ANTHROPOSOPHY & ASTRONOMY.
by Elisabeth VREEDE (Phil.Doc.) 16 July 1879–31 August 1943
Leader of the Section of Mathematics and Astronomy Dornach, 1926–1935.
“…Thus, in order to become acquainted with these temporal events, one must first feel oneself connected with the forces that are at work. The Knowledge of the Universe rises upwards through three stages; from Astronomy to Astrology, and from Astrology to Astrosophy. But every one of these realms of knowledge is to-day more or less under a spell. Astronomical Science is devoid of spirituality, but must once again be filled with it. Astrology preserves an ancient spirituality which can “no longer have the same value for our own times. True Astrosophy is at present surely not to be found outside Rudolf Steiner’s Spiritual Science. …” E. Vreede
In addition to the thirty-six astronomy letters there are two extra articles on a sun eclipse and the zodiac through the ages with extensive notes. The letters contain the important astronomical corrections made in the 2nd. German edition. Elisabeth Vreede (1879 - 1943) was a mathematician and Astronomer, who as a student of the Austrian scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) developed a new approach to a study of the heavens and its phenomena.
Considering the enormous advances made in astronomy during the latter half of the last century one may ask what is the value in publishing such a work; surely much of its material is out-dated? Vreede’s contribution to such a study lies in her attitude and approach based upon a close study of Steiner’s work and her own observations.
This book can give both Astronomers and Astrologers new insights into their studies, leading to a rejuvenated form of star wisdom known as Astrosophy.Faced with the challenge of a the Millennium we need to find a new way of dealing with its problems. Here are indications which can help us to see more clearly through the darkened glass of present day material-bound thought.
ISBN 0-9524403-9-3 paperback 480pp Illustrated Published September 2001 PRICE UK Pounds £17.95
Introduction to a Quest for a New Star Wisdom – Astrosophy
by Hazel Straker
This book came into being through various requests over the last 12 years, for an introduction to Astrosophy. Based on the fundamental suggestions of Dr. Steiner, the further work of Dr. Vreede and especially Willi Sucher.
86pp, ISBN 0-9524403-7-7
PRICE UK Pounds £8.95
Astrosophy was the name given to a study of the stars by the pioneers in the field, Elisabeth Vreede and Willi Sucher. It means ‘star wisdom’, in contrast to astronomy — the physical facts of the cosmos, or astrology the meaning of the stars. Hazel Straker studied with Willi Sucher for many years and has continued to develop his ideas since his death in 1985. She is a regular contributor on the subject to the Christian Community journal Perspectives. Sucher’s work is not easy for a beginner to penetrate so this concise introduction is very welcome, Hazel Straker begins by discussing why we need an ‘astrosophy’ at all, and then goes on to deal with the tricky problem of the difference between the constellations of the zodiac and the astrological signs. Other chapters are devoted to phenomena such as eclipses, and particular cycles and movements of the planets, Some of these chapters were originally articles written several years ago, and references to more current phenomena would have been preferable also. The aim, however, is to encourage an imaginative way of looking at the heavens and to make clear the connections with spiritual beings, especially the Being of Christ. A previous knowledge of these mysteries is somewhat assumed, which might be difficult for readers very new to the ideas. The chapters are well illustrated with clear diagrams and a beautiful colour illustration by the author adorns the cover.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the cosmic sunflower pattern in connection with the movements of the sun, and the chapter on comets in relation to mythology is a good introduction to the theme, It is helpful to the: differing views on celebrating the Christian festivals in Northern and Southern hemispheres to have the perspective from the zodiac and its importance made clear, The book closes with a chapter on the etheric (life-forces) background to Bio-Dynamic Agriculture and the significance of the year 2000.
It is altogether very readable, clear and imaginatively written from the point of view of the Sucher’s pioneering work. It can certainly be recommended for those who want to explore this further, For others who approach the stars differently, it will raise further questions. But any work that aims to break the grip of a materialistic or deterministic thinking in relation to the stars and planets, and which aims to renew our sense of awe and wonder at the heavenly patterns, can be most warmly hailed.
New View 1/1/2001 Margaret Jonas
by Willi Sucher
The five lectures reproduced here for the first time in book form were given by WiIIi Sucher (1902-1985.) in 1958 and 1969. The first, a single lecture, deals with the phenomena and history of the Great Conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn, with special reference to the one at the turn of the century in June-July 2000 ad.
The four following lectures were addressed to the Experimental Circle of the Bio-Dynamic Association and deal not only with a new approach to the connections between plants and the Cosmos but also shows that we are dealing with a “Living Universe” whose activity is reflected in the life processes, seasons and weather upon our planet.
This is no dry text book or a DIY manual on heavenly phenomena but a fascinating and often challenging range of indications and suggestions for not only a practical, but a meditative approach to the understanding of a living universe, rather than the accepted picture of material planetary bodies circling a slowly dying star in a vast empty vacuum.
Anyone interested in exploring a rejuvenated star wisdom and a living science of astronomy will find much to stimulate and interest them in this publication.
136pp, 148x210mm, 9 half tones, 64 line drawings. PRICE UK Pounds £15.25 ISBN 0-9524403-4-2
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Also by Willi Sucher:
“ISIS SOPHIA I
Introducing Astrosophy”,
ISBN 0-9541048-3-8, 250pp, PRICE UK Pounds £11.95
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“ISIS SOPHIA II
Outline of a New Star Wisdom”,
ISBN 0-9541048-2-X, 255pp, PRICE UK Pounds £11.95
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Isis Sophia III
Our Relationship with the Stars
ISBN 0-9541048-1-1, 272pp PRICE UK Pounds £11.95