Anthroposophy Arizona
Anthroposophical Resources
On this page, you will find helpful resources for furthering your study of Anthroposophy.
Fundamental Rudolf Steiner books
Rudolf Steiner was one of the world’s most prolific writers and lecturers on the topic of esoteric science. His complete collection of published works numbers over 330 volumes! These include many written books and over 6,000 lectures. No one in history has provided the world with so much esoteric knowledge. German is the original language that he wrote and spoke in. There are still some untranslated lectures that are only available in German.
Below you will find five fundamental books by Rudolf Steiner.
If you are new to the works of Rudolf Steiner, who is the founder of Anthroposophy, we suggest you start with the following books. Depending on your main interest, it doesn’t matter which of the below books you start with. We will provide you with a brief generic description to make your choice easier.
Theosophy
An Introduction to the Spiritual Processes in Human Life and in the Cosmos
Written in 1904 (CW 9)
Theosophy is a key work for gaining a solid footing in spiritual reality as described by Rudolf Steiner. It is organized into four parts. First, Steiner builds a comprehensive understanding of human nature: physical bodily nature; soul qualities; spirit being, or “I”-being; and the higher spiritual aspects. This leads us to Steiner’s description of the human being as sevenfold.
In the next section, Steiner offers an extraordinary overview of the laws of reincarnation and the principles of karma, as we pass from one life to the next. This prepares us for the third section, in which he shows the various ways in which we live―during life on earth and after death and in the three worlds of body, soul, and spirit.
Finally, we are given a succinct description of the path of knowledge, along which each person can begin to understand the marvelous and harmonious complexity of the psycho-spiritual worlds in their fullness.
Occult Science, an Outline
An Overview of the most fundamental descriptions of Occult Science.
Written in 1909 (CW 13)
“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. Esoteric science is the opposite and counterpart of natural science.” ―Rudolf Steiner
This masterwork of esotericism places humankind at the very heart of the vast, invisible processes of cosmic evolution. When we use the term “natural science,” don’t we mean that we are dealing with human knowledge of nature?
In this foundational work of spiritual science, we see 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 continue to evolve. Included are descriptions of the physical-spiritual makeup of the human being; the relationships of the different “bodies” of the human being to sleep and death; and a detailed, practical guide to methods and exercises, including the “Rose Cross Meditation,” through which we can attain knowledge of the spiritual worlds.
The most remarkable and revolutionary aspect of this work is the central function that Steiner attributes to the Christ and his involvement in human and earthly evolution through the Mystery of Golgotha.
An Outline of Esoteric Science is essential reading for all serious students of esoteric spirituality and Anthroposophy.
Knowledge of the Higher Worlds and its Attainment
Also under the title: How to know Higher Worlds, A Modern Path to Initiation.
Published in 1904 (CW 10)
This is the classic account of the modern Western esoteric path of initiation made public by Steiner in 1904. He begins with the premise that “the capacities by which we can gain insights into the higher worlds lie dormant within each one of us.” Steiner carefully and precisely leads the reader from the cultivation of the fundamental soul attitudes of reverence and inner tranquility to the development of inner life through the stages of preparation, illumination, and initiation.
Steiner provides practical exercises of inner and outer observation and moral development. By patiently and persistently following his guidelines, new “organs” of soul and spirit begin to form, which reveal the contours of the higher worlds thus far concealed from us.
Steiner in this important work becomes a teacher, a counselor, and a friend whose advice is practical, clear, and effective. The challenges we face in life require increasingly deeper levels of understanding, and Steiner’s text helps readers to cultivate the capacities for such insights and places them at the service of humanity.
This is Steiner’s most essential guide to the modern path of initiation he advocated throughout his life. It has been translated into many languages and has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers around the world. How to Know Higher Worlds has been admired by some of the most brilliant minds of our time.
Philosophy of Freedom
Also under the titles: “Philosophy of Spiritual Activity” and “Intuitive Thinking as a Spiritual Path.”
There are two fundamental problems in the life of the human mind, to one or other of which everything belongs that is to be discussed in this book.
One of these problems concerns the possibility of attaining to such a view of the essential nature of man as will serve as a support for whatever else comes into his life by way of experience or of science, and yet is subject to the suspicion of having no support in itself and of being liable to be driven, by doubt and criticism, into the limbo of uncertainties.
The other problem is this: Is man, as voluntary agent, entitled to attribute freedom to himself, or is freedom a mere illusion begotten of his inability to recognize the threads of necessity on which his volition, like any natural event, depends? It is no artificial issue of theories which provokes this question. In a certain mood it presents itself quite naturally to the human mind. And it is easy to feel that a mind lacks something of its full stature which has never once confronted with the utmost seriousness of inquiry the two possibilities—freedom or necessity.
This book is intended to show that the spiritual experiences which the second problem causes man to undergo, depend upon the position he is able to take up towards the first problem. An attempt will be made to prove that there is a view concerning the essential nature of man which can support the rest of knowledge; and, further, an attempt to point out how with this view we gain a complete justification for the idea of free will, provided only that we have first discovered that region of the mind in which free volition can unfold itself.
Christianity as Mystical Fact
Esoteric and mystical interpretation of Christ and his historicity.
Christianity as Mystical Fact (and the Mysteries of Antiquity) by Rudolf Steiner was first published in English in 1914. The work is an esoteric and mystical interpretation of Christ and his historicity, which was derived from a series of lectures he gave in the autumn and winter of 1901-2 to the Theosophical Society.
Books, Articles & Lectures by Steiner
Direct links to Rudolf Steiner's three Categories (Books, Articles and Lectures)
Since Rudolf Steiner left us with over 6,000 esoteric lectures on Spiritual Science, plus many books and articles, it often feels overwhelming to find the correct resource. To make the search through these three specific categories easier, we list them below. Please bear in mind that there is still a lot of additional translation work to be done…
Steiner wrote books that number from GA 1 – 28. These have all been translated into English.
Find them here:
Steiner wrote articles that haven’t all been translated and haven’t been the highest priority for translating. They are numbered from GA 29-50. Find them all here:
Steiner gave lectures, and they haven’t all been translated yet. This is the lion’s share of what we find in the archives, numbering from GA 51-354.
Find them all here (note at the bottom of the page how they have been organized by theme/topic):
Helpful Anthroposophical Links
Rudolf Steiner Archive
Rudolf Steiner has left us with over 6,000 Esoteric (Spiritual Science) lectures. Starting in 1899 and continuing almost every day of his life, he gave lectures in many different cities in many countries. He often gave three or more esoteric lectures in one day!
The Rudolf Steiner Archive – or RS Archive for short, is a free website that offers Anthroposophists the opportunity to read most of his lectures. However, there are still many lectures to be translated from German. Click on the link below to look for lectures.
Rudolf Steiner Audio
With utmost respect, we would like to share the excellent voice recordings from Steiner’s lectures by Dale Brunsvold. It is incredible to see how many books and lectures he has enhanced with his great sounding voice. Anthroposophy Arizona (Manzanita Branch) is a sponsor of “Rudolf Steiner Audio”. Dale Brunsvold continues to record through sponsorship. Perhaps you could become a sponsor too?
Click on the link below to listen to his lectures.
Front Range Cafe
The mission at Front Range Anthroposophical Café (FRAC) is to provide an online venue for meaningful and inspired conversation in the light of anthroposophy. Especially after the inception of Covid, the cafe frequently meets online to engage in interesting lectures, studies and discussions.
Click on the link below to check out their website.
Society & Branch Activities
Anthroposophy Worldwide – Discover what is happening in Anthroposophy! newsletter@anthroposophy.org
The following Anthroposophical Branches will send you regular news and invitations for various online lectures, study groups and events. These are excellent resources:
– Portland Branch of the Anthroposophical Society – www.portlandbranch.org
– Santa Cruz Monterey Branch of the Anthroposophical Society – www.anthroposophysantacruz.com
– Anthroposophy NYC (New Your City Branch) – anthroposophynyc.org
– Rudolf Steiner Branch, Chicago – info@rschicago.org
– San Diego Branch – www.sandiegoanthroposophy.com
– Faust Branch – Sacramento – faustbranch@gmail.com
– Great Lakes Branch – greatlakesanthroposophy@comcast.net
Christian Community Events
Christian Community Sunday Service, dates to be announced
(Please contact John Pajunk at jochenpajunk@me.com if interested.)
Health & Medical
Kolisko Institute for Anthroposophic Medicine – Get research updates and workshop information. – info@koliskoinstitute.org
ELIANT (European Alliance of Initiatives for Applied Anthroposophy). Important videos and lectures on the effect of technology on children, and much more – https://eliant.eu/en/home
Denver Center for Anthroposophic Therapies (Drs Adam Blanning and Philip Incao.) – https://anthroposophycolorado.org/anthroposophic-medicine-therapies
Workshops
ATHENA (Association for Therapeutic Eurythmy in North America) Cynthia at Eurythmy. Online info@eurythmyonline.com or Athena.membership@gmail Cynthia Hoven’s Six
Curative Eurythmy Classes (free)
Study Groups
Phoenix Study Group. Everyone welcome! Now reading “An Outline of Esoteric Science” on Zoom. Contact host Barb Cunningham at bcunningham@cox.net for further information.
Prescott Study Group. Now reading, on Tuesdays, Mary and Sophia, by Michael Debus. Contact Sharon McFeely at sharmc17@yahoo.com for further information.
Tucson Study Group – Reading Steiner’s “Genesis” via Zoom on Mondays at 3pm. Contact Karen Hoyt, mcgurrenk7@gmail.com or Janet Sabb jesabb1@gmail.com
Miscellaneous
Waldorf Publications – news@waldorf-research.org
Waldorf Today – Subscribe: https://www.waldorftoday.com/newsletter/
What’s happening in the heavens? Mary Stewart Adams mary@storytellersnightsky.com Star Lore Historian.
Watercolor Painting Classes: Van James on YouTube offers brief watercolor painting classes, aimed at Waldorf teachers, but meditative color therapy for us all.
Rudolf Steiner Archives: https://www.rsarchive.org/Search.php
The Lectures of Rudolf Steiner: http://www.rudolfsteineraudio.com/lecturesimagebased.html
YouTube Rudolf Steiner Lectures: www.youtuberudolfsteinerlectures