In Search of the Great Beast 666: Aleister Crowley
Born Edward Alexander Crowley, he is primarily known for his occult writings and teachings. He founded the religion of Thelema, which became adopted by the Ordo Templis Orientis (O.T.O.) as well as the magical order Argenteum Astrum, the Order of the Silver Star. He was also a highly controversial member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, where he was known by the magical name of Frater Perdurabo.
While Crowley detested Christianity, he considered himself an immensely religious and spiritual person. His writings record incidents of experiencing deity, and Thelemites consider him to be a prophet. In 1904, he encountered a being known as Aiwass, described as a “minister” to Horus, the central deity in Thelema, and as a Holy Guardian Angel. Aiwass dictated the Book of the Law, which Crowley wrote down and published, becoming the central Thelemic text.
Crowley’s beliefs included pursuing the Great Work, which included gaining self-knowledge and uniting with the larger universe. He also encouraged seeking out one’s ultimate destiny or purpose, commonly referred to as one’s True Will. (Excerpt from altreligion.about.com)
“In Search of the Great Beast 666″ documents the chilling life, impulses and journey of Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), one of the most controversial and mysterious characters of the 20th Century; infamously known as “The Wickedest Man in the World.”
Voiced by acting legend Joss Ackland (Watership Down, Lethal Weapon 2, White Mischief & The Hunt For Red October), this vivid portrayal unearths the barely believable and shocking facts surrounding this infamous Occultist, Spy, Poet, Dark Magician, Hedonist, Writer and accomplished Mountaineer. Was he related to US President George Bush? How was he connected to Scientology, Jack the Ripper, Winston Churchill, Hitler and Ian Fleming (creator of James Bond)? How did this man come to know so many remarkable people and why did he become the subject of fascination for generations of world-class musical icons?
Under various guises and camouflaged by pseudonyms, Crowley traveled the world in his quest for supreme knowledge and ultimate power through the Occult. He reveled in what some describe as acts of sexual decadence yet recognized by others as extreme depravity. His influence on modern culture is evident yet his reputation remains shrouded in a veil of infamy.
Through dramatically reconstructed period scenes, this biographical film explores the boundaries of the self appointed “Beast 666,” a man who is not only said to have inspired the free-love movement, but also through his literature is notorious for replacing the Ten Commandments with just one: “do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.”
Processing your request, Please wait....
