Aleister Crowley was born in Leamington on Spa, England, on 12th October 1875 to a wealthy brewery owner. From an early age 'Alick' was a rebellious free-thinker with a troubled home life and unhappy education at a number of private schools.

Whilst at university Aleister discovered his true calling in life through a fascination in the occult, spirituality and mysticism. He joined Freemasonry and then later on the Order of the Golden Dawn; rising quickly through its ranks and ultimately growing bored of its restrictive structure.

In 1907 Crowley started a new occult order which he referred to as 'The Order of the Silver Star' or Argentium Astrum with a new membership, grades and rituals. The 'Silver Star' was, of course, Sirius. The temple and headquarters of the A.A. Order were situated in a rented flat at 124 Victoria Street, London and for the following few years became the focus for all of Crowleys' magickal activity.