The religion known as Thelema was founded in 1904 by the English poet and mystic Aleister Crowley (1875 – 1947), who is regarded as its prophet.  Those who follow the path of Thelema are called Thelemites.

 

Thelema emphasizes individualism, and the uniqueness of each person’s Will.  As a result, it is very difficult to make blanket statements about its nature or (still more so) the natures of its adherents.  Even the label “religion” fits Thelema awkwardly in some contexts — it is in other senses a philosophy and a way of life, while also overlapping with the set of practices and symbols commonly called “Magick”.