Anthroposophical Society
Anthroposophical Society
Organization founded in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) to teach an occult philosophy relating man to his natural environment, with special emphasis on the significance of color and rhythm. The name, which derives from the book Anthroposophia Theomagica by seventeenth-century mystic Thomas Vaughan, implies wisdom relating to man. Anthroposophy covers a wide range of enlightened activity— education, music, painting, eurythmy, biodynamic farming, medicine, and architecture.
The society provides a foundation for over 10,000 anthroposophical institutions worldwide. Drawing largely upon the work and lectures of the late Rudolf Steiner, the society has established a high standard of enlightened community activity and culture. The Anthroposophical Press issues titles by Steiner and other writers in the English language. The society has an international headquarters building named the Goetheanum (acknowledging Steiner's debt to the writings of Goethe) at Postfach 134, CH-4143, Dornach/Switzerland. Website: http://www.goetheanum.ch/english.htm.
Sources:
Anthroposophical Society. http://www.goetheanum.ch/english.htm. March 8, 2000.
Davey, John, ed. Work Arising from the Life of Rudolf Steiner. London: R. Steiner Press, 1975.
Steiner, Rudolf. Knowledge of the Higher Worlds: How Is It Achieved? 1923. Rev. ed., London: R. Steiner Press, 1969.
——. The Story of My Life. London: Anthroposophical Publishing, 1928; New York: Anthroposophic Press, 1928.