Otherworld Podcast Summary: The Life of Aleister Crowley Pt 1: "The Great Beast"
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Introduction
In the premiere episode of the five-part series "The Life of Aleister Crowley," host Jack Wagner delves into the enigmatic and controversial life of Aleister Crowley, famously dubbed "The Great Beast" and "the wickedest man in the world." Joined by researcher Wolf Fleetwood Ross, Wagner embarks on an exploration of Crowley's multifaceted existence as an occultist, poet, mountaineer, provocateur, and revolutionary thinker whose legacy continues to influence modern culture, spirituality, and the arts.
Early Life and Background
Aleister Crowley was born Edward Crowley on October 12, 1875, into a wealthy family deeply entrenched in the Plymouth Brethren, a strict Christian sect. His upbringing in this austere religious environment heavily influenced his later rebellion against conventional spirituality.
Notable Quote:
Wolf Fleetwood Ross explains Crowley’s birthmarks: “He was born with four hairs on his chest in the shape of a swastika... he was also born with a veil of afterbirth on his face, which is indicative of great magical abilities according to him.” [17:24]
Challenging Childhood
Crowley's childhood was marked by strict religious indoctrination and severe disciplinary measures. His father, a fervent preacher, often engaged in aggressive evangelism, attempting to convert strangers on the street. This oppressive environment, combined with rigid rules that excluded drinking, celebrations, and personal freedoms, fostered Crowley’s early resentment and desire for rebellion.
Notable Quote:
"He was born into what I would call, like, a super Christian cult. So no one drank... Crowley's parents were part of the most hardcore sect." [19:46]
Education and Rebellion
At the age of 15, Crowley began attending boarding schools run by the Plymouth Brethren, where he faced harsh punishments and possibly abuse. These experiences catalyzed his transformation into a free thinker. A pivotal figure during this time was Charles Douglas, a non-religious tutor who introduced Crowley to smoking, drinking, gambling, and poetry, significantly broadening his horizons.
Notable Quote:
"Crowley would steal money from his mother and go visit village prostitutes all the time... He would deny it, and that servant was fired for lying." [37:03]
Adolescence and Early Rebellion
Crowley’s adolescence was characterized by acts of defiance against his strict upbringing. He engaged in sexual escapades, including with servants and prostitutes, as a means to sever ties with his religious roots. His mother’s derogatory references to him as "the Beast" further fueled his association with dark and rebellious identities.
Notable Quote:
"During his vacations from boarding school, his mother would refer to him as the Beast. Crowley took the name of the beast because his mother scolded him with it." [30:49]
Trinity College and Ascendant Ambitions
At 20, Crowley entered Trinity College, Cambridge, where he received substantial financial support, estimated between $5 to $12 million in today’s dollars. Despite excelling academically, he chose not to complete his degree, viewing the final examinations as unnecessary. Instead, he immersed himself in poetry, publishing numerous expensive, avant-garde works that often contained shocking and taboo content.
Notable Quote:
"He proudly claimed that his poetry was so expensive that it couldn't reach the masses, which he believed was why he was never a famous poet." [60:36]
Spiritual Awakening and Occult Pursuits
A transformative experience occurred on New Year's night in Copenhagen, which Crowley described as a blend of horror and spiritual ecstasy. This event solidified his belief in his magical abilities and set him on a path to engage deeply with the occult.
Notable Quotes:
"I was awakened to the knowledge that I possessed a magical means of becoming conscious of and satisfying a part of my nature..." [50:59]
"My animal nature stood rebuked and kept silence in the presence of the imminent divinity of the Holy Ghost..." [50:59]
Introduction to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
Crowley’s quest for deeper magical knowledge led him to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a prestigious occult society. Demonstrating exceptional aptitude, he quickly mastered practices like astral projection, earning the respect and mentorship of George Cecil Jones. This initiation marked the beginning of his formal involvement in structured occultism.
Notable Quote:
"Crowley could astral project and fall asleep faster than anyone they'd seen before." [68:35]
Complex Relationships and Personal Life
Throughout his life, Crowley maintained tumultuous relationships, including a significant partnership with Oscar Ecclestein, a renowned rock climber and Crowley’s mentor. Their bond was centered around climbing and intellectual pursuits, but it eventually dissolved as Crowley’s obsession with the occult grew.
Notable Quote:
"Crowley was constantly having sex and publishing extremely expensive poetry books that nobody was reading at the time." [61:43]
Conclusion
Part 1 of "The Great Beast" sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Aleister Crowley's life, highlighting his early struggles, rebellion against religious constraints, academic pursuits, and burgeoning fascination with the occult. Through engaging dialogue and detailed research, Jack Wagner and Wolf Fleetwood Ross paint a vivid portrait of a man whose complex personality and relentless quest for power and knowledge made him a legendary, albeit controversial, figure in the realms of magic and spirituality.
End of Part 1.
Next Steps
Listeners interested in continuing Crowley’s intricate journey are encouraged to subscribe to Otherworld’s Patreon, where the remaining four episodes of the series are available. Additional content, including video discussions between Jack and Wolf, provides deeper insights into Crowley’s enduring legacy.
Join the conversation and unlock exclusive content by visiting Patreon.com/Otherworld.
This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, and insights from "The Life of Aleister Crowley Pt 1: 'The Great Beast'" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.