About Modern Thelema

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

Hi, 👋🏻 I'm Casey, and welcome to my site: Modern Thelema.

This project is a personal project that I'm undertaking as I endeavor to deepen my understanding of Thelema. As a philosophy, a way of life, and what has been my religion over the last twenty years of pursuing this path.

The seed of this project took root in early 2022 when I registered the domain. I was in the middle of a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and most of my writing was centered around Thelemic topics. I decided to pursue a degree in Philosophy to get a better grounding in the subject and to understand Thelema in context with other philosophical and religious issues. In my research for the various papers I was writing, I found a shortage of material online on Thelema. While Crowley's writings can be found online in one form or another, some foundational questions didn't have a good, easily accessible answer. Often, what I did fine wasn't as complete as I'd like or didn't satisfy what I was looking for. As the pandemic was in full swing and many O.T.O. bodies were trying to navigate myriad challenges, some of my local bodies had an influx of interest as the focus shifted to more online activities; this brought many to Thelema and Aleister Crowley for the first time. As I saw the questions being asked, the great answers (as well as the not-so-great) in response to these questions, I kept wishing I had a place to link to a deeper discussion of said topics, and unfortunately, I wasn't really finding one.

This idea would take shape in this context, but only recently did I feel that the time was right and my personal circumstances would allow me to devote mental cycles to it. I would be lying if I didn't also feel a bit of trepidation and fear when approaching a project such as this. I mean, what if I said something wrong?!

What this site is not

First, let me state what this site is not. Thelema is a deeply personal subject, and who am I to say what it is or isn't to anyone who finds a calling to walk this path? Yes, I'm an ordained deacon sacerdote and member of the clergy of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C.), the religious arm of the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.). However, I have no desire or interest in telling people they're wrong or what I think is the only way, far from it. I've been wrong plenty, and through conversations and engaging with others, I've adjusted my beliefs and deepened my understanding.

I have no more claim to what is or is not Thelemic than anyone else. My understanding of Thelema is just that, mine. However, it is informed by my years of involvement with my Thelemic communities and research. Read my writing, agree or disagree, but carve your own path, engage the writings of Aleister Crowley and related authors, and develop your understanding, and if it's your Will, share your experience and knowledge! But most importantly, do the Work.

There are far simpler paths to walk, with well-laid-out markers, that others have treaded for countless years, wearing the path down with their insights, achievements, and struggles until the markers are no longer necessary. The Thelemic path is not for the faint-hearted, and if this path calls to you, calls you to the Great Work, then I welcome you!

What to expect from this site

I try to question and reevaluate my beliefs and understandings as I experience new things and learn from others. In many conversations with curious seekers and new and long-standing members, I've encountered questions I had ready answers for and questions that left me reevaluating everything I thought I understood.

In the last few years especially, I've found myself in a new place regarding my relationship with Thelema, O.T.O., and E.G.C. One that has me, in some ways, going back to the drawing board to deepen my own understanding and to work to adequately formulate my thoughts as I understand them now.

Professionally, in my mundane job, I have taken on the role of mentor for a long time and (gasp!) more recently in the last few years in management and leadership roles (I'm still often shocked that I've somehow been put in charge of things, but failing up seems to be an actual thing). As a founding member of my local O.T.O. body, long-time officer, and currently master of my local body, I've sometimes been a mentor and a leader. I've learned a lot from these experiences, the good and the bad, and I want to share my thoughts with the wider Thelemic community.

As I set out on a journey to revisit not only Thelemic literature (some of which I've lost count of how many times I've read and still feel that I don't understand), my goal is that as I share my knowledge, others might find it helpful. What better way to deepen your understanding of a subject than by sharing what you know and teaching others? By doing so, I will work to grow my knowledge and understanding even more. This site will be focused on Thelema, but of course, there will be topics covering various related subjects, including magick, qabbalah, tarot, alchemy, and much more. I have a lot of ideas for this site and what it may become, but like all great projects, it has to start somewhere, and perfect is the enemy of good.

I want to thank everyone that has encouraged me to start this project. Thank you! I hope my insights, experiences, and questions serve as a stepping stone on your path as you pursue the Great Work and your journey to finding and doing your True Will.

Love is the law, lover under will.

Br. Casey