"Belief is the enemy of knowledge" (Crowley28). This and many other insights and realizations are carefully scattered throughout the beautiful novel called Moonchild, written by Aleister Crowley. Though sometimes difficult to read and comprehend, it is apparent that Crowley was a man of many unique thoughts and theories about the practices of magic and philosophical ways of life. The book contains a central plot, but it is also unique in that it touches upon dozens of separate ideas at the same time. It is carefully written, and each setting and character portrays a certain aspect that is significant to the main story.
The story takes place in several places throughout western Europe, beginning in bohemian Pairs, in a big city atmosphere full of corruption and excitement. It takes the characters on an adventure across the continent to Italy, in the soft countryside, isolating them far away from society. Western Europe is a place often associated with adventure, romance and wisdom. Many great thinkers and philosophers originated from this area, and it may be one of the main reasons it was used as a setting. .
The main characters in this novel are Cyril Grey, Lisa La Giuffria, and Simon Iff. Though there are many other important characters that play major roles, these are the key three on the side of "Good", or more accurately "light". On the side of "Bad", or "dark," the central evil is that of Douglas. He is the head of the "Black Lodge". Simon and Cyril are part of what they call "The Order." The order is a group of highly educated and disciplined individuals, who agree on methods of the Tao and upon methods of magic. Their principle belief is "Do What Thou Wilt"(79). They also believe in an existence of a soul, or 4th dimensional being, whose intelligence and artistic nature far surpasses that of humans. They believe that this being chooses which body to enter and occupy based on what it wants to get accomplished.