Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Parsival Krumm-Heller died peacefully on Tuesday 17th June in Sydney, Australia, after an ongoing illness.
The son of noted German author, occultist and mystic Arnoldo Krumm-Heller (Frater Huiracocha, 1876-1949, founder of the F.R.A. or Fraternitas Rosicruciana Antiqua), Parsival quite literally grew up in the European occult scene of the early 20th century, getting to know many of its historically important figures – his ‘Uncles’ and ‘Aunts’ – such as Karl Germer, Martha Kuntzel, Peryt-Shou, Hermann Metzger and Friedrich Levke, amongst others.
A dedicated Thelemite from an early age, Parsival would become a teacher in his own right. While in the English-speaking world Parsival is largely known for training a young Marcello Ramos Motta, before passing him on to Karl Germer for further training in A:.A:., his accomplishments in Europe and South America were many – advising, teaching, and authorizing many lodges and groups associated with the F.R.A., tirelessly working with people and groups that continued Arnoldo’s curricula, legacy and lineage, and advising various Rosicrucian and occult movements in Europe. He preferred to live in relative silence and privacy, never seeking the spotlight or a name for himself. First and foremost Parsival’s focus was to preserve his father’s teachings and legacy. In 2005 Parsival’s English edition of Arnoldo Krumm-Heller’s Logos Mantram Magic was published by the Australian O.T.O., with ongoing plans to make more of Arnoldo’s works available in English.
Parsival had an adventurous and accomplished life with enough stories to fill a book. One of his fondest was meeting Aleister Crowley: Parsival was 5 years old and Crowley and Germer were coming to the Krumm-Heller household for a meeting with Arnoldo. Parsival told me how everybody was running about frantic as “Therion” was visiting. When it was explained to him that a “Beast” was coming to the house, he said he was quite scared, as he didn’t know who, or what, the ‘Beast’ was. It was at this meeting that Crowley walked straight up to Parsival and said to him in broken German “you will always be a loner.” It proved to be the case, and Parsival held a fond affection and respect for his “Therion” (as he preferred to refer to Crowley) for the rest of his life.
Parsival’s primary magical interest was in his father’s unique synthesis of western magic, qabalah, yoga, and South American shamanism, astrology and medicine. He knew Arnoldo’s System thoroughly. Although never a member of the O.T.O., Parsival (like his father) held the Order in high esteem. He would stress to me the importance of the IXº for humanity and the world, yet for all that, eloquently if cryptically articulate the differences between the Order’s application of these Mysteries compared to his father’s System. In 2006 when the O.T.O. Areopagus met in Sydney, the Krumm-Hellers hosted a dinner for the Frater Superior and other senior members of the Order. Parsival took great joy and pride in the event, formally greeting everyone individually, and amidst the celebrations and conversations that followed there was a real sense of fraternity and collaboration, a unity of purpose, and of history, as two great lineages came together for the first time in decades, in recognition and acknowledgement.
After the death of Arnoldo in 1949 and on the advice of Friedrich Levke, Parsival moved to Australia in 1954, following attacks on the Krumm-Heller name and teachings by a certain Christian Religious Order. He settled with his family on the northern beaches of Sydney, working hard to build a new life in Australia. He studied and earned a Diploma of Management, and held various managerial positions throughout his working life. Later in his retirement, Parzival’s focus returned to more arcane issues, such as the promotion of his father’s books and the advancement of the FRA. In more recent times he appointed an ambassador for the FRA to promote the teachings of his father throughout France, as well as other Latin American countries. Parzival continued to correspond with various individuals, and has passed on an extensive legacy to his son, Rainer.
I will remember ‘Parsi’ for his generosity, humbleness, dedication to the Work, and stern yet always sage advice; and most importantly for his friendship, encouragement, guidance and counsel in regards my work for the O.T.O. His wry fatalism in later years (as it was once described) perhaps a true sign of his Grade.
His passing marks the end of an era.
“Unto them from whose eyes the veil of life hath fallen may there be granted the accomplishment of their True Wills; whether they will absorption in the Infinite, or to be united with their chosen and preferred, or to be in contemplation, or to be at peace, or to achieve the labour and heroism of incarnation on this planet or another, or in any Star, or aught else, unto them may there be granted the accomplishment of their Wills; yea, the accomplishment of their Wills.” Liber XV
Love is the law, love under will.
Shiva Xº
Grand Master
O.T.O. (Australian Grand Lodge)