Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley's System of Magick

“The most thorough and understandable exposition of the underlying theories and the practical applications of the spiritual disciplines of Thelema currently available. A landmark work.” —Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Magick of Aleister Crowley

The system of spiritual attainment developed by Aleister Crowley is notoriously challenging in its scope. Living Thelema, adapted from the popular podcast of the same name, brings a welcome approachability to Crowley’s material, without diminishing the depth of the system. The author focuses on the practical and experiential aspects of the path of Thelema, allowing the reader to grasp the true transformative power of the system.

Beginners and advanced practitioners alike will find much useful advice here, as Shoemaker brings his characteristic down-to-earth style to bear on topics such as ritual and meditation practices, sex magick, astral projection, psychotherapy for magicians, the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, and that pinnacle of attainment known as the crossing of the Abyss.

The author’s background as a practicing psychotherapist allows an entirely unique fusion of esoteric wisdom and cognitive science.

“In this entertaining and (dare I say it?) lively book, David Shoemaker reminds us that Thelema is not just a philosophy or a study but a spiritual practice. From applied ‘how to’ advice to thought-provoking ‘how about’ posers, Dr. Shoemaker offers his personal take—informed by twenty years of walking the talk, along with his incisiveness as a professional therapist—on how to get the most out of the fundamental Thelemic practices of yoga and ritual, both inside and outside of the temple.” —Richard Kaczynski, author of Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley

1116110363
Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley's System of Magick

“The most thorough and understandable exposition of the underlying theories and the practical applications of the spiritual disciplines of Thelema currently available. A landmark work.” —Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Magick of Aleister Crowley

The system of spiritual attainment developed by Aleister Crowley is notoriously challenging in its scope. Living Thelema, adapted from the popular podcast of the same name, brings a welcome approachability to Crowley’s material, without diminishing the depth of the system. The author focuses on the practical and experiential aspects of the path of Thelema, allowing the reader to grasp the true transformative power of the system.

Beginners and advanced practitioners alike will find much useful advice here, as Shoemaker brings his characteristic down-to-earth style to bear on topics such as ritual and meditation practices, sex magick, astral projection, psychotherapy for magicians, the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, and that pinnacle of attainment known as the crossing of the Abyss.

The author’s background as a practicing psychotherapist allows an entirely unique fusion of esoteric wisdom and cognitive science.

“In this entertaining and (dare I say it?) lively book, David Shoemaker reminds us that Thelema is not just a philosophy or a study but a spiritual practice. From applied ‘how to’ advice to thought-provoking ‘how about’ posers, Dr. Shoemaker offers his personal take—informed by twenty years of walking the talk, along with his incisiveness as a professional therapist—on how to get the most out of the fundamental Thelemic practices of yoga and ritual, both inside and outside of the temple.” —Richard Kaczynski, author of Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley

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Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley's System of Magick

Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley's System of Magick

Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley's System of Magick

Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley's System of Magick

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Overview

“The most thorough and understandable exposition of the underlying theories and the practical applications of the spiritual disciplines of Thelema currently available. A landmark work.” —Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Magick of Aleister Crowley

The system of spiritual attainment developed by Aleister Crowley is notoriously challenging in its scope. Living Thelema, adapted from the popular podcast of the same name, brings a welcome approachability to Crowley’s material, without diminishing the depth of the system. The author focuses on the practical and experiential aspects of the path of Thelema, allowing the reader to grasp the true transformative power of the system.

Beginners and advanced practitioners alike will find much useful advice here, as Shoemaker brings his characteristic down-to-earth style to bear on topics such as ritual and meditation practices, sex magick, astral projection, psychotherapy for magicians, the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, and that pinnacle of attainment known as the crossing of the Abyss.

The author’s background as a practicing psychotherapist allows an entirely unique fusion of esoteric wisdom and cognitive science.

“In this entertaining and (dare I say it?) lively book, David Shoemaker reminds us that Thelema is not just a philosophy or a study but a spiritual practice. From applied ‘how to’ advice to thought-provoking ‘how about’ posers, Dr. Shoemaker offers his personal take—informed by twenty years of walking the talk, along with his incisiveness as a professional therapist—on how to get the most out of the fundamental Thelemic practices of yoga and ritual, both inside and outside of the temple.” —Richard Kaczynski, author of Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781633412668
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
Publication date: 12/01/2022
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 288
File size: 2 MB

About the Author

David Shoemaker is a clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in Jungian and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. David is the Chancellor and Prolocutor of the Temple of the Silver Star (totss.org), a ceremonial and initiatory order based on the principles of Thelema, Qabalistic psychology, and similar traditions. He is also a long-standing member of Ordo Templi Orientis and A.’.A.’. In addition to his work in magick and psychology, David is a composer and musician. Learn more about David and Thelema by visiting livingthelema.com.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ix

Foreword xi

Introduction xv

Part 1 Tools for the Journey 1

An Introduction to the Qabalah 3

The Holy Guardian Angel 13

The True Mil 21

Getting Started with a Basic Magical Regimen 27

The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram 37

The Lesser & Greater Rituals of the Hexagram 43

Liber Resh vel Helios 49

Methods of Ritual Construction 55

Asana & Pranayama 73

Meditation & Visualization Practices 79

Astral Projection & the Control of the Body of Light 87

Devotional Practices 93

Liber Samekh & the Invocation of the Holy Guardian Angel 99

Sexual Magick & Sexual Mysticism 107

Part 2 Perspectives on the Path of Attainment 119

The Methods & Tools of A.A. 121

Tarot & the Path of Initiation 133

Initiation & Tetragrammaton 149

The Chakras 155

The Role of the Ego in the Great Work 163

The Formulas of L.V.X. and N.O.X 171

The Right Use of Magical Power 179

21st Century Alchemy: The Science & Art of Mystery 185

Practical Applications of Alchemical Symbolism 201

Part 3 Life Outside the Temple 207

Patterns & Cycles in Magical Practice 209

Dream work 215

Relationships 221

Qabalistic Coping Skills 227

Psychotherapy 233

The Anima & Animus 239

Cognitive Therapy for Magicians 245

Conclusion 253

"The Light of Life" Soror Meral 255

About the Author 257

Organizational Contacts 259

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