GA 106

Egyptian Myths and Mysteries in Relation to the Spiritual Forces of the Present Day

Ägyptische Mythen und Mysterien im Verhältnis zu den wirkenden Geisteskräften der Gegenwart

Twelve lectures, Leipzig 2 to 14 September 1908 (Cycle 5)

Contents

Rudolf Steiner emphasizes the astonishing and special relationship between our own time and that of ancient Egypt -- how, in the natural rhythm of the ages, the so-called third post-Atlantian (Egyptian) epoch is mirrored by the fifth (present) epoch. In this sense, today it is especially relevant to look at ancient Egypt with fresh eyes. The evolution of Western civilization has been profoundly influenced by Egyptian myths through the Greek mysteries. Because of other influences, however, this heritage has degenerated; thinking has mummified and and myth has all but disappeared. Consequently, it is important to revive the seed of goodness passed down to us from ancient Egypt.

Through true imagination, it is our task to renew human knowledge related to the creative forces in nature, which the Egyptians attempted through the Osiris-Isis myth, and the Greeks through the myth of Demeter. This is what Rudolf Steiner attempts in this lecture cycle.

Steiner's subjects include: experiences of Egyptian initiations; esoteric anatomy and physiology; the stages of evolution of the human form; and much more. The final lecture is on the Christ impulse as the conqueror of matter.

Lecture 1. Spiritual connections between the culture streams of ancient and modern times

Lecture 2. The reflection of cosmic events in the religious view of human beings

Lecture 3. The old initiation centers; the human form as a subject of meditation

Lecture 4. Experiences of initiation; the mysteries of planets; descent of the primeval world

Lecture 5. The genesis of the trinity of Sun, Moon, and Earth; Osiris and Typhon

Lecture 6. The influence of Osiris and Isis; facts of occult anatomy and physiology

Lecture 7. Evolution in the human organism up to the Moon's departure

Lecture 8. States of evolution in the human form; the four human types

Lecture 9. Influence of the Sun and Moon spirits and the Isis and Osiris forces

Lecture 10. Ancient myths as images of cosmic facts; dimming of spiritual consciousness

Lecture 11. Ancient Egyptian doctrine of evolution; cosmic view of the organs

Lecture 12. The Christ impulse as conqueror of matter

Literature

• Rudolf Steiner, N. Macbeth (Translator): Egyptian Myths and Mysteries. CW 106. Anthroposophic Press 1997. ISBN 978-0880101981; eBook ASIN Delhi Open Books (2021) rsarchive.org

German

• Rudolf Steiner: Ägyptische Mythen und Mysterien, GA 106 (1992), ISBN 3-7274-1060-4 English: rsarchive.org German: pdf pdf(2) html mobi epub archive.org

References to the work of Rudolf Steiner follow Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works (CW or GA), Rudolf Steiner Verlag, Dornach/Switzerland, unless otherwise stated. Email: verlag@steinerverlag.com URL: www.steinerverlag.com. Index to the Complete Works of Rudolf Steiner - Aelzina Books A complete list by Volume Number and a full list of known English translations you may also find at Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works Rudolf Steiner Archive - The largest online collection of Rudolf Steiner's books, lectures and articles in English. Rudolf Steiner Audio - Recorded and Read by Dale Brunsvold steinerbooks.org - Anthroposophic Press Inc. (USA) Rudolf Steiner Handbook - Christian Karl's proven standard work for orientation in Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works for free download as PDF.