First published in 1917, this book was written by Aleister Crowley, the man known in England as “The Great Beast” and “The Wickedest Man in the World.” Although, it is likely that his wickedness might have been more than a little exaggerated and he was no more a libertine than many people living in a large, modern city in the current decade.
Moonchild is a metaphysical novel, that can be read on different levels based on the reader’s level of initiation into the mysteries of The Golden Dawn. The Golden Dawn was a free masonic-like organization, open to both men and women, which existed for the purpose of publishing and disseminating information long held in secret.
Aleister Crowely was one of the most famous and controversial members of the organization. There was a great deal of in-fighting among some of the members, which is represented in the novel. For example, fellow member and real-life rival of Crowley, Arthur Edward Waite becomes a character in the book named “Arthwaite.” Through the fictional character, Crowley pokes fun at his style of writing and his personality.
There is some controversy about this book because, among other things, it reveals through fiction a ceremony performed (Crowley was a ceremonial magician) to influence the soul of an unborn child. The Moonchild ritual involves symbolism that is in accordance with representations of the Assyrian “Queen of Heaven,” Semiramis, who seems to have evolved into the Greek goddess Diana and later, Mary mother of Jesus.
The novel is written in an experimental style typical of avant garde literature of the early 20th century. The primary plot centers around a white magician named Cyril Grey (who is clearly Crowley, himself, right down to his appallingly huge ego and his shaven head) who manages somehow to seduce a young woman named Lisa. A “Witch War” ensues between Grey and two black magicians over the woman and her unborn child. It is a battle between the forces of good and evil, although the lines between the two are very much blurred.
There is a lot to be found in this book if you have any idea what to look for. Numerous real life people are represented in the book, which adds to the fun. For example, the unseen leader of the white lodge is the prolific author and theosophist, Annie Besant. Also represented is MacGregor Mathers, who co-wrote and translated books with Crowley before the two had a falling out and a real “Witch War” was fought between them, which some say led to Aleister Crowley’s death. The famous dancer Isadora Duncan is represented in one of the characters, as well.
While “Moonchild” is an entertaining novel, it is most likely to appeal to fans of Crowley’s other work, particularly his non-fiction. A reading and understanding of the works of other members of the Golden Dawn and authors such as Israel Regardie, Dion Fortune, MacGregor Mathers and Edward A. Waite are all critical to a fuller understanding of the book, too, which expounds on a number of occult scientific principles.
This book reveals, through fiction, many elements of black and white lodges. It may, also, reveal the truth about how men and women of power are brought into this world through the use of rituals similar to those portrayed in the book.
In fact, it is this book that has led some people to question whether the character Lisa in the story was, in reality, a woman named Pauline Pierce who gave birth to former first lady Barbara Bush. The resemblance between Barbara Bush and bull dog-faced Aleister Crowley seems unmistakable, further fanning the flames of speculation.
Whatever you see in this book, you are sure to enjoy it if you have any familiarity with metaphysics and it is really a must-read for anyone who is intrigued by Crowley and his non-fictional works. Very often, more is revealed in fiction than in non-fiction. That is very much the case with this novel.
