(1813-1883 e.v.) by T. Apiryon German composer of grand operas based on themes from European mythology, notably Der Ring des Niebelungen (a series of four full-scale operas), Lohengrin, Tannhäuser and Parsifal. Crowley based his play “Tannhäuser” on the libretto of Wagner’s opera (see Collected works, Vol. I), and regarded Parsifal as a masterpiece of initiated
Comments Off on Richard Wagner(1845-1886 e.v.) by T. Apiryon Ludwig II, the reclusive “Swan King,” also known as the “Mad King” of Bavaria (1864-1886). Ludwig was the last of the German feudal princes: a romantic dreamer who viewed himself as a divinely sanctioned monarch after the model of his hero, Louis XIV, the “Sun King” of France. He was
Comments Off on Ludovicus Rex Bavariae(1757-1827 c.e.) The name William Blake was added to the list by Patriarch Hymenaeus Beta in the Fall of 1997 e.v., based on Crowley’s essay “William Blake,” published in Oriflamme 2, Ordo Templi Orientis, 1998 e.v.
Comments Off on William BlakeJohann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832 e.v.) by T. Apiryon German novelist, playwright, poet, critic, journalist, painter, theater manager, statesman, educationalist, lawyer, scientist, philosopher, alchemist, mystic and Freemason. He was a true Renaissance Man, a success at all of his vocations and avocations, but he was indisputably one of the greatest authors and poets of all
Comments Off on Wolfgang von Goethe(1748-1811 e.v.) by T. Apiryon German educator, freemason and founder of the Order of Illuminati. Crowley considered him to be a Master of the Temple. Weishaupt was educated by the Jesuits, but later became their bitter enemy. He was given the position of professor of Canon Law at the University of Ingolstadt, Bavaria in 1775,
Comments Off on Adam WeishauptMiguel de Molinos(1640- 1697 e.v.) by T. Apiryon Spanish priest and mystic, the chief exponent of Quietism. He studied theology at Valencia, moving to Rome after his ordination. Quietism is a form of religious mysticism, influenced by Neoplatonism, which requires extinction (quieting) of the personal will, and passive contemplation to allow infusion of the Divine
Comments Off on Molinos(1617-1692 e.v.) by T. Apiryon English antiquarian, historian, alchemist, astrologer and Freemason, founder of the what is now the Ashmolean Collection of the British Museum at Oxford, founding member of the Royal Society, and author of Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum (1652) and The Institution, Laws and Ceremonies of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (1672).
Comments Off on Elias Ashmole(1622-1665 e.v.) by T. Apiryon Welsh alchemist, Qabalist, and Rosicrucian apologist. He was born at Llanaintffraid on the Usk, the brother of the well-known poet, Henry Vaughan. Thomas Vaughan translated the Fama Fraternitatis and Confessio Fraternitatis into English and wrote a number of important magical and alchemical works under the pseudonym “Eugenius Philalethes.” He was
Comments Off on Thomas Vaughan(1555-1595 e.v.) by T. Apiryon Irish alchemist and magician. Kelly is best known for his travels with John Dee and work his work for Dee as a “skryer” or visionary medium; but he was also a noted alchemist on his own right, publishing three alchemical works: The Stone of the Philosophers, The Humid Way, and
Comments Off on Sir Edward KellyJohannes (John) Dee(1527-1608 e.v.) by T. Apiryon English alchemist, mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, philosopher and magician. Dee was the court astrologer to both Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I, and, according to legend, conjured a windstorm which resulted in the defeat of the invading Spanish Armada. Dee was the editor of the first English translation
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