Theosophy and Anthroposophy Books

Book SynopsisAs a practising Christian priest, Hermann Beckh was profoundly aware that the mystery of substance – its transmutation in the cosmos and the human being – was a mystical fact to be approached with the greatest reverence, requiring at once ever-deepening scholarship and meditation. He viewed chemistry as a worthy but materialistic science devoid of spirit, while the fullness of spiritual-physical nature could be approached by what he preferred to call ‘chymistry’ or ‘alchymy’, thereby taking in millennia of spiritual tradition. In consequence, Beckh’s Alchymy, The Mystery of the Material World is not limited to the conventional workings of Western alchemy, nor to what can be found in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation – although he does unveil hidden riches there. Neither should Beckh be considered only as a learned Professor with impeccable academic qualifications and European-wide recognition. Beckh writes about such topics as ‘Isis’, ‘the Golden Fleece’, traditional fairy-stories and Wagner’s Parsifal in a way that enables the reader to catch glimpses of the Mystery of Substance; to share the writer’s authentic experience of the divine substantia – the living reality – of Christ in the world. Beckh’s Alchymy set an entirely new standard, and went on to become his most popular publication. This is the first time that it has been translated into English, along with updated footnotes, making his ideas and insights accessible to a wide readership. In addition, this edition features translations of Beckh’s ‘The New Jerusalem’, where theology could best be expressed in verse; his exemplary essay on ‘Snow-white’; observations on ‘Allerleirauh’, and a substantial excerpt from Gundhild Kačer-Bock’s biography of Beckh.Table of ContentsForeword – Introduction by Neil Franklin – Translator's note – I. Alchymy and Man's Past: – Rosicrucianism, the Virginal Earth, the Philosopher's Stone – II. Alchymy and Mankind in the Present: – Chemistry and chymistry; The 'construction of the atom'; Salt, mercury, sulphur and the mystery of the threefold human being – III. Alchymy and the Bible (Old Testament): – The Creation, the River of Paradise, the Deluge; The secret of gold and of precious stones; Chaos and Astra, primal matter, the chymical process – IV. Alchymy and Mythology: – Isis; The Rhinegold; the Golden Fleece; Venus-Urania – V. Alchymy and the Future of Humanity: – John's Gospel and the Apocalypse of John; The Mystery of Cana (Chymical Wedding) and the New Testament; The Mystery of the twelve precious stones – Appendices – Hermann Beckh: The New Jerusalem, a meditation in verse 1 – Hermann Beckh: Snow-white – Supplement: 'Allerleirauh' – Review: Mysteries of the Material World, Rudolf Bind – Excerpt from the biographical sketch of Hermann Beckh by G. KacÏer-Bock – Notes – The Works of Prof. Hermann Beckh

Read more less

Book SynopsisBuilding on the metahistorical exploration of drama that was the subject of Tongues of Flame, Dawn Langman explores the practical pathways through which the art of acting can evolve beyond the ‘body and soul’ paradigm still broadly accepted in contemporary culture. Through the integration of Rudolf Steiner’s research in the arts of speech and eurythmy, and together with Michael Chekhov’s acting techniques, Langman raises the spiritual dimension of the human being from that vague sensing which many actors intuit – but which has, however, little bearing on their practice – into a precise methodology. In this second volume in her series on ‘The Actor of the Future’, she offers performance artists a clear pathway ahead, enabling them to develop their work out of spiritual insight and consciousness. ‘Dawn Langman’s research into character creation invites the future into the present: suggesting the intriguing connection between the evolving universe, human consciousness and the mysteries at work in relationships and destiny.’ – Penelope Snowdon-Lait, Co-director, Spirit of the Word training, New ZealandTable of ContentsAcknowledgements – Prologue – Introduction – Rudolf Steiner's Speech and Drama Lectures – Chapter 1, Building the bridge between gesture, voice and speech – Chapter 2, Sound Experience (1): Expanding the horizon of the Vowels – Ensouling the vowel – Vowel moods from Shakespeare – Mapping a character's soul journey – Chapter 3, Sound Experience (2): Vowels as key to Laughing and Weeping – Chapter 4, Sound Experience (3) – Character-types and vowels – Blood/nerve-sense polarities – From soul type to individual soul – Approaching the planetary beings – vowels as a bridge to higher worlds – Chapter 5 Our High Work Masters (1): Vowels and the Planetary Beings – Chapter 6, Our High Work Masters (2): Vowels and the Planetary Beings in Shakespeare's King Lear – Chapter 7, Our High Work Masters (3): Consonants and the Starry Beings of the Zodiac – Chapter 8, Our High Work Masters (4): Consonants and the Starry Beings of the Zodiac in Shakespeare's King Lear – Appendix A: Additional texts for blood/nerve-sense characters – Appendix B: Table of phonetic symbols – Appendix C: Additional volumes in this series – Appendix D: DVD series: A Dramatic Journey through the Evolution of Human Consciousness, Dawn Langman – Bibliography – Notes

Read more less

Book SynopsisHermann Beckh's lectures on language - published here in English for the first time - offer a unique and penetrating discussion of the origins and evolution of speech. Based on his professional knowledge of Tibetan, Sanskrit and Pali - and complete fluency in at least six other ancient languages, not to count nine modern languages - and accompanied by a heartfelt understanding of anthroposophy, the lectures comprise an unparalleled marriage of academic and meditative insights. Further, they give a valuable introduction to the author's later works on music, the stars and the Gospels of Mark and John. The Source of Speech features Beckh's complete series of articles on the subject that were developed during the early, 'seeding' period of his life and work. These include: 'Rudolf Steiner and the East', an unprecedented study of Steiner's relationship to Sanskrit and Buddhist spirituality; 'Let There be Light', Beckh's exploration of the six Hebrew words forming Genesis 1:3; articles devoted to the origins of language, Indian philosophies and the names of the Divine in sacred texts; and essays published in Das Goetheanum which examine speech sounds, especially those of Sanskrit and Classical Hebrew. Also included are contemporaneous reviews of Beckh's articles by Albert Steffen and Eugen Kolisko and a lecture on academia, materialism and the undisciplined enthusiasm for Indian spirituality, held at the University of Berlin. Nearly one hundred years on, Beckh's perspectives and themes remain as exciting, relevant and fresh as ever.Table of ContentsIntroduction by Neil Franklin - Hermann Beckh: Rudolf Steiner and the East - Indology and Spiritual Science - I. Pragmatic Etymology and Genetic Etymology with special application to Sanskrit - II. Contribution to the Vedanta Philosophy: The Teaching of Atman and Brahman and its tangible Significance in the Light of Linguistics - III. Contribution to Sankhya Philosophy: sattva, rajas, tamas And their Relationship to Goethe's Theory of Colours in the Light of Linguistics - The Names of the Divine in the Primal Word of Sacred Languages - New Ways to the Origin of Speech, Three lectures (1921): 1. Etymology and the meaning of speech-sounds in the light of spiritual science - 2. The Physical and the Spiritual Origin of Speech - 3. 'Let there be Light': The Biblical Primal Words of Creation - Anthroposophy and University Knowledge - The Sun-Mantra of the Rig-Veda - Appendix, Reviews: Albert Steffen, Etymology and the Meaning of Speech Sounds in the Light of Spir-itual Science - Eugen Kolisko, Vom Lebenswerk Rudolf Steiners: Eine Hoffnung neuer Kultur - Notes - Bibliography

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Barfield towers above us all... the wisest and best of my unofficial teachers.' - C.S. Lewis --- 'We are well supplied with interesting writers, but Owen Barfield is not content to be merely interesting. His ambition is to set us free from the prison we have made for ourselves by our ways of knowing, our limited and false habits of thought, our "common sense".' - Saul Bellow --- Owen Barfield - philosopher, author, poet and critic - was a founding member of the Inklings, the private Oxford society that included the leading literary figures C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Charles Williams. C.S. Lewis, who was greatly affected by Barfield during their long friendship, wrote of their many heated debates: 'I think he changed me a good deal more than I him.' Simon Blaxland-de Lange's biography - the first on Owen Barfield to be published - was written with the active cooperation of Barfield himself who, before his death in 1997, gave numerous interviews to the author and shared a large quantity of his papers and manuscripts. The fruit of this collaboration is a book that penetrates deeply into the life and thought of one of the most important figures of the twentieth century. It studies the influences on Barfield by the Romantic poet Coleridge and the philosopher Rudolf Steiner (founder of anthroposophy), and elaborates on Barfield's profound personal connection with C.S. Lewis. The book also features a biographical sketch in his own words (based on personally conducted interviews), and describes Barfield's strong relationship with North America and his dual profession as a lawyer and writer. This updated edition features vital new material including Barfield's own 'Psychography' from 1948 and an illustrative plate section.Table of ContentsForeword by Dr Andrew Welburn - Preface to the Second Edition - Preface - Introduction - PART ONE: 1. Owen Barfield: A Biographical Sketch Based on His Own Words - PART TWO: Elucidation and Recognition: The Lecturer (1964-97) - 2. Owen Barfield and America - 3. Barfield and Coleridge - 4. The Vancouver Lectures: Evolution of Consciousness - 5. Positivism and its Residues - 6. The Effects of Idolatry - 7. The Force of Imaginative Thinking - 8. 'Sir, I thank God for you...' - PART THREE: The Forging of a Key: The Man of Letters (1919-64) - 9. Owen Barfield and C.S. Lewis - 10. Owen Barfield and Rudolf Steiner - 11. English People - 12. Language as a Key to the Past - 13. Poetry, Drama and Magic - 14. Vision for a Future Social and Cultural Order - 15. Bonds of Love and Friendship - Conclusion - Appendix: Psychography (by Owen Barfield) - Notes - Bibliography - Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisHermann Beckh’s masterful study of Mark’s Gospel offers much more than scholarly argument. It is the work of a true visionary who allows his readers to discover the meaning of the Earth and of humanity for themselves. Beckh was in the forefront of entirely new research and recovery of the Gospel, writing more for the future than for his own time. It is not uncommon for biblical scholars to view St. Mark’s Gospel as little more than an assemblage of fragmentary sources and a copy of uncertain, early memories. The Gospel is said to have little historical veracity, harmony or guiding structure. Beckh’s contemporary, the German writer Arthur Drews, even argued that the text was nothing more than a simplistic solar myth, wherein another Sun-hero pursued his way around the Greco-Roman constellations. Mark’s Gospel: The Cosmic Rhythm is a response to such twentieth-century materialistic thinking. He was asked to write the book in the 1920s by the leaders of The Christian Community, who sought to rescue the desecrated Gospel from its opponents. Inspired by Rudolf Steiner and a vast knowledge of ancient languages – Tibetan, Sanskrit, Pali and Avestan along with Hebrew, Greek and Latin – the Rev. Professor Hermann Beckh perceived how the Gospel reflects God’s Everlasting Covenant, and meticulously expressed its aesthetic unity, the consonance of its parts and its consequent radiant clarity. His far-reaching understanding of sacred texts in the original languages, always associated with the disciplined meditation he had attained from anthroposophy, led to unprecedented insight. This new edition of his classic study has been revised and redesigned.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe unique scholarship and artistic sensitivity of Prof. Dr Hermann Beckh (1875–1937) is in the process of being rediscovered. The great linguist, Orientalist and Christian priest – an active music-lover who also composed – penned pioneer works on our musical system that are respected by musicians and musicologists. This volume brings together two revised versions of his best-loved books. The Essence of Tonality is written ‘…for musicians and music-lovers who, because of their particular musicality experience something spiritual – and for spiritual seekers and sensitive people who, because of their particular spirituality, have experienced a connection with music.’ Beckh believed a spiritual view of tonality would ensure music’s, and humanity’s, future. The author elucidates the correspondence of the circle of fifths (the keys) to the zodiac. Research should be directed towards the twelve vital, spiritual key-centres, as expressing the cosmic rhythms in which we all live, rather than the abstract twelve chromatic notes of atonality. In The Parsifal Christ-Experience, Beckh’s original insights throw new and powerful light on the search for meaning in our age, for a knowledge of the heart. In the poetic libretto and remarkable music of his final creation, Wagner – acknowledged by Bruckner as ‘the Master’ – presents the Grail legend and its imagery. The psychological drama and its ultimate solution provide insights to anyone who is prepared to reflect on inner experience. Through Beckh’s references to Wagner’s own letters, as well as a remarkable letter from Nietzsche, the reader gains knowledge of the true nature of Wagner and his work.Table of ContentsPart 1: THE ESSENCE OF TONALITY – Author’s Prefaces – Translator’s Preface – Postscript – Part 2: THE PARSIFAL=CHRIST=EXPERIENCE – Translator’s Preface – Introduction: ‘Richard Wagner and Christianity’ – Chapter I: The Christ-Mystery in the Prelude to Parsifal – Chapter II: The Drama of the Christ-Experience in Parsifal – Scene 1. The Swan – Scene 2. The Walk to the Grail Castle – Scene 3. Amfortas and the Grail – Scene 4. The Gesture towards the Heart—Parsifal shakes his Head – Scene 5. Parsifal in Klingsor’s Realm: Awakening to Knowledge – Scene 6. Kundry-Herodias: ‘There His gaze fell upon me.’ – Scene 7. The Redeeming Gaze of Christ: Karfreitagszauber – Appendix I: From Scene 2, The growth of the Gaze Motif in the transition music of Act I (The Walk to the Grail Castle) – Appendix II: From Scene 6, Kundry-Herodias: ‘I looked at Him—and laughed …’ – Appendix III: Twilight of the Gods and Resurrection: Wagner’s Mythological Wisdom by Emil Bock – Appendix IV: King Ludwig II of Bavaria on the 70th anniversary of his death by Rudolf Frieling

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis`People often ask us about the best way to come close to nature and the beings enchanted within it. One way to do so is through wonder and astonishment, to open our senses fully to nature's beauty and wisdom. And here we can encounter entities that most closely resemble human beings - the trees.' Verena has learned to communicate with elemental and nature beings, and to translate their language into terms we can understand. In her remarkable book Nature Spirits and What They Say, she conversed with a range of beings, including spirits of fire, air, water and stone. In this new volume, we hear from trees, the nature spirits that in many ways are most similar to human beings. Through Verena's remarkable clairvoyant abilities, conversations with different tree species - such as sweet cherry, rowan, elm and common oak - are relayed. These communications reveal compelling insights into the role of trees within the natural world and their relationships with the vegetable, animal, human and spirit kingdoms. Particular emphasis is placed on the characteristics of trees that correspond with qualities of the human soul, such as the oak's connection to individualism. The tree spirits want to speak, and are responsive all kinds of questions, such as their roles in the landscape, their specific shapes, on problems that affect them in particular, and on urgent issues that are relevant to all beings on earth, such as climate change. The interviews disclose beautiful, fascinating and often challenging insights, offering inspiration to help us build more constructive relationships to these wonderful entities.Table of ContentsAbout the Authors - Foreword Participating Beings - Theabrox, the Great Timber - The tree in material terms - Human being and tree - Tree spirits, tenders and other elemental beings - Contacting tree beings - The Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) - The Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) - The Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) - The Black Elder (Sambucus nigra) - The Rowan Tree (Sorbus aucuparia) - The Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) - The Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) - The Field Maple (Acer campestre) - The Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) - The Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) - The Grey Alder (Alnus incana) - The Common Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastum) - The Sweet or Edible Chestnut (Castanea sativa) - The Poplar (Populus) - The Aspen (Populus tremula) - The Grey Poplar (Populus canescens) - Crown, the tree tender - The London Plane (Platanus acerifolia) - The Large-leaved Lime or Linden (Tilia platphyllos) - The Caucasian Lime (Tilla x euchlora) - The Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) - The European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) - The Pendula or Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica forma pendula) - The Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica forma purpurea) - The Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) - The Elm (Ulmus) - The Black Locust or False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) - The Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) - The Silver or Weeping Birch (Betula pendula) - The White Willow (Salix alba) - The English or Common Oak (Quercus robur) - The Red Oak (Quercus rubra) - The Pomegranate (Punica granatum) - The Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi) - The Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) - The Palo Santo or Vera Wood (Bulnesia arborea) - The Olive (Olea europaea)

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMeditative reflection - the strengthening of thinking and feeling through the will - is one of the main methods of experiencing Anthroposophy. 'The best path to this goal', says Sergei Prokofieff, 'is inner work with the Foundation Stone Meditation, because this meditation is the quintessence of the whole of Anthroposophy, given in meditatively inspired form by means of earthly words.' Rudolf Steiner characterized the content of the Foundation Stone Meditation as having been spoken by him 'out of the will of the spiritual world', as 'verses heard from the Cosmic Word'. Due to its spiritual-mantric form, its text represents the characteristics of an archetype, and for that reason is a key to the most diverse areas of world and human existence. Depending on 'which spiritual portal is opened with this key', explains Sergei Prokofieff, 'one arrives at one result or another, and one and the same line of the meditation becomes a reply to the most varied questions'. Prokofieff applies the above method in this impressive work, illuminating various dimensions of spiritual science in the process. His research embraces, among other aspects, the relationship of the Foundation Stone Meditation to the being Anthroposophia, the spiritual hierarchies, human karma, the Rosicrucian, Michaelic and Grail streams, the Mystery of Golgotha, the two Jesus boys, the three spiritual sources of Anthroposophy, and even the Constitution of the Anthroposophical Society.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDespite dramatic advances in recent decades, medicine - like many other scientific disciplines - is prone to materialistic tendencies, viewing the human being as little more than a biological machine that can be manipulated with 'interventions' and drugs. In this collection of challenging lectures, Dr Glockler asks if a new science of healing can be developed today - a discipline that allows for realities of soul and spirit. With humanity standing at the threshold of a new spiritual consciousness, this question becomes increasingly relevant. Michaela Glockler speaks on themes relating to the esoteric path of spiritual development and its therapeutic task for the individual and community. Giving an account of the evolution of the ancient mysteries in relation to medicine, she discusses the application of inner work in outer action, reflecting on modern social and ethical issues such as organ transplantation and the termination of pregnancy. Whilst the author primarily addresses those involved in the healing professions, this book will be of interest to anybody concerned with a new science of the spirit.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhy is it so difficult actually to understand and implement the "intentions of the Christmas Conference" (in Rudolf Steiner's words), which represent a very concrete answer to the Anthroposophical Society's identity crisis'? - Peter Selg More than 100 years after its founding, the Anthroposophical Society faces serious questions - some of an existential nature - regarding its purpose and tasks in the present day. On 30 March 2012, in the course of the Society's Annual General Meeting in Dornach, both Sergei Prokofieff and Peter Selg gave lectures in which they addressed difficult issues relating to the General Anthroposophical Society and its global headquarters, the Goetheanum in Switzerland. These lectures were met with a mixture of enthusiastic support and stern disapproval. They are reproduced here in full - together with supplementary material that helps broaden and deepen their themes - in order for each and every interested individual to have access to them. 'The intention of my lecture was to draw attention to the fact that the recent development of the Goetheanum is no longer heading in the right direction; rather, it is heading in a direction that can be considered neither in the spirit intended by Rudolf Steiner, nor of service to anthroposophy. Before it is too late, this direction must be altered...Otherwise, the Goetheanum is in danger of being degraded to spiritual "insignificance", and of becoming a mere combination of museum and conference centre.' - Sergei O. Prokofieff

Read more less

Book SynopsisHeiner Ruland charts a practical path towards a deepened musical understanding, illuminating the panorama of humanity's musical past. Indicating what may happen - and needs to happen - to music in the immediate and more distant future, the implications of this book for composition, musical education and therapy are immense. The author shows how the fundamental elements of music embody distinctive modes of consciousness. He examines the musical systems of ancient humanity and goes on to draw a vivid picture of our contemporary musical situation. This seminal work is more than a theoretical treatise on the nature of music, but a book to be understood and experienced through musical practice. With the help of the monochord, the reader, with a minimum of technique, is able to explore new and unfamiliar musical realms. 'Rudolf Steiner believed that an expansion of our tone-system was a necessity...In this book of Ruland's, we have for the first time an account that is penetrating enough and of sufficiently large scope to enable us to understand why.' - Jurgen Schriefer

Read more less

Book SynopsisSpeaking to audiences in Denmark, Germany and France, Rudolf Steiner discusses a wide range of topics: from positive and negative human soul capacities, true self-knowledge and karma, to changes in human consciousness, from ancient times to the modern era - all in the context of the incarnation of Christ on earth. The lectures illustrate the diversity of Steiner's approach when speaking to different audiences. Reflecting on the polymath Novalis, for example, he is urgent about the responsibility of spiritual science to help humanity awaken to the new age. A few months later, talking of Hegel and deploring the fact that an interest in spiritual matters often fails to be accompanied by an equal interest in logical thought, Steiner uses a dispassionate, philosophical tone. But throughout the lectures he is consistent in his view that spiritual science does not reject conventional science. Trained philosophical thinking leads to different conclusions than materialism, he says, but there is nothing in the field of spiritual science that need be rejected by rigorous scientific thought. Although the lectures were given to a variety of audiences, ideas recur from different perspectives and in different contexts, with strong thematic links binding them together. These include the relationship between philosophy and science; the nature of clairvoyance; Christ's presence in the etheric realm; reincarnation and karma; the mystery drama The Portal of Initiation; Christmas and its symbols; and the transformation of consciousness that occurred when Christ incarnated physically on earth. In the final lectures, Rudolf Steiner speaks inspiringly about the Christmas festival, contrasting the feeling of inwardness that people used to experience with the hectic cultural environment of modern cities. However, this does not lead Steiner to be nostalgic about the past. Rather, he states, we should seek to recreate a mood of inwardness in a new way, appropriate to our modern age and consciousness. These lectures give us the tools to bring such a contemporary spiritual approach to our lives.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Christianity is not a matter of a religion or even a denomination; it is not a question of a particular culture. Christ is there for all humanity.' In the old Mystery cultures the human being experienced himself as a child of the Gods, or even an instrument of them. According to Rudolf Steiner's spiritual-scientific research, the birth of independent thinking came only with our present state of consciousness - through becoming aware of the individual self. But who is this self? Who am I? Virginia Sease and Manfred Schmidt-Brabant maintain that real self-knowledge is intimately connected with knowledge of the central being of world evolution: the Christ, or the 'I AM'. Focusing on the being of Christ and on Christianity, "The New Mysteries" presents a series of engaging lectures on the developing Mystery wisdom of our age. Having given an overview of the history of the Mysteries in their book "Paths of the Christian Mysteries", the authors deepen and further their study by paying special attention to the effect of the "Christ Mysteries". Among the essential themes of the new volume are the transformation of conscience, the place of prayer and meditation, and the significance of sacrifice today.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisDraws together Karl Koenig's thoughts on the enigma of Kaspar Hauser, as well as exploring Koenig's deep connection to the young man.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFollows Karl Koenig's spiritual journey from his early years to the end of his life, through the words of his diaries.Trade Review'The book is a little gem, of potential interest to anyone with an anthroposophical background but especially to those working within a Camphill setting...there are so many quotable entries that it is hard to decide which to bring forward for illustration...This little volume is rich in substance and will give readers lasting nourishment. It will also leave them eagerly looking forward to the further publications from Konig's diaries and papers which are currently being prepared.'-- Crispian Villeneuve, Camphill Correspondence

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis'The power of Shakespeare lies in his evidently conscious knowledge, skill and understanding of how to work with the alchemical potential in the human soul in the crafting of his plays. Each play is made as an exquisitely unique transformative device for the education of the soul."Books carry on conversations across the thresholds of time and space', writes Josie Alwyn in her introduction. This book is the fruit of her 'conversation' with Brien Masters - a collaboration that began more than twenty years ago, when she was learning to be a Waldorf teacher. They open their discussions with the broader theme of the role and 'mission' of drama in human development, before focusing on the central topic: the potential for metamorphosis inherent in Shakespeare's plays. This creative, birth-giving, transformative essence of Shakespeare - the esoteric core of his work - is vitally important to our times, they suggest, and contributes to the ongoing cultural education of the human soul.Published to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, Educating the Soul offers an overview of Shakespeare's journey as a playwright in the context of evolving human consciousness. The heart of the book features nine essays on Shakespeare's most performed plays. Just as the middle act of a Shakespearian drama gives a point of transformation, so these essays represent the central, unfolding dialogue that took place between the writers as the book developed. This section is followed by an in-depth study of Hamlet, that sees the story as a learning process, deeply strengthened by the primary character's own education and changing consciousness. Finally, the book explores the theme of transformation through The Tempest and in relation to the archetypal 'tree of life'. Accessible to all, the motifs of the various chapters in this book are woven lightly together, enabling the reader to follow the contents in sequence, or to dip in and pick up the threads at any point.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWritten in the form of question and answer, The Key to Theosophy is an excellent introduction for the inquirer. After the publication of Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine, the author was deluged with questions about the human constitution, spiritual and psychological; the mysteries of periodic rebirths; and the difference between fate, destiny, free will, and karma. These and many other questions on the basic theosophical concepts are answered simply and directly. The work is enhanced by a 60-page glossary of philosophical terms drawn from Sanskrit, Hebrew, and classical literature.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe story of Karl Koenig's remarkable life and work.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe compelling story of Rittelmeyer's encounter with Rudolf Steiner, his critical appraisal of Steiner's ideas, and his gradual conviction.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe time of Nazi dictatorship in Germany (1933-45) consistently stimulates more interest than any other period of human history, as witnessed by the countless books and other media on Adolf Hitler and his leading henchmen. What is the basis for this enduring fascination? And, does the abundance of available material help us truly to understand the phenomenon? In this clear-sighted study, Tautz concludes that there is an existential need for the human psyche to come to terms with the forces of destruction that broke out during the era of National Socialism. In an attempt to get to the essence of the phenomenon, he employs the method of 'historical symtomatology', as developed by the philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner. Through these means, '...the historical process is perceived as the physiognomic expression of spiritual forces'. By viewing events as symptoms, the outer facts become transparent to the hidden influences that lie behind them, and occult aspects are revealed. Tautz focuses on the degenerate elements that inspired National Socialism - their meaning, nature and methods - and examines their manifestation in earthly events. He reveals the spiritual context in which these adversary, opposing forces erupted and attacked humanity - at a time when human consciousness had stepped over a new threshold. The Nazi functionaries and their spectral leader, whom he refers to as 'the Medium', willingly served these powers, whilst the bedazzled masses were largely passive. If we are serious about developing an egalitarian society today that corresponds to the present level of human evolution, he argues, we need to understand this period of tyranny in Germany at the deepest levels. In addition to Tautz's classic text, a new Appendix by Andreas Bracher brings the reader up to date with a survey of relevant literature on the theme as well as an insightful review of the Nazis' attitude to Rudolf Steiner and the anthroposophical movement he founded. Contemporary extracts from the Volkische Beobachter (the Nazi's house journal) indicate the viciousness and hatred directed towards Steiner and anthroposophy by the National Socialists.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMany spiritual traditions speak of a 'guardian' or 'dweller' who protects the threshold to the spiritual world, warning the unprepared to pause in their quest for access to higher knowledge. The Guardian reveals the consequences of our negative actions and points to the full reality of our untransformed nature. This experience is said to be one of the deepest and most harrowing on the inner path, but is an essential precondition to any form of true initiation. The words 'Know thyself' were inscribed at the forecourt of the ancient Greek Temple of Apollo. Those who sought initiation in 'the mysteries' were thus instructed first to look within themselves. Likewise today, as spiritual seekers we need true self-knowledge, to distinguish between what belongs to our consciousness and what is objectively part of the spiritual environment. Rudolf Steiner taught that as long as we draw back from such knowledge, our spiritual quest will be unsuccessful. When we begin engaging with anthroposophy, it becomes clear that Steiner's teachings are not a doctrine or set of dogmas, but a path towards deeper insights. In this essential handbook, the editor has drawn together many of Rudolf Steiner's statements on the intricate and arduous path of self-knowledge, offering ongoing support and guidance. Chapters include: The Importance of Self-Knowledge for Acquiring Higher Knowledge; Seeking to Form an Idea of the 'Guardian of the Threshold'; The Guardian of the Threshold and Some Characteristics of Supersensible Consciousness; Morality on the Path of Knowledge; Self-Knowledge and Nearness to Christ; The Powers of Christ in Our Own Life; Knowing Ourselves in the Other; Self-Knowledge - World-Knowledge.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSpeaking to audiences in Denmark, Germany and France, Rudolf Steiner discusses a wide range of topics: from positive and negative human soul capacities, true self-knowledge and karma, to changes in human consciousness, from ancient times to the modern era - all in the context of the incarnation of Christ on earth. The lectures illustrate the diversity of Steiner's approach when speaking to different audiences. Reflecting on the polymath Novalis, for example, he is urgent about the responsibility of spiritual science to help humanity awaken to the new age. A few months later, talking of Hegel and deploring the fact that an interest in spiritual matters often fails to be accompanied by an equal interest in logical thought, Steiner uses a dispassionate, philosophical tone. But throughout the lectures he is consistent in his view that spiritual science does not reject conventional science. Trained philosophical thinking leads to different conclusions than materialism, he says, but there is nothing in the field of spiritual science that need be rejected by rigorous scientific thought. Although the lectures were given to a variety of audiences, ideas recur from different perspectives and in different contexts, with strong thematic links binding them together. These include the relationship between philosophy and science; the nature of clairvoyance; Christ's presence in the etheric realm; reincarnation and karma; the mystery drama The Portal of Initiation; Christmas and its symbols; and the transformation of consciousness that occurred when Christ incarnated physically on earth. In the final lectures, Rudolf Steiner speaks inspiringly about the Christmas festival, contrasting the feeling of inwardness that people used to experience with the hectic cultural environment of modern cities. However, this does not lead Steiner to be nostalgic about the past. Rather, he states, we should seek to recreate a mood of inwardness in a new way, appropriate to our modern age and consciousness. These lectures give us the tools to bring such a contemporary spiritual approach to our lives.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn 1917 Annie Besant (1847-1933), a white Englishwoman, was elected president of the Indian National Congress, the body which, under the guidance of Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948), would later lead India to independence. Besant - in her earlier career an active atheist and a socialist journalist - was from 1907 till her death the president of the Theosophical Society, an international spiritual movement whose headquarters' location in Madras symbolized its belief in India as the world's spiritual heart. This book deals with the contribution of the Theosophical Society to the rise of Indian nationalism and seeks to restore it to its proper place in the history of ideas, both with regard to its spiritual doctrine and the sources on which it drew, as well as its role in giving rise to the New Age movement of the 20th century. The book is the first to show how 19th century Orientalist study dramatically affected the rise of the Theosophical ideology, and specifically demonstrate the impact of the work of the Anglo-German scholar, Friedrich Max Muller (1833-1900) on Mme Blavatsky (1831-1891), the founder of the Theosophical Society.Table of ContentsChapter 1: In the Footsteps of the Orientalists Chapter 2: Friedrich Max Muller Chapter 3: The Theosophical Society Chapter 4: The Theosophical Doctrine Chapter 5: The Sources of the Theosophical Doctrine Chapter 6. Annie Besant - Her Pre-Theosophical Career Chapter 7. The Struggle Over the Leadership of the Theosophical Society Chapter 8. The Struggle for the Leadership of the Indian National Congress Chapter 9. Krishnamurti - Theosophy and the World Teacher Postscript

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhy is there suffering, sickness and death? Why is no corner of human life and society immune from egotism, fear, tyranny, betrayal and guilt? What was God thinking when he allowed evil to come into existence?Drawing on the worldview of Rudolf Steiner, the author explains that the roots of evil lie with angelic beings. Schroeder discusses evil's prehistory in heaven and shows how the polarity of two kinds of evil, with good as a balance between them, manifests itself in earthly history, and in the areas of education, work, human relationships, sexuality, religion and technology.With the increased influence of evil in today's world, Schroeder considers how prayer, meditation and angelic guidance through reincarnation give us the possibility to overcome evil in all its forms.Trade Review'This book is most certainly the immensely useful and enlightening creation of a mature and wise anthroposophist. My partner read this book before I did and remarked upon how it was both enormously challenging to read and yet also almost un-put-down-able. It is difficult to imagine a stronger recommendation than this.'-- Richard House, New View'Explains Rudolf Steiner's philosophy of evil and shows how evil can be overcome and transformed -- there is an interesting chapter on evil in fairytale.'-- Scientific & Medical Network Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisEmil Bock lectured widely on Rudolf Steiner after the Second World War, and during the course of his research he uncovered many previously unknown aspects of Steiner's life. The Life and Times of Rudolf Steiner brings together the two volumes of this insightful work, which were previously available separately, in one comprehensive book. Part one introduces the great range of people who surrounded and influenced Steiner. Bock tracked down the mysterious 'Felix the herb gatherer', from Steiner's youth, and describes the Viennese social circles and coffee houses frequented by Steiner in his student days. He also details Steiner's meeting with Friedrich Nietzsche, and the various literary, artistic and eccentric people from Steiner's time in Berlin.Part two reveals some of the themes and ideas in Steiner's work - the early years of Jesus, the Christmas festival and the break from the Theosophical Society to the Anthroposophical Society - as well as exploring the nature of destiny. Bock also examines the circle of people around Steiner at this time and, using Steiner's ideas on karma and reincarnation, draws interesting parallels with Rome, Byzantium, Ephesus and the Grail Castle.Trade Review'Emil Bock is able to communicate and make accessible his enthusiasm and understanding of anthroposophy and Rudolf Steiner’s mission... The reader can certainly feel animated to explore further.'-- Perspectives'A fascinating book for those who would like to find out more about Steiner's early background.'-- Scientific and Medical Network Review'Provides an intimate glimpse into the mysterious old-world sensibilities and consciousness of the times in which Steiner lived. Presents many of the very interesting and provocative ideas that were espoused by Rudolph Steiner. Also interesting are the author's insights and views on Steiner's life's work, destiny and the role he played in shaping human consciousness.''-- The Beacon'A monumental biography of the great anthroposophist. More than a life history, this book explores the development of Steiner's thought, from Theosophy to Anthroposophy and beyond.'-- Inner Light Magazine

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the moment that Marie von Sivers met Rudolf Steiner in 1902, their relationship became key to the development of anthroposophy. Marie Steiner's immense contribution is well known in the fields of eurythmy, speech, the arts, and in her management and publication of Steiner's literary estate - but she also assisted in almost every aspect of Rudolf Steiner's work. So why has she been so neglected by the anthroposophical movement? Driven by this central question, the authors of this penetrating study came to the conclusion that the karma and mission of Marie Steiner-von Sivers is of vital importance to the present and future spiritual and cultural development of the West. They evaluate Marie's 23-year partnership with Rudolf Steiner, but also her three previous incarnations: in the Ancient Orphic Mysteries, as the Neoplatonist Hypatia, and as Albertus Magnus. The lives, deeds, cultural legacies and thought of these various personalities are addressed through a series of lucid essays, interspersed with studies on the missions of both Rudolf and Marie Steiner. These are supplemented with short extracts from literature which reverberate with the word, helping to reveal the intimately intertwined karmic missions of Marie Steiner-von Sivers and her work-companion and soul-partner, Rudolf Steiner.

Read more less

Book Synopsis`No true understanding of the world is possible without an understanding of the elementary kingdoms.’ – Oskar Kürten A hidden gem for students of Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual-scientific research, Symphonies of Creation offers a breathtaking overview of the physical and metaphysical development of the world and humanity. In describing the elementary kingdoms, Kürten elucidates the exalted spiritual realms out of which all creation has arisen. These are the formative forces that provide successive life-waves of being with the subtle and physical forms through which their evolution becomes possible. He traces the beginnings of creation – an unformed `thought seed’ in the elementary kingdoms that is elaborated by hierarchical beings at all levels, through the planes of the spiritual, soul and physical worlds – to the manifold and evolving aspects of the human being. What emerges is a picture of astonishing complexity and beauty in which all spiritual beings connected with the earth, from the highest to the lowest, work together in symphonic harmony. Rudolf Steiner spoke on many occasions and in different places of these elementary kingdoms and the multiple processes that take place within them. Kürten has sought out these references, meditated on their content and re-presents it here in an inwardly coherent synthesis. Even for those who have been studying anthroposophy for decades, this book can offer startlingly fresh insights. Symphonies of Creation is the life’s work of a man who, due to severe deafness, led a retiring existence. His inner work, however, was full of life – the results of which are presented in this inspiring study.Table of ContentsIntroduction by Paul King – I. The Elementary Kingdoms, 1. The elementary kingdoms as time periods and as realms of beings, 2. The Three Worlds and the Spirit World in particular, 2.1 F The Three Worlds, 2.2 The World of Spirits, 3. The elementary kingdoms as form-creating thought-seed beings and as the shaping forces of the kingdoms of nature, 4. The entrance of the elementary kingdoms into earth evolution and how they appear to clairvoyant vision, 5. The elementary kingdoms' formative forces as divine sacrifice, 6. The elementary kingdoms as the life kernels of the kingdoms of nature, Life Kernels, The life kernels' unfolding of being through group egos, Working-together of elementary kingdoms and the group egos, The elementary kingdoms and the states of matter, 7. Substances in the subtle `garments' of the life kernel, 7.1 The primordial substance and its forms of densification, 7.2 Substances as living beings, 8. The elementary kingdoms and the beings of the elemental world, 9. Influence of the elementary kingdoms on sleeping human beings, 10. The elementary kingdoms as hidden predisposition in the human members-of-being, 10.1 The relation of the elementary kingdoms to the lower human members-of-being and to the third hierarchy, 10.2 The future development of the higher members-of-being – 11. The Shaping of the Human Members-of-Being by the Elementary Kingdoms, 11.1 The Creation of the lower members-of-being, 11.2 Laying down the rudiments of the higher members of the human being, 12. The passage of the earth through the elementary kingdoms and the Stages of Form – II. The Elemental World – 1. The elemental world as the world of etheric forces, 2. Attributes of the elemental world, 3. The structuring of the ethers in the earth's physical Stage of Form – III. The Spiritual Organism of the earth-Planetary Spirit (a fragment) – Appendix, Overview of Stages of Evolution, Regions of the Spirit World – Bibliography – Further Reading

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat is the historical and evolutionary relationship between man and animal? In this classic text, based on the anthroposophical science founded by Rudolf Steiner, Poppelbaum, trained in Biology, compares the outer forms of man and animal, revealing their essential differences and contrasting inner experiences. Drawing a bold and clear delineation between the fundamental nature of man and that of the animal, Poppelbaum argues that human beings are not the accidental outcome of animal development, but the hidden source of evolution itself. He goes on to discuss the true relationship of both man and animal to their environment, and develops a critique of contemporary theories regarding human and animal evolution. He argues that, rather than a simple reflex of the nervous system, the human spirit is a microcosmic reflection of the spiritual macrocosm, and our individual consciousness is a crucial seed for future evolution. 'To be man is to know the animals and all the creatures of the earth; it is to recognize our responsibility towards these beings, once of the same order as ourselves, but now obliged to live beside us in an incompleteness that never ceases its appeal to human beings - warning us to make ourselves worthy of the trust invested in us.' - Hermann PoppelbaumTrade ReviewHERMANN POPPELBAUM, Dr Phil. (1891 - 1979) was an anthropologist, psychologist, philosopher, anthroposophist, teacher and author of numerous books. An expert on the works of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner (1861 - 1925), Poppelbaum was a visiting lecturer in anthropology and psychology at Alfred University, New York. In 1949 he became director of the Education Section at the Goetheanum, Switzerland, and in 1963 the Department of Natural Sciences.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe heart of this volume comprises Rudolf Steiner's commentary on the elemental forces that are responsible for our earthly nature as human beings - forces that influence us through our membership of a national or geographical group. When such elemental forces are not recognised and understood, he states, they cause conflict and chaos. However, Steiner indicates an important accompanying task that calls upon each human being to develop individuality, emancipating ourselves from the earthly influences underlying national and racial groups.These great themes are framed by Rudolf Steiner's pioneering research into the two major Northern folk-poems, the Kalevala and The Dream Song of Olaf Asteson. The former tells of the elemental spirits who created the conditions for our earthly incarnation, whereas the Dream Song has to do with the drama of excarnation - the journey of the human soul after death. Linking these vast motifs is Steiner's unique description of the mission and tasks of the Russian people and the contrast of their destiny to the North American people (who, he says, are 'dominating the Earth for a brief period of increasing splendour'). Steiner explains how elemental beings, responsible for the balance of land and sea, have created conditions where various peoples are enabled to develop their gifts and fulfil their destinies. Thus he speaks of Finland as the ancient conscience of Europe, Russia as the future bearer of the Christ-imbued Spirit Self, and the differing but complementary environments of Germany and Britain. Strikingly, he states that, 'no souls on Earth love one another more than those living in Central Europe and those living in the British Isles'. Rudolf Steiner also speaks of the necessary work of luciferic and ahrimanic beings that collaborate to enable the solid spatial forms of our physical bodies. Likewise, they influence our etheric and astral bodies, facilitating thinking, feeling and will to be imbued with life and consciousness.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMani, the founder of the spiritual movement which has come to be known as Manichaeism, established an influential teaching that spread swiftly across Asia, Africa and parts of Europe but was later brutally suppressed. Little was known about this 'Gnostic religion' until archaeological findings in the twentieth century revealed important aspects of Mani's biography and philosophical thought. Many years before these physical discoveries, Rudolf Steiner provided key esoteric insights, based on his personal spiritual-scientific research, into Mani's life and work. Richard Seddon assembles pieces of the academic and esoteric puzzle, offering a lively and colourful picture of Mani and Manichaeism. He gives a succinct outline of Mani's life, the fundamental aspects of his teachings, and a description of Manichaeism's future spiritual role. Seddon creates an image of a mighty Christian initiate leading a movement with the critical task of transforming, and ultimately redeeming, evil.

Read more less