The Book of the Law

“The Book of the Law,” also known as “Liber AL vel Legis,” is the central sacred text of Thelema, a religion and philosophy created by Aleister Crowley. The book was allegedly received by Crowley through channeled communications with a supernatural entity named Aiwass in Cairo, Egypt, in 1904. “The Book of the Law” contains the core teachings and beliefs of Thelema and is divided into three chapters, each representing a communication from a different deity.

Key Points and Claims:

1. The central tenet of Thelema: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” This statement is often misinterpreted as advocating hedonism or selfishness, but within the context of Thelema, it means that each person should follow their own unique path, or True Will, in life.
2. The Law of Thelema is summarized by two main phrases: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law” and “Love is the law, love under will.” These phrases emphasize the importance of discovering and following one’s True Will and the role of love as a guiding force in human relationships.
3. The concept of the Aeon: “The Book of the Law” introduces the idea of successive Aeons, each representing a stage in humanity’s spiritual evolution. According to the text, the Aeon of Horus, a new era characterized by self-realization and individual freedom, has replaced the previous Aeon of Osiris, which was marked by hierarchy and religious dogma.
4. The three speakers in the book represent different aspects of the divine. The first chapter is narrated by Nuit, the goddess of infinite space and the night sky. The second chapter is spoken by Hadit, the god of motion and the point at the center of all things. The third chapter is delivered by Ra-Hoor-Khuit, a form of the Egyptian god Horus associated with war and vengeance.
5. The text includes various rituals, practices, and symbolic elements related to magick, the spiritual practice central to Thelema. These elements serve as a foundation for Thelemic ritual and magical practice.

Important People:

1. Aiwass: The supernatural entity that Crowley claimed communicated “The Book of the Law” to him. Aiwass is considered the minister of Hoor-paar-kraat, the Egyptian god of silence, and a representative of the divine will.
2. Nuit: The goddess of infinite space and the night sky, who speaks in the first chapter of the book.
3. Hadit: The god of motion and the point at the center of all things, who speaks in the second chapter.
4. Ra-Hoor-Khuit: A form of the Egyptian god Horus, associated with war and vengeance, who speaks in the third chapter.

Books Written About “The Book of the Law”:

1. “The Law is for All: The Authorized Popular Commentary of Liber AL vel Legis” by Aleister Crowley and Israel Regardie: This book provides an accessible and authoritative commentary on “The Book of the Law” by Crowley, edited and annotated by Israel Regardie, a prominent figure in the field of Western esotericism and a former student of Crowley.
2. “Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot” by Lon Milo DuQuette: Though primarily focused on Crowley’s Thoth Tarot deck, this book also digs into the symbolism and teachings of “The Book of the Law,” as the tarot deck is deeply influenced by Thelemic philosophy and the teachings found in Crowley’s text.
3. “The Magick of Aleister Crowley: A Handbook of the Rituals of Thelema” by Lon Milo DuQuette: This book provides a comprehensive overview of the magical practices and rituals in Thelema, many of which are based on the teachings and symbolism found in “The Book of the Law.” DuQuette’s work serves as a practical guide for those interested in incorporating Thelemic practices into their spiritual journey.
4. “The Three Dangerous Magi: Osho, Gurdjieff, Crowley” by P.T. Mistlberger: In this comparative study, the author explores the lives, teachings, and influence of three controversial spiritual figures, including Aleister Crowley. The book gets into the teachings of “The Book of the Law” and examines its impact on modern spirituality and esotericism.
5. “Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley” by Richard Kaczynski: This biography of Crowley provides a detailed account of his life, including the circumstances surrounding the reception of “The Book of the Law” and the development of Thelema as a religious and philosophical movement.

“The Book of the Law” is the foundational text of Thelema, a religion and philosophy created by Aleister Crowley. The book outlines the key principles of Thelema, including the importance of discovering and following one’s True Will, the concept of the Aeon, and the role of magick in spiritual practice. The text has had a significant impact on the field of Western esotericism and continues to inspire a wide range of literature, commentary, and interpretation.