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Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a prominent and controversial figure in the occult and mysticism. Born into an affluent British family, he became an influential member of the esoteric societies of his time, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO). Infamous for his libertine lifestyle and the provocative nature of his works, Crowley was a prolific writer, poet, and ceremonial magician whose legacy has left an indelible mark in esoteric literature. Among his extensive oeuvre, he claimed to channel 'The Book of the Law' (1904), which became the central text for Thelema, the philosophical and religious system he founded. Despite the broad range of his publications, Crowley did not actually author 'The Lesser Key of Solomon,' though he was deeply influenced by Solomonic magical texts and often cited such grimoires in his works. Crowley's literary style combined complex mystical themes with a thorough dissection of the human psyche, blurring the lines between poetry, rituals, and philosophical treatises. His writings are dense with esoteric symbolism, an alchemy of his wide-ranging knowledge of various esoteric traditions, and his own innovative magical practices. Crowley's works remain controversial and influential, prompting continued debates over their value and impact on modern spirituality and occultism.
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