I hear that the Magic Circle, as students of the occult, have acquired many of the writings of Aleister Crowley – arch-priest of the Black Mass cult – whose cremation last December has led to protests at Brighton about the form of the ceremony then used. Followers of Crowley’s cult met at intervals in different parts of the country to listen to poetry and prose written by The Great Wild Beast, which is the self style Crowley gave himself.
It is these outpourings which the Magic Circle have obtained for scientific study. Most of the manuscripts are signed 666 which, according to the Book of Revelation, is the Mark of the Beast. one, however, must have been written when Crowley was feeling dejected.
It is signed 665 1/2.