Aetherius Society

What it is

The Aetherius Society operates as a pluralistic religious group that merges elements of theosophy with modern UFO beliefs. Members believe they cooperate with benevolent extraterrestrial beings known as Cosmic Masters. These entities are said to guide humanity toward a better future by addressing global problems. The society emphasizes altruism, community service, and nature worship alongside its spiritual practices. It views itself as a liberal faith that respects all religions without favoring any single tradition or race.

Where it comes from

George King founded the group in London in 1956 after claiming contact with alien intelligences. He stated that a swami visited his apartment and instructed him to form a group to help the planet. King also reported receiving telepathic messages from a being named Aetherius on Venus. Scholars note that these origin stories serve to legitimize the founder's authority. The society combines ideas from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity with its own unique cosmology regarding interplanetary hierarchies.

How it is done

Practitioners engage in prayer and meditation to generate what they call spiritual energy. They use devices called Spiritual Energy Batteries to store this energy. During times of crisis, members perform Operation Prayer Power to release the stored energy. They also conduct Spiritual Pushes to draw prana from an orbiting spaceship. Pilgrimages to specific mountains charged during Operation Starlight are common activities for members seeking power.

Tools and materials

The society utilizes Spiritual Energy Batteries and Radiators designed by George King. These items are intended to hold and redirect psychic energy. Members chant mantras and focus their intentions into the batteries. The equipment allows them to manipulate spiritual forces to assist areas in need. The precise design and composition of these tools remain private and are not publicly disclosed.

What it is for

The primary goal is to prevent worldly destruction and relieve natural disasters. Members believe their prayers can influence cosmic battles between good and evil forces. They aim to prepare humanity for the arrival of a next Master who will bring peace. The society also seeks to improve the spiritual caliber of the world through collective effort and moral living.

Who does it

George King served as the founder and president until his death in 1997. He is now regarded by members as a Cosmic Master and avatar. Current practitioners meet in congregations similar to churches. The membership is international but relatively small, numbering in the thousands. Most members come from mainstream society and find the practices conventional.

Peoples and places

The largest concentrations of members are found in the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand. Southern California has a significant presence within the American branches. The society maintains headquarters in Los Angeles and London. Its teachings appeal to those interested in syncretic spirituality and environmental causes.

What people believe

The theology posits that figures like Jesus and Buddha originated from Venus. It teaches reincarnation based on karma and the eventual perfection of all souls. Earth is viewed as a living entity under attack by evil alien forces. Cosmic Masters fight these invaders while guiding human evolution. The society believes in a coming New Age of enlightenment dependent on human cooperation.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Researchers describe the Aetherius Society as a form of religious syncretism rooted in theosophy. Mikael Rothstein notes that studying such groups is difficult due to a lack of objective data. John A. Saliba observes that the society is generally considered uncontroversial compared to other UFO religions. Scholars recognize its blend of millenarian and New Age elements within a structured organizational framework.

Compare and confuse

The Aetherius Society shares features with other New Age and UFO religions. It differs by maintaining a more conventional structure and avoiding extreme controversy. Its emphasis on spiritual energy batteries distinguishes it from purely meditative groups. The belief in interplanetary masters parallels other extraterrestrial spiritual traditions.

Questions people ask about Aetherius Society

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Aetherius Society on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data