Aleister Crowley, Not a Satanist

Despite him being on the cover of a Beatles album and the subject of a song by Black Sabbath, Aleister Crowley was not a Satanist. He liked using the Satanic imagery and referring to himself as the Great Best 666, but that was shameless self-promotion.

He was also given the moniker of The Wickedest Man in the World, but that was more because of his sexual appetite, drug usage, and some controversy at the Abbey of Thelema. He was a fan of the Ouija and Tarot Cards, both seen as demonic influences at the time.

Crowley, played up to the sensationalist stereotype of being a Satanist and advocate of human sacrifice, despite being neither. He denied the existence of both God and Satan.[1]

However, Crowley was far more interested in and devoted his studies to Egyptian mysticism, which lead to The Book of the Law, and then to Thelema. Sex Magick and Magick in general were central to Crowley.

Crowley was an interesting character for sure, and you have to respect how he forged his own path, but belief in Magick and supernatural forces don’t line up with Satanism. And he even said he wasn’t one, so there.