The Druids

The Druids: Esoteric Wisdom of the Ancient Celtic Priests

Through philosophical and scientific training, Rudolf Steiner brought systematic discipline to the field of spiritual research, with fully conscious methods and comprehensive results. A natural seer, he cultivated his spiritual vision to a high degree, enabling him to speak with authority on previously veiled mysteries.

Samples of his work are contained in this book, with edited excerpts from Steiner’s talks and writings on the Druids.

Topics Covered:

• The Sun Initiation of the Druid Priests and their Moon Science
• The Mysteries of Ancient Ireland
• Celtic Christianity—the Heritage of the Druids
• Teachings of the Mysteries—the Spirit in Nature
• The Great Mysteries—the Mystery of Christ
• The Function of the Standing Stones
• Spiritual Imaginations

C O N T E N T S:

Introduction by Andrew J. Welburn

1. The Druids at Penmaenmawr
2. The Sun Initiation of the Druid Priests and their Moon Science
3. The Mysteries of Ancient Ireland (Hibernia)
4. Celtic Christianity: The Heritage of the Druids

Notes
Sources
Suggested Further Reading
Note Regarding Rudolf Steiner’s Lectures

About the Author

Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe’s scientific writings. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he began to develop his early philosophical principles into an approach to systematic research into psychological and spiritual phenomena. Formally beginning his spiritual teaching career under the auspices of the Theosophical Society, Steiner came to use the term Anthroposophy (and spiritual science) for his philosophy, spiritual research, and findings. The influence of Steiner’s multifaceted genius has led to innovative and holistic approaches in medicine, various therapies, philosophy, religious renewal, Waldorf education, education for special needs, threefold economics, biodynamic agriculture, Goethean science, architecture, and the arts of drama, speech, and eurythmy. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches throughout the world. He died in Dornach, Switzerland.