Thelemic Field Trip: The Eve of Ashura (Mourners of Karbala) [Shi'a Islam]

Join us on the Eve of Ashura to explore Shi'a Islam through the commemoration of Karbala, martyrdom, ritual mourning, and religious ecstasy.
About this Event

DO WHAT THOU WILT SHALL BE THE WHOLE OF THE LAW!

Toronto Thelema Field Trip: Eve of Ashura

Join us for a field trip exploring the commemoration of Ashura within Islam, focusing on the remembrance of Imam Hussein ibn Ali and the events of the Battle of Karbala (680 CE).

Participants will observe mourning rituals, sermons, processions, devotional recitations, rhythmic lamentation, and other forms of religious expression associated with the remembrance of Karbala. The event offers an opportunity to encounter living traditions found among Twelver Shi'a, Musta‘li Tayyibi Ismaili, Pirpanthi, and related communities, each preserving distinct interpretations and commemorative practices.

Themes explored may include martyrdom, sacrifice, sainthood, sacred history, communal memory, religious ecstasy, and the use of ritual to transmit values and identity across generations. For Thelemites, the field trip provides an opportunity to examine living examples of initiation through ordeal, the construction of sacred myth, collective ritual consciousness, and the relationship between suffering, meaning, and spiritual authority.

Participants are expected to remain respectful throughout the visit. Black or muted clothing is recommended. Clothing should cover the shoulders, torso, and legs. Head coverings are optional but may be useful depending on the spaces visited.

Note: Program timetable is a bit fluid!

If you are interested in attending, please text 647-677-7573.

If the parking lot is closed an alternative spot to park is at the Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre (141 Sunrise Ave, North York).

As part of Adventures in the Occult: Field Trip Series, this visit approaches contemporary religious practice through a Thelemic lens, placing interfaith dialogue into conversation with the principles of Scientific Illuminism. We aim to cultivate understanding through direct experience — encountering devotion, discipline, community, and spiritual identity beyond theoretical study.

Our field trips encourage respectful observation, cultural learning, and expanded socio-religious awareness in pursuit of deeper initiation through lived encounter.

LOVE IS THE LAW, LOVE UNDER WILL!

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Toronto Thelema hosts the following semi-public gatherings:

1. Monthly Informal Meetup: First Monday of Every Month at The Only Cafe
2. Monthly Occult Workshops: Second Monday of Every Month at CSI Spadina
3. Quaterly Public Rituals: Two Solstices & Two Equinoxes
4. Esoteric Film Screenings: Third Friday of Every Month

If you're interested in occultism, esotericism, alternative religion, comparative metaphysics, perennialism, fringe subcultures, magick, morality, ethics, sorcery, tarot, oracles, divination, art, science, rituals, left-hand and right-hand paths — we would love for you to join us in our events!

You will be able to get the newest edition of our free but limited quantity mini-zine: The Thelemite! This is only available in-print. If you would like to contribute art, articles, or advertise in the zine, please contact [email protected]

Lastly, you will have an opportunity to purchase a rare copy of Liber LXV (with Commentary by Aleister Crowley) — $20.00 CAD per paperback.

All proceeds, along with any FREE WILL contributions go towards our operating costs. If you would like to donate to Toronto Thelema, you can e-transfer funds to [email protected]