Noted occult author and lecturer J. Daniel Gunther passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024. This is the biography currently posted at his website.
J. Daniel Gunther is a life-long student of Egyptology, mythology, psychology, religion and esotericism. For over forty years he has been a member of A∴A∴, the teaching and testing Order established by Aleister Crowley. He is considered one of the foremost authorities on the doctrines of Thelema and the syncretic method of Magick and Mysticism taught by A∴A∴.
He was born on April 8, 1950, the youngest son of a Baptist minister whose primary studies were devoted to the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. His mother taught him to read when he was four years old. When Daniel was a young teenager his father began to teach him New Testament Greek and introduced him to Biblical Hebrew. This kindled a passion that led to in-depth studies of the dead language of ancient Egypt, translating its Hieroglyphic script and studying Coptic, the last phase of the Egyptian language. Being reared in such a fundamental Christian home, he was also tutored in Christian doctrines. His exegetical studies of the New Testament led inevitably to total rejection of the Christian faith at an early age. An undying quest for Truth resulted in his discovery of Magick and Thelema before he was twenty years of age. This would shortly take him to seek admission to the Order known as A∴A∴. He would thereafter devote his entire life to the promulgation of the Law of Thelema.
He is the author of Initiation In The Æon of the Child and The Angel & The Abyss, and co-editor of Pythagoras – His Life and Teachings, all published by Ibis Press, and the author of Opus Alchymicum, published by Collective 777. He recently contributed an Introduction to the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Book Of The Dead – The Papyrus Of Ani, published by Chronicle Press, and an introduction to Aha! published by New Falcon Publications. He is on the editorial board of The Equinox, published by Weiser, and has served as consultant and advisor for numerous other publications.
His dynamic Lectures on Thelema have been proclaimed penetrating & inspiring, while his engaging question and answer sessions demonstrate his collegial approach and sincere commitment to student learning.
Daniel is happily married to Gwen Gunther, a devoted aspirant to A∴A∴ who he met at one of his lecture tours in the state of Florida in 2009 e.v.. Daniel and Gwen work together as a team in the exegesis and promulgation of the Law of Thelema, traveling the world together in support of this, the Great Work.
http://jdanielgunther.com/
The announcement from his family
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
J. Daniel Gunther passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024 e.v.
Although he is now gone, the fruit of his many decades of labor in the Great Work live on — his unique insight and research have been immortalized in his many influential books.
He will be remembered as a friend who was as charismatic and witty as he was knowledgeable and serious. The briefest conversations would have one laughing along with him, while also rethinking subjects one thought one already knew well.
He will also be remembered as a Teacher, selflessly devoted to the progress of his students. Indeed, his students were perhaps more privileged than they could realize. Questions sent by email were always answered within hours, with long and detailed explanations. Whether it was the Great Work or American history, Egyptian philology or progressive rock, he was always eager to talk and teach. He was never complacent, and never rested on his laurels. No sooner was a book published than he was halfway through writing another one. Until the very end he spent his days researching and writing.
Those who spent time with him will remember long nights, sitting at his feet as he regaled us with stories. The hour was late, his hair was tussled, and his shirt buttons undone — yet his eyes always shone with a bright and mysterious light.
He is survived by his three sons, of whom he was so proud, and by his wife, Gwen — the apple of his eye.
He has shed his body. His Soul is free. Love is the law, love under will.
Dear Mr. Carpenter
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You and yours have my deepest condolences. Thank you for forwarding this. It has been posted.
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Frater Lux Ad Mundi