Correspondence from Aleister Crowley to Karl Germer

93 Jermyn St,

London, W.1.

England.

3rd March, 1943.

Dear Karl,

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

Please write to the gallant Brother whose name and address follow:—

Grady L. McMurtry,

2nd Lt., Ordnance,

1803rd Ord. MM. Co. (Avn) (Q)

68th Service Group,

Pendleton Field, Ore.

U.S.A.

You should take up at once the matters referred to you in the paragraphs which I cite—both with him and with Jane [Jane Wolfe].

"Perhaps some of my perplexity may be explained thus: You "Proclaim the Law of Light, Life, Love and Liberty". You say the "The word of Sin is restriction". Yet my observation of your devotees, those people who are prone to lean back with closed eyes, inhale deeply and explain "Ah, Crowley, that ineffable genius", has been that they are more prone to practice a philosophy of death rather than life. They have given every appearance of being children demanding all the benefits of life, and yet being unwilling to assume the responsibility of perpetuating same. In one particular instance, the birth of two children to the Order was looked upon with such disfavour that the mother became a veritable outcast. They give every indication of preferring abortion to birth. I am not exactly the paternal type. Nor have I a great yearning to stroll the midnight floor packing a screaming brat. But while it may be all very well to be "a bornless babe in the womb of the universe" it is also very true that life and a way of life, can only be carried on by strong men who are willing to accept responsibility. Thus my dilemma. Is this which I see what you actually preach, or have your interpreters bungled the job?"

I also quote sections of my reply to him on this point:—

"I am enlightened and horrified by what you say about the Californian crowd. What you tell me is truly abominable. The official paper—Liber C.I. on the duties and privileges of the Members is absolutely specific on the subject that you mention (Refer also to Liber AL I 51 and 61 24 and 52 III 55). Note, in particular, Clauses 14 and 37 - 39. . . . I am sending a copy of the relevant paragraph in your letter to my representative in New York with whom you should get into immediate touch.

I may say that I am extremely dissatisfied with the whole position at Pasadena. Ever since I met with Smith in Vancouver I have heard practically nothing of him except sordid sexual squabbles. Strong measures are now being taken to clean up the whole mess".

Love is the law, love under will.

Yours ever,

P.S. I am still waiting for the Row and Maw matter to be concluded.

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