Introduction

The purpose of the Mere Thelema Manual of Style (titled Liber Annotationum for a bit of humor) is to provide a shared editorial standard for writing about Thelema clearly, consistently, and responsibly. It is not intended to impose a single voice, settle theological disputes, or reduce a living tradition to a set of mechanical rules. Rather, it exists to help writers and editors handle Thelemic language with the care it deserves.

Thelemic writing often moves between scripture, ritual, philosophy, history, poetry, magical practice, religious devotion, and public commentary. Without some common standard, terms become inconsistent, citations become casual, capitalization becomes arbitrary, and important distinctions are blurred. A style guide helps remove that unnecessary friction so the reader can focus on the substance of the work.

The guide covers such matters as capitalization, titles of texts and rituals, scriptural citation, including quotations from Thelema’s “Holy Books,” use of technical terms, treatment of foreign or inherited esoteric vocabulary, and general conventions for public-facing Thelemic writing. Its aim is practical: to help good writing become clearer, more accurate, and easier to edit.

At the same time, this manual recognizes that Thelemic texts require special care. Sacred and received writings should not be casually modernized, paraphrased, or silently corrected. Their wording, spelling, numbering, and peculiarities may matter. Editorial consistency must therefore be balanced by fidelity to the source.

The governing principle is simple: clarity without reduction, fidelity without obscurity, consistency without deadness. Thelema deserves writing equal to the seriousness of its vision, and style is one modest discipline by which that seriousness is made visible.

While Liber Annotationum is not intended to be exclusive to Mere Thelema, it is especially necessary for books, publications, and public resources, such as Mere Thelema, where writing must be accessible to serious readers without flattening the depth of the tradition. Contributors may come from different backgrounds, training, and interpretive communities. Consistency in style allows that variety of perspective to remain intact while giving the publication a coherent editorial voice.

This guide includes a student supplement for essays and term papers. It is also sutable for articles designed for the Mere Thelema journal publication both online and in print.