The Tradition, Innovations and Fundamentals in Western Esotericism: Aleister Crowley’s Case

Religious fundamentalism, modernism, and traditionalism are paradigmatically and dialectically connected phenomena requiring systemic study, and Western esotericism is an area where they intertwine. Examining Aleister Crowley's occult system Thelema—a pronounced example from the 'occult revival' that includes ceremonial magic, theosophy, and integral traditionalism—the article finds that Crowley constructs an 'Ancient Tradition' through intercultural symbol translation based on Christian Kabbalah, comprehended philosophically, scientifically, and gnostically. In the conceptual field of fundamentalism-tradition-modernism, Thelema occupies a unique configuration with characteristics of each vertex, a conclusion potentially applicable to Western esotericism as a whole.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, studies of religion conducted within the conceptual matrix “fundamentalism - tradition - modernism” are extremely relevant. Religious fundamentalism, modernism and traditionalism are paradigmatically and dialectically connected phenomena that require the systemic study. Western esotericism is an area where these phenomena intertwine. The article examines the esoteric teachings related to “occult revival” (ceremonial magic, theosophy, integral traditionalism). The main object of study is Aleister Crowley’s “Thelema”, taken as a pronounced and influential occult system. Content. The article, taking into account the historical and cultural context, examines Crowley’s ideas about the magical tradition, his ingenious esoteric synthesis and eschatology. The task has been completed to compare Thelema with other esoteric movements and to analyze the relationship between traditions and innovations, the typical and the individual aspects of Crowley’s teachings. It is noted that Crowley constructs “The Ancient Tradition” using the method of intercultural translation of symbols based on Christian Kabbalah; The Tradition is being comprehended in philosophical, scientific, and gnostic ways; in the religious and political aspect, Thelema contains a prophetic revelation of a global paradigm change. Conclusions. As a result of the study, it is concluded that in the conceptual field of “fundamentalism - tradition - modernism” Crowley’s teaching occupies a unique configuration, having the characteristics of each triangle vertices. This conclusion is potentially applicable to Western esotericism as a whole. The study has prospects for a broader comparative analysis of major esoteric movements of the twentieth century.