Tag Archives: Magick

Aleister Crowley – Magick, Rock and Roll and the Wickedest Man in the World…

Posted by davidfoxmagic777 on

Many a fine author has attempted to biographize the Great Beast 666 – Aleister Crowley – and few have succeeded in creating a worthy memoir. Gary Lachman is one of the chosen few.

To address such an enigmatic figure as Crowley, and endeavour to present his life-story engagingly to a contemporary readership, is truly a colossal undertaking. However, this is a real page-turner, and will captivate both the casually interested, as well as those with a deeper acquaintance with Magick and the Occult.

Lachman clearly possesses a sound knowledge and respect for Magick, which Crowley so eloquently stated as being: ‘the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with the will.’ Rich in historical context, the author guides us masterfully through the tumultuous life and times of the ostentatious Englishman.

The author notes Crowley’s unswerving commitment to the ‘Book of the Law’ – a sacred text which was said to be transmitted to him by a higher intelligence in 1904 and heralded the coming of a new age for humanity. The Beast’s residence in Berlin during the interwar years is also addressed more thoroughly than other biographies, and Lachman introduces us to the myriad of colorful characters who drifted in and out of the magician’s orbit throughout his extraordinary life.

Aleister Crowley – 1875 to 1947
Artwork by David Fox

Indeed, it is also very refreshing to be reminded of the considerable impact Crowley has had within the fields of meditation, yoga and the arts. For all his mortal shortcomings, he was undoubtably an individual of immense talent, and Lachman weaves his narrative in a very sensitive, balanced and thoughtful manner.

Find out more about the author at: Gary Lachman: Consciousness, Culture and the Esoteric Tradition

Other notable biographies of Aleister Crowley:

Regardie benefitted considerably from Crowley’s influence, tutelage and guidance. He would go on to author the occult classics: ‘The Tree of Life’, ‘A Garden of Pomegranates’ and ‘The Middle Pillar’.

A thorough and meticulously researched account of the life and times of Aleister Crowley. Sutin presents a sober and very even-handed analysis of the Beast.

Symonds formed a friendship with Crowley several months before his death and became his literary executor. He offers a surprisingly critical analysis of the magician’s legacy and an interesting perspective.

David Fox is a professional entertainer and artist who is based in the UK. Find out more about him at: David Fox Magic

Crowley authored ‘The Book of Thoth’ – his final masterwork which was published in 1944. Find out more about the Tarot at: Tarot Reading – The 78 Keys to wisdom

G. I. Gurdjieff – The War Against Sleep

Posted by davidfoxmagic777 on

‘You are in prison. If you wish to get out of prison, the first thing you must do is realize that you are in prison. If you think you are free, you can’t escape.’

G. I. Gurdjieff

Colin Wilson’s biography of George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff serves as a tremendous introduction to the life and work of this mysterious and mythical figure. Born in present day Armenia in 1866, Gurdjieff would develop a system – often referred to as the ‘Fourth Way‘ – in order to assist his students to develop greater awareness, unlock their potentialities, and pursue enlightenment.

Indeed, Gurdjieff was all too aware of the phenomenal genius which lies within the human psyche. Sadly, for most people, their potential will never be realised, as they live most of their lives in a state of ‘sleep’ – slavishly adhering to regulation and habit, and seldom stepping outside the box.

Wilson’s account describes Gurdjieff’s formative years and how he was stimulated to undertake ‘The Work’ and assist mankind, before discussing his journey around Europe and the USA. The colourful anecdotes reveal his personality, and undoubted popularity, during the early twentieth century. Gurdjieff’s magnetism attracted a host of disciples, and he would eventually found a commune at Fontainbleau, to the south west of Paris.

Gurdjieff’s most notable student was the Russian mathematician P. D. Ouspensky who would develop the great teacher’s theories and write extensively on ‘The Fourth Way’. Much of his work would be published posthumously.

Wilson encourages us to seriously consider Gurdjieff’s theories and methods in the conclusive chapter. As he so eloquently states: ‘man is a like a grandfather clock driven by a watch-spring. Or like an enormous water mill driven by a muddy trickle of water.’ He champions Gurdjieff as a colossus who sought to make us aware of the vast potentialities of human consciousness.

David Fox is a freelance writer, artist and entertainer based in the UK.