David Bowie [The Thelema Wiki]

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======David Bowie======

David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, was a legendary British musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. Known for his distinctive voice, eclectic musical style, and innovative approach to music, fashion, and self-presentation, Bowie became one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 20th century. Throughout his career, he explored various genres and personas, such as Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, and the Thin White Duke, constantly reinventing himself and pushing the boundaries of popular music.

Bowie's interest in the occult and esoteric ideas is well-documented, and Thelema played a role in his creative process, particularly during the 1970s. He was reportedly fascinated by Aleister Crowley's writings and philosophy, and the influence of Thelema can be seen in some of his lyrics and musical themes.

One example of Thelema's impact on Bowie's work can be found in his 1971 album, "Hunky Dory." The song "Quicksand" contains the lyrics, "I'm closer to the Golden Dawn, immersed in Crowley's uniform of imagery." Here, Bowie is referencing both the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society that played a significant role in the development of Western esotericism, and Aleister Crowley, a former member of the Golden Dawn who later established his own magical system based on the principles of Thelema.

Bowie's 1976 album, "Station to Station," also contains references to the occult and Thelema. The opening track, "Station to Station," includes the lyrics, "Here are we, one magical movement from Kether to Malkuth." This line refers to the Tree of Life in Kabbalah, an esoteric system that heavily influenced both the Golden Dawn and Crowley's Thelemic teachings. Kether and Malkuth are two of the ten sephiroth, or spheres, on the Tree of Life, representing the highest and lowest points of the spiritual journey, respectively.

It is worth noting that Bowie's interest in the occult and Thelema was just one aspect of his multifaceted artistic persona. Throughout his career, he drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, and his music and lyrics reflect a vast array of themes and ideas. However, his exploration of Thelema and other esoteric concepts helped to shape his unique creative vision and contributed to his lasting impact on the world of popular culture.

=====Blackstar=====

David Bowie's final album, "Blackstar," released on January 8, 2016, just two days before his death, is shrouded in mystery and laden with occult symbolism. While the album is often seen as a reflection on his own mortality and impending death, its esoteric themes and imagery also suggest a deeper exploration of the occult and its influence on his work.

The album's title track, "Blackstar," is particularly rich in symbolism. Some interpretations of the lyrics and accompanying music video suggest references to the Solar Lodge of the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), a Thelemic order founded in the early 20th century. In the video, a dead astronaut is discovered with a bejewelled skull inside his helmet, which some have linked to Major Tom, a character from Bowie's early career. This scene has been interpreted as a representation of the discovery of one's True Will, a central concept in Thelema.

Additionally, the song "Lazarus" from the same album features lyrics that may be interpreted as references to resurrection and spiritual rebirth. The biblical story of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus, can be seen as an allegory for spiritual transformation, a theme that has resonance in both Thelema and various esoteric traditions.

The album artwork for "Blackstar" also contains occult symbolism. The black star itself has been linked to the idea of a hidden or obscured light, a concept found in several esoteric teachings. In Thelema, the concept of the "Black Sun" or "Hidden God" can be associated with the attainment of spiritual enlightenment and the discovery of one's True Will.

It is important to note that the occult themes in "Blackstar" are open to interpretation, and Bowie's intentions behind these symbols and references remain a matter of speculation. Nonetheless, the album serves as a testament to the lasting impact of Thelema and other esoteric ideas on his work, as well as a powerful final statement from an artist who continually pushed the boundaries of popular music and explored the depths of human experience.