Darkly Splendid Abodes

The Magical & Mystical System developed by Aleister Crowley and George Cecil Jones, commonly denoted as the A∴A∴, consists of Eleven Grades or Degrees; these in turn compose Three Orders. Edward Mason and I will take a look at these Three Orders, and how they apply to the Path of the Initiate.

The Magical Formula of I.A.O. first occurs in the Adeptus Minor Initiation of the Golden Dawn, during the Analysis of the Keyword. This evolving Formula is the subject of a chapter from Crowley's Magick in Theory and Practice, and hints at the blueprint for a Ritual of Initiation.

Annie Matan is an ordained clergy of a methodology in Judaism that recalls ancient Jewish traditions that honour the sacred feminine. We'll explore the subject, and how it resonates with Thelemic ideas, as we delve into the place of Lilith within this framework.

Crowley points to David Hume's essays as ‘the Classic of Academic Scepticism.' Having previously dipped into Hume, we'll now move our attention to his ‘Of Miracles', where he considers the application of reason to the evidence of testimony.

In December of 2024 e.v. I gave the first of a series of talks on the Thelemic philosophy. I focused on some of the core concepts and practices I feel are worth having in the forefront of the mind while engaging with Thelemic materials, including Crowley's thoughts on channeling ‘genius,' the skeptical approach, and discipline in mystical and Magical Practices.

The Chaldean Oracles of Zoroaster as collated by W. Wynn Westcott are a highly influential, and yet fairly obscure, set of pithy phrases. Gathered from the texts of numerous ancient writers, these ‘oracles' seem to hint at an entire schema for the cosmos. We'll dip our wings into the darkly-splendid waters of these ‘oracles,' perchance to glimpse the light of the fire therein.

The study of the Occult, the Qabalah, Meditation and Magick can occasionally lead one to get caught up in intangibles, or maybe too much ‘in their head.' But the Physical Body is no less a part of the equation of our continuing Initiation. Edward Mason and I will take a look at Groundedness, and appreciation for the physical body, as correctives.

Liber Aleph, the Book of Wisdom or Folly, is addressed by Crowley to his Magical Son, Charles Stansfeld Jones — better known as Frater Achad. It covers the gamut of the Thelemic perspective on pretty much everything, and as such is an indispensable guide and reference. We'll take a look at a set of chapters therein on the subject of the Will, and Sin.

In ‘The Book of the Heart Girt with a Serpent,' more commonly known as Liber LXV, many parables abound which are instructive of Thelemic spirituality. But in chapter V we encounter a parricidal pomp of atheists. I'll look at Crowley's commentary and see how this passage exemplifies Thelemic thought, in the first of our episodes highlighting and delving into the Holy Books of Thelema.

Crowley calls the Pistis Sophia ‘an admirable introduction to the study of Gnosticism', and includes it in the Curriculum of A∴A∴. But how does Gnosticism relate to Thelema? We'll delve into the first half of this early-Christian text to see if we can find connections, and contextualize magical ideas about Gnosticism before the discovery of the Nag Hammadi library.

Last time, Edward Mason and I discussed the subject of Kenneth Grant and the so-called ‘false Sephirah' of Da'ath. Rather than coming to a strict end, our conversation flowered out into a fractal proliferation of further knowledge on the subject.

Liber O is a short, quick entry-point to doing Thelemic practices. As concise as it is, we'll see what we can mine out of it by dipping deeper, and we'll also share some of our own experiences, employing its methods for Astral travel.

The so-called false Sephirah on the Tree of Life, called Da'ath, and the Magician and author Kenneth Grant, share something in common: beginners are often warned against pursuing interest in either of them, by those who feel such interest will prove unhealthy or dangerous. But Edward Mason and I will discuss Da'ath, with reference to Kenneth Grant, to see what comes through for us.

Crowley's short paper, ‘Notes for an Astral Atlas,' argues for the possibility of contact with non-human intelligences, by way of the Astral Plane. It also urges the need for both an open mind, and a persistent skepticism. We'll dip into this essay that reads like Magick's answer to David Hume.

The Holy Books of Thelema contain poetic passages that can seem at times sublime or obscure, opulent or opaque. While memorization can seal the text of such books up into one's blood, the practice of reading passages aloud in a ceremonial fashion can add a new level of engagement and interaction with these writings. Edward Mason will join me for a chat on this subject.

To quote Crowley: “Hume said that causal connexion was not merely unprovable, but unthinkable; and, in shallower waters still, one cannot assign a true reason why water should flow down hill, or sugar taste sweet in the mouth.” We'll take our first Deep Dive into David Hume's ‘Enquiry into Human Understanding' to learn more about his take on causal connection.

The Holy Guardian Angel usually begins to speak with us long before Knowledge & Conversation is attained, but this speech is often fleeting, taking the form of subtle signs, hints and experiences meaningful only to ourselves. Edward Mason and I will discuss this elusive mode of communication and interaction.

In his essay ‘Energized Enthusiasm,' Crowley posits how the divine creative energy can be tapped into, as a source of power which he calls “genius.” We'll delve into this elementary treatise on his theory and practice of sex Magick, as we kick off Season 4 of Darkly Splendid Abodes.

The Book of the Law proclaims: “Also reason is a lie; for there is a factor infinite & unknown”. What is this “infinite & unknown” factor? And how does it undermine the faculty of reason? Edward Mason and I will discuss this apparently ineffable concept, as we skirt the pit of because and flirt with the dogs of reason, in this, the final episode of our third season.

As we bring Season 3 to a close, Michael and I will once again reflect on our favourite episodes, as well as what we foresee for Season 4, in what's fast become the least-listened-to episode of every season: the Check-in episode.

Divination can be a means of obtaining guidance from forces beyond oneself. But even if one chooses the psychological model of the Universe, it can suggest insights not readily available to the conscious mind. The following workshop, presented as part of an ongoing monthly series in Toronto, explores the Divination methods of Tarot, the I Ching and of Geomancy.

Warnings about the dangers of Magick practice, and the preference for the apparently safer path of Mysticism, were as present in Crowley's day as any other. We'll take a deep-dive into Crowley's rebuttal in his paper, ‘The Dangers of Mysticism.' And we'll compare with a more modern paper from a famous 'scientific' publication.

In 1916 era vulgaris, Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung channeled what would become known as The Red Book. The visions captured in this book culminate in the appended Seven Sermons to the Dead. Edward Mason and I will discuss these Gnostic-flavored sermons, and examine some of the similarities they share with the themes of The Book of the Law.

In 8 Lectures on Yoga, Aleister Crowley attempts to pare away the gaudy veneer, and dispel the fog of superstition, that commonly obscures the fundamental practices of Yoga. We'll pick up where we left off in one of our first ever discussions, as we return to explore more of the 8 limbs.

Often Crowley speaks of his different Magical Mottos as though he's referring to different individual people, from Frater Perdurabo to V.V.V.V.V., even distinguishing his mundane self as “the man Crowley”. Edward Mason and I will discuss this “Adept Self” and how it relates to the Thelemic system, and to occultism in general.

In Magick Without Tears, Aleister Crowley talks about The Three Schools of Magick, which seem to be differing philosophical perspectives on the Universe. But they also seem to represent three factions of Magicians, each of which attempts to guide humanity based on their respective philosophical conclusions. We'll take a deep-dive into the relevant chapters as we revisit this book.

Ascended Masters? Discarnate beings? Living people hidden amongst the crowds? Crowley makes frequent reference to the Secret Chiefs, and their purported guidance of humanity by various means. Edward Mason and I will take a look at just what these entities are, and what can we say about them.

Aleister Crowley took an ancient Rite of Exorcism and repurposed it as an Invocation of one's Holy Guardian Angel. The resulting small book, Liber Samekh, also contains elucidating commentary on the nature of the Knowledge and Conversation, and on Magical Practice in general.

Patricia Crowther is hailed as one of the mothers of modern Witchcraft. Initiated by Gerald Gardner and taking the Craft Name of “Thelema,” she went on to be a key promoter of Wicca and defender of the practice of Witchcraft. We'll learn more about this icon and prolific author, as Rosemary Stehlik and I resume our study of Women of the Occult.

In the system of Thelema, the Black Brotherhood and the Left-Hand Path are technical terms with specific connotations. But it's not uncommon for people to run fast and loose with these terms, flinging them as insults at others, or making assumptions about their meaning. We'll dive into Chapter 12 from Crowley's book Magick Without Tears to find clarification on the subject.

Music from Seasons 1, 2 & 3 of the Official Podcast of Toronto Thelema, Darkly Splendid Abodes. TorontoThelema.org

Michael and I look back at our discussions this season: Crowley's Introduction to the Book of the Law, Liber Reguli: the Ritual of the Mark of the Beast, & CommentaryFrater Achad's Liber 31, Chapter 7 of The Equinox of the Gods, The appendix of Achad's Q.B.L., and Chapter 5 of Achad's The Egyptian Revival. We'll also reply to some of the comments we've received, and reflect on where we see the series going in the future.

In around 1906 era vulgaris, Aleister Crowley received a flood of inspired texts that would come to be known as some of the core Holy Books of Thelema, taking their place alongside The Book of the Law and Liber 418.Liber B vel Magi is a short text, only a couple of pages in length, which describes one of the most exalted Grades on the Tree of Life, that of the Magus. Join us as Edward Mason and I explore this brief text.

In our previous conversation we focused on Achad's appendix to his book QBL, which consisted of unedited diary notes. Part Two of our discussion moves more heavily into Chapter 5 of his Egyptian Revival, where his Qabalistic ideas ought to be worked out and implemented more clearly.

This is part two of our look at what Crowley called “the real and perfect ritual of the Hexagram.” How does it compare with the Golden Dawn's original Lesser Hexagram Ritual? What are the results of invoking Set into the Circle? Edward Mason and I continue our discussion on this uniquely Thelemic Rite.

In the appendix to his book on Qabalah, entitled "Q.B.L.", Charles Stansfeld Jones (a.k.a. Frater Achad) laid out the preliminary scheme for flipping the Paths of the Tree of Life on their head. Certainly this would court controversy, especially with his "Magical Father" Aleister Crowley; but how does this scheme look to us? We'll dive into this appendix, as well as a chapter or so from his book "The Egyptian Revival."

The Star Sapphire is Aleister Crowley's spin on the Hexagram Ritual of the Golden Dawn. First appearing in his little book of meditations entitled The Book of Lies, Falsely so-called, it joins The Star Ruby and the Mass of the Phoenix as rituals commonly associated with the Thelemic corpus. Edward Mason joins me to discuss this so-called ‘real snd perfect Ritual of the Hexagram.'

Rosaleen Norton was an Australian artist who revelled in her public image as the Witch of King's Cross. But behind this public persona was a deep and serious practitioner of Magick and mysticism. Rosemary Stehlik and I will attempt to peer into the true nature of this visionary, as well as the Pan-inspired imagery of her art, as we continue our look at Women of the Occult.

The Book of the Law made the bold claim that there was "one to come" after Aleister Crowley who would "discover the key of it all." When Charles Stansfeld Jones (aka Frater Achad) discovered the keyword "AL", it seemed to fit the bill, and Crowley was convinced this was his Magical Child predicted by the Book. Join us for Part 2 of our dive into Jones' Liber 31, wherein he expounds upon the spiritual breakthrough that led to the discovery of the Word, and the various ways the Keyword "opens the Book of the Law like a flower," to paraphrase Crowley.

For the Magician who sets out to cross the infamous Abyss, there awaits on the other side either a place in the City of the Pyramids as a Master of the Temple... or madness amongst the so-called Black Brotherhood. But just what is this Abyss of which we speak? I discuss the topic with Edward Mason in this second of a two-part series.

The Book of the Law made the bold claim that there was "one to come" after Aleister Crowley who would "discover the key of it all." When Charles Stansfeld Jones (aka Frater Achad) discovered the keyword "AL", it seemed to fit the bill, and Crowley was convinced this was his Magical Child predicted by the Book. Join us as we dive into Jones' Liber 31, wherein he expounds upon the spiritual breakthrough that led to the discovery of the Word, and the various ways the Keyword "opens the Book of the Law like a flower," to paraphrase Crowley.

An artist with a striking visual style who went by her last name, Cameron was known as a witch, a poet, and an actress. But she also saw herself as the vehicle for the incarnation of Babalon in the world, ever since Jack Parsons performed his Babalon Working and came to believe she had answered its summons. Rosemary Stehlik and I will delve into the incredible story of this hermetic yet hugely influential woman.

Liber V, or Book 5, is a Magick Ritual invoking the energies of the New Aeon, and its appended commentary elucidates Aleister Crowley's method of piercing beyond good and evil. We'll take a deep dive into this important Thelemic text.

For the Magician who sets out to cross the infamous Abyss, there awaits on the other side either a place in the City of the Pyramids as a Master of the Temple... or madness amongst the so-called Black Brotherhood. But just what is this Abyss of which we speak? I discuss the topic with Edward Mason in this first of a two-part series.

The Thoth deck is one of the most famous and influential Tarot decks ever put together, and the artist behind its explosively energetic and colourful cards was Lady Frieda Harris, a long-time friend and collaborator of Aleister Crowley. We'll pay homage to this artist, author and mystic, as Rosemary Stehlik and I continue our look at Women of the Occult.

Aleister Crowley strives to lay out the circumstances surrounding the reception of The Book of the Law in part 4 of Book Four: The Equinox of the Gods. We'll deep-dive into Chapter 7, exploring some of the proofs and synchronicities surrounding this supernaturally-delivered text.

I'm joined by Rosemary Stehlik in this inaugural episode of Women of the Occult, a series where we explore and honor the prominent and influential women who have shaped occult thought and magical practice throughout history.We'll begin with a look at Dion Fortune, influential author and founder of a Temple system.

Edward Mason and I discuss the complex god-form in The Book of the Law, Heru-ra-ha, and the corresponding Gods Hoor-paar-kraat and Ra-Hoor-Khuit, all of which fall under the umbrella of the God Horus. We'll take a look at Liber 418: The Vision & the Voice for further insight into the nature of Horus.

The Introduction written by Aleister Crowley for the Book of the Law might be described as "Thelema in a nutshell." We'll dive in and attempt to unpack this brief text.

Edward Mason and I build on our previous discussion on the subject of Color and its use in various Tarot decks and in Magick. We also drift into some tangential subjects of a Magical nature.

Michael and I look back at the texts we've delved into through our Deep Dip discussions so far, and reflect on how we've benefited from this project.Aleister Crowley's translation of the Tao Teh KingLiber de Lege LibellumJack Parsons' essay, 'Freedom is a Two-edged Sword'and Lecture Four from pt.I of Crowley's Eight Lectures on YogaPlus, our thoughts on secondary Thelemic texts, and our suggestions for newbies.