There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt

There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt

Aleister Crowley, the infamous occultist and self-proclaimed "Great Beast 666," is perhaps best known for his motto, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." This phrase, often shortened to simply "Do what thou wilt," has become synonymous with Crowley's philosophy of Thelema, a spiritual and philosophical system that he developed in the early 20th century.

At first glance, the phrase "Do what thou wilt" may seem to advocate for a hedonistic and selfish approach to life, encouraging individuals to indulge in their every desire without regard for the consequences. However, a deeper understanding of Crowley's teachings reveals a more nuanced interpretation of this seemingly libertine motto.

In the context of Thelema, "Do what thou wilt" does not mean giving in to base desires or acting impulsively. Instead, it is a call to discover and fulfill one's true will, or purpose, in life. According to Crowley, each individual has a unique destiny or calling that they must strive to fulfill, and this can only be achieved by following one's innermost desires and instincts.