The Holy Books of Thelema

"The Holy Books of Thelema" contain some of the most beautiful, insightful prose I have ever read...comparable to the writings of the ancient gnostics or the poetry of William Blake. This Book, as well as the writings of Crowley in general are highly recommended, especially "The Book of the Law", "The Book of Lies", "The Confessions of Aleister Crowley", and "The Vision and the Voice. For comparable writings...see "The Nag Hammadi Library", Carl Jung's "Seven Sermons to the Dead", and "The Holy Fire of St. Michael" by Richard Michael Willoughby.

These essays are simply beyond rational criticism. They are Holy Books, which means (to those unfamiliar with Thelema) they are written through the Prophet (Crowley) by the Gods. They are written from Beyond the Abyss. They cannot be rationally understood.The poetry, especially in Liber Cordis, is unbelievably brilliant. There is nothing in the whole of occult literature that matches it, except for Liber AL itself (which is of course included). The introduction by the late Frater Superior of the OTO gives those new to Thelema a detailed description of the history of the writing of the various compilations dubbed "The Holy Books", and a description of the circumstances surrounding the reception of "The Book of the Law". The book includes Liber Causae (which is not a Holy Book), describing the foundation story of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and its subsequent dissolution (it is, however, reincarnated in various forms these days).If you have money to spend on a religious or mystical book, this is definately THE one to buy.

The Holy books of Thelema stand quite apart from the technical works Crowley wrote throughout his life. They were "received" or channeled if you will, rather than developed by Crowley's ego (by which I mean his mortal psyche). Every Liber is a gem, proving to anyone who reads them with an open mind that Crowley was a true prophet. Within you will find not only the Book of the Law, but the Liber Lapis Lazuli and the Book of the Heart Gird Round by the Serpent. The latter is a spiritual masterpiece equal to Liber AL. I reccomend that the Holy Books be read slowly, perhaps a passage at a time. That way, they'll sink in.

The Holy Books of Thelema are Aleister Crowley's legacy to his heirs; that is, all those who may call themselves Thelemites. Written in high trance upon exalted planes of spiritual experience, through Crowley rather than by him, the words have an uncanny way of taking the reader "along for the ride". As such, while they are valuable as literary works of art in their own right, these writings can awaken similar experiences in the intuitive, initiated reader upon each successive reading. Includes the quintessential Thelemic Holy Book, Liber AL vel Legis and the holotype ms. Liber L. A must for the Magickal library of all Thelemites.

Despite some typographical errors and the fact that the editors chose the earliest instead of the latest rescensions of several books, this book is a worthy addition to the library of anyone truly interested in comparative Spirituality, even if they are not especially interested in Aleister Crowley's Thelemic cultus. Aleister Crowley never surpassed his own Thelemic "holy books," about which he was uncharacteristically silent, especially the Book of the Heart Girt about by the Serpent and the Book of the Freed or the Blue Stone, which are as beautiful and profound as the greatest Spiritual literature of any time or people. Many will find some sections, especially the Book of the Law, disturbing, but closer scrutiny will reveal a deep penetration of many difficult Spiritual questions which are not satisfactorily resolved in many other religions, and a keen and penetrating insight into the brutalities of the 21st century, which mark the necessary Next Step in a transition to a new and a greater civilization. Now the Holy Books need to be reissued in a truly critical edition, with alternative readings, footnotes, appendices explaining all of the allusions, and a comprehensive book, chapter, and verse index.