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Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was an enigmatic figure whose life and works have attracted significant attention and controversy. Known as 'The Great Beast,' Crowley was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer. He founded the religion of Thelema, which was encapsulated in the phrase 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.' Crowley claimed to have received The Book of the Law from a supernatural entity named Aiwass in 1904, which served as the cornerstone for Thelemic philosophy. His work 'THE RELIGION OF THELEMA' serves as a testament to his foundational religious doctrines, emphasizing the quest for self-knowledge and the exploration of the occult. Crowley's literary style was complex and emblematic, full of esoteric symbolism and elaborate rituals that both reflected and shaped his magickal practices. Despite his notorious reputation, Crowley's influence has been widely felt in various countercultural movements and in the fields of modern occultism and Western esotericism. His life and work continue to be a subject of fascination and scholarly examination, contributing to an enduring legacy that is both admired and vilified. Crowley's complex synthesis of mysticism, ceremonial magic, and philosophy has established him as one of the most provocative spiritual figures of the early 20th century.
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