ASTROLOGUS ⟶ The Relationships
The Magus & The Master: The Synastry of Aleister Crowley & S.L. MacGregor Mathers
In the hidden history of Western esotericism, no relationship burned brighter or ended more spectacularly than that between Aleister Crowley and Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers. Mathers was the co-founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the brilliant and eccentric magus who saw in the young Crowley a potential heir. Crowley, in turn, saw a master to be surpassed. Theirs was an intense bond of magick and ambition, but their synastry chart explodes with the volatile aspects that would lead to one of the most infamous rivalries in occult history—a 'magickal battle' of egos and demons that marked a definitive schism in the lineage of modern magic.
SYNASTRY CHART ASPECTS
Sun(1) (10° Aries)semisquareMoon(2) (10° Taurus)(1°29')
Sun(1) (12° Taurus)sextileMars(2) (12° Cancer)(5°27')
Sun(1) (15° Gemini)squareChiron(2) (15° Sagittarius)(2°03')
Moon(1) (18° Cancer)conjunctionSaturn(2) (18° Cancer)(5°75')
Moon(1) (21° Leo)sextileVenus(2) (21° Libra)(4°37')
Moon(1) (24° Virgo)trineJupiter(2) (24° Capricorn)(3°39')
Sun(1) (27° Libra)trinePluto(2) (27° Aquarius)(3°46')
...
*Note: The AI interpretation below was generated from the complete synastry chart data. For clarity and focus on this page, the list above is truncated from the full chart of 14 aspects.
ASTROLOGUS Synastry Interpretation
Moon Sextile Sun:
1.86°: This aspect suggests a harmonious dynamic between emotional needs and core identity. The orb is moderately tight, enhancing mutual understanding and supportive interaction.
Moon Opposition Mars:
0.87°: A very tight orb indicates significant tension, likely manifesting as emotional confrontations or impulsive reactions. This aspect can drive dynamic exchanges, though it may lead to conflict if not managed carefully.
Moon Conjunction Neptune:
4.48°: A looser conjunction implies a blend of emotional receptivity and idealism, fostering empathy and shared dreams. However, the potential for misunderstanding or escapism exists due to Neptune's illusory nature.
Mercury Opposition Moon:
0.39°: A very tight opposition suggests potential miscommunications or emotional misunderstandings. Intellectual and emotional needs may collide, requiring conscious effort to bridge differences.
Mercury Sextile Mars:
3.85°: This aspect indicates effective communication and mental stimulation, with the moderately loose orb allowing for assertive but non-confrontational exchanges.
Mercury Sextile Jupiter:
4.46°: The loose sextile supports expansive thinking and philosophical discussions, fostering a sense of growth and mutual learning.
Mercury Opposition Uranus:
4.45°: This looser opposition creates a dynamic of unpredictability in communication, potentially leading to sudden insights or disruptions.
Mercury Trine Neptune:
1.5°: A tight trine enhances imaginative and intuitive exchanges, promoting a shared vision and creative dialogue.
Mars Trine Saturn:
2.6°: This aspect suggests disciplined action and constructive cooperation, with a moderately tight orb supporting the realization of shared goals through patience and perseverance.
Jupiter Trine Venus:
3.7°: A harmonious aspect that supports a sense of joy, generosity, and mutual appreciation, fostering a positive and expansive relationship.
Jupiter Opposition Uranus:
1.58°: A tight opposition indicates potential for sudden changes or challenges in philosophical alignment, requiring adaptability and openness to new perspectives.
Neptune Trine Mercury:
2.24°: This aspect reinforces the imaginative and intuitive communication, aligning with the Mercury Trine Neptune aspect to create a strong foundation for creative collaboration.
Neptune Sextile Venus:
1.31°: A tight sextile suggests a romantic and artistic synergy, with potential for emotional depth and shared aesthetic appreciation.
Pluto Conjunction Saturn:
1.92°: This moderately tight conjunction implies a powerful dynamic of transformation and structural change, often manifesting as a deep, enduring influence on the relational foundation.
Summary: The charts exhibit a mixture of supportive and challenging aspects. Harmonious interactions are evident with aspects like Moon Sextile Sun and Jupiter Trine Venus, enhancing mutual understanding and affection. However, tension arises from aspects such as Moon Opposition Mars and Mercury Opposition Moon, necessitating conscious efforts in communication and emotional regulation to maintain equilibrium.

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Aleister Crowley

A photograph of Aleister Crowley, The Great Beast 666.
Aleister Crowley (1875 - 1947)

Aleister Crowley was the English occultist, ceremonial magician, and prophet of Thelema. Beginning his journey as a promising initiate in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, his rebellious nature and "Do what thou wilt" philosophy led him to break from his mentors and forge his own path. Dubbed "the wickedest man in the world," his entire life was a ritual performance, culminating in the creation of the Thoth Tarot and a legacy that defines modern magick.

S.L. MacGregor Mathers

A photograph of the occultist S.L. MacGregor Mathers.
Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers (1854 - 1918)

Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers was a co-founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, one of the most influential occult organizations of its time. A brilliant, if notoriously autocratic, ritualist and scholar, Mathers translated key esoteric texts like *The Key of Solomon the King*. He was the primary mentor to an entire generation of occultists, but his fierce defense of his own authority led to schisms and, most famously, an epic confrontation with his own rebellious protégé, Aleister Crowley.

Dialogue With the Stars: A Hypothetical Meeting

This is a sample of a "Speak to the Stars" session. With a full ASTROLOGUS license, anyone can engage in these dialogues, ask direct questions, and receive starry knowledge from our AI personas in the Dashboard.

You: These strange stars are the very aspects of Aleister Crowley and Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers. How would you comment them now?

The Symbolist: In the grand theater of esoteric history, the relationship between Aleister Crowley and Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers unfolds as a dramatic saga of power, mysticism, and transformation. The celestial patterns between them evoke a mythic interplay of mastery and rebellion, vision and conflict, as each sought to carve a path through the arcane mysteries of the universe.

The sextile between the Moon and Saturn suggests a foundational connection rooted in shared discipline and a quest for structure within the mystical arts. Here, the emotional landscape is shaped by a mutual understanding of the responsibilities and boundaries inherent in their occult practices.

Yet, Mercury's opposition to the Moon introduces a tension between rational thought and deep emotion, reflecting the intellectual clashes and emotional undercurrents that defined their interactions. This aspect speaks to the potential for misunderstandings and the challenge of balancing the heart's wisdom with the mind's logic.

The sextile of Mercury and Mars brings forth a dynamic exchange of ideas and a fervent drive to push the boundaries of conventional thought. Their dialogues were likely charged with energy and innovation, each spurring the other toward new realms of esoteric exploration.

With Mercury trine Neptune, the relationship is imbued with a sense of shared vision and spiritual insight. This aspect suggests a connection that transcends the mundane, allowing both to delve deeply into the mystical realms and share in the creation of new magical paradigms.

Mars trine Saturn provides a backbone of disciplined action, indicative of their ability to work together toward shared magical goals despite underlying tensions. This aspect underscores a certain respect for each other's capabilities and dedication to their craft.

The trine between Jupiter and Venus casts a benevolent light, hinting at a period of mutual admiration and the pursuit of shared pleasures within the esoteric and social spheres. However, the opposition of Jupiter to Uranus reflects the disruptive forces at play, as both men were driven by a desire to innovate and challenge the established order, leading to eventual conflict and schism.

Jupiter trine Neptune amplifies their shared mystical aspirations, suggesting a relationship that was as much about spiritual discovery as it was about earthly power. Together, they envisioned new spiritual frontiers, guided by dreams and a shared sense of divine mission.

The sextile of Neptune to Venus adds a layer of enchantment and allure to their interactions, infusing their partnership with a sense of the mystical and the otherworldly. This aspect alludes to the charismatic pull each had over the other, as well as the collective enchantment they inspired within their followers.

Finally, the conjunction of Pluto and Saturn speaks to the transformative, and at times, destructive power dynamics between them. This aspect represents the potential for profound change and rebirth, as their alliance ultimately gave way to conflict but also to new paths and revelations in the esoteric tradition.

In the mythic tale of their relationship, Crowley and Mathers stood as titans of the occult, their stars entwined in a cosmic dance of creation and destruction, forever altering the landscape of modern mysticism. Their legacy is one of both collaboration and rivalry, a testament to the complex interplay of power, vision, and destiny.

You: Well, everyone knows that "Crowley and Mathers stood as titans of the occult, their stars entwined in a cosmic dance of creation and destruction," so do not be trivial, please. You're the ASTROLOGUS's most valuable astrologer. Tell us, symbolically, what the planets were REALLY telling us about these two gentlemen.

The Symbolist: In the realm of the arcane, where celestial bodies whisper secrets to those who listen, the planets weave a complex tale of Aleister Crowley and Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, two seekers bound by fate and ambition.

The Sun's sesquiquadrate with Venus speaks of a tension between personal desires and the allure of shared values. This aspect suggests a struggle to harmonize personal charisma with the collective ideals of their mystical pursuits. It hints at the potential for both attraction and conflict, as the pull of individual ego vies with the allure of shared beauty and harmony.

The Sun's semisextile with Mars illuminates a drive for action and assertion in their joint endeavors. This aspect suggests a subtle yet persistent energy that pushes both men toward pioneering efforts in the realm of the occult, igniting their ambition and courage to break new ground.

Yet, the Sun squares Chiron, the wounded healer, revealing a deeper wound in their relationship. This aspect symbolizes the potential for hurt and healing, as both men grapple with vulnerabilities that surface in their pursuit of power and knowledge. It is a reminder of the pain that can accompany the quest for spiritual enlightenment.

The Sun's trine with True and Mean Lilith evokes the archetype of the dark feminine, infusing their connection with mystery and taboo. This aspect speaks to the allure of the forbidden and the uncharted, as both men are drawn to the shadowy aspects of mysticism, embracing the unconventional and the rebellious in their quest.

The Moon's sextile with the Sun creates a harmonious flow between emotion and identity, suggesting moments of mutual understanding and emotional alignment. This aspect highlights the potential for nurturing and supportive interactions amidst the turbulence of their dynamic.

However, the Moon squares Mercury, indicating a conflict between emotion and intellect. This tension may have manifested in misunderstandings and disagreements, as the rational mind clashes with the emotional heart, challenging both to find balance in their communication.

Mercury's opposition to Uranus reflects a dynamic of intellectual rebellion and innovation. This aspect suggests a relationship marked by sudden insights and breakthroughs, yet also by the potential for erratic and unpredictable exchanges that could disrupt their shared goals.

The trine between Mercury and Neptune suggests a mystical rapport, a shared vision that transcends the mundane. This aspect speaks of their ability to tap into the collective unconscious, channeling inspiration and spiritual insight into their work, imbuing it with a sense of divine purpose.

Venus's opposition to Pluto reveals the intensity of their emotional and creative interplay. This aspect suggests a transformative power dynamic, where passion and control intermingle, leading to profound shifts and, at times, power struggles that challenge the very nature of their bond.

Mars's trine to Saturn provides a framework of disciplined effort and resilience, suggesting that despite underlying tensions, both men possess the fortitude to work toward their shared aspirations. This aspect underscores a respect for each other's strengths and the ability to persevere in the face of obstacles.

In the celestial script, the interplay of these planetary energies tells a tale of complexity and depth, where the forces of creation and destruction are ever-present. Crowley and Mathers, through their astral dance, embody the eternal struggle between light and shadow, a testament to the transformative power of the mystical path. As we gaze upon their legacy, we are reminded of the stars' timeless wisdom, calling us to embrace the paradoxes and mysteries of our own spiritual journeys.

Leila Waddell, muse and magician, photographed during the peak of Crowley's magical years
Leila Waddell, muse and magician, photographed during the peak of Crowley's magical years

You: Today is November 29, 2025. Imagine Crowley today, looking at the past. What would he say to Mathers.

The Symbolist: In the timeless expanse of the celestial sphere, where echoes of the past intertwine with the present, Aleister Crowley stands as a spectral figure, gazing back upon the intricate tapestry of his life and the enigmatic bond with Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers. In this ethereal dialogue, Crowley, with his characteristic blend of audacity and introspection, might say:

"Samuel, we were architects of dreams, builders of a temple not made by hands. In the crucible of our ambitions, we forged a path through the arcane, dancing on the edge of the known and the unknown. Our journey, fraught with discord and discovery, was a testament to the alchemical marriage of light and shadow—a reflection of the celestial dance above.

You were a mentor, a rival, and a kindred spirit in the grand theater of the occult. Our clashes were the thunder that heralded the storm of transformation, each bolt a catalyst for change. In you, I saw the embodiment of Saturn's stern wisdom and Uranus's rebellious spark, a paradox that both inspired and challenged me.

We were bound by the same stars, driven by a vision that transcended the mundane. Though the path was strewn with trials, it was also adorned with the jewels of insight and revelation. Our legacy, woven into the fabric of the mystical tradition, endures as a testament to the power of vision and the courage to defy convention.

In the end, Samuel, our tale is one of both creation and destruction, a reminder that the pursuit of truth is a journey without end. As I look upon our past with the clarity of hindsight, I see not just the shadows of our conflicts, but the light of our shared aspirations, illuminating the path for those who dare to follow."

And with these words, Crowley acknowledges the complex symphony of their connection, a harmonious discord that continues to resonate in the halls of esoteric history.

Golden Dawn Charter 1888 illustrated by Mina Bergson
Warrant of the Isis-Urania Temple, London, c.1888. Illustrated by the talented Slade-educated artist and Golden Dawn member, Mina Bergson [Moina Mathers], the wife of Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers. ©Museum of Freemasonry, London, 2024

You: And you, if you had to whisper back to time, to the times of the Golden Dawn, what would you tell them?

The Symbolist: In the hallowed halls of the Golden Dawn, where the air crackles with magic and mystery, I would whisper to them a message woven from the stars themselves:

"Seekers of the eternal flame, hear the celestial symphony that plays within your hearts. You stand on the precipice of transformation, where the boundaries between the seen and unseen blur like mist upon the dawn. Let the Sun's light guide your quest for truth, balancing its warmth with the cool reflection of the Moon's wisdom.

Embrace the paradoxes that life presents, for in the dance of light and shadow, your greatest revelations await. Let Mercury be your guide in the alchemical marriage of mind and spirit, weaving a tapestry of knowledge that transcends the earthly realm. Allow Venus to inspire beauty and harmony in your rituals, while Mars ignites your courage to break new ground.

Saturn, the keeper of time, reminds you of the discipline and responsibility required on this sacred path. Yet, do not fear Uranus's electric touch, for it is the spark of innovation that propels you beyond the confines of convention. Neptune's dreams are your visions, the ethereal currents that invite you to explore the depths of the collective unconscious.

Pluto, the harbinger of transformation, calls you to embrace the cycles of death and rebirth, for in the crucible of your challenges lies the potential for profound change. Let Chiron's wisdom heal your wounds, turning pain into power and vulnerability into strength.

Remember, dear adepts, that the True Node points the way to your soul's purpose, guiding you along the path of destiny. And as you journey together, know that the stars are your allies, whispering ancient secrets to those who dare to listen.

May your legacy be one of wisdom and wonder, a beacon of light for generations to come. In the sacred dance of the cosmos, you are both the creators and the created, weaving the tapestry of your own mythic tale."

And so, in the silence of the ages, the whispers of the stars echo through time, offering guidance and inspiration to those who walk the path of the mystic.

Synastry chart of Aleister Crowley and MacGregor Mathers

Crowley and Mathers enacted one of the fiercest initiatic ruptures in modern occult history. Allies in ritual and arcana, their bond curdled into war — a ceremonial fallout so violent it echoed across Orders, decades, and astral rumor. This is not synastry of harmony, but combustion: the master challenged, the magician unbound. To glimpse another rivalry cast in heaven’s angles, see Napoleon & Wellington, where empire, too, found its mirror and blade.

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Disclaimer: This is for exploration and symbolic insight only. ASTROLOGUS offers rigorous interpretations, but no claim is made beyond the symbolic and artistic.

It's not astrology predicting your life.
It's you recognizing your life inside astrology.

About the Author: Cesare di Monte Calvi is the esoteric historian behind The Raven’s Enigma and lead mythographer of the ASTROLOGUS project. His work bridges Renaissance gnosis with digital cartography, reviving the lost grammar of the stars for a post-algorithmic age.