The Secret of the Abyss refers to the first of the Seven Secrets of Life. This step is tied to the earliest phase of the universe’s development, called “Old Saturn.”
Humanity’s journey starts with being part of a universal whole and gradually becoming individual beings. Early humans separated from this state, creating distinct forms over many stages. This process included the creation of the “etheric double body” (an early spiritual body) and the loss of a direct connection to the spiritual world, which Steiner calls “falling into the abyss.” At this point, physical reality became denser.
Spiritual seekers must recognise the divide between the sensory world (what we see, hear, and touch) and the spiritual realm. Understanding this gap is essential for gaining deeper knowledge. Approaching this spiritual awareness requires preparation and inner effort. Those unprepared may harm themselves or fail to gain true understanding.
The “abyss” represents the divide between the physical and spiritual worlds, which humanity must bridge on its evolutionary journey. Understanding this divide requires preparation and inner development, whether through spiritual practice or the natural experiences of life, like the transition between dreaming and waking.
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