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Click the links to find out more information about any topic.
Jeannie Mills, a former cult member and author of "Six Years With God", quoted at Cult Information Centre's website.
Sometimes people will gravitate toward some aspects of the Anthroposophical milieu while fully intending to avoid some of the whackier (as they see it) aspects, often presented as "Oh we only take what we want out of it". Very reassuring and it doesn't seem unreasonable but it's also worth bearing in mind the Cult Information Centre's admonition:
"Cults use sophisticated mind control techniques that will work on anyone, given the right circumstances. Those who think they are immune are only making themselves more vulnerable. Remember the assault is on your emotions, not on your intellect."
Cult Information Centre-see 'Further Information' page
It maight be an idea to at least think about which aspects of Anthroposophy are not 'taken'. Why? What's wrong with the bits that 'we don't take'? What are they? What's wrong, or unacceptable with them? Why should people find themselves lambasted when, in seeking some insurance that this or that aspect is indeed no part of the particular centre's working thinking, feeling is indeed eschewed? Could it be that they have dared to ask the next question? The one beyond the stock response.
Is Anthroposophy a cult, or does it at least function in a cult-like way? That decision remains with you.
This summary page is aimed at helping clarify just how susceptible, or gullible, your wish for a rainbow might make you, or indeed, just how far your immersion has gone. Hopefully, it will be of some use in helping folk realise just how far the 'getting sucked in process' has gone before reaching the point where denial of the situation is the only option left to them. Either that, or getting out altogether, which is all too frequently easier said than done.
Phase 1.
You have perhaps come across the job ad, maybe made a visit for interview and been taken on the tour of the centre. Chances are that you are impressed and maybe a little envious of the ambience: no pressure on anyone, ever. Maybe, the job brings accommodation too. For some, this appointment meets so many needs at one fell swoop. So you go for it. If at a later stage you have to find both a new job and new accommodation at the same time, well that can be dealt with on an 'as and when' basis.
Right?
Two of the most stressful experiences we encounter tied together. Do you see that getting in is one thing, getting out again might be something else entirely.
Trapped? Not exactly, but how much do people put to the back of their mind because it 'comes with the territory' of the job? How much do they put up with because it's home. How much more do you think one might put up with- or dismiss rather then address- because the pressure to do so is doubled?
It is probably both exciting and gratifying. You have secured the job. Great feeling eh?
Probably, you have some notion that wherever you have landed is based on Anthroposophy, or more likely "on the principles of Rudolf Steiner" You don't really have much idea of what this means, but that's o.k. you will find out as you go along.
Won't you?
Unless you are on a short term contract- Anthroposophy does rely on such workers: get them in for a few months, then get them out again before they begin to ask too many questions.
Anyway, let's suppose that in your own mind at least you intend being there indefinitely.
Initially, you probably don't know that much, but you are caught up with the whole 'feel' of where you are.
Thrown yourself into everything: all the festivals, all the community activities? It's some glow that comes from feeling a worthwhile part of something. That something is probably called 'community', and the ethos of the community is to try to define what is and is not de rigueur. For you.
Maybe now would be a good time to reflect on any changes of your attitudes
Changed your dress style? Why? Oh sure, it can be a sheer joy to move away from having to power-dress each day. What would you now think to wearing clean, pressed unshiny trousers rather than jeans or cords, even if you are not timetabled for one of the muckier workshops? Let's suppose its your day off, maybe even Sunday. Would you feel out of step if you don't sport some facial hair? What about dressing to feel good? Dare you ever wear any such clothes just because you feel like doing so?
Do you think that you have become compliant with the unspoken dress code that the dress-undress ambience does in fact have some aspects of uniformity? Try wearing a tie, properly knotted, not shiny, no trace of gravy, custard or soup on it, see what happens, see what's said or pointedly not said. You could also try wearing an ironed shirt and polishing your shoes. Kinda freaky huh? Taking a walk on the wild side.
Oh you rebel! You'll be reading Enid Blyton to the kids next.
Individuality? Great. Just so long as your individuality complies with the 'ethos', and this mind, is only in regard to clothes.
Still in touch with your pre-anthro days friends, family and recreations? Yes? Fine.
No? Maybe still fine, but you might care to ask why.
No time? Uh-huh. So and why has this happened? Who and what has began to supersede them? What do you think the continuing effect of this time demand might be? What will it cost you in other than financial terms.
What about the things that come up in conversation? Would you mention to your pre-anthro friends things commonly discussed in your new anthro setting? Things like karma, elemental beings, spiritual hierarchies?
http://www.theosophycardiff.care4free.net/Guide%20to%20New%20Age%20Terms.htm offers a decent lexicon of New Age terms. It probably isn't comprehensive, and is undoubtedly the source of some contention. Typically, adherents of Wicca would be unhappy with the Cardiff Theosophical Society's description of a pentagram's significance:-
"Pentagram: Five-pointed star used in magical ceremonies. A satanic symbol."
Anthro apologists seem to prefer something along the lines of:-
Pentacle or Pentagram: all that permeates the universe and is centred in the human being.
Which is correct? Have you maybe changed your mind or 'come to a new perception'. Why might that be? Conviction, persuasion or expediency? In any event, are you now finding another pressure regarding the company you keep?
How much do actually know of such things? That is know, rather than simply be somewhat curious or intrigued. Perhaps you have longed for greater knowledge of such things.
Q."Have you read Steiner?"
A. "Yes. Have you read anything else?
It's very tempting to go with the flow and simply go along with such chat, accepting all you are told without question, and more especially without asking the next, awkward or contentious question. Have you found yourself using the clichés outlined on the 'language' pages here as an easy out from tricky questions. Before you tell anyone else that they 'don't understand' are you sure that you do in fact understand and agree with whatever, rather than simply going along with it because it's simply easier to do so.
So you don't. After all it's all just part of the job, isn't it. Along with the other changes to your life and outlook that have stealthily crept into your life.
Let's move on a couple of years now. You will have been through Anthro training, but what will you do with it should you want to re-locate? Other than another anthro centre how much weight do you reckon such training will carry?
More recent legislation demands that you should also have had some nationally recognised vocational training and certification. Which training better enables your re-location, new job, new housing, new friends?
Still, you can probably deal with all these demands and changes. Can't you?
After all, it's just a job. Isn't it?
published 20/07/08
last revision 14/09/10
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