Otherworld The Life of Aleister Crowley Pt 1: "The Great Beast"
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Mar 10, 2025 
In a fascinating deep dive, Wolf Fleetwood Ross, an expert on Aleister Crowley, explores the life of this controversial figure known as 'The Great Beast 666.' They discuss Crowley's upbringing within a strict religious framework and his rebellion against societal norms. His early encounters with esotericism and a prophetic entity set him on a path to create his own spiritual philosophy, Thelema. The conversation unveils Crowley’s complexities, from his passion for mountaineering to his scandalous reputation, shedding light on his lasting impact on modern spiritual movements.
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Crowley's Birth Signs
- Aleister Crowley claimed to be born with signs of greatness, including a swastika-shaped chest hair and a restricting foreskin membrane.
- These were interpreted as the mark of the beast and a sign of Buddha, forming early elements of his self-mythologizing.
Strict Upbringing
- Crowley was raised in a strict Christian sect, the Plymouth Brethren, who believed they were the only ones going to heaven.
- Ironically, his family's wealth came from Crowley Ale Houses, though they didn't drink.
Crowley's Father
- Crowley's father, a layman preacher, would accost people on the street, questioning their afterlife plans.
- Crowley initially admired his father's attempts to convert people.