Secret Brotherhoods - And the Mystery of the Humandouble (Paperback, Revised edition)

7 lectures (of 9), St. Gallen, Zurich, and Dornach, Nov. 6-25, 1917 (CW 178) In the age of the internet and the proliferation of "conspiracy theories," ideas that secret groups are trying to gain control of humanity are no longer rare. But this was not true in 1917 when Rudolf Steiner spoke of such matters in the extraordinary lectures contained in this book. His unique contribution to this controversial topic is not based on abstract theories; it arose from exact research methods that use advanced forms of perception and cognition. Using the firsthand knowledge available to him, Steiner takes us behind the scenes of events in outer history and contemporary culture to reveal a dark world of secret elitist brotherhoods that are attempting to control the masses through the forces of economics, technology, and political assassinations. These hidden groups, he explains, seek power through the use of ritual magic and suggestion. Among many topics, Steiner speaks on these important matters: - The geographic nature of the American continent and the forces that arise from it - The nature of the double (doppelganger) and the dangers of psychoanalysis - The spiritual origin of electromagnetism - Abuse of inoculations and vaccinations - The meaning of Ireland for world development - Confused ideas about angels in connection with higher beings and divinity - Our need for clear insight into world events based on spiritual knowledge Secret Brotherhoods was newly translated for this edition. C O N T E N T S Lecture Summaries Introduction by Terry Boardman 1. Knowledge of the Supersensible and Riddles of the Human Soul (11.15.1917) 2. The Mystery of the Double: Geographic Medicine (11.16.1917) 3. Behind the Scenes of External Events I (11.6.1917) 4. Behind the Scenes of External Events II (11.13.1917) 5. Individual Spirit Beings and the Constant Foundation of the Universe I (11.18.1917) 6. Individual Spirit Beings and the Constant Foundation of the Universe II (11.19.1917) 7. Individual Spirit Beings and the Constant Foundation of the Universe III (11.25.1917) Notes Note Regarding Rudolf Steiner's Lectures Secret Brotherhoods is an English translation of 7 (of 10) lectures from German of Individuelle Geistwesen und ihr Wirken in der Seele des Menschen. Geistige Wesen und Ihre Wirkung Band II (GA 178).