Streams of Consciousness

A Comparison of the Writings of Aleister Crowley and C.G. Jung

ABSTRACT

This thesis is a comparison of the works of two seemingly dichotomous individuals. The first work, Magick/Liber Aba, is by Western Esotericist (Occultist) Aleister Crowley [1875-1947]. Magick/Liber Aba sets out the major thrust of this prolific author’s theories concerning Magick as a process towards spiritual attainment. The second work, Mysterium Coniunctionis, presents psychologist C.G. Jung’s [1875-1961] interpretation of the alchemical tradition as a method toward individuation. These two men were individuals who were dissatisfied with the predominantly monophasic world-view of “Western” culture. Both Crowley and Jung can be seen as pioneers who attempted to foster a polyphasic world-view in which various states of consciousness such as dreams, fantasies, visions, and drug-induced experiences were not only valid but essential for the completion of the Great Work and the acquisition of ever deepening and widening gnosis in the quest to become fully human. Lama Anagarika Govinda’s theory of Multidimensional Consciousness and anthropology’s Cycle of Meaning are used throughout the present work in order to facilitate a more in-depth understanding of these two diverse traditions; Magick and alchemy. Included in the appendices of this thesis are five figures, a comparative chronology of Crowley and Jung and a text copy of Crowley’s “channeled” work: Liber AL vel Legis.

Full thing here.

Follow

Trackback URI | Comments RSS