Thelema

Thelema is a religious[1] philosophy that was developed[2] by the early 20th century British writer and ceremonial magician Aleister Crowley. He believed himself to be the prophet of a new age, the Aeon of Horus,[3] based upon a religious experience that he had in Egypt in 1904.[1] By his account, a possibly non-corporeal being that called itself Aiwass contacted him and dictated a text known as The Book of the Law or Liber AL vel Legis, which outlined the principles of Thelema.[1][4]

Thelema is essentially a polytheistic religion, with the deities adopted from Ancient Egyptian religion, namely Nuit, Hadit and Ra-Hoor-Khuit. The faith follows the idea that the 20th century marked the beginning of the Aeon of Horus, in which a new ethical code would be followed; "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law". This statement indicated that followers, who are known as Thelemites, should seek out and follow their own True Will[5] rather than their ego's desires.[6] The religion also emphasizes the ritual practice of Magick as well as mysticism.

The word "Thelema" itself is the English transliteration of the Koine Greek noun θέλημα: "will", from the verb θέλω: to will, wish, purpose. As Crowley developed the religion, founding an organization known as the A∴A∴ to propagate it,[7] he wrote widely on the topic, producing what are collectively termed the Holy Books of Thelema. He also included into it ideas from occultism, Yoga and both Eastern and Western mysticism, especially the Qabalah.[8]
Thelemites — and other people — have interpreted and applied Crowley’s work in widely different ways,[9] sometimes leading to harsh disagreements.[10][11]


( extract source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelema )