With the commentary in A Study Companion keyed by paragraph number to the text of An Outline of Esoteric Science, Clopper Almon takes the reader step-by-step through one of Rudolf Steiner's most difficult texts. Each chapter is considered for themes, or brief summaries of the main points, review questions, discussion questions, and Almon's own observations of the text This study companion will be a great help to readers of every level, vastly enriching their reading of one of Steiner's most important written works.

"As vital and relevant as when it was first published in 1910, this materpiece of esoteric, Rosicrucian cosmology (on which Rudolf Steiner worked and then reworked for many years, making it ever more precise and accurate) remains the most effective presentation to date of the spiritual alternative to contemporary materialist cosmologies and the Darwinian view of human nature and evolution. In this basic work of spiritual science, readers learn how the creation and evolution of humanity is embedded at the heart of the vast, invisible web of interacting cosmic beings through whom the alchemical processes of cosmic evolution unfold. There are also descriptions of the different bodies of the human being and their relation to sleep and death, as well as a detailed practical guide to the methods or exercises, including the "Rose Cross Meditation," by which such initiation knowledge can be attained. Most remarkable and revolutionary of all, perhaps, is the central function that Rudolf Steiner allots to the Christ and to the entrance of Christ into early evolution through the Mystery of Golgotha." -- back cover.

Given his energetic involvement in practical initiatives and extensive lecturing, Rudolf Steiner had little time to write books. Of those he did write - belonging almost entirely to the earlier years of his work - four titles form an indispensable introduction to his later teaching: Knowledge of the Higher Worlds, Theosophy, The Philosophy of Freedom and Occult Science. The anthroposophy of Rudolf Steiner is not a theoretical system, but the results of research based on direct observation. As Steiner's research was so vast and conducted over such a long period of time, no single book can be said to contain the whole of his spiritual teaching. However, of all his books Occult Science comes closest. Steiner even referred to it as 'an epitome of anthroposophical spiritual science'. The book sets out, in systematic order, the fundamental facts concerning the nature and constitution of the human being and, in chronological order, the history of the universe and man. Whereas the findings of natural science are derived from observations made through the senses, the findings of spiritual science, or anthroposophy, are 'occult' inasmuch as they derive from direct observation of realities which are hidden to everyday perception. And yet these elements of humanity and the universe form the foundation of the sense world. A substantial part of Occult Science is occupied by a description of the preliminary training which is necessary to make such spiritual observations. Although Occult Science is not all-inclusive, it is indispensable to any serious student seeking to master Rudolf Steiner's extraordinary philosophy.

An Outline of Occult Science is Rudolf Steiner's thesis discussing the unknown, the nature of mankind, and his belief that science may be used to explain the unusual phenomena known as the occult. First published in 1910, this book strives to define, categorize and explain various manifestations of the occult. The author concedes at the opening of the book that many otherwise open-minded and receptive individuals immediately recoil from the concept of the the unknown, especially in relation to attempts to investigate it scientifically. After introducing the occult, Steiner delves into explaining the two worlds he thought comprised the reality we live in. The natural world, that which is visible and readily perceivable around us, and the spiritual world, where the unexplained phenomena arise. The nature of man as a bodily being, and how his physical self bridges the gap between these two worlds, is much detailed. Famous as a literary critic, Rudolf Steiner's interest in the occult phenomena meant that much of his later life was characterized by research into spiritual texts. He passionately believed that much of the strange, paranormal or occult phenomena human beings have observed have a spiritual yet scientific explanation: it is with this essential belief in mind that Steiner attempts to persuade the reader. Although unusual in subject matter, An Outline of Occult Science is written in an accessible style. What would otherwise be dry and inscrutable is made interesting and exotic by Steiner, who was used to writing for a popular audience in his career as a literary critic. This edition of his book contains all of his original notes, which are appended at the conclusion for ease of reference.

This masterwork of the esoteric places humankind at the very heart of the vast, invisible processes of cosmic evolution. Esoteric science is the science of what takes place esoterically, in the sense that it is perceived not outside in nature but where one's soul turns when it directs its inner being toward the spirit. Rudolf Steiner worked on rosicrucian cosmology for many years to make it increasingly precise and accurate. This work remains the most effective presentation to date of a spiritual alternative to contemporary materialist cosmologies and of human evolution. Readers learn how the creation and evolution of humanity is embedded at the heart of the vast, invisible web of interacting cosmic beings, through whom the alchemical processes of cosmic evolution unfold. A detailed, practical guide to the methods or exercises, including the Rose Cross Meditation," through which such initiation knowledge can be attained.

Human understanding, as it works in everyday life and in ordinary science, is actually so constituted that it cannot penetrate into superphysical worlds. This may be proven beyond the possibility of denial. But this proof can have no more value for a certain kind of soul-life than the proof one would use in showing that man's natural eye cannot, with its visual faculty, penetrate to the smallest cells of a living being, or to the constitution of far-off celestial bodies. Show Excerpt his connection but what bears upon the author's decision to write this book. What is said in it could not be justified if it bore merely a personal character. A book of this kind is bound to proffer views to which any person may attain, and these views must be presented in such a way as to suggest no shade of the personal element, that is, as far as such a thing is possible. It is therefore not in this sense that the personal note is sounded. It is only intended to explain how it was possible for the author to understand the above characterized opinions concerning his presentations, and yet was able to write this book. It is true there is one method which would have made the introduction of the personal element unnecessary--this would have been to specify in detail all those particulars which would show that the statements here made are in agreement with the progress of modern science. This course would, however, have necessitated the writing of many volumes, and as such a task is at present out

Start Now! offers an extensive and representative sample of Steiner's spiritual instructions and meditative practices, including meditation instructions; mantric verses; daily, weekly and monthly practices for the development of soul qualities; karmic exercises and meditations for working with the dead, the angelic hierarchies and our guardian angel.

Written 1904-1908 (CW 11) "Rudolf Steiner shows that the insoluble link between humanity and cosmos is the fundamental basis of evolution. As human beings have participated in the development of the world we know today, so their achievements are directly connected with the ultimate destiny of the universe. In human hands rests the freedom to shape the future course of creation. Knowledge of our exalted origins and of the path we have followed is indispensable if we are to evolve a future worthy of responsible human beings.... Through a study of Steiner's writings, one can come to a clear, reasonable, comprehensive understanding of human beings and their place in the universe." --Paul Marshall Allen In the best tradition of ancient wisdom literature, Cosmic Memory reconstructs, from the akashic record, events that span the time between the origin of the Earth and the beginning of recorded history. This spiritual research includes a profound investigation of the origins, achievements, and fate of the Atlanteans and Lemurians --the remarkable "lost" root races that developed the first concepts of "good" and "evil," manipulated natural forces, laid the foundation for human legal and ethical systems, and defined and nurtured the distinctive yet complementary powers of men and women that brought humankind, many centuries ago, to its highest artistic, intellectual, and spiritual attainments. Through this discussion of our true origins, Cosmic Memory offers a genuine foundation for our lives, allowing us to realize our real value, dignity, and essence. The reader is shown our human connection with the world around us as well as our highest goals and true destiny. This is a key volume for understanding Rudolf Steiner's early development as a Theosophist and how his ideas, terminology, and formulations during that time fit into the development of his anthroposophic epistemology and Christology. This volume is a translation of Aus der Akasha-Chronik (Rudolf Steiner Gesamtausgabe 11), Rudolf Steiner Verlag, 1986.

This remarkable short guide to meditation is the fruit of many years of meditative experience as well as thirty years of teaching meditation. Through exercises and meditation sentences it delineates an accessible, systematic process of inner work by which a person can come to experience both the "I," or Self, and the miraculous nature of that Light that, as inner Light, we call attention. Beginning with simple meditation sentences that illuminate the role of attention in perception, the person wishing to take this path is led gradually to the reality and experience of form-free attention. Kühlewind offers-step-by step guidance in concentration exercises, sentence meditations, visualizations (image or symbol meditations), and perceptual meditations for guidance on the path. He also offers advice and help with the difficulties and problems that can arise. Each stage of the path--in itself and in relation to the whole sequence--is presented in a way to be understood through meditative thinking. Deepened in this way, it becomes, as well, a work of philosophy--but philosophy understood as a transformative way of life, an inner path