Aleister Crowley
Self-styled 'Wickedest Man in the World' — occultist, ceremonial magician, founder of Thelema, and alleged British intelligence asset.
Overview
Aleister Crowley (1875–1947) was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer. He founded the religion of Thelema, identifying himself as the prophet entrusted with guiding humanity into the Æon of Horus. The British press described him as 'the wickedest man in the world.' Declassified MI5 files released in 2003 confirm Crowley collaborated with British intelligence during World War I and possibly World War II.
Timeline
- 1875-10-12Born in Leamington Spa, England.
- 1904-04-08Receives 'The Book of the Law' in Cairo (founding text of Thelema).
- 1920Founds Abbey of Thelema in Cefalù, Sicily; expelled by Mussolini in 1923.
- 1942Reportedly meets with Ian Fleming about counterintelligence operations.
- 1947-12-01Dies in Hastings, England.
Evidence on Record
- 01MI5 file KV 2/3175 (released by The National Archives UK, 2003)
- 02Crowley's own diaries (Warburg Institute, London)
Theories & Disputes
Crowley assisted in the Rudolf Hess flight to Scotland (1941) deception — claimed by Richard Spence in 'Secret Agent 666' (2008).
Designed the V-for-Victory sign as a counter-sigil to the Nazi swastika.