The Two Novels of Aleister Crowley

Aleister Crowley is best known for his work in the occult, his writings on Magick, and creating the religion of Thelema. He was a giant of his time with many talents and, some argue, many flaws as well. Of all his gifts, his writing was the vehicle that drove his genius. His Book of the Law and other mystical works are widely read by students of occult philosophy. Few, however, are familiar with his more artistic endeavors, including his two literary novels: Diary of a Drug Fiend & Moonchild.For whatever reason, stories help readers integrate and understand larger themes and ideas present in the narrative. Perhaps that is why people look to allegories like Cain and Abel when trying to understand the nature of murder, or recite The Boy Who Cried Wolf when teaching their children not to lie. The truths appearing in fiction take no intellectual effort to grasp; they work subtly on the reader's mind in a way that is easier to digest than the cold, hard philosopher's stone. The great religions of the world understand this. Crowley took note as well. His two novels carry the message of Thelema. The characters and themes in the books were imagined and created to dramatize and illustrate its practice. The reader sees Thelema in action and learns of Crowley's broader beliefs and philosophy as the drama unfolds. "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law; Love is the law, love under will." A short phrase with monumental import. In Diary of a Drug Fiend, Crowley shows its power to bring two hopeless addicts out of a pit of hell. In Moonchild, he demonstrates the fate of those who would misinterpret its meaning and be seduced by the temptations of Black Magick. Whether intended or not, The Two Novels of Aleister Crowley provide a more compelling case for his beliefs than his other works ever could.