The Book of the Law is the primary religious text of Thelema. It is primarily compiled of three chapters which were dictated to aleister crowley during his honey moon in Cairo, Egypt over three consecutive days April 8, 9, and 10 in 1904. The little red Book of the Law (the most common printed version found) contains those three chapters as well as five introductory chapters which briefly touch upon the book’s origin and the core philosophies of Thelema and the New Aeon which it initiates. In the back of this copy you also will find a reproduction of the original manuscript written by aleister crowley as was instructed by Aiwass.
This book discusses the nature of the Universe, of life and of existence which is what primarily qualifies it as a religious text. The text itself is written in a very abstract way which requires a bit of analysis and contemplation on the part of the reader. It is said that the study of this book is forbidden however there is no law beyond Do What Thou Wilt so is it up to the individual to make such a decision. Crowley did leave an entire text of commentary on this one manuscript addressing each verse individually; that book is called The Law is for All. It is important that for those who read it and use it, to develop there own Interpretation of the text and not to adhere to anyone else’s interpretation. This is because…
Do What Thou Wilt Shall be the Whole of the Law
Besides this one text there are other important Thelemic texts which can be found online and in Crowley’s other books. There is even one specific book titled The Holy Books of Thelema which includes this text as well as others all in one volume.
Free e-books (can be downloaded):
Ea Wallis Budge - The Book Of Gates Vol IiOpus Majus - The Book Of The Black Serpent
Lady Galadriel - The New Book Of The Law
Aleister Crowley - The Book Of The Law