Aeons as Paradigms
I've recently been musing over the idea that the aeons are not time spans, rather that they represent a paradigm (A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices constituting a view of reality).
So as we know the aeons have different characteristics, formula etc. these would be the base assumptions, concepts, values of the current/dominant paradigm. Many different religions and systems can be built from the same paradigm. We also know that the values in a culture shift and change with the times while still staying within that paradigm. The new aeon represents a general shift in the values, beliefs that has finally broken outside the old paradigm and must now be defined in a new way.
My point is that Crowley, in establishing Thelema did not create the new aeon, the aeon(paradigm) has come about in the general consciousness of our culture. That is why there are so many people who know nothing of Thelema that one might label a 'Thelemite'. Crowley then is just the first to point out the shift, as the trend was just occuring, and Thelema is only one possible "religious" structure that can exist within this aeon/paradigm.
So when trying to promote the law, we should consider if it is better to encourage a pure Thelemite approach, or perhaps just get people to wake up to the new aeon? Many people follow the new ways without even realizing it already. Since Thelema seems to be the only structure built on the new aeon, it would follow that anyone who becomes aware of the new aeon would naturally be drawn to it eventually.
Anyways, I hope that all made sense, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
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Wed, 12/24/2008 - 09:23 — IAO13193,
Im not sure what youre talking about since most people accept Aeons as describing paradigms that generally represent a certain time period. The paradigm of Osiris spawned many religions as you note a paradigm could... This is nothing new.
Its arguable whether Crowley 'created' the New Aeon or heralded it as its prophet, i.e. he was there as the messenger to tell everyone what is going on with the 'general consciousness' as you put it. Whether one labels people who dont know about Thelema as Thelemites is debatable because it seems many people have different definitions of Thelema (the one where one is only a Thelemite if you accept Liber AL & 'Do what thou wilt' would preclude those people from being Thelemites, etc. - I dont particularly think labels are that important of a part of Thelema really...)
Thelema as a religious structure (like the E.G.C. of the OTO and teh many Thelemic rituals that 666 gave us) is indeed only one form among infinite. Thelema is all about humanity seeing its infinite potential and realizing it - all that we need to remember is "There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt." How you express that is up to you - Thelema isnt about an 'imitatio Crowley' like it is for Christ in Christianity.
This is also expressed in the multifaceted ways people interpret Liber AL itself (and this is embedded in the Book and its Comment as well). You can teach Thelema's ideas without mentioning Thelema (as in talk about there being no absolute moral authority, of the necessity of finding one's own Godhood, etc.) but I find the paradigm of Thelema to be psychologically, philosophically, and especially aesthetically satisfying.
IAO131
Sorry, I'm still rather new
Fri, 12/26/2008 - 14:28 — AnonymousSorry, I'm still rather new with these concepts. Seemed like a revelation to me, something that many people don't really consider when talking about promulgating the law. My end point is that if the goal is to get more people into Thelema, a logical first step would be to wean them off the old aeon. Do things to encourage the continuing trend of our cultural consciousness; Thelema can look after itself.