Notes from Aleister Crowley's Diary
I have recently received the following information concerning the initial meeting between Arnold Crowther, Gerald Gardner and Aleister Crowley.
Aleister Crowley’s diaries at the Warburg Institute (University of London), date from 1936 to 1947 (the year of Crowley’s death), and are typewritten copies of the originals which are stated to be owned by Germer.
The first mention of Gerald Gardner occurs in the entry for 1st May 1947, and reads:
"Thurs 1 May: Miss Eva Collins, Dr G.B. Gardner Ph D Singapore, Arnold Crowther prof. G. a magician to tea. Dr. G.R.Arch"
Gerald is mentioned onlt three times only in Crowley’sa diary for 1947:
"Wed 7 May: Dr Gardner about 12."
"Wed 14 May: G.B.G."
"Tues 27 May: Gardner here."
The diary ceases shortly thereafter, perhaps because of Crowley’s health.
Previous to the above information, I had always presumed that Arnold had taken Gerald to meet Crowley in 1946, but 1947 it was, and on the important festival of Beltane, too - (1 st May, 1947)
It was obviously the first meeting between Gardner and Crowley because there is no previous reference to Gerald in earlier diaries, and in that entry, Gerald is given a formal title, which is usually reserved for first occasions.