Boca do Inferno. Or Hell's Mouth, in Cascais (Portugal) was the place chosen by the magician Aleister Crowley to stage his death, with the help of his pen pal, the poet Fernando Pessoa... Read on for more 1/
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At the edge of the town of Cascais lies a treacherous gathering of waves...

The year is 1929. Two individuals - one with a fascination with the occult, the other the greatest occultist of his time - begin an unlikely friendship connected by letters... 2/
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On the picture above, Aleister Crowley on the left, and Fernando Pessoa - arguably the best Portuguese poet of all time (albeit prone to personality disorders) - on the right.

The timing for their encounter is ripe. Crowley grows tired of his relationship with Maria Sanchez 3/

So when Pessoa suggests a trip to Lisbon, a plan brews - the poet, accomplice.

A cryptic letter is left behind:

"L.G.P. Year14 Sun in Libra
I can't live without you.
The other 'Hell's Mouth'(sic)
will catch me not as hot as yours
Hisos Tu Li Yu"4/
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Atlas Obscura

This commemorative plaque explains:

"Text of the letter from Aleister Crowley (famous English magician 1875-1947) to his partner 'The Scarlet Woman' simulating his suicide at Hell's Mouth. Letter was published in national newspapers Diário de Notícias...5/
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Mine

...or Notícias Ilustrado, as well aa international to confirm the deed with Fernando Pessoa's help & journalist and occultist Augusto Ferreira Gomes. In September 1930, with the aim of meeting Pessoa, Crowley remains in Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais circa 20 days."6/
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Days later, Crowley emerges, amidst a scandalous publicity stunt that garnered him the attention he so craved. And Hell's Mouth in Portugal remained as treacherous as ever... 7/END
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Remaining images: Public Domain