by Frater Peregrinus Aleph Null

Thelema, as conceptualized by Aleister Crowley, is a spiritual framework that revolves around the pursuit of one’s True Will, an understanding of one’s unique purpose or path in life. In Thelemic doctrine, “Magick” is the method through which individuals explore and fulfill this True Will. However, the role of Magick in Thelema transcends mere ritual or ceremony; it is the practical and experiential process through which adherents connect with the deeper realities of their existence and the universe.

The axiom “love under will” is central to Thelemic philosophy and Magick. Here, “love” is understood as the fundamental force of union or connection. In Thelemic terms, it is the force that drives the unification of the individual soul (Hadit) with the infinite possibilities represented by Nuit. This union is not passive but is directed and chosen under the principle of “will.” It implies that the truest and most profound form of love or union is achieved when it is in alignment with one’s True Will, the pure expression of one’s nature and purpose.

In practical terms, Thelemic Magick involves various ritualistic and meditative practices aimed at attaining this mystical union. Through these practices, practitioners seek to dissolve the ego and the false constructs of self, enabling a deeper communion with the broader universe and the discovery of their true purpose. This process is often described in terms of the individual soul, or Hadit, finding its perfect orbit in the infinite expanse of Nuit. It is a journey towards realizing one’s potential and place within the grand cosmic design.

In Thelema, the attainment of a “flow” state, or a state of perfect harmony and union, is also a profound aspect of its practice, especially in the context of Magick. This state can be described as the moment when the practitioner, through the alignment of their will with the universal flow, experiences a dissolution of the boundaries between the self and the other. In such moments, the distinction between the doer and the deed, the dancer and the dance, becomes imperceptible. It is a state of transcendental consciousness where individual identity merges seamlessly with the broader cosmic rhythm.

This state of congruence is more than mere absorption in an activity; it is a spiritual and existential alignment where one’s actions, thoughts, and feelings are perfectly attuned to the natural order of things. In Thelemic terms, this is the realization of one’s True Will in its purest form. In this state, the practitioner is not merely performing acts of Magick; they are Magick itself, embodying the dynamic interplay of Nuit and Hadit, the infinite and the individual.

Crowley’s concept of “Magick” as the praxis of Thelema is notably distinct from other occult traditions. While it incorporates elements of ritual and symbolism common in occult practices, its emphasis is on the realization of the True Will and the mystical union it entails. This approach positions Magick not just as a tool for external change or personal power, but as a profound spiritual path leading to self-realization and cosmic harmony.

In summary, in Thelema, “Magick” is the practice of aligning one’s actions, will, and consciousness with the true nature of the dynamic soul (Hadit) and the infinite possibilities of existence (Nuit). This alignment, achieved through love under will, is the essence of the Thelemic pursuit of spiritual and personal fulfillment.

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