In Search Of The Great Beast 666

Okay, let me start off by saying that while this documentary isn’t terrible, much of it is overdone and it too often portrays Crowley much the same as the media did in his own time. Not to mention, it often includes much of the bogus “legends” and rumors that have been created about this man. For example, in the very beginning it mentions a legend that he had four hairs growing out of his chest when he was born in the form of a swastika. This is not only a ridiculous story, but the most disturbing part is that the narrator immediately follows up with the statement that this is the “mark of the beast”. That is utter bullsh_t. The swastika has always been a DIVINE symbol throughout mankind’s history. It was only when the Nazis came along and used it as a symbol of power that it became associated with evil. For those of us educated in symbolism, however, the brief period of the Nazis’ use of the symbol doesn’t tarnish the thousands of years of it’s use as a sacred spiritual symbol.
The initiation ritual into the Golden Dawn was barely researched at all. It was completely incorrect, save for a verse or two. “I will endure to the end” is not a line in the ceremony, it is the meaning of Crowley’s first magical motto, Perdurabo.
One cannot initiate themselves into Adeptus Major, or any of the other degrees, as Crowley did. Crowley believed these were states of consciousness one must achieve before being “initiated” into the degree, and thus, conducted the rituals as he felt he had achieved these states. This was not technically legit, though. So, with all due respect, Crowley never went beyond Adeptus Minor. There were and still are many who dispute his achievement of Adeptus Minor, as well.
If a little more research had been done, the “grades” or “degrees” would have been much better understood and a better picture of Crowley’s megalomania been presented. The grade or degree system of the Hermetic Order of the Golden was borrowed directly from the Rosicrucians. In Rosicrucianism, one may acheive the upper degrees of Magister Templi, Magus and Ipsissimus, but in the Golden Dawn these degrees are theoretical. So, what Crowley was doing in proclaiming these states is merely stroking his own ego.
Crowley was initiated into the 32nd or 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite, however, it was bogus. It was not recognized by the Masonic fraternity. It was also illegitimate based on the fact that one must first be a master Mason, then go through the 29 other degrees in order to receive the 32nd. The 33rd degree is an honorary degree given only to those who have given years of service to the fraternity. A little research from the filmakers would have revealed this and the illegitimacy of Crowley’s initiation.
One more major complaint is this bogus notion that Crowley is Bush’s grandfather. There is no evidence for that, whatsoever. The evidence presented in the movie is weak, and there is no mention at all in Crowly’s diary that these particular people were there to help him achieve the Great Ordeal. And his so called last words is another rumor, presented as if it actually happened. Crowley was alone when he died, so there is no way anyone could have known what he said, if he said anything. And how convenient that such a self proclaimed “master” would be “perplexed” when facing death. Rubbish.
This is just another sensationalized story of an otherwise harmless man. Most of the stories about him were just that, stories. He had a tendency to push the envelope and that subsequently aroused fear and hate in the hearts and minds of the people he surrounded himself with, and the public. This effect is still prevalent today. Isreal Regardie was one of his students, yet, he did not go crazy. In fact, he helped to reestablish the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which continues to this day. Alan Bennet was close to Crowley, as well, and many others who did not go “crazy” or befall some terrible fate. The only real conclusion one can make from all of this is that most of it is overblown nonsense.
What people must understand is that Crowley was a male Libra. Male Libras live their lives ever creating their “ideal” Self. This is what Crwoley was doing. Also, Libras have a tendency to bring balance to the world around them. This does not mean equal balance, but, rather, an equilibrating energy or force to the world to achieve balance. If everyone around them is Christian, the Libra will likely be a Satanist (or something counter to Christianity), just to balance things out a bit. An example of this would be Marshall Mathers, also known as Eminem. He pushed the envelope and brought about changes and equilibration in the world of rap music in more ways than one. First, he is white, and let’s face it, not a lot of talented white folk out there rapping. The industry is dominated by african americans. Also, in his subject matter. Your average rap song is about growing up in the ghetto, thug life, and so on, but Mathers raps about sex with animals and all sorts of weird things not usually in rap songs.
Now, look at Crowley. He was merely pushing the envelope at every turn. Sure, he was a bit crazy, a megalomanic, with an epic ego and insatiable sex drive, but evil? Not at all. He was a drug addict, yes. Enlightened? Not even close. What Crwoley did do, which was not mentioned at all, was contribute a great deal of priceless knowledge and wisdom through many of his writings, particularly “Magick in Theory and Practice”. He was a highly intelligent man, and his understanding of magick and the occult was unmatched. Unfortunately, this film is just another bogus look at a much misunderstood man.

If you look at alot of the shit from this site ever since it was sold, its all taken this kind of turn with bullshit updated almost everyday, it makes me sad, i used to come here hoping for the next thought provoking movie or film, only to see shit like “In Search Of The Great Beast 666″ as newest updated content wtf?!?!? WTF?!?!?. fuck religion!!, i cant want for it to take a back seat in civilization, then we can really move forward into the age of thought.

I watched this movie hoping to learn more about black magic and Crowley’s rituals, but was disappointed. If you want to learn about all of the women he has been with, his children, aqquaintances, and his hobbies, watch this documentary. I found it boring at times.