The Meaning Behind the Philosophy that is Thelema

Many people have heard the phrase "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law." The words are the chief commandment of a philosophy known as Thelema. The "bible" of this philosophy was penned by British occultist Aleister Crowley in the early twentieth century. Crowley may have at various times of his life claimed to be evil or the anti-Christ, but these declarations seem to have more to do with gaining him publicity rather than an actual declaration of belief.

Will as the chief concept of Thelema is often misunderstood. Bless the Child, a move made earlier in this decade used the quote as a front for Satanists, but the law of thelema has little in fact to do with Satanism either as Christians understand it or as it is actually practiced by the followers of Anton LeVay. What the law does not give is blanket permission for those who follow the philosophy to do what they want.

Doing ones true will, which what Thelema, is akin to working towards your true purpose. Varying methods can be employed to do this and if ethically questionable practices are needed, you may employ those. At least on Thelemite document says you need not worry about what happens to others as long as they are doing their true will no harm will come to them. (Author's note: My understanding on this point is imperfect and if I have it wrong I welcome corrections.)

Thelema may be practiced as a religion and as long as other religions do not conflict with it there is no problem with being a Thelemite and a member of another faith. Like Wiccans, the practitioners practice magic, although it is ceremonial and the rituals being performed correctly matters far more than the intent. Ceremonial magicians are far more likely to mention and invoke God and use hexagrams in their ceremonies than are the Wiccans.