Aleister Crowley on Drugs

Aleister Crowley's drug use, particularly his heroin addiction and incorporation of psychoactive substances into his occult practices, was a more significant force in his life than previously recognized. He discussed psychological effects of drugs, commented on drug-related social issues, critiqued drug legislation, published drug literature, and translated Charles Baudelaire's "Poem of Hashish." The article suggests his addiction made drugs a central influence on his thought and religious experiences.

Study at a glance

Abstract

While much has been written about the life, work and influence of Aleister Crowley, relatively little attention has been directed to his drug use. This is a little surprising because, not only did he become addicted to heroin, but he incorporated psychoactive substances in his occult work, discussed their psychological effects, commented on drug-related social issues, critiqued contemporary drug legislation, published drug literature, and even translated Charles Baudelaire’s "Poem of Hashish." This article discusses his thought on drugs and religious experience and suggests that they were, largely because of his addiction, a more important force in his life than has thus far been acknowledged.