A man friends are more capable of working him harm than strangers; and his greatest danger lies in his own habits

A man friends are more capable of working him harm than strangers; and his greatest danger lies in his own habits

Aleister Crowley, the infamous occultist and self-proclaimed "Great Beast 666," was a man who surrounded himself with a circle of friends who were more than capable of working him harm. Throughout his life, Crowley was known for his hedonistic lifestyle, drug use, and controversial beliefs, all of which contributed to his reputation as a dangerous and unpredictable figure. However, it was not just his own habits that posed a threat to him, but also the influence of those closest to him.

Crowley's inner circle, known as the "A∴A∴" or "Argenteum Astrum," was made up of individuals who shared his interest in the occult and esoteric practices. While some of these individuals were loyal followers and supporters of Crowley, others were opportunists who sought to exploit his fame and influence for their own gain. These so-called friends were more than willing to manipulate Crowley for their own purposes, leading him down a path of self-destruction and ruin.

One of the most notorious examples of this was Crowley's relationship with his disciple, Charles Stansfeld Jones, also known as Frater Achad. Jones was a talented occultist who quickly rose through the ranks of the A∴A∴, becoming one of Crowley's most trusted followers. However, Jones soon became disillusioned with Crowley's leadership and sought to establish his own order, leading to a bitter falling out between the two men. This betrayal deeply wounded Crowley, who felt betrayed by someone he had considered a friend and confidant.

In addition to the dangers posed by his inner circle, Crowley's own habits and vices also played a significant role in his downfall. His excessive drug use, promiscuity, and disregard for societal norms led to numerous scandals and legal troubles throughout his life. These self-destructive tendencies only served to alienate him from those around him, making him an easy target for manipulation and exploitation.