In ancient times, people's experience of the divine was imbued with the feminine archetype. The world of spirit was seen to be populated by goddesses, and women were honored as priestesses and guardians of sacred rites. The later Greek and Roman civilizations, in contrast, were characterized by the principle of patriarchy, which still dominates our culture--despite the political and social emancipation of women in the West. This unique book goes way beyond the usual studies on gender. The authors maintain that, during ancient times, people experienced the divine as imbued with the archetypal feminine. The world of spirit was seen populated by goddesses, and this perception was reflected by honoring women as priestesses and guardians of sacred rites. The Greeks and Romans, on the other hand, were led largely by the principle of patriarchy. More recently, however, we have seen the political and social emancipation of women, but patriarchal thinking continues to dominate our Western culture. The Authors' survey of the feminine archetype attempts to illuminate the spiritual significance and meaning of the feminine principle today as well as its future destiny. By considering the mystery behind human and earthly evolution, they arrive at clear and accessible perspectives that can help to transform human life today, especially the culture of family. Beginning with Eve in tradition and legend, the authors comment on the Queen of Sheba, the image of the Virgin in esoteric Christianity, Isis-Sophia and the Great Mother, the birth of art from the primal feminine, and the importance of women for modern esotericism.
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." (from the book) In the old mystery cultures, individuals experienced themselves as "children" of the gods, or even as their instruments. According to Rudolf Steiner's spiritual science, the birth of independent thinking did not arise until our present state of consciousness--the awareness of one's individual self. But who is this "I"? Virginia Sease and Manfred Schmidt-Brabant maintain that true self-knowledge is intimately related to knowledge of the central being of world evolution--Christ, the "I AM." Focusing on the being of Christ and on Christianity, the authors present a series of engaging lectures on the development of mystery wisdom today. Having given an overview of the history of the mysteries in their book Paths of the Christian Mysteries, the authors deepen and expand their study by drawing particular attention to the effect of the "Christ mysteries." Some essential themes of this new volume include the transformation of conscience, the place of prayer and meditation, and the significance of sacrifice today.
What is to become of the family? What is to become of the home, which has been the foundation of society for centuries? Will it disintegrate - or can it be refounded in a new way? In recent years the role of homemaking has been derided and diminished, particularly in relation to careers outside the home. Rather than being encouraged to nurture home and family, parents are urged to return to the workplace as quickly as possible following childbirth. Their place is taken by growing numbers of day-care centres, childcare workers and nannies. The author argues for a refounding of the homemaker's role; revitalizing the traditions of the past with real spiritual knowledge. The homemaker can begin to work consciously with the metaphysical aspects of the household, its etheric, astral and spiritual qualities, as well as the various entities connected to the home. He emphasizes the need for an individual forming of the role, as well as the importance of personal development, culture and rhythm."--Publisher's description.
The authors embark on a broad historical survey of the culture and historyexoteric and esotericof the Middle Ages. Their journey takes in King Arthur and the Celtic mysteries; Francis of Assisi, the Franciscans and the School of Chartres; Thomas Aquinas, Averroes, and the Dominicans; Cabbala and Jewish mysticism; heretics and the Cathars; Templar secrets; more.
In recent decades, there has been an upsurge of interest in "the Camino," the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. But where does this fascination in the spiritual exploration of the Middle Ages come from, and what is its significance? Virginia Sease and Manfred Schmidt-Brabant assert that we live in a time of spiritual quest, discovery, and change. Humanity is becoming increasingly sensitive, and primal memories are beginning to emerge in people's consciousness. Within this dynamic context of inner transformation, the Camino's historic importance is being reechoed in human souls. Rudolf Steiner explained that people need to live not only with outer history, but also with the esoteric, hidden narrative behind it--the history of the mysteries. Today, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the authors suggest that it is increasingly necessary for us to live consciously with this veiled history of humanity's continual search for communion with the divine world. Based on long research and contemplation, the authors present a survey of extraordinary breadth and depth. Focusing on the spiritual history of humankind, they begin with the cosmic origin of the Grail Mysteries and culminate with the suprasensory Michael cultus and the being of Anthroposophia. Topics also include: the school of Athens; early Christian art and its Gnostic impulses; the Grail initiation in northern Spain; the role of the Cathars and Troubadours in the Manichean spiritual stream; the Camino to Santiago de Compostela and the esoteric aspect of music for the pilgrims; the Music of the Spheres and the Elders of the Apocalypse; the Templars as emissaries of the Holy Grail; the initiations of Christian Rosenkreutz and his relation to anthroposophical art; the early Rosicrucian impulses in America and Europe; and much more.
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." (from the book) In the old mystery cultures, individuals experienced themselves as "children" of the gods, or even as their instruments. According to Rudolf Steiner's spiritual science, the birth of independent thinking did not arise until our present state of consciousness--the awareness of one's individual self. But who is this "I"? Virginia Sease and Manfred Schmidt-Brabant maintain that true self-knowledge is intimately related to knowledge of the central being of world evolution--Christ, the "I AM." Focusing on the being of Christ and on Christianity, the authors present a series of engaging lectures on the development of mystery wisdom today. Having given an overview of the history of the mysteries in their book Paths of the Christian Mysteries, the authors deepen and expand their study by drawing particular attention to the effect of the "Christ mysteries." Some essential themes of this new volume include the transformation of conscience, the place of prayer and meditation, and the significance of sacrifice today.
The authors embark on a broad historical survey of the culture and historyexoteric and esotericof the Middle Ages. Their journey takes in King Arthur and the Celtic mysteries; Francis of Assisi, the Franciscans and the School of Chartres; Thomas Aquinas, Averroes, and the Dominicans; Cabbala and Jewish mysticism; heretics and the Cathars; Templar secrets; more.
In ancient times, people's experience of the divine was imbued with the feminine archetype. The world of spirit was seen to be populated by goddesses, and women were honored as priestesses and guardians of sacred rites. The later Greek and Roman civilizations, in contrast, were characterized by the principle of patriarchy, which still dominates our culture--despite the political and social emancipation of women in the West. This unique book goes way beyond the usual studies on gender. The authors maintain that, during ancient times, people experienced the divine as imbued with the archetypal feminine. The world of spirit was seen populated by goddesses, and this perception was reflected by honoring women as priestesses and guardians of sacred rites. The Greeks and Romans, on the other hand, were led largely by the principle of patriarchy. More recently, however, we have seen the political and social emancipation of women, but patriarchal thinking continues to dominate our Western culture. The Authors' survey of the feminine archetype attempts to illuminate the spiritual significance and meaning of the feminine principle today as well as its future destiny. By considering the mystery behind human and earthly evolution, they arrive at clear and accessible perspectives that can help to transform human life today, especially the culture of family. Beginning with Eve in tradition and legend, the authors comment on the Queen of Sheba, the image of the Virgin in esoteric Christianity, Isis-Sophia and the Great Mother, the birth of art from the primal feminine, and the importance of women for modern esotericism.
In recent decades, there has been an upsurge of interest in "the Camino," the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. But where does this fascination in the spiritual exploration of the Middle Ages come from, and what is its significance? Virginia Sease and Manfred Schmidt-Brabant assert that we live in a time of spiritual quest, discovery, and change. Humanity is becoming increasingly sensitive, and primal memories are beginning to emerge in people's consciousness. Within this dynamic context of inner transformation, the Camino's historic importance is being reechoed in human souls. Rudolf Steiner explained that people need to live not only with outer history, but also with the esoteric, hidden narrative behind it--the history of the mysteries. Today, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the authors suggest that it is increasingly necessary for us to live consciously with this veiled history of humanity's continual search for communion with the divine world. Based on long research and contemplation, the authors present a survey of extraordinary breadth and depth. Focusing on the spiritual history of humankind, they begin with the cosmic origin of the Grail Mysteries and culminate with the suprasensory Michael cultus and the being of Anthroposophia. Topics also include: the school of Athens; early Christian art and its Gnostic impulses; the Grail initiation in northern Spain; the role of the Cathars and Troubadours in the Manichean spiritual stream; the Camino to Santiago de Compostela and the esoteric aspect of music for the pilgrims; the Music of the Spheres and the Elders of the Apocalypse; the Templars as emissaries of the Holy Grail; the initiations of Christian Rosenkreutz and his relation to anthroposophical art; the early Rosicrucian impulses in America and Europe; and much more.
What is to become of the family? What is to become of the home, which has been the foundation of society for centuries? Will it disintegrate - or can it be refounded in a new way? In recent years the role of homemaking has been derided and diminished, particularly in relation to careers outside the home. Rather than being encouraged to nurture home and family, parents are urged to return to the workplace as quickly as possible following childbirth. Their place is taken by growing numbers of day-care centres, childcare workers and nannies. The author argues for a refounding of the homemaker's role; revitalizing the traditions of the past with real spiritual knowledge. The homemaker can begin to work consciously with the metaphysical aspects of the household, its etheric, astral and spiritual qualities, as well as the various entities connected to the home. He emphasizes the need for an individual forming of the role, as well as the importance of personal development, culture and rhythm."--Publisher's description.
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