Aleister Crowley: Was he the 'world's wickedest man'?

Aleister Crowley—often calling himself the “Great Beast 666”—remains a polarizing figure whose life blended occult practice, writing and public provocation. Born in 1875, he was described by critics as a prolific drug user and “sexual deviant,” and later associated with Thelema, a religion he helped found and presented as guided by him as prophet. Author Antony Clayton says Crowley settled in Hastings toward the end of World War Two and faced intense hostility, partly because Thelema involved sexual rituals that were viewed as “outrageous” at the time. Clayton and Gary Lachman also note condemnation tied to Crowley’s bisexuality when homosexuality was illegal in Britain. The article discusses claims that Crowley contributed to a pro-German magazine during World War One and controversies about whether he acted as a double agent.