Dear Caroline,
I think many dynamics will be shared with other guru figures.
The how be faired after their contact is an important consideration. As
with mundane relationships, if the experience develops people then it
may be good even if the relationship fails and is painful. My impression
is that the experience that Eugene Wieland, Leah Hirsig and Rose Kelly's
had of Crowley was destructive. For others, C.F.Russell springs to mind,
it seems at times painful but ultimately developing.
I think there were sado-masochistic aspects. Crowley getting his
disciples to cut their arms and carve symbols on their chest are signals
of that.
I have seen harmonics of this in modern Thelemic scenes that I have been
party to.
Some would consider the Lawrence Sutin biography the most academic so
far.
My best wishes
Ben
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Ben Fernee
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