Egyptian Myths And Mysteries
12 lectures by Rudolf Steiner

In Egyptian Myths And Mysteries, Rudolf Steiner emphasizes the astonishing and special relationship between our own time and that of ancient Egypt - how, in the natural rhythm of the ages, the third Post-Atlantean (Egyptian) epoch is mirrored by the fifth (present) epoch. In this sense, it is particularly relevant to look today with the benefit of Steiner's occult examinations of ancient Egypt. The evolution of western civilization has been permanently influenced by Egyptian myths by way of the Greek mysteries, an influence which continues right into our own times.

Due to other spiritual forces, however, this heritage has degenerated. Thinking has "mummified," and myth has all but disappeared. It has become necessary in our time, therefore, to revive the vital seed passed down to us from ancient Egypt. Through the animating power of spiritual imagination, we have the task of renewing human knowledge of the creative forces in nature, as the Egyptians attempted through the Osiris-Isis myth, and the Greeks through the myth of Demeter. Steiner also discusses experiences of Egyptian initiations, esoteric anatomy and physiology, the stages of evolution of the human form, and much more. The final lecture is on the Christ impulse as the conqueror of matter.

Trans: N. Macbeth (12 lectures, Leipzig 2 - 14 Sept 1908, GA106); 151pp
Anthroposophic Press
0 88010 198 9; paperback

See also Ancient Myths and the New Isis Mystery
 

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) called his spiritual philosophy 'anthroposophy', which he defined as 'the consciousness of one's humanity', and the disciplined methods of studying this he termed ‘spiritual science’.  As a highly developed clairvoyant and spiritual initiate, he spoke from his direct cognition of the spiritual world. However, he did not see his work as religious or sectarian, but rather sought to found a universal 'science of the spirit'.

His many published works (written books and lectures) - which include his research into the spiritual nature of the human being, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods of personal development - invite readers to develop their own spiritual faculties.  He also provided indications for the renewal of many human activities, including education - both general and special - agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, religion and the arts. He wrote some 30 books and delivered over 6000 lectures across Europe, and in 1924 founded the General Anthroposophical Society which today has branches throughout the world.