A review by hakimbriki
The Book of the Law by Aleister Crowley

3.0

If this were a work of some kind of weird fiction, I would have given it five stars for its gorgeous poetic form, puzzling ambiguity, and symbolism. Unfortunately, the author decided to make a religion out of it. A rip off of Wicca, Gnosticism, and Satanism that incorporates elements of Egyptian mythology. It centers around several tenets, the foremost of which being the fulfillment of one's unique and authentic purpose, and the rejection of any restrictive morality ¹. Also, tons of sex. Because why not. My favorite aspect of this book is the notion that every man and woman is a "star", due to the individuality and uniqueness of each person, like any given star in the vast expanse of the universe. On the other hand, I find the elements of hatred and loathing ² and the ritualistic and "ceremonial magick" facets extremely repulsive.
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¹ Them that seek to entrap thee, to overthrow thee, them attack without pity or quarter; & destroy them utterly. Swift as a trodden serpent turn and strike! Be thou yet deadlier than he! Drag down their souls to awful torment: laugh at their fear: spit upon them !

² We have nothing with the outcast and the unfit: let them die in their misery. For they feel not. Compassion is the vice of kings: stamp down the wretched & the weak: this is the law of the strong: this is our law and the joy of the world.