The ‘Worst Man in the World’ Tells the Astounding Story of His Life in Articles by Aleister Crowley.

“I am forbidden to mention the names of those who initiated me, but among them were some of the most distinguished men and women in the Empire in literature, art, politics, the theater, diplomacy, and the army.” [via, also]

Consider also:

  1. “But the first call: 1896. In a Bierhalle under the shadow of the Matterhorn I met an alchemist. He is one of the best-known technical chemists in London. One of his scientific feats was the ‘fixing’ of mercury (i.e. the making of it solid at ordinary temperatures) and he had done this by the despised alchemical processes of the Middle Ages.”
  2. “If there is one subject I detest it is Aleister Crowley. On the other hand, there’s no mystery about it. So, if anyone is interested, here goes!”
  3. “The first proof that I had of this miracle-working capacity which is latent in every man was this: even before I had issued the call for guidance there was a man at my side to answer it.”
  4. “At school I had passions for poetry and chemistry. I had an instinct for chess; experience rapidly proved my ability. I never lost to anyone until–at Cambridge–I met H. E. Atkins, seven years running amateur champion of Britain.”
  5. “One book told me of a secret community of saints in possession of every spiritual grace, of the keys of the treasure of Nature. The members of this church lived their secret life of sanctuary in the world, radiating light and love on all those that came within their scope.”