Topic: Thelema

The concept of "Will" is a central pillar of 20th-century philosophy and occultism, from Aleister Crowley’s Thelema to Friedrich Nietzsche’s "Will to Power." Michael Hoffman’s "Twilight Language" identifies the name "Willard" (as in Mitt Romney) as a signifier for one who is willful. This focus on the human will is traced back to medieval theologians like Duns Scotus and is viewed as a defining characteristic of the modern era.

Bennett discusses the 16th-century monk and alchemist Francois Rabelais, who wrote about "Herb Pantagruelion," a coded name for cannabis. Rabelais' concept of the Abbey of Thelema and its law, "Do as thou wilt," predated Aleister Crowley's use of the phrase by centuries. Bennett explains how he had to learn the "language of the birds" to decode Rabelais' esoteric writing style.

The concept of "True Will" is defined as an individual's highest potential, comparable to the "will of God" in traditional prayer. Churton clarifies that Crowley's famous maxim, "Do what thou wilt," is not a license for chaos but a recipe for right living through the discovery of one's inherent purpose. This ethical framework focuses on self-discipline and the achievement of internal mastery rather than simple hedonism.

The host recaps the interview and previews additional topics covered in the "Plus" version of the episode, including Gnostic influences on Aleister Crowley and Thelema. The discussion extends to the occult belief systems of the elite, the "binding spell" placed on Donald Trump by a coven of witches, and the suppression of Gnostic groups throughout history. Other mentioned topics include the Dalai Lama, portals, and the Gnostic narratives found in the HBO series Westworld.

The number 93 is identified as a significant Thelemic value representing "divine will," which Michael Joseph links to the symbolic sacrifice of Flight 93. The discussion moves to the Black Cube of Saturn, found in Mecca and at the base of the Freedom Tower, as a symbol of the material prison. By adding gold trim or inverting the cube, elites symbolically signal their intent to alchemically overcome the Demiurge and achieve unity with the Monad.

Gordon White offers a defense of Aleister Crowley, describing him as the best magician the West has produced in centuries. He dismisses the idea that the elite are "ushering in" the Aeon of Horus, stating that such shifts occur regardless of human intent. White portrays Crowley as a complex adventurer, spy, and artist whose work operates on multiple enigmatic levels.

The discussion transitions to the study of Thelema and practical magic, referencing previous guests like Lon Milo DuQuette and Simon Parks. Dr. David Shoemaker is introduced as a clinical psychologist and high-ranking member of the OTO and AA who specializes in Jungian psychotherapy. The host notes that the segment will focus on the practical application of magical vocabulary and the differences between various occult organizations.

The concept of "Do what thou wilt" is clarified as the pursuit of one's "True Will" or essential life purpose rather than mere hedonism. Dr. Shoemaker explains that living in accordance with this internal nature allows the universe to function like a healthy ecosystem. The philosophy is compared to a practical version of Taoism, utilizing Western magical tools to align individual actions with the natural flow of the universe.

Dr. Shoemaker addresses the lack of quality control in occult publishing and the importance of grounded, practical instruction over purely historical or philosophical study. He advocates for a behavioral science approach to magic, where practitioners perform rituals and record results without preconceived notions. This method avoids "front-loading" experiences and allows for a unique, naive discovery of the practice's value.

Dr. Shoemaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy, balanced personality through tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a foundation for intense magical work. He warns that a "wrecked" personal life can hinder spiritual progress. The segment concludes with a list of resources, including LivingThelema.com, the International College of Thelema (intcot.org), and the Ordo Templi Orientis (oto.org).

The conversation explores the Thelemic law "Do what thou wilt," clarifying that it is a mandate to discover one's "True Will" rather than a license for indulgence. Duquette explains that every individual has a unique function in the grand scheme, comparing a person's life path to a planet's orbit. This fulfillment of purpose is referred to as the "Great Work," where every micro-moment and action contributes to a larger cosmic necessity.