Thelemas

Thelemas refer to the Thelemic tradition, a spiritual-philosophical current that arose from the writings and activities of Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century. The central source is The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis), which Crowley claimed to have received in 1904. The core principles of Thelemas are commonly summarized by the maxim Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law, followed by Love is the law, love under will. The emphasis is on discovering and following one's True Will within a framework of personal responsibility and ethics.

Practices associated with Thelemas include ceremonial magick, ritual initiation, and study of correspondences such as the Qabalah, astrology, and the Tarot. The aim is spiritual development and the attainment of higher states of consciousness, often framed as Knowledge and Conversation with the Holy Guardian Angel, a central mystic goal for some adherents. Rites vary among groups but commonly involve invocations, ritual theater, and the creation of a personal magical framework aligned with the will.

Organizationally, Thelemas have been carried by orders such as Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) and the A∴A∴, which promote initiatory ladders and structured training within Thelemic doctrine. The tradition has influenced a broad stream of modern occultism, esotericism, and some contemporary religious movements. Thelemas have also faced criticism and controversy, notably around Crowley’s reputation, sexual ethics, and debates over authority and the scientific legitimacy of magical practice.

See also: The Book of the Law, Crowley, Gnostic Mass, Thelema, OTO, A∴A∴.