John “Jack” Whiteside Parsons, a founder of the legendary Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a maverick visionary honored with a moon crater bearing his name, gave no early hint of the inner stirrings that propelled him to worship the devil and lead an extraordinary double life: respected scientist by day, dedicated occultist by night.
John Whiteside “Jack” Parsons was a fascinating figure of the 20th century, known for his groundbreaking work in rocket propulsion and his involvement in occult practices. Born on October 2, 1914, in Los Angeles, California, Parsons showed an early interest in science and engineering. He co-founded the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)[1] and played a pivotal role in the development of solid rocket fuel,
which was crucial for the success of space exploration. Parsons’ contributions to rocket science cannot be overstated. Alongside Theodore von Kármán and Frank Malina, Parsons helped establish the foundations of modern rocketry. His experiments with solid rocket fuel led to significant advancements in propulsion technology, laying the groundwork for future space missions. Parsons’ work was instrumental in the success of projects like Explorer 1,
the first American satellite to orbit the Earth. Despite his scientific achievements, Parsons had a complex and controversial personal life. He was deeply involved in occult practices and was a prominent member of the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO)[2], an esoteric organization founded by Aleister Crowley.
Parsons’ interest in the occult influenced his worldview and spiritual beliefs, leading him to explore mysticism and magic alongside his scientific pursuits. One of the most notable episodes in Parsons’ life was his involvement with L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. Parsons and Hubbard collaborated on a series of magical rituals known as the “Babalon Working,” which aimed to summon a divine feminine entity named Babalon[3].
This collaboration eventually soured, with Hubbard absconding with Parsons’ girlfriend and a significant sum of money, leaving Parsons emotionally and financially devastated. Parsons’ life came to a tragic end on June 17, 1952, when he died in a home laboratory explosion. The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious, with some speculating foul play while others attribute it to a simple accident.
Regardless of the cause, Parsons’ legacy as both a pioneering rocket scientist and a controversial occultist continues to fascinate and inspire to this day.
Footnotes
- The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a federally funded research and development center managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for NASA. Established in 1936 by a group of Caltech students, including Jack Parsons, Frank Malina, and Theodore von Kármán, JPL has become a world-renowned center for the exploration of space through robotic missions. JPL has been responsible for the design, development, and operation of numerous spacecraft, including the Mars rovers, Voyager probes, and the Galileo mission to Jupiter. Its groundbreaking work in space exploration continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge about the universe. [Back]
- The Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) is a mystical and esoteric organization founded in the early 20th century by Theodor Reuss and Karl Kellner, drawing upon elements of Freemasonry, Eastern mysticism, and Aleister Crowley’s Thelema philosophy. Crowley became involved with the OTO in the early 1910s and eventually rose to prominence within the organization, restructuring its rituals and teachings to align with Thelemic principles. The OTO places a strong emphasis on individual spiritual development, ritual magic, and the pursuit of personal enlightenment. It has attracted a diverse array of members, including artists, writers, and occultists, and continues to influence contemporary occult and esoteric movements. [Back]
- Babalon is a complex and multifaceted figure in occult and mystical traditions, often associated with the divine feminine, fertility, sexuality, and the mysteries of the universe. In the Thelemic tradition, which was developed by Aleister Crowley, Babalon represents the archetype of the sacred feminine principle and is considered a goddess of immense power and significance. She is often depicted as a seductive and enigmatic figure, embodying both the creative and destructive aspects of femininity. Babalon is linked to concepts of ecstasy, liberation, and the union of opposites. Her symbolism is rich and varied, drawing upon mythological, alchemical, and astrological motifs to convey her transcendent nature and profound influence on human consciousness. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- “Caltech: About the Institute.” California Institute of Technology, http://www.caltech.edu/about.
- McCray, W. Patrick. “G. E. Hale and the Creation of the California Institute of Technology.” Osiris, vol. 2, 1986, pp. 229–258. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/301743.
- Los Angeles Times “Life as Satanist Propelled Rocketeer” https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-mar-19-me-10501-story.html
- Wikipedia “Jack Parsons” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Parsons
- The American Scientist “The Three Rocketeers” https://www.americanscientist.org/article/the-three-rocketeers
