The Magical Diaries of Leah Hirsig, 1923-1925
Aleister Crowley, Magick, and the New Occult Woman
Series: Oxford Studies in Western Esotericism;
- Publisher's listprice GBP 86.00
-
38 829 Ft (36 980 Ft + 5% VAT)
The price is estimated because at the time of ordering we do not know what conversion rates will apply to HUF / product currency when the book arrives. In case HUF is weaker, the price increases slightly, in case HUF is stronger, the price goes lower slightly.
- Discount 10% (cc. 3 883 Ft off)
- Discounted price 34 946 Ft (33 282 Ft + 5% VAT)
Subcribe now and take benefit of a favourable price.
Subscribe
38 829 Ft
Availability
printed on demand
Why don't you give exact delivery time?
Delivery time is estimated on our previous experiences. We give estimations only, because we order from outside Hungary, and the delivery time mainly depends on how quickly the publisher supplies the book. Faster or slower deliveries both happen, but we do our best to supply as quickly as possible.
Product details:
- Publisher OUP USA
- Date of Publication 20 August 2025
- ISBN 9780197580943
- Binding Hardback
- No. of pages374 pages
- Size 241x167x24 mm
- Weight 689 g
- Language English
- Illustrations 19 b/w photographs 622
Categories
Short description:
The Magical Diaries of Leah Hirsig, 1923-1925 presents a complete, annotated collection of the magical diaries of the prominent Swiss-American occultist. The book includes a selection of unpublished letters and poems by Hirsig and Aleister Crowley, shedding unique light on their relationship as well as women's roles in twentieth-century occultism.
MoreLong description:
Leah Hirsig was a Swiss-American occultist, follower and lover of the prominent British occultist Aleister Crowley in the 1920s. The self-styled Great Beast 666, Crowley was also the founder and prophet of the new religion Thelema. This annotated edition of Hirsig's complete magical diaries and previously unpublished correspondence between her and Crowley sheds new light on their relationship and the broader role of women in twentieth-century occultism.
A schoolteacher by training who lived, loved, and travelled independently, Hirsig embodied the ideals of the New Woman, particularly in her attraction to a counter-normative occult movement. In 1920, Hirsig was appointed Crowley's Scarlet Woman, a title that identified her as the earthly avatar of the Thelemic goddess Babalon and as Crowley's feminine counterpart. In this role, Hirsig was essential in stewarding the Thelemic community during an eventful period, which coincided with the establishment of an Abbey of Thelema in Cefalù, Sicily, and the authorship of several of Crowley's important magical works. In 1924, Hirsig was replaced as Scarlet Woman, but she remained devoted to Thelema for several years.
Hirsig's magical diaries provide a unique window into the possibilities and challenges faced by women occultists in the early twentieth century. Her writing highlights how occult movements offered heightened opportunities for women's leadership while also being impacted by wider gender inequalities. The diaries are presented with a selection of previously unpublished letters and poems by Hirsig and Crowley, providing insight into their relationship and the period from Hirsig's attraction to Thelema in 1919 until her departure from the movement in 1927-1930. The book also includes an extensive editorial introduction that situates Hirsig within Thelema, twentieth-century occultism, and women's changing roles during this period.
Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements
Introduction
The Magical Diaries of Leah Hirsig
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
References
