THE YORKSHIRE OBSERVER

Bradford, Yorkshire, England

2 April 1948

(page 1)

Black Magic at a Cremation Alleged.

At Brighton Town Council meeting yesterday Councillor J.C. Sherrott protested against what he described as “a debased ritual” at the Corporation’s crematorium a few months ago, when Aleister Crowley, the self-styled “great wild beast,” was cremated.

“I read that the whole ritual of black magic was practiced at the cremation, and I hope the Corporation will do something to prevent a repetition,” he said.

Councillor T.P. Cullen said that Crowley was “one of what I believe is a largely growing group of devil worshippers in this country.” He urged that the Parks Committee should make sure in future that cremations were attended only by one of the orthodox services recognized by the community.

The chairman of the committee, Councillor H.J. Robins, promised to place the matter before the Cremation Council of Great Britain Conference at Cheltenham on 24 and 25 June next.

Known as “the worst man in the world,” Aleister Crowley died on 1 December last, aged 72. During his life he had been accused of black magic, of celebrating the black Mass, of raising devils, of obscene rituals, and of drug taking.

He was cremated at Brighton in the presence of some of his followers. Extracts from “Hymn to Pann,” “Collects from the Gnostic Mass” (his own works), and “Book of the Law” were recited.