Magus #5: Aleister Crowley

On this month's Haunting Season-themed episode of Magus we're digging into the gory life story of "The Beast" himself, Aleister Crowley!

One of the most infamous occult figures of the 20th century, we explore how Crowley's singular life unfolded - his religious childhood, early penchant for sadism, his academic failures, and his interests in the arcane; his poetry, quest for knowledge, and the boundless, destructive hedonism which led him into penury and dissolution.

Author of some of the century's most influential books about 'magick' - a spelling he himself pioneered - we recall how it was not until Crowley was long dead that his work reached a significant global audience.

But what has been lost in the reclamation of Crowley as a rock and roll icon celebrated by the 60s counter-culture?

From his life-long drug habits to his many frauds, his litany of sexual abuses to his contradictory messaging and petty feuds, he was a person who courted controversy at every stage of his life, and whose globe-trotting existence left a legacy of pain and trauma in its wake.

As such, we're diving into some grotty stuff on this one, along with some fascinating, challenging, and at times utterly ridiculous concepts.

Though, fair warning, you may want to scrub yourself clean afterwards...

Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

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