Occult Series 1. Thelema: Government and Aeons

Would if the Apocalypse already happened? Now what do we do? In the religious philosophy of Thelema, the apocalypse happened in 1904 with the beginning of the Aeon of Horus. Let's dive in to this radically individualist philosophy and it's various ideas. 

For starters, Thelema is a radically individualist religion so making blanket statements would be an injustice to it however, there are many common traits shared. Thelema teaches a way of living that is stated as thus: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the Law, Love under Will". This sounds like an excuse to be a hedonist and to do whatever one wishes. The truth is that Will refers to one's purpose, their calling or divine purpose. This is to supercede the Mundane Will as True Will is to be completely selfless and free of the ego. The True Will is to be an act of Love(Agape or Universal Love) for your fellow Man. 

Another teaching is the phrase "Every Man and every Woman is a Star". This states that every person is an individual and like a star is on a course of life to fulfill their True Will. Each and every person has their own True Will that is to be in accordance with Agape and is to be respected. 

The philosophy is very similar to Individualist Anarchism and American Libertarianism. Indeed Crowley wrote "Democracy dodders. Ferocious Fascism, cackling Communism, equally frauds, cavort crazily all over the globe. They are hemming us in." In his writings Crowley's state model is a hybrid of Voluntaryism and Corporatism(as Crowley calls "the Organic State") with elements of Mutualism and Fascism. Crowley has in some instances been labeled an Anarcho Fascist but, the term Individualist seems to be more appropriate as he fell out of favor with Mussolini's rise to power in Italy. 

The Thelemic model of a state would have the fulfillment of the Will and respect for the individual at its core. The Corporatist elements would best be described by today's standards as Syndicalism as the state would serve as "brain" of the society in terms that it would act as a mere director of keeping the peace. This sound similar to the Night Watchman State model where the state is small and relegated to keeping the peace. The rights of all people will be upheld by the Thelemic society in a document called Liber Oz. Oz has its basis in the Book of The Law. 

The concept of a God is left to the individual to decide. Many Thelemites vary on their idea of God from Luciferians, Neopagans, Buddhists, Atheists and even some Christians. Thelema has three central deities: Nuit, Hadit and Ra Hoor Kuit. These are attributed to the Egyptian deities of Isis, Osiris and Horus. These gods may be seen as literal or metaphorical. Other names for the gods are Chaos, Babalon and Baphomet. In the Gnostic Mass the gods are read aloud in the creed. 

A feature of Thelema is the emphasis on Aeons. The Aeon is an Era where a common tenent is shared. As of 1904 we are in the Aeon of Horus. The Aeon of Horus is embodied as individual growth. One look at the present situation one might disagree due to the extreme division of people. However, we have grown in many ways religiously and technologically since the start of the Aeon. For example, smartphones and internet(despite the drawbacks from over use) have provided us with information to help one grow if done right. Many Thelemic books are now freely available online rather than having to join a Thelemic order. 

The next Aeon is called the Aeon of Maat. In a correspondence between Charles Jones and Kenneth Grant, two of Crowley's disciples, a new Aeon would be upon us. Maat would be embodied by Truth. Some Thelemites say this Aeon started when Crowley died in 1948 and others say is hasn't even begun. I personally say we may be on the verge of the start of the Aeon of Maat. The past 10 years have been chaotic and there have been various moments of unrest such as the world wars and the recent unrest in the world. Not much is written on Maat as it has either already started or has not started yet. Whenever the Aeon starts, it will be a time of spiritual  truth, a third Great Awakening. 

References 

Barham, M & Stanley, M. (2019). The Incoming of the Aeon of Maat. Retrieved from:

http://www.starfirepublishing.co.uk/incoming_aeon_of_maat.htm

Beyer, C. (2019). Understanding the Religion of Thelema. Retrieved from:

https://www.learnreligions.com/thelema-95700

Bolton, K. (2010). Aleister Crowley As Political Theorist. Retrieved from:

https://www.counter-currents.com/2010/09/aleister-crowley-as-political-theorist-part-2/

Crowley, A. (1904). The Book of The Law. 

Crowley, A. (1941). Liber Oz

Ordo Templi Orientis. (2019). Thelema. Retrieved from:

https://oto-usa.org/thelema/