Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Please find below an author's profile for Dr. David Shoemaker, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk under "Presentations."
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
"The System of Aleister Crowley's A∴A∴ : Methods and Tools of Attainment."
The methods and tools of Aleister Crowley’s A∴A∴ form the foundation of personal spiritual development in the New Aeon. While much has been written about these training methods, and the vast majority are easily available in print or online, there has been little focus on the question of WHY these methods are effective. Why are they placed as they are within the curriculum of A∴A∴ ? How exactly do these practices lead the aspirant toward Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel? In this lecture, I will explore the psycho-spiritual processes active in the system of A∴A∴ and provide answers to these and many other fundamental questions. This lecture will be open to all NOTOCON attendees, regardless of degree.
"What book would you like to profile for us?"
Phyllis Seckler (Soror Meral): The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings. Published in 2010 by the Teitan Press, in collaboration with the College of Thelema of Northern California.
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
Soror Meral was my direct Superior in A.'.A.'., my most beloved teacher, and my best friend. I was very fortunate to be able to work with closely with her over the last decade of her life, and the memories of these years will always be close to my heart. As the custodian of her literary estate, I was eager to collect the best of her writings, many previously unpublished, into a well-edited and beautifully produced book format. Her story is central to the unfolding of post-Crowley Thelema, but was largely untold, and I felt it was time to correct that imbalance. Quite simply, if you haven't familiarized yourself with Soror Meral's work and life, you don't have a full understanding of the last 50 years of Thelemic history!
"Do you have a particularly memorable moment associated with researching or writing your book?"
While I had, of course, been studying Soror Meral's writings for many years, it was only when we collected her serialized essays into larger works, essentially small books, that the real scope of her genius came through. She had a phenomenal grasp of the interconnections between Thelemic philosophy, Tarot, astrology, Qabalah, and depth psychology. It was a joy to re-experience her mind in action in this new format.
"Is your book "Phyllis Seckler: The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings" suitable for the average Thelemite?"
Absolutely! Soror Meral wrote for readers of all levels of experience. Beginners will appreciate her providing basic foundational materials such as tables of correspondences, and more advanced readers will enjoy how she weaves it all together!
"Where can we purchase it?"
This book can be purchased directly from Weiser Antiquarian Books, the College of Thelema of Northern California, or Amazon.com.
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your book?"
Soror Meral's work laid the foundation of our current understanding of Thelema. She trained several generations of students, including many leading lights of contemporary Thelemic culture and thought, and she was one of the people primarily responsible for the resurgence of Thelema as a living system of attainment. Nothing made her happier than to see students doing the Great Work and finding success.
"What are you working on now?"
In addition to my ongoing personal magical work, and my Order responsibilities, I am working on a collection of essays based on my Living Thelema podcast segments. I will also be continuing my efforts to publish archival material, including important correspondence involving Karl Germer, Jane Wolfe, Jack and Cameron Parsons, Soror Meral, Israel Regardie, and Marcelo Motta.
Love is the law, love under will.
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