We must never forget that Rudolf Steiner’s presentations of esoteric content clearly avoid an easy, accessible establishment for the ordinary day-to-day consciousness; this is part of its nature. In addition, in an attempt to understand the motives of his actions in those intimate connections, we are far more dependent on lovingly entering what little he had to say about it. This book attempts this, as much as possible, by assembling and editing the collected commentaries on Rudolf Steiner’s esoteric teaching activity. –Hella Wiesberger

These accounts by Hella Wiesberger (1920-2014) offer an overview of the nature, background, and history of Rudolf Steiner’s esoteric teaching activity. This book is the result of her lifelong study of this aspect of Steiner’s work, including documents she oversaw as an editor of Rudolf Steiner’s Collected Works. Wiesberger’s collegial relationships with certain esoteric students also helped her shine a light on some of Steiner’s less accessible documents.

Hella Wiesberger’s writings were published over two decades as introductions and commentaries in relevant volumes of Rudolf Steiner’s Collected Works, placing them in biographical and historical context. The essays were edited in various degrees for this volume in consideration of more recent context, insights, and knowledge. Also included are commentaries and contributions related to the Esoteric School from Rudolf Steiner, Marie Steiner, and Adolf Arenson, as well as several letters to and from Rudolf Steiner.

We are fortunate to have these records from a devoted and diligent student of Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy. They provide valuable insights into the story and substance of Spiritual Science and its esoteric school and teaching.

CONTENTS

Introduction

1. Rudolf Steiner in the History of the Esoteric Movement 2. Rudolf Steiner as a Teacher of Esotericism 3. Research into Occult History 4. Rudolf Steiner on the First Section of the Esoteric School, 1904-1914 5. The Structure of the Esoteric School 6. The Movement, the Esoteric School, and the Society 7. Separation of the Esoteric School from the Theosophical Society 8. The Second Section of the Esoteric School, 1904-1914 9. Establishing the Cognitive-Ritual Section 10. Ritual in Rudolf Steiner’s Esoteric Work 11. The Meaning and Spiritual Origin of the Cognitive Ritual 12. Esoteric Research into the Hiram-John Individuality 13. Was Rudolf Steiner a Freemason? 14. Clarifying Rudolf Steiner’s Connection with Theodor Reuss 15. The Esoteric School and a New Beginning after the War 16. Adolf Arenson: A Circular to the Members and a Letter to Albert Steffen 17. Concluding Remarks