3.5 Italics and Capitalization

Italicize unfamiliar non-English words when they first appear, especially when the word is being introduced as a term for discussion. If the word appears repeatedly throughout the paper, it may be set in roman type after the first use, provided the meaning is clear. Do not italicize words that have become standard English terms or standard terms within the paper.

• Right: The Greek word agapē means “love.” In Thelemic writing, Agape becomes a technical term closely related to Thelema.
• Wrong: The Greek word agapē means “love.” In Thelemic writing, Agape becomes a technical term closely related to Thelema.

Do not italicize divine names, personal names, or established Thelemic technical terms merely because they are unusual or non-English in origin. Names such as Nuit, Hadit, Ra-Hoor-Khuit, Aiwass, Khabs, and Khu are written in roman type unless they appear in a title or quotation that uses different formatting.

Capitalize divine names, proper names, and established Thelemic terms when this guide treats them as technical terms. This includes Thelema, Agape, True Will, Great Work, Knowledge and Conversation, Holy Guardian Angel, and Aeon. Use lowercase for ordinary uses of the same words.

• Right: The Great Work is discussed as a technical term in Thelemic and magical writing.
• Wrong: Every stage of the student’s Work should be described with Initial Capitals.

Titles of books, essays, rituals, and other works should follow the title rules used elsewhere in this guide. Do not use italics or quotation marks for titles of Thelemic hierological texts. Do not add capitalization, italics, or quotation marks merely for emphasis.