- Active bodies in 21 different countries in the world

Thelema has is foundations in Gnosticism, Mysticism, Hermetic Qabala, Western Esotericism, Eastern Mysticism/Tantra/Yoga and the Occult.

Thelema is also the foundation for many modern relgions such as Wicca, Satanism, Setianism, Scientology (tangential off shoot that bares no relation but was started by a Thelemite).

Octavia156 said:
"The Message of the Master Therion"
Liber II
The Message of
The Master Therion


“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.”
“There is no Law beyond Do what thou wilt.”
“The word of the Law is Θελημα.”
Θελημα—Thelema—means Will.


The Key to this Message is this word—Will. The first obvious meaning of this Law is confirmed by antithesis; “The word of Sin is Restriction.”


Again: “Thou hast no right but to do thy will. Do that and no other shall say nay. For pure will, unassuaged of purpose, delivered from the lust of result, is every way perfect.”


Take this carefully; it seems to imply a theory that if every man and every woman did his and her will—the true will—there would be no clashing. “Every man and every woman is a star,” and each star moves in an appointed path without interference. There is plenty of room for all; it is only disorder that creates confusion.
From these considerations it should be clear that “Do what thou wilt” does not mean “Do what you like.” It is the apotheosis of Freedom; but it is also the strictest possible bond.


Do what thou wilt—then do nothing else. Let nothing deflect thee from that austere and holy task. Liberty is absolute to do thy will; but seek to do any other thing whatever, and instantly obstacles must arise. Every act that is not in definite course of that one orbit is erratic, an hindrance. Will must not be two, but one.
Note further that this will is not only to be pure, that is, single, as explained above, but also “unassuaged of purpose.” This strange phrase must give us pause. It may mean that any purpose in the will would damp it; clearly the “lust of result” is a thing from which it must be delivered.
But the phrase may also be interpreted as if it read “with purpose unassuaged”—i.e., with tireless energy. The conception is, therefore, of an eternal motion, infinite and unalterable. It is Nirvana, only dynamic instead of static—and this comes to the same thing in the end.


The obvious practical task of the magician is then to discover what his will really is, so that he may do it in this manner, and he can best accomplish this by the practices of Liber Thisarb (see Equinox I(7), p. 105) or such others as may from one time to another be appointed.


Thou must (1) Find out what is thy Will. (2) Do that Will with a) one-pointedness, (b) detachment, (c) peace.
Then, and then only, art thou in harmony with the Movement of Things, thy will part of, and therefore equal to, the Will of God. And since the will is but the dynamic aspect of the self, and since two different selves could not possess identical wills; then, if thy will be God's will, Thou art That.


There is but one other word to explain. Elsewhere it is written— surely for our great comfort—“Love is the law, love under will.”


This is to be taken as meaning that while Will is the Law, the nature of that Will is Love. But this Love is as it were a by-product of that Will; it does not contradict or supersede that Will; and if apparent contradiction should arise in any crisis, it is the Will that will guide us aright. Lo, while in The Book of the Law is much of Love, there is no word of Sentimentality. Hate itself is almost like Love! “As brothers fight ye!” All the manly races of the world understand this. The Love of Liber Legis is always bold, virile, even orgiastic. There is delicacy, but it is the delicacy of strength. Mighty and terrible and glorious as it is, however, it is but the pennon upon the sacred lance of Will, the damascened inscription upon the swords of the Knight-monks of Thelema.
Love is the law, love under will.
666​
 
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Adramelek

Setian
Premium Member
I practice Thelema (True Will) much as I do the Setian Xeper (To Come Into Being), as a personal life philosophy. For instance, say a young man for all of his life has had an undying love for music, it becomes his passion, he shows a great talent for playing the piano and for composing music. However, his father wants him to become a doctor or a lawyer. The young man wants to please his father so he goes to law school, but he just can't get into it, his music occupies his every waking moment and sometimes in his dreams. So eventually the young man defies his father and decides to go to music school even if he has to work part time jobs to put himself through music school to learn and master that thing he loves most and which fuels his life's passion. In my opinion this young man is a practicioner of the Law of Thelema.

Xeper em Ma'at.
/Adramelek\
 
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Octavia156

OTO/EGC
This is a perfect analpogy of how the Law of Thelema works.

For Thelemites believe that True Happiness, and Perfect Wisdom come from practising on'es True Will.

Thelema solves the paradox of Fate vs Free Will.. for we believe both exist... True Will is the combination of the 2 - having the Freedom to fulfill One's Fate.

As Thelemites we often consider ourselve like warriors, for Do what thou wilt SHALL be the whole of the Law indicates that in this Aeon we fight for the Freedom that is not yet available to all.

Many men and women are forced to become something that is not in their nature...or do work that is not in accordance with their True Will. Many are not forced, many just lack the courage to make the right choices... but these poor choices are signified by lack of success... or lack of happiness.

"Success is your proof, courage is your armour, go on, go on in my strength and ye shall turn back for none" - Liber AL

is a poignant and significant verse. It highlights how "standing up to Daddy", often is the hardest path.... but yet is the only path to Freedom.


As we have discussed many many, many times bfore Brother Adramelek, Xepher for me is simply Thelema spoken in a differnt tongue
 
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Kalidas

Well-Known Member
This is a perfect analpogy of how the Law of Thelema works.

For Thelemites believe that True Happiness, and Perfect Wisdom come from practising on'es True Will.

Thelema solves the paradox of Fate vs Free Will.. for we believe both exist... True Will is the combination of the 2 - having the Freedom to fulfill One's Fate.

As Thelemites we often consider ourselve like warriors, for Do what thou wilt SHALL be the whole of the Law indicates that in this Aeon we fight for the Freedom that is not yet available to all.

Many men and women are forced to become something that is not in their nature...or do work that is not in accordance with their True Will. Many are not forced, many just lack the courage to make the right choices... but these poor choices are signified by lack of success... or lack of happiness.

"Success is your proof, courage is your armour, go on, go on in my strength and ye shall turn back for none" - Liber AL

is a poignant and significant verse. It highlights how "standing up to Daddy", often is the hardest path.... but yet is the only path to Freedom.


As we have discussed many many, many times bfore Brother Adramelek, Xepher for me is simply Thelema spoken in a differnt tongue

If you could excuse a Hindu commenting I just wanted to learn more about Thelema. So basicly you believe everyone has a fate, but it is our free will to choose to follow this fate. I like that belief I like it a lot, I may add it to my Pantheon of beliefs :)
 

Octavia156

OTO/EGC
If you could excuse a Hindu commenting I just wanted to learn more about Thelema. So basicly you believe everyone has a fate, but it is our free will to choose to follow this fate. I like that belief I like it a lot, I may add it to my Pantheon of beliefs :)


Yes very well put.

:D
 

Tomorrows_Child

Active Member
One of the reasons I joined this forum was to gain access to new religions I probably would never have heard of otherwise. This is definitely one of those. But reading the introduction, I still don't understand what you believe? (I know, I know, I'm thick lol)

So, a few questions:

- who is your prophet? and what did he reveal, tell you?
- what does your holy book say? what are the rules and regulations?
- what is your central belief? a god? or gods? or none of those?
- what do you mean that everyone should follow their "True Will"?
 

Octavia156

OTO/EGC
One of the reasons I joined this forum was to gain access to new religions I probably would never have heard of otherwise. This is definitely one of those. But reading the introduction, I still don't understand what you believe? (I know, I know, I'm thick lol)

So, a few questions:

- who is your prophet? and what did he reveal, tell you?
- what does your holy book say? what are the rules and regulations?
- what is your central belief? a god? or gods? or none of those?
- what do you mean that everyone should follow their "True Will"?

Our prophet is Ankh-af-na Khonsu/Crowley writing under instruction from an entity called Aiwass - you could liken Aiwass' role to Gabriel dictating to Mohammed). He revealed a new way of thinking (a new Aeon) or a new approach to spirituality and method for mystical union. He told us that man himself is god in so much as he is responsible for the creation of his own universe.

Our Holy Book (unlike any that have come before) has strict instructions that noone is to interpret its meaning for any other person. It is up to the reader to decipher its meanings and teachings. The rules are strict in that there is only one rule - Do your Will - which is the Will of God (whatever form that may take) and do nothing else but this.

Our central beliefs are based on scientific concepts of absolute truths. The infinite potential, and the possibilities from which you choose to manifest. We appear to have "gods" but these are just literary metaphors for the ultimate truths and concepts of existance. Absolute Truth/Gnosis is incommunicable. Thus by creating "characters" to personify these great ideas or forces of nature assists you to gain an understanding of them.

True Will - is ones 'purpose for being' not in the fatalistic/deterministic sense, more in the sense of completely filling ones potential in this incarnation. It is a choice, and a quest... for we are all swayed by desires and influences throughout life. Following ones True Will results from an awareness of Self, that allows the Thelemite to always act in a way which in accordance with their true nature. In short - be the best you can be. This is achieved through constant meditation, self knowledge, awareness and ultimately immense discipline.

Is that any clearer?
 
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Tomorrows_Child

Active Member
Our prophet is Ankh-af-na Khonsu/Crowley writing under instruction from an entity called Aiwass - you could liken Aiwass' role to Gabriel dictating to Mohammed). He revealed a new way of thinking (a new Aeon) or a new approach to spirituality and method for mystical union. He told us that man himself is god in so much as he is responsible for the creation of his own universe.

Our Holy Book (unlike any that have come before) has strict instructions that noone is to interpret its meaning for any other person. It is up to the reader to decipher its meanings and teachings. The rules are strict in that there is only one rule - Do your Will - which is the Will of God (whatever form that may take) and do nothing else but this.

Our central beliefs are based on scientific concepts of absolute truths. The infinite potential, and the possibilities from which you choose to manifest. We appear to have "gods" but these are just literary metaphors for the ultimate truths and concepts of existance. Absolute Truth/Gnosis is incommunicable. Thus by creating "characters" to personify these great ideas or forces of nature assists you to gain an understanding of them.

True Will - is ones 'purpose for being' not in the fatalistic/deterministic sense, more in the sense of completely filling ones potential in this incarnation. It is a choice, and a quest... for we are all swayed by desires and influences throughout life. Following ones True Will results from an awareness of Self, that allows the Thelemite to always act in a way which in accordance with their true nature. In short - be the best you can be. This is achieved through constant meditation, self knowledge, awareness and ultimately immense discipline.

Is that any clearer?

Ah, wow, I completely forgot I had even posted in this thread.

Thanks for taking some time out to write the reply, it is definitely clearer but not clear.

I'd like to ask a few questions:

- So, Aliester Crowler received revelation from this being you call Aiwass, what exactly is Aiwass? An alien? An angel?

- My second question is with regards to you saying that there is only one rule in Thelema "do your will", what if an individuals will is to steal or kill or rape or abuse? What does your religion state about that? Surely there must be rules with regards to such people?

- Now, my final question, with regards to you saying the central belief is based on science and "absolute truths", will come in two parts, 1) what is an absolute truth in terms of science? and 2) Is believing in an entity that speaks to a human being but is not human and provides him/her with revelation, a scientific concept?
 

Octavia156

OTO/EGC
- So, Aliester Crowler received revelation from this being you call Aiwass, what exactly is Aiwass? An alien? An angel?

Its described in the Equinox of the Gods as a "praeterhuman intelligence".
Whatever this means is up to the person. Thelema is strictly undogmatic about such interpretations.

- My second question is with regards to you saying that there is only one rule in Thelema "do your will", what if an individuals will is to steal or kill or rape or abuse? What does your religion state about that? Surely there must be rules with regards to such people?
Moral responsibility is placed in the hands of the individual. True Will is considered something very different from desire or want, it is sacrasacnt and aligned with the Will of God (the universe).
Freedom is a double edged sword. We dont have "rules" as we dont think people need to be "told" not to abuse others. This is an interesting look at how it works, but yes its contentious

http://hermetic.com/crowley/libers/lib77.html

- Now, my final question, with regards to you saying the central belief is based on science and "absolute truths", will come in two parts, 1) what is an absolute truth in terms of science? and 2) Is believing in an entity that speaks to a human being but is not human and provides him/her with revelation, a scientific concept?

Absolute Truths such as life and death. Nothing and Everything, Potential and Manifestation. This is a deep deep conversation to put in a post like this. Much of it can be explored through Qabala.

I don't "believe" in anything other than the phenomena that pass through the synapses of my brain. Even that is possibly conentious. The "entity" that Crowley believed spoke to her provided a revelation about the evolution of the spiritual man of man. Its Scientific is it alludes to the abolishment of blind faith.

Could probably have elaborated further on this but in a bit of a rush today :)
 

Tomorrows_Child

Active Member
Its described in the Equinox of the Gods as a "praeterhuman intelligence".
Whatever this means is up to the person. Thelema is strictly undogmatic about such interpretations.


Moral responsibility is placed in the hands of the individual. True Will is considered something very different from desire or want, it is sacrasacnt and aligned with the Will of God (the universe).
Freedom is a double edged sword. We dont have "rules" as we dont think people need to be "told" not to abuse others. This is an interesting look at how it works, but yes its contentious

http://hermetic.com/crowley/libers/lib77.html



Absolute Truths such as life and death. Nothing and Everything, Potential and Manifestation. This is a deep deep conversation to put in a post like this. Much of it can be explored through Qabala.

I don't "believe" in anything other than the phenomena that pass through the synapses of my brain. Even that is possibly conentious. The "entity" that Crowley believed spoke to her provided a revelation about the evolution of the spiritual man of man. Its Scientific is it alludes to the abolishment of blind faith.

Could probably have elaborated further on this but in a bit of a rush today :)

Hey, thanks for the reply! I totally understand that trying to put everything in one post is difficult so I will avoid asking multiple questions from now on, it's unfair.

So, I'll just talk about the second point you made (the link that was posted) it was an interesting read but it still doesn't answer my question about one WILLING to do bad. For example: "Man has the right to live by his own law"..this doesn't seem to make sense. What if I one day deemed it fit that my law meant murder was legal, is that allowed within the parameters of Thelema? Is there a legal code?
 

Octavia156

OTO/EGC
Man should live by his own law - yes.
Not some Law dictated by someone else, a prophet, an immam, a politician etc.

No there is only one code - Do what you Will.
Its beautifully simply, but infinitely complex at the same time.

Thelema proports that there is no such thing as good and bad - just willed and unwilled actions. We dont need to be told by some prophet what is "right and wrong" we're adults - we should be able to decide for ourselves.

In Thelema, TrueWisdom and Perfect Happiness is what result from doing ones True Will. The "decision to become a rapist or a murderer" is a misnomer - decisions such as "one day I deemed it fit" dont come into it per se.

Thelemites believe every Soul has a unique purpose for its existance and life is about finding out what that is and doing it to the best of your abilities.
In a perfect Thelemic system where people were acting from will and not desire there would suppposedly be no collisions. If you kill me, you have taken away my Will to live, and the right for me to live by my own law - thus is my murder a willed action?

There is a harmony to be aimed for.

That being said - could a Soul incarnate with the True Will to kill people? Maybe? Maybe he might join the army and become an incredible soldier?

The point is there is no black and white/right and wrong. Instead there are inifinite shades of grey from which we are blessed/cursed/honoured with the responsibility of choosing from for ourselves according to our own conscience.
 
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