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Aiwass

Aiwass is a name that may be familiar to those who have an interest in the occult and ceremonial magic. It is said to be the name of a non-corporeal being that dictated a text known as The Book of the Law or Liber AL vel Legis to Aleister Crowley, an English occultist and ceremonial magician, in 1904. According to Crowley, he heard the voice of Aiwass on April 8, 9, and 10 of that year.

The Book of the Law is considered to be the central sacred text of Thelema, a religion founded by Crowley. The book is divided into three chapters, each spoken by the deities Nuit, Hadit, and Ra-Hoor-Khuit. Crowley claimed that the book was dictated to him by a being from beyond humanity, who identified himself as Aiwass. The text is known for its emphasis on individualism and the idea that each person has a unique destiny to fulfill.

In addition to its role in Thelema, the name Aiwass has also appeared in other contexts, such as the Toaru Majutsu no Index light novel series. In this series, Aiwass is described as being composed of AIM diffusion fields and requiring certain processes to appear. The being appears with wings and a halo, and is known for its ability to move at incredible speeds and manipulate reality.

The Origins of Aiwass

Thelema and Aleister Crowley

Aiwass is a name that is closely associated with Thelema, a religious and philosophical belief system founded by the English occultist and ceremonial magician Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century. According to Crowley, Aiwass was a non-corporeal being that he encountered during a series of mystical experiences in 1904. Crowley believed that Aiwass was a messenger of a higher power and that he had been chosen to receive a message from this entity.

The message that Aiwass delivered to Crowley was known as The Book of the Law or Liber AL vel Legis. This text became the central scripture of Thelema and laid out the basic tenets of the belief system. Aiwass was also seen as a guiding spirit for Crowley and other practitioners of Thelema, serving as a kind of personal guardian angel or higher self.

Historical Context

The origins of Aiwass and Thelema can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of great social and cultural upheaval in Europe and the United States. This was a period of rapid scientific and technological progress, but also one of spiritual crisis and disillusionment. Many people felt that traditional religious and philosophical systems had failed to provide answers to the pressing questions of the day.

In this context, many new spiritual movements and belief systems emerged, including Thelema. Crowley himself was heavily influenced by a variety of mystical and esoteric traditions, including Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and yoga. He saw Thelema as a way to synthesize these different traditions into a coherent and practical system for personal and spiritual development.

Overall, the origins of Aiwass and Thelema are complex and multifaceted, reflecting the broader cultural and historical context in which they emerged. Despite being often misunderstood and marginalized, Thelema and Aiwass continue to inspire and challenge spiritual seekers around the world.

Aiwass in Thelemic Texts

The Book of the Law

The Book of the Law, also known as Liber AL vel Legis, is a central text in Thelemic philosophy. It is said to have been dictated by a discarnate entity named Aiwass to Aleister Crowley in Cairo in 1904. The Book of the Law is not merely a text but the foundation upon which Thelema is built.

The text is comprised of three chapters, each of which was dictated on a different day. The first chapter is attributed to Nuit, the Egyptian goddess of the night sky, the second to Hadit, the Egyptian god of the sky and stars, and the third to Ra-Hoor-Khuit, an Egyptian god associated with the sun and war. The text is written in poetic language and contains numerous mystical and esoteric references.

Reception and Interpretation

The reception and interpretation of The Book of the Law has been a subject of much debate and discussion. Some have interpreted it as a call to individualism and personal freedom, while others have seen it as a call to social and political revolution. Crowley himself described the text as a message from a new Aeon, or age, in which humanity would be freed from the constraints of traditional morality and religion.

Aiwass, the entity who dictated The Book of the Law, has been variously interpreted as an angel, a demon, a god, or a manifestation of Crowley’s own subconscious. Some have even suggested that Aiwass may have been an extraterrestrial being or a member of an advanced civilization. Despite the many interpretations and controversies surrounding Aiwass and The Book of the Law, it remains a central text in Thelemic philosophy and a source of inspiration for many practitioners of magick and mysticism.

Overall, Aiwass and The Book of the Law continue to fascinate and intrigue scholars and practitioners of Thelemic philosophy, and their influence can be seen in a wide range of esoteric and occult traditions.

Cultural Impact

Influence on Occultism

Aiwass, the mysterious entity who communicated the Book of the Law to Aleister Crowley, has had a significant impact on occultism. The message conveyed by Aiwass has influenced the development of Thelema, a religious and philosophical system founded by Crowley. Thelema’s central tenet is “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” which emphasizes individualism and self-realization.

Aiwass’s message also introduced the concept of the Aeon of Horus, a new era in which humanity is encouraged to embrace individualism and reject traditional morality. This idea has had a profound influence on modern occultism and has inspired many to seek out their true will.

References in Popular Media

Aiwass has also made appearances in popular media, particularly in works of fiction that draw inspiration from occultism and Thelema. In Alan Moore’s comic book series “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” Aiwass is portrayed as a powerful being who serves as a guide to the main character, Allan Quatermain.

In the video game “Persona 5,” Aiwass is referenced as a powerful persona that can be summoned by the player character. The persona’s abilities are based on the concept of individualism and self-realization, reflecting the influence of Thelema on the game’s design.

Overall, Aiwass’s influence on occultism and popular culture has been significant, inspiring many to explore the concepts of individualism and self-realization in their own lives.

Controversies and Debates

Authenticity and Skepticism

Aiwass and the works of Aleister Crowley have been the subject of much skepticism and criticism. Some scholars argue that Crowley fabricated the entire experience and that Aiwass was nothing more than a figment of his imagination. Others suggest that Crowley was under the influence of drugs or other mind-altering substances at the time of the experience, which may have influenced his perception of reality.

Despite the controversy surrounding Aiwass, there are those who believe in the authenticity of Crowley’s experience. They argue that the messages delivered by Aiwass are too complex and profound to have been fabricated by Crowley alone. Furthermore, the fact that Crowley went on to found the religion of Thelema and write numerous books on the subject suggests that he was deeply affected by his encounter with Aiwass.

Theological Implications

The teachings of Aiwass and Thelema have sparked a great deal of controversy among theologians and religious scholars. Some argue that the religion is nothing more than a form of Satanism, while others suggest that it represents a new and unique form of spirituality.

One of the most controversial aspects of Thelema is its emphasis on individualism and self-discovery. The religion encourages individuals to seek their own path in life and to reject the constraints of society and traditional religion. This has led some to criticize Thelema as a form of narcissism or selfishness.

Despite the controversy surrounding Thelema, there are those who view it as a legitimate and meaningful form of spirituality. They argue that the religion provides a framework for individuals to explore their own spirituality and to connect with a higher power in a way that is meaningful to them.

In conclusion, the controversy and debates surrounding Aiwass and Thelema are likely to continue for many years to come. While some view the religion as a form of Satanism or narcissism, others see it as a legitimate and meaningful form of spirituality. Regardless of one’s opinion, it is clear that Aiwass and Thelema have left an indelible mark on the world of religion and spirituality.

Comparative Analysis

Similar Entities in Other Systems

Aiwass is a complex entity that has been compared to various other entities in different systems. Some scholars have compared Aiwass to the Egyptian god Horus, as both entities have been described as having the head of a hawk. Others have compared Aiwass to the Greek god Hermes, as both entities are associated with communication and knowledge.

Aiwass and Hermetic Qabalah

In Hermetic Qabalah, Aiwass is often associated with the sephirah of Tiphareth, which represents the divine consciousness and the balance between the spiritual and material worlds. Aiwass is also associated with the path of Aleph, which represents the unity of all things and the connection between the divine and the human.

Overall, the comparative analysis of Aiwass reveals the complexity of this entity and its connections to various other entities in different systems. While there are similarities between Aiwass and other entities, it is important to recognize the unique qualities of Aiwass and its significance in the system of Thelema.