Episode 443: Aleister Crowley Part II - Every Man and Woman Is A Star

Executive Brief

• TLDR: This episode delves into the tumultuous and mystical life of Aleister Crowley, tracing his early magical pursuits, controversial expeditions, the channeling of the Book of the Law, and the founding of his own esoteric orders.
• The Big Idea: The narrative explores Crowley's relentless quest for magical power and esoteric knowledge, highlighting his complex relationships, questionable methods, and enduring, albeit controversial, influence on occultism.
• Takeaways for Listeners:
  • Understanding the foundational myths and personal dramas that shaped Aleister Crowley's public persona and magical philosophy.
  • Gaining insight into the origins of Thelema and its core tenets as dictated in the Book of the Law.
  • Recognizing the impact of Crowley's controversial practices and controversial personality on his legacy and the occult landscape.

Semantic Navigation & Metadata

• Sentiment: Neutral
• Inferred Audience: Individuals interested in occult history, esoteric philosophies, biographical deep dives into influential figures, and true crime/paranormal podcast enthusiasts.
• Top Topics & Categories: Occultism, Aleister Crowley, Thelema, Magic, Esoteric History, Biography, Mysticism, Mythology, Crowley's Expeditions, The Book of the Law.
• Identified Speakers: Ben Kissel, Henry Zebrowski, Marcus Parks

Top 3 Distinct Quotes

"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. Love is the law, love under will." — Attributed to Aleister Crowley (via the Book of the Law)

"Every man and every woman is a star." — Attributed to Aleister Crowley (via the Book of the Law)

"I am the Great Beast, the Scarlet Woman, I am the Magus, I am the Prince of the World. I am the fool of my own game. I am the master of my own destiny. I am the beginning and the end. I am the Alpha and the Omega." — Attributed to Aleister Crowley (self-proclaimed titles)

Detailed Summary

This episode of The Last Podcast on the Left continues its exploration of Aleister Crowley's life, focusing on his relentless pursuit of magical power and esoteric enlightenment. The hosts detail Crowley's travels through Mexico, India, and Sri Lanka, where he engaged in various rituals, studied yoga, and claimed to develop supernatural abilities. His ambitious climbing expeditions, including an attempt on K2, are recounted, highlighting his often exploitative treatment of porters and his struggles with illness and paranoia.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the dictation of the Book of the Law, where Crowley claims to have channeled the entity Aiwass, leading to the core tenets of his philosophical system, Thelema. The hosts discuss his complex and often tumultuous marriage to Rose Kelly, the birth and tragic death of their daughter, and the profound impact these events had on his magical and personal life. Crowley's self-promotion through various titles and the founding of his own magical orders, such as the Argentium Astrum (AA), are examined as he sought to solidify his place in the occult hierarchy.

The narrative further explores Crowley's relationships with influential figures like Victor Neuberg, detailing their intense magical collaborations and personal dramas, including their experiments with sex magic in the Algerian desert. The episode touches upon Crowley's literary endeavors, his struggles with finances, and his eventual rise to notoriety as "the wickedest man in the world," all while emphasizing his unwavering belief in his own magical path and his desire to usher in a new age of humanity.

Sponsors, Brands, and Ads Detected

Very Unique Keywords

• Thelema
• Aiwass
• Book of the Law
• Abermellian Ritual
• Scarlet Woman