Was Aleister Crowley a 33rd Degree Freemason?

The question of whether Aleister Crowley was a 33rd Degree Freemason is a complex one, influenced by his involvement in various esoteric organizations and his controversial beliefs. As with many questions surrounding this enigmatic figure, the answer is not as straightforward as it may seem at first glance.

No, He Was Not a Member of a Regular Lodge

While Crowley was involved in Freemasonry and achieved the rank of 32nd degree, he was not a member of a regular Masonic lodge. This was due to his controversial views and practices, which often put him at odds with mainstream Masonic principles. No regular lodge would admit him, as his views would prevent that. The records clearly suggest that he was never a member of a regular lodge. However, this does not mean that Aleister Crowley's involvement with Freemasonry was not significant.

Alternative Masonic Paths

Crowley was involved with the Rite of Memphis and Misraim, an esoteric initiation system that goes beyond the standard 33rd degree in the Scottish Rite. This system includes the 90th and 95/97th degrees, and was influenced by various traditions, including the Antient and Primitive Rite of Masonry. Crowley held the position of head of England’s Grand Lodge for a time, suggesting his deep involvement in the mystic aspects of Freemasonry.

One of the primary reasons for Crowley's involvement in these alternative Masonic paths was his task to carry on the corruption of British Masonic lodges, as was initiated by another Rothschild agent, Herbert Kitchener. Kitchener's work in this area was part of a larger plan to manipulate and influence British Masonic principles for ulterior motives.

The Controversial Willie Brown

Aleister Crowley's involvement in the alleged 33rd degree of the Rite of Memphis and Misraim is detailed in his own writings. According to Crowley, he was initiated by Don Jesus Medina, a descendant of the Duke of Armada. In his The Confessions of Aleister Crowley, which was published in 1969, Crowley describes his initiation as follows:

"Don Jesus Medina a descendant of the great Duke of Armada fame and one of the highest chiefs of Scottish Rite freemasonry. My cabbalistic knowledge being already profound by current standards he thought me worthy of the highest initiation in his power to confer special powers were obtained in view of my limited sojourn and I was pushed rapidly through and admitted to the thirty-third and last degree before I left the country."

These alternative degrees, while not recognized by traditional lodges, held more esoteric and powerful initiations, which may explain why they are less documented in public records.

Crowley and Hidden Initiations

It is also suggested that British Freemasonry involved Crowley in hidden initiations. For instance, his involvement with the Royal Arch in a regular lodge is mentioned, but his initiation and background in the Royal Arch, which traditionally involves corruption from other groups, is notably unmentioned. This may be due to discretion, as he was a 'go-between' during World War II, moving within the occulted members of the Thule Society, another secretive organization with strong ties to Freemasonry.

Operation Mistletoe and Beyond

Crowley’s involvement with British Intelligence played a significant role in his connection to different Masonic and esoteric organizations. He was an asset during World War II, with his handler being Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond series. This connection suggests that there were hidden initiations and degrees Crowley held, all under the guise of 'enlightenment.'

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Aleister Crowley was not a member of a regular 33rd degree Freemasonry lodge, his involvement with the Rite of Memphis and Misraim, alternative Masonic paths, and hidden initiations indicates a deep engagement with Masonic and esoteric knowledge. His work with various organizations, including British Intelligence, reveals that his connection to these groups was more complex and layered than his place in traditional Masonic records might suggest.