THE RADICAL IDEA THAT THELEMA DOESN’T NEED TO GROW
Sovereign Stars and the True Spirit of the New Aeon
One concept often taken for granted is that religions and spiritual movements need to grow in numbers to establish themselves as the primary worldview of vast swathes of the population. This notion of success through numerical expansion permeates our understanding of spiritual traditions, often leading to fervent efforts by religious organisations to spread their doctrines to a broader audience.
Unlike other spiritual principles, Thelema presents a radical and contrarian message. Its most sacred text, Liber AL vel Legis (also known as The Book of the Law), seems to explicitly state that Thelema is intended only for the few, the secret, and the chosen. This unique aspect of Thelema sets it apart from other spiritual movements, sparking curiosity and engagement among its followers.
“Let my servants be few & secret: they shall rule the many & the known.”
AL I:10
The concept of exclusivity in Thelema directly challenges the common calls, particularly from within the most visible and popular of its organisations, Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), to spread the Law and transform Thelema into a mainstream religion.
A closer examination of Liber AL vel Legis reveals that Thelema was never intended to appeal to the masses. Instead, it was designed as an exclusive path for those uniquely drawn to its principles. In this article, I explore why Thelema does not need to grow and how focusing on qualitative transformation instead of quantitative expansion will help preserve the authentic nature of this rigorous spiritual tradition.
THE BOOK’S MESSAGE: FOR THE FEW, THE SECRET, AND THE CHOSEN
Liber AL vel Legis establishes that Thelema’s teachings may not resonate with everyone. Throughout the text, the three voices of the Book continuously remind us that the lofty doctrines are tailored for those with the unique spiritual inclination to understand them.
Crowley himself insisted that these esoteric principles were for the “kings and princes of the earth,” inherently suggesting exclusivity. However, this exclusivity is not about birthright or social status. In the same text, the well-known declaration, “The Law is for all,” reinforces the idea that anyone can aspire to become one of the “lofty ones,” as each person has a divine spark within and thus carries a birthright to greatness.
Still, it might be better to shy away from the memefication of spirituality we’ve been bombarded with since the early days of social media and put even that phrase in its original context:
“But she said: the ordeals I write not: the rituals shall be half known and half concealed: the Law is for all.”
AL I:34
This divine potential must be actively sought, nurtured, and claimed. Every individual possesses an innate Will that should be discovered and pursued with unwavering commitment. This pursuit demands spiritual exploration and the discovery of one’s purpose, illuminating the unique path each person is destined to follow. Engaging in this process allows individuals to grow closer to embodying their divine nature. It requires spiritual resilience and devotion to self-mastery, inspiring each star to burn brightly in its rightful place within Nuit’s infinite expanseand encouraging spiritual seekers to embark on their own inspiring journey of self-discovery.
GROWTH MISCONCEPTIONS: THE O.T.O. ISSUE
O.T.O. was meant to be instrumental in organising Thelemic teachings into a structured system, providing a framework for Crowley’s followers to congregate and interact. Looking at its core documents, Liber 194 and Liber 52, it becomes apparent how Crowley tried to establish a type of Thelemic brotherhood heavily based on the lessons of Freemasonry.
However, attempts to expand the organisation have faced significant challenges, revealing that Thelema’s doctrines don’t lend themselves to mainstream religious assimilation, and it should be noted this is not a contemporary issue either. Instead, Crowley faced these very setbacks since the beginning, and one particular illuminating account is Richard Kaczynski’s Panic in Detroit: the Magician and the Motor City.
The desire to promulgate Thelema widely is based on a misunderstanding of growth in a spiritual context. Growth should not be equated to large memberships or widespread popularity but instead measured by the authenticity of individuals who fully embrace the Law and embody it.
Chasing quantitative expansion has resulted in internal conflicts, administrative challenges, and a dilution of Thelemic ideals in favour of inclusivity and accessibility. Our contemporary understanding of inclusivity often clashes with the message that everyone should strive to become their best version, regardless of how challenging that path may be. Pursuing personal excellence requires a focused and disciplined effort that cannot be compromised by reducing standards to accommodate the lowest common denominator. This compromises the integrity of the teachings, reducing them to mere marketing rhetoric.
O.T.O. has claimed a global membership of 4,000 for over a decade now. However, a closer look at the resources published by its principal body, the U.S. Grand Lodge, reveals a different reality characterised by significant attrition and figures that don’t support these claims. Additionally, many members never progress beyond the lower degrees, turning O.T.O. into little more than a loosely organised Aleister Crowley fan club rather than a genuine initiatory system.
A NEW VISION OF COMMUNITY
Liber AL vel Legis asserts that everyone has the right to accept the Law of Thelema but emphasises that only “kings” will truly comprehend and embody it. While anyone can recognise and apply Thelema’s teachings, its deeper truths and transformative potential are only realised by a select few at any given time. Expecting Thelema to become a mainstream religion disregards its philosophical and metaphysical foundation, prioritising the individual over collective adherence.
Rather than chasing the elusive goal of broad expansion, Thelema and its adherents would benefit from focusing on quality over quantity. They should welcome those who naturally align with the principles of individual will, self-discovery, and spiritual evolution without being preoccupied with numerical growth. True Thelemites will naturally find their way to Thelema and embody its principles, while those not drawn to this path will embark on their own spiritual journeys.
This leads to a radically new concept of “community,” where unity isn’t based on conformity or a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, each person is a sovereign star, in perfect harmony with the surrounding cosmos yet fundamentally separate from it. This vision acknowledges and embraces individuality, ensuring the collective thrives through the diversity of unique, self-fulfilled individuals. This harmonious yet independent constellation challenges the traditional notion of religious communities while perfectly aligning with the spirit of Thelema.
Indeed, it’s only from this separation that arises the possibility of new alchemical transmutations, both within and without:
“For I am divided for love’s sake, for the chance of union.”
AL I:29
While striving for community and to “find the others” remains a powerful human need, it’s evident that we live in an era where this fundamental desire has been weaponised and monetised by a culture of greed and narcissism. This distortion often undermines genuine connection, turning the quest for unity into a tool for manipulation.
In such times, Thelema’s message serves as a guiding light, advocating for a community built on authentic individual growth rather than superficial conformity.
