True Will [The Thelema Wiki]

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====== True Will ======

True Will is a central concept in Aleister Crowley's spiritual philosophy of Thelema, which emphasizes the importance of discovering and manifesting one's innermost purpose and authentic desires in life. According to Crowley, each individual has a unique and inherent True Will, which represents the ultimate expression of their potential, talents, and reason for existence. Aligning oneself with this True Will is considered the highest form of personal fulfilment and spiritual attainment.

In Aleister Crowley's own words, "**//Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law//**." This quote, found in "The Book of the Law" (Liber AL vel Legis), serves as the central tenet of Thelema. While this quote doesn't directly define True Will, it encapsulates the essence of the concept, urging individuals to follow their True Will in all aspects of life.

It is important to note that Crowley's statement is often foolishly misunderstood as a call for hedonism or reckless abandon. However, in the context of Thelema, "//Do what thou wilt//" should be interpreted as an exhortation to discover and pursue one's True Will, rather than merely following fleeting desires or superficial wants. By adhering to this principle, individuals can achieve a greater sense of purpose, harmony, and spiritual fulfilment.

In Thelemic teachings, the discovery and pursuit of one's True Will is essential for living in harmony with the natural order of the universe. It is believed that when individuals act in accordance with their True Will, they contribute to the overall balance and harmony of the cosmos. Conversely, acting against one's True Will can lead to internal conflict, dissatisfaction, and the disruption of one's spiritual progress.

The concept of True Will is distinct from mere whim or ordinary desire. While superficial wants and needs may be influenced by societal expectations, personal insecurities, or fleeting emotions, the True Will is regarded as the core essence of an individual's being, transcending these external influences. It is the driving force that shapes one's destiny and guides the course of one's life.

In order to discover and align oneself with one's True Will, Thelemic practices advocate for a combination of introspection, self-analysis, and spiritual development. This process often involves the study of occult knowledge, meditation, and magical practices that facilitate a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe. By cultivating self-awareness and spiritual growth, individuals can gradually uncover their True Will and learn to manifest it in their lives, thereby achieving personal fulfilment and contributing to the greater cosmic harmony.

==== Practices to Discover True Will =====

To discover one's True Will, practitioners of Thelema employ a variety of practices and techniques aimed at promoting self-awareness, spiritual growth, and introspection. Some of the key practices include:

**Meditation**: Practising meditation can help individuals cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness, enabling them to recognise their innermost desires and motivations more clearly. Various forms of meditation, such as concentration, visualization, and mindfulness, can be employed for this purpose.

**Magick**: Thelemites engage in ceremonial and ritual magick as a means of exploring their subconscious mind, gaining insights into their true nature, and facilitating personal transformation. Through magickal practices, individuals can strengthen their connection to their True Will and manifest it in their lives.

**Yoga**: Crowley was an advocate of yoga as a means of attaining self-discipline, focus, and spiritual growth. Practising yoga can help individuals cultivate a deeper understanding of their mind-body connection, thereby enabling them to discern their True Will more effectively.

**Divination**: Tools such as the Tarot, astrology, and the I Ching can be employed to gain insights into one's life path, personal tendencies, and potential obstacles. Divination can serve as a valuable aid in the process of discovering and aligning oneself with one's True Will.

**Journaling**: Keeping a record of one's thoughts, experiences, and spiritual progress can help individuals gain a better understanding of their inner motivations and desires. Reflecting on these records over time can provide valuable insights into one's True Will and the obstacles that may be hindering its expression.

**Study**: Engaging in the study of occult, philosophical, and spiritual texts can help individuals expand their understanding of the nature of the self and the universe. This knowledge can serve as a foundation for discovering one's True Will and discerning the best path towards its fulfilment.

**Self-analysis**: Rigorous self-examination and self-reflection are essential components of the journey towards discovering one's True Will. By critically assessing one's beliefs, values, and motivations, individuals can gain a clearer understanding of their true nature and the driving forces behind their actions.

**Initiation**: In Thelemic organisations such as the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) and the A∴A∴, initiation serves as a means of guiding individuals through a structured process of personal transformation and spiritual growth. These initiatory experiences can provide valuable insights and challenges that facilitate the discovery and manifestation of one's True Will.

By incorporating these practices into their daily lives, Thelemites can gradually uncover their True Will and align themselves with their ultimate purpose, leading to personal fulfilment and spiritual advancement.