Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The Holy Books of Thelema
The Holy Books of Thelema are the chief legacy of their scribe - English writer, mystic, and ceremonial magician, Aleister Crowley (1875-1947).
Penned between 1907 and 1911, the principal value of the Books to us, Crowley’s heirs, lies not in their considerable literary merit, but rather in the insight and illumination these books yield on each reading. Written, as they were, on the most exalted planes of spiritual experience, they have a way of unfolding within the reader.
They afford far more than information or instruction - they give access to the source of the scribe’s genius, and can awaken, as if by sympathetic resonance, promptings towards similar experiences in the receptive reader.
The most important of the Holy Books is the founding document of Thelema – Liber AL vel Legis, or The Book of the Law. It is the book that most clearly illustrates the philosophy of Thelema.
Thelema may be described as the Law of Liberty, its aim being the absolute and perfect freedom of every individual.
Thelema is a Greek word that means “Will.” A commonly used phrase from our Holy Books is: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.”
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law
This refers to the importance of discovering one's unique path to true wisdom and perfect happiness. The Order is, necessarily, protective of the individual rights and freedoms of all people irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, social status, etc.
Thelema is at once a philosophy, a social model, a magical system, and a religion. It is not unique to the OTO; its influence can be found in the disruptions we see around the world in institutionalised religions, philosophies and social thought. Those drawn to our Order are those spiritual seekers who value personal enquiry, and a high level of discernment, courage and love in their spiritual quests.
The OTO was first incorporated in New Zealand in 1986, and it has local bodies throughout the country. See our contact page and be sure to get in touch.