- Aleister Crowley (1876-1947), born Edward Alexander Crowley, was an influential English occultist, provacateur, hedonist, mountaineer, chess player, and artist dubbed “The Wickedest Man in the World.” His motto was “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law; love is the law, love under will.” He is known for his occult writing and drug experimentation. Also noted for appearing on the cover of The Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper album, drawing the interest of Jimmy Page, and being the subject of the Ozzy Osbourne song “Mr. Crowley.” Not to be confused with Anthony J. Crowley.
- Tania Australis (stars.astro.illinois.edu)
TANIA AUSTRALIS (Mu Ursae Majoris). Our Ursa Major, the Greater Bear, contains remnants of ancient Arabic constellations, the best-known example the star Alkaid, which refers to the leader of the daughters of a funeral bier. Southwest of the Dipper’s bowl lie three obvious pairs of stars that represent the bear’s paws, but to the Arabs were the tracks of leaping gazelles. The middle pair is the “second leap,” from which comes the name “Tania” (for “second”).