James William Hollibush
3 min readNov 7, 2023

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Delving into the Depths of Thelema: Unraveling the True Meaning of "Do What Thou Wilt"

In the enigmatic realm of esoteric philosophies, Aleister Crowley's Thelema stands as a unique and often misunderstood movement. Its central tenet, "Do what thou wilt," has been misinterpreted as a license for anarchy and self-indulgence, far removed from Crowley's true intentions. To unravel the complexities of Thelema and comprehend the profound significance of "Do what thou wilt," we must embark on a journey into the depths of human consciousness and the quest for self-actualization.

Crowley, a controversial figure who defied societal norms and delved into the occult, believed that each individual possesses a unique purpose or calling, known as their True Will. This True Will is not merely a fleeting desire or whim; it is the very essence of one's being, the path that leads to self-actualization and fulfillment. Discovering and following one's True Will is the ultimate goal of Thelema.

The phrase "Do what thou wilt" has been subjected to misinterpretations, often twisted to justify unrestrained hedonism and a disregard for societal norms. However, Crowley's intent was far more profound and nuanced. He believed that in order to fulfill one's True Will, one must first undergo a process of profound self-transformation, a form of internal alchemy. This transformation involves overcoming personal limitations, shedding false…

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