What can people tell me about Aleister Crowley and his work?

Question

This is a Jumble of questions I have about the man. I know he was a British occultist and an influential man but I need more details because I want to use him as a major part for a project for school. I would appreciate unbiased answers.
1, What are the basic principal of Thelema
2. Did he serve the British at all
3. What are the his political views (PLEASE BE UNBIASED!)
4. Was he considered evil during his life time and is he considered good now(This part is important)
5. Was he ever married?
6. Did he really enjoy being a controversial figure?
7.Who coined his nickname "Most wickedest man alive"?
8. Is Thelema still practiced today?
I know a lot of these could be found on Wikipedia but I don't entirely trust Wiki so much. I would also note that I don't think he was evil just a very unique man, but I've been wrong before so just need to fact check

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

1. Basic principle of Thelema is "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." (AL I/40) but many do not understand full principle of this law, which is further explained "For pure will, unassuaged of purpose, delivered from the lust of result, is every way perfect." (AL I/44)
2. Yes, he was British intelligence agent.
3. There is no written document about Crowley's political views, but I think in a light of Thelema, that he was some sort of Liberal.
4. Good and evil are in the eye of the beholder. But I can tell that all sort of freedoms that he practiced at the time was considered evil. Today lot of things like gay sex, exploring various religious practices and philosophic views are not evil in most of modern world.
5. Yes, he was maried to Rose Edith Kelly.
6. I think so, he even encouraged such a behavior.
7. It was Sunday Express, a tabloid.
8. Yes Thelema is practiced today among numerous Thelemites who hold Liber Legis or The Book of the Law their holy book. "Who calls us Thelemites will do no wrong, if he look but close into the word." (AL I/40)

Source(s):

http://www.magick4life.com/aleister-crowley/
http://www.sacred-texts.com/oto/engccxx.htm
http://www.rense.com/general82/crowl.htm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/5407318/Aleister-Crowleys-lives.html

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thank you for your help I owe you

Answer 2

He may have been described as the most wickedest man alive but he didn't get other people to do his work for him! Find an autobiography or two, order it from the library, read it. Then it will be your project and not mine.

Source(s):

http://www.amazon.co.uk/mn/search/?_enco…

Answer 3

Okay the guys beliefs were garbage, what else do you want to know? It was just idiotic satanic demonic filth. The jokes on people who buy into that junk.