The world of Western esotericism is vast and interconnected, with various movements and figures influencing one another over the years. Among the most influential are Thelema, Wicca, and the Golden Dawn system of magic. To understand their origins and interconnections, one must delve into the lives of their founders and the socio-political climate of their times.

Thelema and Aleister Crowley

• Origins: Thelema was founded by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century. Its primary text, "The Book of the Law," was supposedly dictated to Crowley by a spiritual entity named Aiwass in 1904.

• Philosophy: The core tenet of Thelema is the phrase "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law," emphasizing personal freedom and willpower.

• Influence of the Golden Dawn: Before founding Thelema, Crowley was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a magical order that combined elements of Kabbalah, tarot, alchemy, and other esoteric traditions. The order's teachings and rituals heavily influenced Crowley's later work.

Wicca and Gerald Gardner

• Origins: Wicca was founded by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s, though he claimed it was a revival of ancient pagan witchcraft traditions.

• Philosophy: Wicca is a nature-based religion that venerates the Goddess and the Horned God and observes the cycles of the moon and the seasons.

• Influence of the Golden Dawn: Like Crowley, Gardner was influenced by the Golden Dawn's teachings, especially its rituals and symbolism. He also incorporated elements of Thelema into Wicca.

The Golden Dawn and Israel Regardie

• Origins: The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was founded in the late 19th century by William Wynn Westcott, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, and William Robert Woodman.

• Philosophy: The order's teachings were a synthesis of various esoteric traditions, aiming to guide its members towards spiritual enlightenment.

• Israel Regardie: A former secretary to Aleister Crowley, Regardie was instrumental in preserving and disseminating the teachings of the Golden Dawn. He published the order's rituals and teachings, ensuring their survival after the order itself had dissolved.

Aleister Crowley vs. William Morgan and the Anti-Masonic Movement

• The Anti-Masonic Movement began in the 1820s after the disappearance of William Morgan, a former Freemason who threatened to publish Masonic secrets. His disappearance, believed to be a murder by Masons, led to widespread distrust of Masonic lodges.

• Aleister Crowley, a figure often surrounded by controversy, was sometimes compared to Morgan due to his willingness to publicize esoteric teachings. However, while Morgan was seen as a martyr by the Anti-Masonic Movement, Crowley was often vilified by the public and the press.

Descended or Similar Religions:

1. New Ageism: A broad movement that incorporates various spiritual and religious beliefs. It emphasizes personal spirituality and self-growth, often drawing from Eastern religions, paganism, and esoteric traditions.

2. Modern Witchcraft: While Wicca is a specific tradition, modern witchcraft encompasses various practices and beliefs, often emphasizing the veneration of nature, ancestors, and ancient deities.

3. Hermeticism: An ancient philosophical and spiritual tradition based on the teachings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. It has influenced various esoteric movements, including the Golden Dawn.

4. Chaos Magick: A contemporary magical tradition that emphasizes the flexible use of symbols and belief systems. It draws heavily from Thelema and other modern esoteric movements.

5. Neopaganism: A broad movement that seeks to revive ancient pagan religions, often in a modern context. It includes traditions like Druidry, Heathenry, and Hellenism.

In conclusion, the tapestry of Western esotericism is rich and varied, with traditions influencing and borrowing from one another. The stories of Thelema, Wicca, and the Golden Dawn are intertwined, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of spiritual and magical beliefs.