In 1795 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe produced his tale of tales-The fairytale of "The Green Snake and the Beautiful Lily," an extraordinary masterwork that is unique among Goethe's works. An initiatory fable of transformation, the tale arose out of the Rosicrucian, alchemical impulses that play an important role in Faust and Goethe's other writings. Among those influenced by it was Rudolf Steiner, whose mystery dramas employ similar themes. The authors begin by placing the fairytale against the background of Goethe's life and cultural setting. They then discuss its importance in the development of Steiner's spiritual science. Finally, they describe its visual language, profound mystical insights, and relevance for us today. The book includes Carlyle's classic translation of the tale and illustrations, plus Steiner's essay on its inner meaning. The authors offer a positive look at the possibilities of the twenty-first century. They view Goethe's fairytale as fully relevant to our time, just as it was when Goethe first wrote it.

Exploding like a time bomb in the early seventeenth century, Rosicrucianism gathered together in a new, ecumenical synthesis all the wisdom of the ages. This unique anthology collects the most important of the primary documents, including many images and diagrams. The texts include: The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz; The Fame and Confession of the Fraternity of the Rosy Cross; Hinricus Madathanus' The Parabola; and A Golden Tractate and The Holy Mountain, A Rosicrucian Allegory by Thomas Vaughan. Illustrated texts include The Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians and Khunrath's Amphitheater of Eternal Wisdom. Rudolf Steiner provides the framework with contributions on The Chemical Wedding, the history of Christian Rosenkreutz, the Temple legend, Comenius, and reincarnation and karma. Includes an annotated bibliography of books and articles of Rosicrucian interest.

Reprint Of Articles Which Appeared In Free Deeds, V1, No. 3, May-June, 1960.

Vladimir Solovyov (1853-1900), one of the greatest philosophers of the nineteenth century, was the founder of a tradition of Russian spirituality that brought together philosophy, mysticism, and theology with a powerful social message. A Platonist and a gnostic visionary, as well as a close friend of Dostoevsky, Solovyov was also a prophet who was granted three visions of Sophia, Divine Wisdom. A poet and a profoundly Christian metaphysicist, his works include The Justification of the Good; War, Progress, and the End of History; and The Meaning of Love. This unique, timely book - the first in-depth, full-length portrait of Soloviev as a mystic to appear in English - is the rich fruit of Dr. Allen's lifelong interest in the cultural and spiritual achievements, the mysticism, and the esoteric work of the Russian people during Tsarist times leading up to the twentieth century.