Beyond Transgression: Thelema After the Counterculture Revolution – An Ethnographic Approach to Lived Esotericism in the U.S.

Aleister Crowley founded Thelema, a religion blending ceremonial magic, Yoga, Tarot, Kabbalah, and sex magic, which became influential in the 1960s counterculture. If Crowley’s ideas regarding morality, sexual experimentation, drugs, and individuality were revolutionary in the 20th century, they are no longer shocking today; rather, they have become part of mainstream Western culture. This ethnographic study, based on fieldwork with the O.T.O. in Salem, Massachusetts, examines the social dimensions of Thelema. It reveals that, contrary to its image of hyper-individualism and antinomianism, Thelema today emphasizes the importance of community, spiritual purification, art, intellectual engagement, and a shared morality. While Thelema was once associated with rebellion and transgression, it has become institutionalized, focusing on inclusivity and progressive values. The paper explores how Thelema has evolved into a structured religious movement with a sense of belonging and shared values.