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Aleister Crowley

1875–1947 · England/Italyend of the era
Aleister Crowley

Description

Aleister Crowley was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, novelist, mountaineer, and painter. As the founder of the religion of Thelema in the early 20th century, he identified as its prophet, entrusted with guiding humanity into the Æon of Horus. A prolific writer, he published widely—composing the "Libri" of Thelema—over the course of his life.

Facts

BornEdward Alexander Crowley, (1875-10-12)12 October 1875, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England
Died1 December 1947(1947-12-01) (aged 72), Hastings, Sussex, England
Resting placeAshes buried in Hampton, New Jersey
EducationMalvern College Tonbridge School Eastbourne College Trinity College, Cambridge
OccupationsOccultistpoetnovelistmountaineer
SpousesRose Edith Kelly ​ ​(m. 1903; div. 1909)​ Maria Teresa Sanchez ​ ​(m. 1929)​
Children5, including Randall Gair Doherty

Life & work in brief

Summarised by section — one row per topic, for fast reading.

Work / contributionSignificance
Early lifeCrowley was born Edward Alexander Crowley at 30 Clarendon Square in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, on 12 October 1875.
Developing ThelemaIn February 1904, Crowley and Rose arrived in Cairo.
Later lifeCrowley and Hirsig went to Tunis, where, dogged by continuing poor health, he unsuccessfully tried again to give up heroin, and began writing what he termed his "autohagiography", The Confessions of Aleister Crowley.
Beliefs and thoughtCrowley's belief system, Thelema, has been described by scholars as a religion, and more specifically as both a new religious movement, and as a "magico-religious doctrine".
Image and opinionsCrowley considered himself to be one of the outstanding figures of his time.
Legacy and influenceCrowley has remained an influential figure, both amongst occultists and in popular culture, particularly that of Britain, but also of other parts of the world.