"No true understanding of the world is possible without an understanding
of the elementary kingdoms." -- Oskar Kürten
A hidden gem for students of Rudolf Steiner's spiritual-scientific
research, Symphonies of Creation offers a breathtaking overview of the
physical and metaphysical development of the world and humanity. In
describing the elementary kingdoms, Kürten elucidates the exalted
spiritual realms from which all creation arises. These are the formative
forces that provide successive life waves of being, with the subtle and
physical forms through which their evolution is possible.
Dr. Kürten traces the beginnings of creation--an unformed "thought seed"
in the elementary kingdoms, elaborated by hierarchical beings at all
levels, through the planes of the spiritual, soul, and physical
worlds--to the manifold and evolving aspects of human beings. What
emerges is a picture of astonishing complexity and beauty, in which
every spiritual being connected with the Earth, from the highest to the
lowest, works together in symphonic harmony.
Rudolf Steiner spoke many times and in various places about the
elementary kingdoms and the multiple processes that take place within
them. Dr. Kürten sought out those references, meditated on their
content, and recounts his conclusions in a coherent synthesis. Even for
those who have studied Anthroposophy for decades, this book offers
startlingly fresh insights. Symphonies of Creation is the result of
the lifework of an individual who, owing to severe deafness, led a
retiring existence. His inner work, however, was full of life, the
results of which are presented in this inspiring study.
