Liber OZ

"Liber OZ", also known as "Book 77" and The Book of the Goat is a single-page declaration authored by the English occultist Aleister Crowley in 1941. This text, initially published as a leaflet or broadside, was pivotal in Crowley's philosophy of Thelema. It delineates the fundamental rights of individuals as viewed through the lens of that spiritual and social movement which he founded in the early 20th century. Thelema emphasizes the principle of individual will as its core tenet.

Liber OZ is divided into five succinct paragraphs, each addressing different aspects of human rights: moral, bodily, mental, sexual, and the right to safeguard these freedoms, including the controversial assertion of tyrannicide. Crowley's aim was to encapsulate the principles of Thelema in a manner that was direct and accessible, describing the "O.T.O. plan in words of one syllable". It is one of the last and shortest of the books known as the Libri of Aleister Crowley.

The creation of Liber OZ took place during the tumultuous period of World War II, underscoring the significance Crowley placed on the assertion of personal liberties amidst global conflict. This historical backdrop highlights the urgency of Crowley's message. The text draws from earlier initiation lectures and teachings within Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), a fraternal organization focused on the study and practice of Western esotericism and Thelema.

Liber OZ encapsulates Crowley's vision of a society where individuals are free to pursue their True Will without external interference. It remains an essential document within Thelemic practice, continuing to influence contemporary interpretations of Crowley's work and the broader movement of modern occultism. This declaration stands as a profound statement on the intrinsic rights of individuals, reflecting Crowley's enduring commitment to personal and spiritual liberty.

Historical context

Liber OZ was written during World War II, a period characterized by intense global conflict and significant social upheaval. This era's historical backdrop is essential for understanding the urgency and significance of Crowley's message. The war influenced Crowley's emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, as he witnessed widespread violations of human liberties under various totalitarian regimes, most notably those led by Adolf Hitler.

Adolf Hitler's regime was notorious for its severe persecution of various minority groups, including Jews, Romani people, and political dissidents. Particularly relevant to Crowley's work, the Nazi regime also aggressively targeted the LGBT community. Thousands of gay men were arrested, and many were sent to concentration camps, where they faced brutal treatment and death. Crowley, who was openly bisexual, found this persecution particularly abhorrent.

Hitler also banned Thelema in Germany, and Crowley's close student and eventual successor Karl Germer (1885–1962) was arrested by the Gestapo on 13 February 1935 in Leipzig and incarcerated. He was first held at the Columbia-Haus prison in Berlin before being transferred to the Esterwegen concentration camp on the Dutch Frontier where thousands of political dissidents were imprisoned by the Nazis, where he remained for seven months and was subjected to solitary confinement. He would be transferred to several other concentration camps before eventually being released in February 1941.

The impact of World War II on personal freedoms and the oppressive nature of many wartime governments inspired Crowley to create a text that explicitly delineated the rights he believed were fundamental to every individual. During this time, Crowley was actively involved in promoting his philosophical and spiritual ideas, making Liber OZ a critical document in his later work.

Crowley's involvement with Ordo Templi Orientis, a fraternal organization dedicated to the study and practice of esotericism and Thelema, was instrumental in the formulation of Liber OZ. The principles articulated in this text draw heavily from earlier initiation lectures and teachings within O.T.O., reflecting Crowley's long-standing commitment to these ideals.

Crowley wrote the piece for Louis Wilkinson in order to convey as simply as possible the "O.T.O. plan in words of one syllable" broken down into "five sections: moral, bodily, mental, sexual, and the safeguard tyrannicide...". It was first published "by the O.T.O. at the Abbey of Thelema, Rainbow Valley, Palomar Mountains, California. And at Hanover Square, London, W.1. An Ixv Sol in 0° Capricornus"—Published on the 21st of December, 1941.

Detailed analysis

Prelude

Liber OZ opens with the provocative phrase "There is no god but man", encapsulating the essence of Thelemic philosophy. This bold declaration emphasizes the divinity within each individual and the supremacy of personal will, challenging traditional religious beliefs. By placing humanity at the center of spiritual experience, Crowley underscores the importance of self-determination and personal freedom, setting the stage for the rights and freedoms outlined in OZ.

Moral rights

Liber OZ begins by affirming the right of every individual to live by their own law. This principle is foundational in Thelemic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy and self-determination. Crowley believed that each person must discover and follow their True Will, unimpeded by external constraints. This right to moral autonomy is seen as essential for the realization of one's true potential and spiritual growth.

Bodily rights

The second section addresses bodily rights, asserting that individuals have the right to live where they will and to move about the earth as they desire. This reflects Thelema's emphasis on physical freedom and the importance of personal sovereignty over one's own body. Crowley viewed these rights as integral to the pursuit of one's True Will, allowing individuals to seek environments and experiences that facilitate their spiritual and personal development.

Mental rights

Crowley then enumerates mental and expressive rights, including the freedom to think, speak, write, draw, paint, carve, etch, mold, build, and dress as one wills. These rights underscore the significance of intellectual and creative freedom, allowing individuals to express themselves fully and authentically. Crowley believed that unrestricted creative expression was crucial for the exploration and realization of the True Will.

Sexual rights

The fourth section of Liber OZ deals with sexual rights, proclaiming the individual's right to love when, where, and with whom they will. Crowley's views on sexual freedom were progressive for his time, advocating for the liberation of sexual expression as a vital aspect of personal and spiritual development. As an openly bisexual man, Crowley's emphasis on sexual freedom also served as a direct counter to the oppressive sexual norms and persecutions of his time. Alan Turing's sentencing just eleven years later in March 1952 for homosexuality, which was then illegal in Britain, and his posthumous pardon in 2013, highlight the pervasive oppression of LGBT individuals during this era and the long-delayed recognition of equal rights.

Safeguard tyrannicide

Finally, Crowley addresses the right to safeguard these freedoms, including the controversial assertion of tyrannicide. This section implies that individuals have the right to protect their fundamental liberties, even to the extent of taking extreme measures against those who would thwart these rights. This reflects Crowley's radical stance on personal autonomy and resistance to oppression, and it underscores the importance he placed on the active defense of one's personal and spiritual freedoms.

Textual references

Liber OZ holds a prominent place within the corpus of Thelemic literature and is referenced across various key texts of Thelema. Its principles resonate with the central themes of personal liberty and self-realization that underpin the philosophy of Thelema.

• The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis): The core scripture of Thelema, received and written down by Aleister Crowley in 1904, sets forth the fundamental maxim: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." This foundational text emphasizes the discovery and fulfillment of one's true will, which aligns with the rights enumerated in Liber OZ.Liber AL advocates for personal freedom and self-determination, principles that are explicitly articulated in OZ.
• The Equinox: OZ is featured and discussed in The Equinox: The Review of Scientific Illuminism, Vol. 3, No. 10, published posthumously in 1990. This periodical serves as the official organ of the A∴A∴ and later of the O.T.O. This volume includes essays, rituals, and commentaries that explore the philosophical and practical aspects of Thelema.
• Magick Without Tears: In a collection of Crowley's letters written to his students, Crowley expands on the principles of Thelema in a more accessible and explanatory format. He addresses questions about the nature of will, freedom, and the application of Thelemic laws in everyday life. The rights outlined in OZ are echoed throughout these letters, as Crowley explains the importance of personal liberty and the necessity of safeguarding these freedoms against external oppression.
• The Law is for All: This volume contains Crowley's comprehensive commentary on The Book of the Law. In this text, Crowley elucidates the deeper meanings of the verses and their practical implications. The rights proclaimed in OZ are contextualized within the broader framework of Thelemic doctrine, highlighting the integral role these freedoms play in the pursuit of one's true will.

These references in core Thelemic texts underscore the significance of Liber OZ within the Thelemic tradition.

Reception and influence

Liber OZ has been influential within the Thelemic community and has generated considerable discussion among scholars of esotericism. It is regarded as one of Crowley's most direct and powerful statements on the rights of the individual. The reception of this text highlights its enduring relevance and impact on modern interpretations of Thelema.

Within the Thelemic community, Liber OZ is celebrated for its concise and emphatic articulation of fundamental human rights. It has been widely disseminated and is often displayed in Thelemic temples and spaces as a declaration of the freedoms that Thelema espouses. The document serves as a rallying point for those who advocate for personal liberty and self-determination, reinforcing the core Thelemic principle of "Do what thou wilt".

Academically, Liber OZ has been the subject of numerous analyses and critiques. Scholars have explored its philosophical underpinnings, its historical context, and its implications for contemporary issues of freedom and human rights. Some have praised Crowley for his forward-thinking views on autonomy and expression, while others have critiqued the text for its radical stance on the use of force to protect individual rights.

The text has also found resonance outside the immediate Thelemic circles. Its bold assertion of personal freedoms has attracted attention from broader esoteric and countercultural movements. The concise and powerful nature of its proclamations continues to inspire those who seek to challenge oppressive structures and advocate for greater personal and spiritual liberty

See also

• Aleister Crowley bibliography
• List of Thelemites

References

Works cited

• BBC (24 December 2013). "Royal pardon for codebreaker Alan Turing". BBC News. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
• Churton, Tobias (2012). Aleister Crowley: The Biography: Spiritual Revolutionary, Romantic Explorer, Occult Master and Spy. Watkins Media. ISBN 978-1-78028-384-5.
• Crowley, Aleister (1941). Liber OZ. California and London: Ordo Templi Orientis. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
• Crowley, Aleister (1973). Regardie, Israel (ed.). Magick Without Tears. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications. ISBN 978-0-87542-115-5.
• Crowley, Aleister (1976). The Book of the Law: Liber AL vel Legis. York Beach, Maine: Weiser Book. ISBN 978-0-87728-334-8.
• Crowley, Aleister (1990). Beta, Hymenaeus (ed.). The Equinox: The Review of Scientific Illuminism. Vol. III (10). York Beach, Maine: Weiser Books. ISBN 978-0877287193.
• Crowley, Aleister (1996). The Law is for All. Tempe, AZ: New Falcon Publications. ISBN 1-56184-090-4.
• Crowley, Aleister; Desti, Mary; Waddell, Leila (2004) [1997]. "Editor's note to p. 689 Appendix VIII". In Hymenaeus Beta (ed.). Magick: Liber ABA, Book 4, parts I-IV (2nd. rev. ed.). York Beach, Maine: S. Weiser. p. 788. ISBN 978-0-87728-919-7. OCLC 316894481.
• Kaczynski, Richard (2012). Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley (rev. & exp. ed.). North Atlantic Books. ISBN 978-1-58394-576-6.
• Ministry of Justice; The Rt Hon Chris Grayling (24 December 2013). "Royal pardon for WW2 code-breaker Dr Alan Turing". Retrieved 2014-07-14. Renowned scientist and World War II code-breaker Dr Alan Turing has been given a posthumous pardon under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy by the Queen today following a request from Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.
• Pasi, Marco (2014). Aleister Crowley and the Temptation of Politics. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-317-54630-6.
• Sabazius X° (2019). "Observations on Liber OZ". The Invisible Basilica of Sabazius. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
• Starr, Martin P. (1995). "Aleister Crowley: freemason!". In Gilbert, Robert A. (ed.). ARS QUATUOR CORONATORUM. Transactions of Quatuor Coronati Lodge N. 2076. Vol. 108. Frome and London: Butler & Tanner. pp. 150–161. ISBN 0-907655-32-7. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
• Sutin, Lawrence (2002). Do What Thou Wilt: A life of Aleister Crowley. New York: St. Martin's Griffin. ISBN 0-312-25243-9. OCLC 48140552.

Further reading

• Crowley, Aleister (1969). Symonds, John; Grant, Kenneth (eds.). The Confessions of Aleister Crowley: An Autohagiography. London: Jonathan Cape. ISBN 978-0-224-61334-7.
• Orpheus, F. (2019). On the Rights of Man: A Commentary on Liber OZ. Pyramid Lodge: Ordo Templi Orientis. ISBN 978-1-7341643-1-2.

External links

• Liber OZ Project, the full text and history of Liber OZ (Book 77).