Aleister Crowley (1875–1947)

Founder of: Thelema
Major Work: The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis)
Philosophy: Mystical, esoteric, and individualistic
Motto: Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law

Key Points:

• Deeply immersed in ceremonial magic, Eastern mysticism, Qabalah, and the Golden Dawn traditions.
• Claimed to be the prophet of a new Aeon (the Aeon of Horus), with Thelema as its spiritual law.
• Emphasized personal spiritual development and breaking social/moral constraints.
• Considered both a mystic and a hedonist, but was genuinely pursuing spiritual enlightenment.
• Seen as a genuine occultist, often cryptic, symbol-rich, and difficult to interpret.
• Called “The Great Beast 666,” though largely as an ironic jab at Christian values.