Passport Through Hades

Alan Chapman and Duncan Barford, editors of a forthcoming collection of Aleister Crowley’s magical writings, discuss the true meaning of Crowley’s legacy and thought.

  • The pain of division is as nothing
    Our main theme is “the evocation of the evil genius”. From a passing reference by Crowley, we trace its meaning and relevance through the work of Nick Land, Carl Jung, Crowley, Philip K. Dick, and our own personal experience.

  • The rituals of the old time are black
    We discuss how to position ourselves beyond politics without adopting a centrist position. We also talk about the cancellation of our new edition of Magick Without Tears following legal action against the publisher.

  • Who am I, and what shall be the sign?
    Many of us are coming to terms with the implications of AI, but what will this obligatory adaptation extort from us? We consider how our culture’s demand for belief in the promises of AI is the latest iteration of an ancient drama.

  • A light undesired, most desirable
    What does the role of a prophet entail and demand? How and why did Crowley struggle so egregiously in fulfilling his role as prophet of the New Aeon?