Introduction
Even separated by continents, the connection was unmistakable. With Jaz Coleman based in Argentina and myself in Manchester, we began an exchange that unfolded not across a table, but through the vast reach of the internet. Questions and answers travelled back and forth , thoughts sent, received, reflected upon until a clear thread emerged: a dialogue steeped in mysticism, philosophy, and the creative spirit that defines Jaz’s world.
Across this digital distance, Jaz spoke candidly about his early encounters with Aleister Crowley, the influence of The Book of the Law on Killing Joke’s music, and the deeper esoteric ideas that continue to shape his art and worldview. His responses reveal both the scholar and the seeker , at once grounded and visionary.
What follows is the full exchange: an intimate conversation carried across time zones and hemispheres, but united in purpose , exploring the forces that have helped shape one of rock’s most enigmatic and enduring figures.
The Interview
1. What was your first encounter with Aleister Crowley’s work and how did it shape your worldview?
Jaz Coleman ~ I first heard of Crowley in 1968. My enlightened parents would allow my brother and myself to buy any book we so desired once a month (book of the month as we called it). I purchased a Paul Hamlyn paperback titled Magic and Witchcraft, which had an illustrated chapter on Crowley. This undoubtedly piqued my interest. Then in 1974, I met a traveller who lived in a beautifully recreated camper van. On the interior wall of the van was pinned Crowley’s declaration of human rights, Liber Oz, which resonated with me and still does.
One year later I had an interesting conversation with a wiccan priestess about the liberating aspect of Crowley’s work, drawing a parallel with the wiccan maxim “harm none and do what you will.” She pointed out that in numerology (gematria) love and will had the same numerical value and were thus interchangeable terms of expression. She also introduced me to the Thoth Tarot illustrated by Frieda Harris, who I noted had lived in Cheltenham. I purchased my first Thoth pack at a shop called The Christmas Tree, and spent many hours meditating on the major arcana, listening to the esoteric tones of Can in the room I was born in.
2. How has The Book of the Law influenced your music, particularly in themes in Killing Joke’s music?
Jaz Coleman ~ Without question The Book has influenced my work, especially my geopolitical trajectory (Iceland, NZ). As for music the references are numerous ~ Fall of Because, Big Buzz, Kings & Queens, Butcher, We Have Joy, The Pandys Are Coming, Under a Southern Sky, Chapter Three, Love is the Law, Into the Unknown, Good Samaritan, Tabazan, Mass, Aeon, Asteroid, The Calling, The Death and Resurrection Show, Invocation, Twilight of the Mortals, Fresh Fever from the Skies, In Cythera, Exorcism, Dawn of the Hive, The Hum, Madness, Pleasures of the Flesh, Unto the Ends of the Earth, Force and Fire (Songs from the Victorious City) to name a few!
3. Do you see Crowley as a philosopher, a mystic, a provocateur, or all of the above?
Jaz Coleman ~ I am profoundly grateful for Crowley’s incarnation primarily for his bold disclosure of arcane texts heretofore reserved for secret societies. Provocateur and revolutionary mystic, yes – also flawed and fallible!
4. Can you speak to any specific rituals or practices from Crowley’s teachings that you’ve explored or incorporated into your life or creative process?
Jaz Coleman ~ I have always considered myself an occult philosopher first and foremost. Ritual has generally speaking been devotional (as opposed to magickal). The occasional use of psychoactive substances has been useful and could be considered an influence.
5. The concept of “Do what thou wilt” is often misunderstood , how do you personally interpret the phrase Jaz?
Jaz Coleman ~ I feel inclined to replace the word will with God-gift (as ‘will’ has Nietzschean associations, I am uncomfortable with). The journey of life is about the location of our god gifts and their selfless execution. Only the misinformed interpret “Do what thou wilt” in nihilistic terms (i.e. everything is permissible).
Frankly, I owe my current understanding of this axiom to certain Rosicrucian schools and both Rabelais and Saint Augustine. (The latter of which stated, “Love God and do what you will.”) This is where I break with Thelemic philosophy, as I do not consider Man as God (although in my past I have entertained such notions!).
I am possessed of a mystical impulse (generally speaking), and feel that when a spiritual love is the guiding principle, actions taken always align with Divine will. The maxim in question is meant to encourage us to develop our God-given abilities to a high level of articulacy — individual sovereignty (if you will) from which comes joy and self-fulfilment.
6. What do you think Crowley would have made of Killing Joke and its message?
Jaz Coleman ~ I have absolutely no idea. The dissonant tones of electric guitar and synthesisers have not always been well received by occultists, who are products of their age and generally born before the fifties (Kenneth Grant comes to mind!). But who knows?
7. Are there any parallels between Crowley’s idea of the Aeon of Horus and the times we are living through now?
Jaz Coleman ~ Without doubt, The Aeon of Horus is usually characterised by fire and upheaval occurring in conjunction with technological acceleration. AI speaks for itself. Additionally consider the fact that there are presently seventy-five volcanoes erupting as I write this.
Pole shift is upon us, earthquakes are becoming more frequent, solar storms and coronal mass ejections are daily events. The Doomsday Clock is currently set at 89 seconds to midnight — the closest ever to human extinction. The threat of nuclear war is ever present. The flashpoints numerous i.e India, Pakistan, the Korean peninsula, Taiwan, Israel, Palestine, Iran, Ukraine. The Aeon of Horus is our collective reality.
8. Has your understanding of The Book of the Law evolved over the years? If so, how?
Jaz Coleman ~I never discuss the content of this work.
Footnote
Fraternitus Rosicruciana Antiqua – AMORC
The lecture of the 11th grade of AMORC stipulates:
“This leads me to a point where I may safely and confidentially comment on one of the ancient Rosicrucian laws which we have refrained from using in any of the lower grades because it is so apt to be misunderstood. That law is this:
Do what thou wilt is the whole of the law;
Love is the law, love under will.”
– R.S. Clymer
Closing Thoughts
As our correspondence drew to a close, it was hard not to sense the weight of history and purpose in Jaz Coleman’s words. Even from opposite ends of the world, his ideas carried the same intensity that has long defined his music , a fusion of intellect, mysticism, and unflinching honesty.
Through our exchange, one thing became clear: Jaz remains as committed as ever to exploring the unseen currents that move humanity from Crowley’s teachings to the shifting energies of the modern world. His journey, like his art, continues to defy boundaries and conventions.
In an age of noise and distraction, it’s rare to find a voice still guided by conviction, curiosity, and a relentless search for meaning. Jaz Coleman remains exactly that , a true seeker, forever walking the line between the earthly and the divine.
alim
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