Monday, October 12, 2009

A Tribute - Merry Crowleymas!

As fate would have it this year, Canadian Thanksgiving falls smack on Aleister Crowley's birthday. I am actually thankful for this pioneering force in the Occult Community. Even if I find some of his work a little self-serving, it has ultimately added to the tapestry of magickal practices and theories. Instead of recanting his biography here, I will tell you how I have been touched by this monumental day.

On this day in 1984, in my foolish youth, I took my first hit of LSD. I also became a student of magick and in particular I learned about Crowley and LaVey. Although my interest in LaVey waned with my maturity, I still found value in the depth of Crowley's work. Good work is indeed enduring, such as the poetry of "The Book of Lies" or the (sometimes) thoughtful correspondence of "Magick Without Tears". Then there is the contribution to Tarot with the Thoth deck which is something I incorporate into my daily life. Crowley has effected my life, but he has possibly effected millions with Boleskine , Loch Ness and even, LAM.

So, kudos, ol' chap; wherever you may be. Your magick is still in effect.