The Language of the Stars

The Language of the Stars: Zodiac and Planets in Relation to the Human Being: The Cosmic Rhythm in the Creed

“Astrology is a concern of the Christ and the work of [the Archangel] Michael.” —Hermann Beckh

During the brief window between the two World Wars, the Rev. Prof. Hermann Beckh led research at The Christian Community Seminary in Stuttgart. In those precious years he published on music, the gospels and the ancient Mysteries. By 1930, in his “Contributions to the Priests’ Newsletter,” he had produced the most far-reaching account of the cosmic order ever written. The typescript of that great work was destined to gather dust in the Berlin Archive, however, until it was discovered in recent years. Published here for the first time, it is the crowning masterpiece to Beckh’s Collected Works.

The translated and annotated text is accompanied by Rudolf Frieling’s profound application of Beckh’s principles of the cosmic starry order to the Creed of The Christian Community. The book also includes a number of appreciations and relevant book reviews.

Through ever-deepening meditation guided by Rudolf Steiner, as well as his vast knowledge of Tibetan, Sanskrit, Pali and Avestan sacred texts—scarcely to be equaled in Europe at the time—Beckh came to the first-hand realization that human and cosmic life is ordered. He perceived directly that this cosmic order is good, as originating from the World-will; true, as from World-thinking; and beautiful, as from World-feeling. All three could be personally experienced in disciplined consciousness that can enter dream, sleep, and prenatal life. This, then, was Beckh’s method and inspiration, as shown in this extraordinary work.

About the Author

Hermann Beckh (1875–1937) studied Law and later Sanskrit, becoming Professor of Oriental Studies at the University of Berlin. A master of ancient and modern languages, he wrote extensively on religious and philosophical subjects, including Buddhism, Indology, Christianity, alchemy, and music. In 1911, he heard a lecture by Rudolf Steiner and was inspired to join the Anthroposophical Society, where he became a valued coworker. In 1922, he helped found The Christian Community, a movement for religious renewal. His many books are gradually being translated from the original German and published in English.

Rudolf Frieling (1901-1986) was one of the founders of The Christian Community. Before becoming the leader of this movement for religious renewal in 1957, his work took him to Leipzig, Vienna, New York and Stuttgart. He is the author of many books on Christian thinking.