Aleister Crowley, often called the "Great
Beast" or "Wickedest Man in the World," was a complex and
controversial figure in occultism and esotericism during the early
20th century. Known for his involvement in various mystical practices,
including Thelema, Crowley's life and writings continue to captivate and
mystify people today. Among the many aspects of his life, one intriguing
element is his reported use of cannabis. In this blog post, we'll explore
Crowley's relationship with cannabis and its role in his spiritual and mystical
pursuits.
Before delving into the connection with cannabis, it's
essential to understand who Aleister Crowley was. Born in 1875 in England,
Crowley was a prolific writer, poet, occultist, and ceremonial magician. He
founded the religious and philosophical movement known as Thelema, which
centers on the idea that individuals should follow their true will to attain
spiritual enlightenment and self-fulfillment. His writings, particularly
"The Book of the Law," serve as the foundational texts for Thelema.
Cannabis and the Occult
Cannabis has a long history of use in various mystical and
spiritual practices worldwide. From ancient Hindu rituals involving bhang to
Rastafarian sacramental use of marijuana, the plant has been associated with
altered states of consciousness and spiritual insight.
In Crowley's time, cannabis was not as widely discussed or
understood as it is today. However, there are references in some of his
writings that suggest he may have experimented with the substance. One notable
example is his book "The Diary of a Drug Fiend," where he
discusses the use of various drugs, including cannabis, in a quest for
spiritual awakening.
Aleister Crowley was known for pursuing altered states
of consciousness to connect with higher spiritual realms and explore the boundaries of human perception. While he employed various
methods, such as meditation, ritual magic, and sexual practices, his
experimentation with substances like cannabis was part of this quest.
Thelema and Cannabis
In Thelema, the use of mind-altering substances, including
cannabis, is not explicitly mandated or prohibited. Instead, the emphasis is on
the individual's ability to discern their path and follow their true will.
Some Thelemites interpret this as a license to explore substances like cannabis
as part of their spiritual practice, while others choose to abstain from such
substances.
Crowley's 1907 Essay, The Psychology of Hashish-Marijuana Forbidden Drug in the Garden of Eden
In his 1907 essay titled "The Psychology of Hashish," Aleister Crowley wrote about the mystical and psychological aspects of the use of hashish and cannabis. In one particularly intriguing passage, Crowley asserted that marijuana was prohibited or forbidden in the Garden of Eden. If not the Tree of Life, at least of that other Tree, double and sinister and deadly?” In rhetorical response to Jehovah’s ancient taboos, the Beast wrote: “Nay! for I am of the Serpent’s party; Knowledge is good, be the price what it may.”
Drug Use and Magic in The Bible- Old Testament Septuagint
We heard of the Greek word pharmakia, which means drugs and sorcery. However, another Greek word used in the Septuagint for drug-using magician is epano. Epano has a much broader meaning than pharmakos. Here are some scriptural references for epano being used to show drug-using magicians:
Exodus 7:11: pharmakos, epano, pharmakia
Exodus 7:22: epano, pharmakia
Exodus 8:7: epano, pharmakia
Exodus 8:18: epano, pharmakia
Exodus 8:19: epano
Daniel 1:20: epano
Daniel 2:10: epano
Daniel 2:27: epano
Daniel 4:7: epano
Daniel 4:9: epano
Daniel 5:11: epano
What Aleister Crowley taught and wrote was nothing new under the sun(Ecclesiastes 1:9). Crowley's satanic inspirations go back thousands of years, with the connection to drug use and sorcery/magic. The Bible predicts that in the End-Times, a massive Satanic revival and a revival of pharmakia(drug use/sorcery) would take place.
