Accused of Witchcraft
... short bio of Aleister Crowley, please;
Aleister Crowley, born Edward Alexander Crowley on October 12, 1875, in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, novelist, mountaineer, and painter He founded the religion of Thelema, identifying himself as the prophet entrusted with guiding humanity into the Æon of Horus in the early 20th century Crowley was known for his decadent lifestyle and was denounced in his own time, but he became a cult figure after his death
Crowley was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he focused on mountaineering and poetry, leading to several publications He joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in 1887 and received much of his training in theurgy and ceremonial magic there In 1904, he established his own religion, Thelema
Crowley was married twice: first to Rose Edith Kelly from 1903 to 1909, and then to Maria Teresa Sanchez from 1929 He had five children
Aleister Crowley died on December 1, 1947, in Hastings, Sussex, England, at the age of 72 His ashes were buried in Hampton, New Jersey
... age 21 and over question was Aliester Crowley embroiled in defamation litigation for pederasty;
Aleister Crowley, often referred to as "The Wickedest Man in the World," was involved in a notable defamation lawsuit in 1934. This lawsuit stemmed from accusations of practicing "black magic" and other controversial activities. In the libel action, Crowley sued Miss Nina Hamnett, the author of the book "Laughing Torso," and its publishers, Messrs. Constable and Co., Limited, as well as the printers, Messrs. Charles Whittingham and Briggs. The case was heard in the King's Bench Division, where Crowley claimed that the book's allegations that he practiced "black magic" were libelous
During the trial, Crowley denied several specific claims, including the allegation that a cat was killed and its blood consumed during a ritual at his villa in Cefalu, Sicily. He also refused to demonstrate his alleged magical abilities in court, stating that he would not attack anyone and that he had never done wilful harm to any human being
Crowley defined magic as "the science of the art of causing change to occur in conformity with the will," distinguishing between white magic (righteous will) and black magic (perverse will). He emphasized that he had only studied black magic and had always condemned it in his writings
Regarding historical accounts of pederasty, the provided context does not contain specific information about such allegations against Crowley. However, his involvement in various occult practices and his controversial reputation suggest that he was a figure of significant scrutiny and criticism during his lifetime. The defamation lawsuit itself highlights the contentious nature of his public image and the accusations he faced
It is important to note that while Crowley was a prominent and controversial figure, the context provided does not offer detailed historical accounts of pederasty allegations. For a comprehensive understanding of such claims, additional sources and historical records would be necessary.
… my mistake it was the Victorian writer Oscar Wilde who was accused of pederasty;
You're correct that Oscar Wilde, the renowned Victorian writer, was accused of pederasty and other homosexual activities, which led to his trial and imprisonment. Here's a brief overview of the events:
Oscar Wilde and the Libel Trial
Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was a celebrated Irish poet and playwright known for works such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Importance of Being Earnest." His personal life, particularly his relationships with men, became a significant point of controversy in the late 19th century.
The Accusations and Trial
1. Relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas:
- Wilde had a close relationship with Lord Alfred "Bosie" Douglas, the son of the Marquess of Queensberry. This relationship was the primary source of the accusations against Wilde.
2. Marquess of Queensberry's Accusations:
- The Marquess of Queensberry, Bosie's father, was vehemently opposed to the relationship and accused Wilde of engaging in homosexual activities. He left a card at Wilde's club, the Albemarle, which read: "For Oscar Wilde, posing somdomite [sic]."
3. Wilde's Libel Suit:
- Wilde, encouraged by Douglas, decided to sue the Marquess of Queensberry for libel. This decision proved to be a critical mistake. During the trial, the defense presented evidence of Wilde's relationships with young men, which was considered scandalous at the time.
4. Counter-Accusations and Arrest:
- The libel trial backfired, and Wilde was subsequently arrested and charged with "gross indecency" under the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885, which criminalized homosexual acts between men.
The Trials and Imprisonment
1. First Trial:
- Wilde's first trial ended with a hung jury. The prosecution then decided to retry him.
2. Second Trial:
- In the second trial, Wilde was found guilty of gross indecency and was sentenced to two years of hard labor.
Aftermath
Imprisonment:
- Wilde served his sentence in Reading Gaol, where he wrote "De Profundis," a long letter to Douglas reflecting on his life and the events that led to his downfall.
Exile and Death:
- After his release in 1897, Wilde left England for France, where he lived in poverty and ill health. He died in Paris on November 30, 1900, at the age of 46.
Legacy
Oscar Wilde's trials and imprisonment had a profound impact on his life and career. They also contributed to the broader cultural and social discussions about homosexuality and the law in Victorian England. Wilde's works and his life story have since become important subjects in the study of LGBTQ+ history and literature.
For more detailed information, you might want to explore biographies and historical accounts of Oscar Wilde's life and trials.
… naive question is it not ironic a writer convicted of crimes as was Oscar Wilde was sentenced to Reading Gaol was it a library;
It's a common and understandable misconception, but Reading Gaol (now known as Reading Prison) is not a library. The name "Reading" is simply the town in which the prison is located. The irony of a writer being sent to a place called "Reading" Gaol is indeed a notable coincidence, but it doesn't imply that the prison was a library or a place specifically for reading.
Reading Gaol
Location: Reading, Berkshire, England.
History: The prison was built in the 1840s and was in use until 2013. It is now being redeveloped into a cultural and community space.
Conditions: During Wilde's time, conditions in the prison were harsh. Inmates were subjected to hard labor, solitary confinement, and a strict regimen.
Oscar Wilde's Imprisonment
Sentence: Wilde was sentenced to two years of hard labor.
Conditions: He was required to work long hours at menial tasks, such as walking a treadmill and picking oakum (separating strands of old rope). The conditions were designed to be punitive and physically demanding.
Health Impact: The harsh conditions took a significant toll on Wilde's health, both physically and mentally.
"De Profundis"
Writing: Despite the strict rules and harsh conditions, Wilde managed to write "De Profundis," a long letter to Lord Alfred Douglas. The prison authorities allowed him to write, but the conditions were far from ideal for a writer.
Content: The work reflects on Wilde's life, his relationship with Douglas, and his spiritual and emotional journey during his imprisonment.
Cultural Significance
The irony of a renowned writer being sent to "Reading" Gaol has not been lost on many, and it has been a point of reflection in various cultural and literary discussions. However, the prison itself was a place of punishment and rehabilitation, not a place of learning or literary pursuit.
Legacy
Oscar Wilde's time in Reading Gaol is a significant part of his life story and has contributed to his enduring legacy. The conditions he endured and the works he produced during this period have added depth to his literary and cultural impact.
For more detailed information, you might want to explore biographies of Oscar Wilde or historical accounts of Reading Gaol.
... in matters of tribal law if a witch enters into the body of an animal and the animal is killed is it murder if the witch dies in reality shortly thereafter;
The concept of a witch entering an animal's body is deeply rooted in certain tribal beliefs, particularly in regions where witchcraft is taken seriously. In some cultures, it is believed that witches can send out their spirits in the form of animals to perform harmful actions. These animals, known as witch-spirit animals, are considered the real power of the witch. If such an animal is killed, it is believed that the witch will also die, although some believe the animal cannot be caught as it is purely spiritual
This belief has led to instances of abuse and violence, as seen in a case where a self-claimed pastor attempted to extract a witch-spirit animal from a young girl, causing significant harm
In a more recent and tragic example, five men in Nigeria were sentenced to death for the murder of a 67-year-old woman they accused of being a witch. The men attacked the woman, Dahare Abubakar, after one of their wives had a dream about her. The victim's family reported the incident, leading to the swift arrest and conviction of the suspects. This case highlights the ongoing issue of witchcraft accusations leading to violence and murder in some rural areas.
... is the question relevant to the accusation of Aliester Crowley killing a cat and his denial of the implied killing of a human being which he pointedly denied he would ever do;
Aleister Crowley, a controversial figure in the early 20th century, was involved in a series of scandals and accusations, one of which involved a ritual that allegedly required the killing of a cat and drinking its blood. According to some accounts, Raoul Loveday, a young follower of Crowley, participated in such a ritual and subsequently died. However, Crowley vehemently denied these allegations.
In a libel action in 1934, Crowley testified that there was no cat, no animal, no blood, and no drinking during the ceremonies at his villa in Cefalù, Sicily, known as the "Abbey of Thelema" He claimed that the accusations were false and libelous, and that they damaged his reputation.
The implications of these denials are significant. If true, they suggest that the sensational stories about Crowley's rituals were exaggerated or fabricated by the press and his detractors. On the other hand, if the rituals did occur as described, Crowley's denial could be seen as an attempt to protect his image and avoid further scandal.
The controversy surrounding these events highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of Crowley's public persona and the legacy he left behind. Despite his denials, the stories of his rituals and the deaths associated with them continue to fuel speculation and debate among historians and occult enthusiasts.
... is the civil trial recorded can I read a transcript or synopsis of proceedings;
Counsel then dealt with the ritual observed in the ceremonies at the villa at Cefalu. Mr. Crowley denied that a cat was killed in the ceremony and that part of the cat's blood was drunk by a person taking part. "There was no cat, no animal, no blood, and no drinking," he declared.
In re-examination Mr. Crowley agreed that he had studied black magic, though only as a student. He had never practised black magic, and had always written about it in terms of strongest condemnation.
When Mr. Crowley's evidence was concluded Mr. Justice Swift asked him to tell the Court "the shortest, and at the same time comprehensive, definition of magic which he knew."
Mr. Crowley: Magic is the science of the art of causing change to occur in conformity with the will. White magic is if the will is righteous and black magic is if the will is perverse.
Mr. Justice Swift: Does that involve the invocation of spirits? - It may do so. It does involve the invocation of the holy guardian angel who is appointed by Almighty God to watch over each of us.
Is it in your view, the art of controlling spirits so as to affect the course of events? - That is part of magic. One small branch.
If the object of the control is good then it is white magic? - Yes.
When the object of the control is bad what spirits do you invoke? - You cannot invoke evil spirits. You must evoke them and call them out.
When the object is bad you evoke evil spirits? - Yes. You put yourself in their power. In that case it is possible to control evil spirits or blind spirits for a good purpose as we might if we use the dangerous elements of fire and electricity for heating and lighting, &c.
(excerpt from The Guardian, 2012)