The Sun Archive
A Resource for Spiritual Discovery & Inquiry
"The Triptych Grail"
From Solomon across Golgotha to Christian Rosenkreutz
This unique and profound work of esoteric art contains many spiritual and historical truths which only be understood in light of Anthroposophy or initiation wisdom.. It was the idea of Dr. Rudolf Steiner that it should be created by a talented artist who lived in the early 20th century to an artist connected with Anthroposophy named Anna May von Rychter (1864-1955). This inspired and informed work was completed in 1912. She was the spouse of a well-known artist named Tadeusz Rychter who created well-known watercolors of the Holy Land where she spent the majority of her life.
It was originally intended to be on display at the Johannesbau in Munich and later at the first Goetheanum which was destroyed by arson in 1922. Together with Thaddäus, Anna belonged to the "Aenigma" artist group, which exhibited the triptych in Munich in 1918 under the title "Grail Divine and Human Blood." During the Second World War, the original was kept at Hamburg Waldorf School which was destroyed by the allied aerial bombings.
Refer: Anna May-Rychter – AnthroWiki
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The original was approximately 2.5 - 3 x 6 meters. Fortunately, Anny May's niece, Marguerita Hauschka, had a copy of small photograph taken of the painting before it was destroyed, that was discovered at her estate after she died. It was later made it available to the public as a larger poster in 1975. The images here are modified and enhanced by me (in terms of contrast, color, and brightness, only) to bring more clarity to the picture. This printed image was first given to members of the Anthroposophical Society at a lecture on Dec. 26, 1914 with a handwritten copy of the of the verse included.
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"In the eye of the soul is reflected the Earth's radiant hope,
Wisdom, devoted to the spirit, in human hearts speaks thus:
The Father's eternal Love did send the Son to the Earth,
who, full of Grace, now bestows on humanity's pathway,
the radiance of Heaven."
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-Adrian Anderson, PH.D. Rudolf Steiner's Esoteric Christianity in the Grail painting by Anna May Rudolf Steiner's Esoteric Christianity in the Grail painting by Anna May: Contemplating the sacred in Rosicrucian Christianity: Anderson, Adrian: 9780994160287: Amazon.com: Books​
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The painting moves from left to right. It is an inspired and informed work that portrays three key events that occurred before and after the Event of Golgotha; the central and pivotal turning moment in human evolution. Throughout the painting are images, symbols, and motifs of key spiritual events and turning points, and individualities including Angels, Archangels, Archai, and the high initiates - the leaders of humanity and the roles over time. Christian Rosenkreutz is a pivotal future portrayed in this painting. Other leading individuals such as Gautama Buddha who played a vital role in the evolution of humanity and the Event of Golgotha.
Dr. Rudolf Steiner spoke about some of these leaders who guide humanity from one century to the next throughout his lectures and works. The resurrected Lazarus (who came John) was present during the Crucifixion with Joseph of Arimathea, the Mother of Jesus ("Sophia"), Mary Magdalene, and others.​ He is portrayed at the foot of the cross. This individual plays a pivotal and important part in the mission of Christ-Jesus and humanity. He was the first soul initiated by Christ-Jesus after he was resurrected as Lazarus at which point he became known "John"; the author the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelations.
These images must be viewed in light of Dr. Steiner's works. They are not labeled by the painter and Anna May Rychter did not provide a manual - nor did anyone else - of what this profound work of art entails. That fact should be considered as a researcher inevitably relies on interpretation and intuition to guide him/her. ​​​​​​​​​
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The purpose of this article is to attempt to provide only a high-level overview based the work of Rudolf Steiner and informed researchers for further discovery. The primary source of information for this article is from Adrian Anderson, PH.D. Rudolf Steiner's Esoteric Christianity in the Grail painting by Anna May Rudolf Steiner's Esoteric Christianity in the Grail painting by Anna May: Contemplating the sacred in Rosicrucian Christianity: Anderson, Adrian: 9780994160287: Amazon.com: Books. I consider this to be the most informative study that I have located thus far in my research.
Left Pane
The Temple Legend: King Solomon, Queen of Sheba, & the Hiram the Architect
The left panel of the painting can only truly be understood in light of the Temple Legend myth which was frequently used by the Freemasons throughout Europe. Dr. Rudolf Steiner explained the mystery of this legend in lectures. The central aspect of this pane is the building of a Temple; the Temple of the soul and the world.
This myth was taught by the great initiate Christian Rosenkreutz, founder of the Order of the Rose Cross, to his closest pupils in the 17th century. Dr Rudolf Steiner stated that CR circulated this myth - which captures the path and evolution of the human soul from the fall of Atlantis to the Christ Event of Golgotha (the 3rd and 4th "post-Atlantean" epochs) - to his closets 10 disciples. -Rudolf Steiner, The Temple Legend, Lecture 5. I-5. The Mystery known to Rosicrucians—Festival of the Liberation of the Human Spirit - Vol. 93. The Temple Legend (1985) - Rudolf Steiner Archive
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The theme of the Temple Legend concerns the evolution of the human soul through a Hiram Abiff (or Adoniram in the Old Testament who was in charge of building the temple of King Solomon), King Solomon, and the Queen of Sheba. Hiram was an architect or builder of a "Solomon's Temple" employed by the King for that purpose (wisdom). The tale proceeds when and the Queen of Sheba, who represents the ancient atavistic wisdom of the stars, comes to the court of King Solomon and finds her destiny to Hiram Abiff. A jealous entanglement ensues, and Hiram is murdered by 3 of his students at the behest of King Solomon.
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The story begins much earlier, however. According to Steiner, it begins with the lines of Cain and Abel and the creation of humanity. Two lines of people descend from these individuals; one who works and tills the earth (Cain) and gathers wisdom that way by building with his/her hands, and the other stream (Abel) who awaits spiritual guidance and wisdom purely from above. Wisdom is attained by those who till the earth and work from learning; the other is a soul impulse connected purely with the wisdom of divine guidance upon which it awaits instruction. One actively works, the other receives.
These two "columns," or pillars, must become united as one. As humanity evolves, the two streams must merge. In order for this to occur properly, a "Temple" of the soul, and world, must be built. For that purpose, the great architect "Hiram" is recruited to fulfill that task. Hiram is a great initiate and leader of humanity who unites the old with the new; the ancient wisdom with the fulfillment of the Christ impulse in humanity through the Hebrew peoples.
Solomon hires Hiram to build a magnificent temple; "Solomon's Temple." Sheba, who comes to Solomon from the south, marries him but upon seeing the Hiram and Solomon in the King's court insists on meeting Hiram whom she falls "in love" or "unites" with. Solomon becomes enraged with jealous and eventually persuades Hiram's students to become his jealous rivals (there are 3) who murder him and thrown the mission of the building the temple off track. Before Hiram dies, he reveals mystery symbol of the sacred "golden triangle" and buries it to be rediscovered later by those who would not profane it and can carry on the mission.
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Above this scene is the Ark of the Covenant; the sacred promise made between God, Moses, and the Hebrew peoples (for all of humanity). The Ark preserved and carried elements of the human soul. On the left, is a kind of fiery pillar made of light and spiritual forces. According to Dr. Adrian Anderson, this represents the great sun initiate of the Atlantis who led the peoples forward after the Great Flood named "Melchizedek" whose encounter with Abraham delivered a powerful spiritual impulse - in the "Etheric" sheath of the Hebrew peoples - which was passed down through the centuries and led to the fulfillment of the Mystery of Golgotha. Melchizedek appears to have 2 discs (solar discs as he is a Sun Initiate of the Most High), or tablets, above his head which may represent the 10 commandments on 2 sacred cartouches which were to be to kept eternally in the Ark of the Covenant.
Beneath these individualities, are 12 symbols of the zodiac which are not clearly discernible. There is a sun shining down upon the 12 symbols which implies that these symbols are the signs of the 12 houses of the zodiac, each of which represents an "epoch" of human-spiritual development. In astronomical terms, each house of the zodiac requires 2,160 years to complete a full cycle (2,160 x 12 = 25,920 years). These cycles are not purely astronomical in scientific terms. These cycles are planned movements and changes planned for humanity by the divine on our long path of evolution. Thus, the signs of the zodiac represent stages of human development and each "house" projects a unique influence, and goal, upon humanity and the world.
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​​​​​​​(1) "In the beginning of the Earth, Elohim examined the Primordial Mother Heva. And she bore Cain. After that, Jahve-Elohim formed Adam and created him from clay and gave him a new living soul. Adam begat Cain with Heva.
Then Cain and Abel quarreled, and Cain slew his brother Abel. Since then, blood guilt has rested on Cain and his descendants. But instead of the slain Abel, Seth was born to Adam from Heva.
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The priests and kings of the world descended from the Abel-Seth line. They were given the gift of divine wisdom by their progenitor [Yahweh]. The descendants of Abel were shepherds and tended flocks and peoples because what they needed now fell to them without labor through the gift of the gods.
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Cain and his descendants were farmers and plowed the earth. From the bottom up, through the forces of the earth, they had to work their way up to the light. One of Cain's descendants was Lamech. He invented the man of metal according to the sounds of the music of the spheres.​ The last of the great enlightened priest-kings of the Abel Seth line was the wise King Solomon. He sat on his throne of gold and ivory and sent his messengers to the four corners of the earth.
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By virtue of his divine wisdom, he conceived the plan for building the temple in his mind. But he could not carry it out himself. For this he needed a master builder named Hiram Abiff or Adoniram. He was of the Cain race and knew the powers of the earth. He could oversee the construction and direct the crowds of workers with the blow of his hammer.
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Then the wise Queen of Sheba came from the south, from the land of the streams, to King Solomon to admire the temple that the wise King Solomon had conceived and that Hiram Abiff or Adoniram had built according to his will. And she was very astonished. But she had given the wise King Solomon an engagement ring. After she had dedicated the temple, she met the master builder Hiram Abiff or Adoniram outside the city. And the bird [Had-Had] came and sat on the right arm of Hiram Abiff. Which the queen's wise nurse interpreted as meaning that she would marry Hiram Abiff. King Solomon became jealous, and in his rage the ring was pulled off and given to Hiram Abiff.
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But Hiram Abiff or Adoniram also had a great work to accomplish. He had been instructed by Solomon to create a large metal sea that was to be made transparent like glass. And a day was set for this work to be completed.
And the wise Solomon and the Queen of Sabah came with their retinue at the appointed hour to witness the completion of the miracle.
There was only one more ingredient to be added to the mixture, and then the metal sea would transform and appear transparent. But there were three treacherous figures among the workmen of Hiram Abiff or Adoniram: doubt, superstition, and belief in one's own personality. They had secretly spoiled the mixture. When Hiram Abiff or Adoniram added the last ingredients before the king and queen, fire spurted out at him (Lemuria) and the brazen sea darkened.
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When he then added water (Atlantis) to extinguish the fire, the mass began to boil even more violently, threatening to destroy everything and to devour everyone present. Then a voice was heard from the fire and steam, calling to Hiram Abiff or Adoniram to plunge himself with his hammer into the fiery mass and thus extinguish the flame.
He did so and then felt himself sinking down, deep into the interior of the earth. There he met his ancestor Cain. Cain gave him a new hammer with which he could complete the work. With this, he rose unharmed back to the surface of the earth and was now able to complete his work.
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Solomon and his descendants, however, lost the divine wisdom and perished more and more.
The descendants of Cain, however, are called upon to work their way up to the light of divine wisdom.
These two currents have then mixed in many ways, and in every person of our time there is blood from both currents. But in those who can penetrate to the light, the blood of Cain predominates. Another incarnation of Hiram Abiff or Adoniram is Jeshu ben Pandirah, the Essene, who lived for about 100 years..." -Rudolf Steiner, Lessons for the Participants of, Cognitive-Cultic Work 1906–1924. Legend — Vol. 265a. Lessons for the Participants of Cognitive-Cultic Work 1906–1924 — Rudolf Steiner Archive
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(2) "Hiram is the representative of the initiates among the Sons of Cain belonging to the fourth and fifth epochs. The Queen of Sheba is the soul of humanity — every female character denotes the soul in esoteric terminology. She has to choose between the detached piety which does not concern itself with worldly conquest, and the masterful wisdom which is achieved through the overcoming of earthly passions and desires.
She is the representative of the true human soul, taking her position between Hiram and Solomon and uniting herself with Hiram in the fourth and fifth epochs, because he is still engaged in building the Temple."
-Steiner, Rudolf.The Temple Legend, GA 93, Part I, 5. The Mystery known to Rosicrucians, 4 November 1904, Berlin https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA093/English/RSP1985/19041104p01.html
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(3) "The arrival of the Queen of Sheba signifies the attempt of the present time. Science, represented by Hiram, can now unite with the wisdom of the soul, symbolized by the Queen of Sheba." -Rudolf Steiner, The History and Content of the Esoteric School 1904–1914 Volume Two, The Beginning of the Temple Legend, The Beginning of the Temple Legend — Vol. 265. The History and Content of the Esoteric School 1904–1914 Volume II — Rudolf Steiner Archive
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Center Pane
The Mystery of Golgotha
Archai or "Time Spirit"
Guatama Buddha who played a vital role in the Crucifixion from the World of the Spirit.
Joseph of Arimathea
The Tree of Life. The transformed "tree of death" after the Fall from Eden (aka the tree of knowledge of good and evil or the necessity of the human ego which must be transformed).
Pentagram: the Christmas Star or Revivified Etheric Body of Christ Given to Humanity
​The Christ Mystery. The Christ shedding his blood for humanity on Golgotha in 33AD as THE central turning point in human history. The event occurred at the precise midpoint of human evolution.
In this frame, His blood becomes one with the earth as He bonded himself with humanity and the world. He is the Representative and Redeemer of Humanity. Within this section are images of those who were present at the Crucifixion including Joseph of Arimathea, the Mother of Jesus, and Lazarus-John. This scene is separated by two columns, or pillars, upon which subtle themes of the human being in terms of consciousness exist. At the top, are two regal figures who are Archai; Time Spirits. They exist one stage above the Archangels and 2 stages above the Angels who are also portrayed.
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The seven aspects of the human being, which correspond to seven universal and divine influences, are symbolized in this painting by the seven wounds of the purified blood of the Christ, which permeate the Earth for all time. The purification and shedding of the blood is a central theme of the Holy Grail. A central aspect of the Mystery of Golgotha is the revivification of the human being's "Etheric" aspect (the "Energy" sheath).
According to Dr. Rudolf Steiner and insights gathered only through the spiritual vision of an initiate, the Etheric aspect of the human being - which is the storehouse of memory, and other serves other functions - follows a "current" along 5 points in the shape of a 5-pointed star. Thus, the symbol of the 5-pointed star is portrayed here above the Cross. The five-pointed star is associated with the energy body, or "Etheric Body", of the human being which is also symbolized by the Christmas Star; the Star of Bethlehem.
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Above the five-pointed star is a triangle; the symbol of the Trinity in Father, Son, Holy Ghost.
Dr. Steiner observed that the sacrifice of Christ permanently transformed humanity and set our destiny aright again, thus enabling each human being to achieve our evolution properly; a path which had become thwarted by the opposing powers over time. It was an event of cosmic, and global, significance that occurred only once, and shall occur only once, during human evolution.
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Right Pane
The Initiation of Christian Rosenkreutz in 1250 AD
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The Reincarnated Lazarus-John and Leader of Humanity.
Joan of Arc
The initiation of the youth in 1250 AD who was to become Christian Rosenkreutz. The wisdom of the all of the ages of post-atlantean evolution and knowledge is imbued in C.R. for his mission through the 12 great initiates.
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Archangels, Folk-Souls or "Spirits of Fire". They are portrayed with flames in the head area.
"Sophia" state of spirituality in the far future. She has the fully developed sun forces (Christ) radiating from her heart (Christ) and a Lamb within it.
Archangel Michael holding the dragon at his feet with a chain.
The Masonic Zodiac (refer to Anderson, Page 99).
"The child developed in a strange and remarkable way. The Twelve were not in any sense fanatics; they were full of inner composure, enlightenment and peacefulness of heart. They were very sparing with teaching clothed in words but because they lived in communion with the boy, twelve rays of light as it were went out of them into him and were resolved, in his soul, into one great harmony."
-Rudolf Steiner, The Mission of Christian Rosenkreutz GA 130
9 February 1912, Vienna IV. Intimate Workings of Karma, https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA130/English/RSP1950/19120209p01.html
In the right pane, a pivotal event in the modern era is portrayed. According to Dr. Steiner, an event of global significance is occurred in the 13th century known only to the initiates. This was the spiritual initiation of the founder of the Rosicrucian and the Order of the Rose Cross; Christian Rosenkreutz (literally "Christian Rose Cross"). This globally significant event occurred in the year 1250AD somewhere in Europe. Here, C.R. is surrounded by 12 great initiates, or leaders, of humanity who gave vital spiritual forces to this great personage that only they could impart to him as a collective group. This was necessary for this high individuality due to a barrier that had to be overcome for the sake of human evolution.
C.R. was the reincarnated Lazarus-John who authored the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelations. This individual undertook a new and vital spiritual mission in the modern era. Above this event is a Christmas Star shining brightly. It appears to be a five-pointed star. This may represent the revivified Etheric Body of Christian Rosenkreutz through Christ-Jesus. In a prior incarnation, C.R. was Lazarus-John whom "Christ Loved." He was the first initiate of the Christian era initiated by Christ-Jesus on Earth.
The cosmic and world event on the right shows the soul known as Christian Rosenkreutz being "imbued" with spiritual forces from the 12 great initiates of the world - who came from different cultures and carried the ancient wisdom that extended far into the origins of human history - guarded by Joan of Arc who was a key defender of France and the Grail impulse in the 15th century. She was a guardian of this vital spiritual-historical event (died 1431AD) holding her banner (of Maria).
Given the oversight of Dr. Rudolf Steiner - and certainly higher beings from the world of the spirit who guided its proper conclusion, that the involvement of Joan of Arc as portrayed here must be a spiritual-historical fact. Her task, light of Anthroposophy, was to save France from English tyranny. This true martyrdom disrupted a flow of events that would have jeopardized the mission of Christian Rosenkreutz in Europe in the coming centuries by allowing England to have too much a free hand in Europe. Joan interrupted this flow of cultural forces, compelling England to her proper domain in light of the will of God - and the Folk Souls or Archangels who oversee the destiny of nations. Otherwise, in light of Anthroposophy, she would not be portrayed here.
*For more information on Joan of Arc's mission in light of Anthroposophy, refer to www.rsarchive.com and the author's book Joan of Arc in Light of Anthroposophy and Spiritual Science which is available for free on this website and on Amazon.
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The 12 initiates who are surrounding C.R. - who appears to be in a sleep-state in a shroud similar to the old forms of initiation before the Christ era when a candidate for initiation was placed into a 3-day "Temple Sleep" period, represent the different streams of cultural activity (including the 7 Rishis) that have guided humanity before, and since, the collapse of Atlantis sometime around 9500 BC. There is certainly a correlation in this image to Lazarus-John - a prior incarnation of Christian Rosenkreutz - who was raised from the dead after an initiation procedure carried out over 3 days went wrong and he died wrapped in a burial shroud.
Many initiates in the ancient world were wrapped in a burial shroud during the ancient methods of initiation and placed in a coffin or sarcophagus to imitate the death process of life. During that time, they were carefully guided into the spiritual worlds by way of a state of spiritual sleep for three days where a great spiritual transformation occurred. If the candidate failed, then they might die during the process or return in a confused state of mind. If the candidates were severely unprepared - which occurred during the Roman period with some of the Roman emperors, madness and even suicide could result.
This event bears some correlation to the raising of the dead of Lazarus who from that point was known as "John."
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*This event was described by Rudolf Steiner in his lectures given in Neuchâtel in 1911 (GA 130).
This great initiate, who was present at the crucifixion was known as John - the resurrected Lazarus; the man "whom Christ loved." (John 13:23). He was the first individual initiated by the Christ.
References
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(1) Steiner, Rudolf. Lessons for the Participants of Cognitive-Cultic Work 1906–1924, GA 265a
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(2) Steiner, Rudolf. The Temple Legend. Vol. 93. The Temple Legend (1985) - Rudolf Steiner Archive
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(3) Steiner, Rudolf. The History and Content of the Esoteric School 1904–1914, Jakin and Boaz or the Pillars of Hercules Volume Two, GA 265 https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA265/English/SOL2025/61_The_Two_Pillars.html
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(4) Anderson, Adrian. Rudolf Steiner's Esoteric Christianity in the Grail painting by Anna May: Contemplating the sacred in Rosicrucian Christianity: Anderson, Adrian: 9780994160287: Amazon.com: Books
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(5) https://anthrowiki.at/Anna_May-Rychter