THELEMA Meaning and
Definition
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Thelema is a philosophical and religious system developed by the English occultist Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century. The word "thelema" is derived from the Greek word meaning "will" or "desire," and in the context of Thelema, it refers to the doctrine that each individual possesses the divine will within themselves and should strive to fulfill this will in order to attain their true purpose and potential.
The fundamental principle of Thelema is "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law," emphasizing the importance of personal freedom and self-realization. This idea suggests that individuals have the right and responsibility to follow their own true nature and desires, setting aside societal restrictions and conformities. However, it is important to note that Thelema does not encourage hedonism or uncontrolled desires, as it also emphasizes self-discipline and the understanding of one's true will.
Thelema incorporates elements from various mystical and occult traditions, including astrology, tarot, ritual magic, and the symbolism of ancient Egyptian gods and mythology. It advocates for the use of ritual practices, meditation, and the study of mysticism and occult knowledge as means of achieving spiritual growth and self-transformation.
Furthermore, Thelema promotes the notion that every individual is their own spiritual authority and should seek their own unique path towards self-discovery and self-fulfillment. It encourages the exploration of one's own beliefs and experiences, utilizing intuition and personal gnosis to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
Etymology of THELEMA
"Thelema" is a Greek word that means "will" or "desire". Its etymology can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy and is associated with the philosophy of individual will and personal freedom.
In Greek philosophy, the term "thelema" was used to refer to the motion impulse or will behind an action. It encompassed the idea of a person's conscious choice or volition, emphasizing the power of personal will in determining their destiny or fate.
The term gained further significance in the early 20th century when it was adopted by Aleister Crowley, an English occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician. Crowley developed a philosophical and religious system known as "Thelema", which he described as the "Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will".
