Please find below an author's profile for Dr. David Shoemaker, NOTOCON presenter and author, for his book "Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923." You can find the complete description of his talk here.
"Please tell us about your other book "Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923." What inspired you to take on this subject?"
Jane Wolfe's Cefalu Diaries are a real treat for anyone interested in the origins and development of Thelemic magical practice. Crowley’s handwritten comments are laced throughout these pages, giving valuable insights into his teaching methods and his state of mind during this pivotal period of Thelema’s development. The diaries also give a vivid sense of daily life at the Abbey, and the nature of the relationships among its primary residents. Wolfe’s studies at the Abbey with Crowley, from 1920 to 1923, would serve as her foundational training for the remaining decades of her life, and she became one of Crowley’s most important aides and confidantes as Thelema spread to the United States. As a pivotal participant in the O.T.O. community in Southern California from the late 1930s through the mid-1950s, Wolfe was able to convey much of the essence of Crowley’s system of training to the local initiates (including Soror Meral), most of whom would never have the chance to work with Crowley in person.
"Where did your research travels take you?"
To my filing cabinets! We have a wealth of original archival material, including much correspondence involving Crowley, Jane Wolfe, Soror Meral, Karl Germer, Marcelo Motta, Cameron and Jack Parsons, and many others. One of my primary goals for the coming years is to bring as much of this material to the public as possible.
"Do you have a particularly memorable moment associated with researching or writing your book?"
As I was initially reviewing the original diaries, I was struck by Wolfe's obvious commitment to her magical work, and by the thoroughness and care shown by Crowley as he painstakingly reviewed and commented on the diaries. It was truly inspiring to get this glimpse into their early magical relationship, and to see the embryonic Thelemic culture of the Abbey taking shape.
"Is your work "Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries" suitable for the average Thelemite?"
Yes! Jane Wolfe was a complete beginner when she began her work at Cefalu. Her practices were basic, and Crowley's comments reflect the type of advice that beginners would most need. There is much to be gained from this book, for both the beginner and the advanced practitioner or Thelemic historian.
"Where can we purchase this book?"
Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923 can be purchased directly from the College of Thelema of Northern California here or via Amazon.com here.
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your book?"
As you can likely imagine, holding and examining these diaries in person immediately transports the reader back in time to the Abbey. The intensity with which Wolfe pursued her Great Work, lovingly typing her entries for Crowley’s review, is palpable as the pages are turned. It is my hope that readers of these diaries will be inspired to continue and intensify their own Great Work, including the all-important practice of the magical diary, for this is truly the best way to honor the life and work of those whose hands created these pages.
Love is the law, love under will.
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