I don’t mean to sound abrasive - just genuinely curious here. Reading your post, I find myself wondering: why would you want to take something as organic and self-directed as witchcraft and run it through the lens of Crowley’s O.T.O./A∴A∴ system (93/93/93)?
You said you’re proficient in Left Hand Path witchcraft - that already tells me you’re navigating waters that prize spontaneity, freedom of spirit, and direct contact with your own power. That’s a current that moves - not one that waits for formal permission, ritual regalia, or a long list of borrowed god-names.
My personal view of Thelema? It’s fine as a philosophy - "
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law" is potent when understood as self-actualization, not hierarchy. But Thelema as a system is
message-turned-method - a codified structure born from Crowley’s
Liber AL vel Legis, complete with the man’s own brilliance and baggage.
It’s also worth being honest about the history. Some O.T.O. and related Thelemic groups have, over the years, developed cultures that mix sexuality and initiation in ways that aren’t always healthy or transparent. Not every lodge operates that way - many are ethical, scholarly, and sincere - but it’s fair to be cautious. The structure can attract both genuine mystics and people who misuse power.
None of what you mentioned - Enochian, Ars Goetia, Solomonic - actually requires a Thelemic filter. You can study and work with those systems directly. The Left Hand Path, in many ways, stands in productive tension
against the 93-current - because it values individuation over cosmic alignment, and direct experience over transmitted authority.
If your aim is spiritual expansion rather than adherence, you might find more resonance in approaching those traditions experimentally - keeping what proves true in practice and discarding what feels like another man’s scaffolding.
I’m genuinely curious what draws you most to Thelema itself - the philosophy, the ritual current, or perhaps the mythic structure behind it? That might help clarify whether the solitary path or a group experience would serve you best.
Respectfully,
-J
I want to explore western esoterica simply to give myself another quest of spiritual discovery, and broaden my understanding of the spiritual world through a different set of lenses outside of witchcraft, and into the lenses of a magician. I take magick very seriously and am proficient in left hand witchcraft ( new orleans vodou / indigenous shamanism ) with 8 years of experience and studying intensely. I respect the academia of serious, intentional alchemy and I have a novice understanding of enochian and Solomonic philosophy that gets incorporated into my practice. Thelemic magick has caught my interest, but I'm a little uncomfortable after my research into Crowley and the idea of joining a local lodge, just to be potentially initiated into a predatory sex cult. I really like the concept of thelemic magick overall. And I think the philosophy on paper is what fits my goals the best after some research into different types of western practices. I may take on this journey of spiritual expansion alone vs joining and being initiated into a lodge. What are your overall thoughts on thelemic magick, joining a lodge or taking on a solo quest ? Is it absolutely necessary for me to join a lodge/ temple to learn and be proficient in thelemic philosophy ? And if I don't need to join a lodge, what would be a good starting point for the solo quest ? For context i'm not above maybe settling for setting my sights on hermetic / enochian / ars goetia vs thelemic. I was thinking if I don't join a lodge, I could study hermeticism, then followed with enochian, and finished with solomonic. Thank you for taking the time to read and leave your insight!
