On this day in 1947, Aleister Crowley, one of the greatest occult minds of the twentieth century, died. Today we remember him by celebrating his works and contributions to the craft and by holding a small vigil in his honor. We do this by lighting a red candle in the west, which has his name inscribed into the sides. Light the candle and chant his name several times until you feel a calmness fill the space around you. Then recite this piece from his poem “In Memoriam,” from his 1898 book Songs of the Spirit:

The spirit, through the
vision of clouds rifted,
Soars quick and clear.
Even so, the mists that roll
o’er earth are riven,
The spirit flashes forth
from mortal sight,
And, flaming through the
viewless space, is given
A robe of light.

Allow the candle to burn out completely and safely